997 model range for beginners.
Discussion
Posted this for the FAQ section. If there are any errors or amendments needed, then I'll make whatever changes are necessary. All of what's written underneath is basic stuff for most of us, but there are a fair few people out there that are perhaps a bit fuzzy on the details when it comes to differentiating between one 997 variant and another. It's happened to me more than once that I've sent a random Porsche admirer away in disappointment when he discovered my Carrera was a 2 instead of a 4 - I mean; a 2 can only be half as good as a 4, right? Equally, Porsche change stuff around a bit. The Carrera S models used to be the wide ones. Now they're the faster ones. Is the C4S still a Turboless Turbo? Etc
OK
997 Carrera. This is the base 911, it has a 3.6 litre motor, 2 wheel drive, 325 BHP and it's very nice. Arguably nicer than a 997 S because it's got perhaps a sweeter and less fragile engine, and because it's a little lighter and comes as standard with 18" alloys which give marginally less grip than the optional 19's (not that you'd notice) but give a nicer ride and slightly more playful handling. You can get a 997 Carrera as a Cabriolet or a Coupe.
997 Carrera S. This is the 'snazzy' 911, and is the one most people go for because for the extra 6 grand you pay over a standard Carrera, you do get a fair bit of extra kit. It's pretty much identical to a standard Carrera in most respects, but has a 3.8 litre engine giving 355 BHP, comes with bigger 330 mm diameter disc brakes front and rear, and these sit behind standard 19" alloys. The S also comes as standard with Xenon headlamps, it sits 10mm lower than a standard Carrera, and has Porsche's PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) as part of the standard kit. PASM is essentially a suspension set up with electronically variable dampers - you can select Sport or Comfort from the cockpit via a little button, and it's all very nice, if not a little bit gay. Works well on crappy roads, though. IMO, not as well as a standard car on 18"s, but that's another can of worms. The S isn't wider across the hips than a Carrera as far as I know, but it is a few kilos heavier - around 25 kilos I think. Performance is marginally better than a Carrera, but only to the tune of one or two tenths of seconds here or there. In reality, though, the S is louder, and feels more muscular.
997 Carrera 4. Just like a Carrera, but with all-wheel-drive, which adds an extra 55 kilos or so to the weight of a 2-wheel-drive car, and wider rear hips to the tune of 4.4 cms. The all-wheel-drive models come standard with Porsche's PSM, but the version of PSM used is specific to the '4', and incorporates one or two additional functions related to the brakes that improve braking performance (1) by pre-tensioning the braking system as soon as you come off the throttle, and (2) improving emergency braking by utilising the PSM hydraulics to apply optimum braking pressure to the 4 corners of the car. The all-wheel-drive system in the '4' models, uses a centre differential that send between 5% and 40% of the available drive from the engine to the front wheels. In normal driving, the split is normally 35% Front, 65% Rear. The '4' models are NOT faster than the '2' models, and are arguably slower by virtue of the extra weight they carry. Equally, it's wrong to assume that a '4' will be brilliant in snow and ice - in reality, tyres will make a far bigger difference. What the all-wheel-drive system on the 911 introduces, is just a touch more predictability to the handling for those perhaps slightly wary of the 911's tail-happy reputation, and improved security in the wet. There is an argument that suggests that all-wheel-drive robs some steering feel from the 997's helm, and '4's come with a smaller front boot compartment than their 2WD siblings.
997 Carrera 4 S . Just like a Carrera S, but with all-wheel-drive and all of the attendant advantages and drawbacks outlined above with the Carrera 4.
Tiptronic - This is what Porsche call their automatic gearbox. It is not an F1 style clutchless manual such as can be found in a BMW (SMG2), or a Ferrari (F1), or a Maserati (Cambiocorsa). It is a Mercedes derived automatic box, similar in operation to one you'd find in any Mercedes, and it allows within pre-defined parameters, some manual selection of gear ratio via buttons on the steering wheel. I'm bursting to tell you that it's gay, but I'm not allowed. For the defeatists amongst us, Tiptronic can be added to any 997 variant with the exception of the GT models (GT3, GT3RS and forthcoming GT2), meaning that it can be added to any 2 or all-wheel-drive Coupe, Targa or Cabriolet. Tiptronic currently offers 5 gear ratios versus the manual car's 6. It is due for replacement at some time in the near future, with Porsche's new PDK (translated = Porsche Double Clutch) clutchless manual that is similar to that currently found in DSG equipped Volswagens.
Cabriolet. This too, can be applied to any Carrera or S model, in 2wd or 4wd form. Porsche uses a folding fabric top which can be raised or lowered electrically at speeds up to about 20mph. There are no plans to incorporate or develop a folding hard-top option for the Cabriolet - with the rear engined layout, there just isn't the space to accommodate one. Equally, the 911's rear-biased weight distribution doesn't lend itself to the addition of another 70 kilos or so of folding roof sitting over the rear of the car. Cabriolet 997s can be had with a body-coloured removable hard-top, though; and this can be fitted on top of the stowed soft-top when needed.
Targa. This you can currently only specify with the all-wheel-drive variety of 997. It's effectively a giant glass sunroof, but it does have the neat trick of being able to be opened like a hatchback, which is kinda handy.
GT3. It's the same width and weight(ish) as a standard Carrera, and also has a 3.6 litre engine. However, this 3.6 litre engine that differs from that found in the regular Carrera. To cut a long story short, it's based on a competition block and seems to be substantially stronger and more durable than the regular 3.6. It revs higher in the GT3 application, to 8,400 RPM, and is mated to an uprated 6 speed manual box. The GT3 gives 415 BHP, and has a little Sport button that beefs up the torque curve and improves engine response when you select it. Neato. You can't get Tiptronic on a GT3, thankfully, nor is it available in all-wheel-drive or as a Cabriolet. The GT3 comes as standard with the PASM system mentioned before, and has very snazzy and uprated brakes now at 350mm front and rear sitting behind standard GT3 design alloys that come shod with very lightly treaded Cup tyres that are specifically geared for the track. The GT3 also has its wheels fitted with 5mm spacers to slightly widen the track (if not the overall bodywidth) over a standard Carrera. You can have a GT3 as a regular/comfort GT3, or as a Clubsport. The Clubsport pack is one that includes a bolt-in roll cage, a fire extinguisher and a 6 point racing harness for the driver. Selecting Clubsport means that you have to tick the option box for the Carrera GT derived lightweight buckets. These are expensive, and aren't great if you're broad across the back. One to try before you buy. The GT3 has no back seats, by the way. 2 seater only.
GT3 RS. Just like a GT3, but based on the Carrera 4/ Carrera 4 S bodyshell, meaning it's 4.4cm wider than a regular GT3, and though it has a cosmetically similar style of alloy to the GT3, it has a smaller offset to give the RS a 34mm wider track across the rear. It comes with the Clubsport option including a body-coloured bolt-in rollcage and lightweight bucket seats as standard, and is only available in a limited variety of colours. It comes with scripting on the side of the car and a few racy cosmetic details, not the least of which is a very trick carbon fibre rear spoiler similar to the 997 Cup car's and a plastic rear screen - but otherwise, is pretty much just like a regular GT3. It's supposed to have 415 BHP, but some PHers have dyno'ed their cars at higher outputs suggesting that Porsche is being slightly conservative in its estimates. Including its wider bodywork and standard rollcage, the GT3 RS is about 20 kilos lighter than a standard GT3.
997 Turbo. OK - so you've gathered now that the GT3 is a 2 wheel drive, manual only car that is sort of geared for the racetrack. Right? Well the Turbo is how a GT3 might be interpreted if it was geared mostly for the road. We start effectively with a Carrera 4 S, meaning that you have the 4.4cm wider body and all-wheel-drive. Porsche then fit the 350mm brakes from the GT3 and fettle their competition derived 3.6 litre motor with a pair of Turbochargers to give a whopping 480 BHP. It's got a very trick variable vane geometry turbo set up that effectively eliminates turbo-lag, and it just feels stonkingly quick all the time. Not as loud or as musical as the engine in a GT3, for example, because the turbos doing their thing tends to quieten the engine and make lots of exciting whooshy noises instead. Nor is the engine as rev-happy, doing most of its work at a less frenetic pace than the engine in the GT3. The Turbo also has the PASM system, and it rides on standard Turbo design 19" alloys. It's a pretty porky 997 variant, which is hardly surprising given that it's wide and has all-wheel-drive - nearly 1600 kilos. Unlike the GT3, the Turbo comes with back seats, and can be ordered with a Tiptronic (automatic) gearbox if you like cross-dressing and that sort of thing. The Turbo comes with more standard equipment than a GT3, and is both quieter and more comfortable. If you order a Sport Chrono Pack with your 997 Turbo, you get an overboost button which gives a bit of extra torque a la GT3 - only more so. It's also to be available soon as a cabriolet. There is no 2 wheel drive Turbo variant, though a new model - The 997 GT2 is on its way to rectify this.
997 GT2. This isn't out yet, so I'm guessing. It will have the Turbo's/Carrera 4's/Carrera 4 S's wide-body, and will probably only be available as a manual (though a new DSG/PDK system will probably be available on it sooner or later, maybe even at launch later this year - DSG/PDK is effectively a clutchless manual gearbox with some very clever technology involving twin clutches to allow ultra fast gearchanges; unlike the Tiptronic system, which is an automatic gearbox with a torque converter and some buttons that allow you within limited parameters to get the gearbox to change ratios now and again). The GT2 probably won't have rear seats, and will probably have in the region of 500-520 BHP from a tuned version of the 997 Turbos Twin Turbocharged 3.6 litre engine. The GT2 will only be available as a coupe, and there will not be an all-wheel-drive version. It'll do without the Turbo's bling alloys, and will have its own 19" bespoke design maybe housing standard ceramic brakes that come in 380mm diameter. Think of the GT2 as a more track orientated Turbo, with more power, less weight, and 2 wheel drive.
I've no doubt made some mistakes which will be corrected by those that know more than me, but I hope this is helpful.
OK
997 Carrera. This is the base 911, it has a 3.6 litre motor, 2 wheel drive, 325 BHP and it's very nice. Arguably nicer than a 997 S because it's got perhaps a sweeter and less fragile engine, and because it's a little lighter and comes as standard with 18" alloys which give marginally less grip than the optional 19's (not that you'd notice) but give a nicer ride and slightly more playful handling. You can get a 997 Carrera as a Cabriolet or a Coupe.
997 Carrera S. This is the 'snazzy' 911, and is the one most people go for because for the extra 6 grand you pay over a standard Carrera, you do get a fair bit of extra kit. It's pretty much identical to a standard Carrera in most respects, but has a 3.8 litre engine giving 355 BHP, comes with bigger 330 mm diameter disc brakes front and rear, and these sit behind standard 19" alloys. The S also comes as standard with Xenon headlamps, it sits 10mm lower than a standard Carrera, and has Porsche's PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) as part of the standard kit. PASM is essentially a suspension set up with electronically variable dampers - you can select Sport or Comfort from the cockpit via a little button, and it's all very nice, if not a little bit gay. Works well on crappy roads, though. IMO, not as well as a standard car on 18"s, but that's another can of worms. The S isn't wider across the hips than a Carrera as far as I know, but it is a few kilos heavier - around 25 kilos I think. Performance is marginally better than a Carrera, but only to the tune of one or two tenths of seconds here or there. In reality, though, the S is louder, and feels more muscular.
997 Carrera 4. Just like a Carrera, but with all-wheel-drive, which adds an extra 55 kilos or so to the weight of a 2-wheel-drive car, and wider rear hips to the tune of 4.4 cms. The all-wheel-drive models come standard with Porsche's PSM, but the version of PSM used is specific to the '4', and incorporates one or two additional functions related to the brakes that improve braking performance (1) by pre-tensioning the braking system as soon as you come off the throttle, and (2) improving emergency braking by utilising the PSM hydraulics to apply optimum braking pressure to the 4 corners of the car. The all-wheel-drive system in the '4' models, uses a centre differential that send between 5% and 40% of the available drive from the engine to the front wheels. In normal driving, the split is normally 35% Front, 65% Rear. The '4' models are NOT faster than the '2' models, and are arguably slower by virtue of the extra weight they carry. Equally, it's wrong to assume that a '4' will be brilliant in snow and ice - in reality, tyres will make a far bigger difference. What the all-wheel-drive system on the 911 introduces, is just a touch more predictability to the handling for those perhaps slightly wary of the 911's tail-happy reputation, and improved security in the wet. There is an argument that suggests that all-wheel-drive robs some steering feel from the 997's helm, and '4's come with a smaller front boot compartment than their 2WD siblings.
997 Carrera 4 S . Just like a Carrera S, but with all-wheel-drive and all of the attendant advantages and drawbacks outlined above with the Carrera 4.
Tiptronic - This is what Porsche call their automatic gearbox. It is not an F1 style clutchless manual such as can be found in a BMW (SMG2), or a Ferrari (F1), or a Maserati (Cambiocorsa). It is a Mercedes derived automatic box, similar in operation to one you'd find in any Mercedes, and it allows within pre-defined parameters, some manual selection of gear ratio via buttons on the steering wheel. I'm bursting to tell you that it's gay, but I'm not allowed. For the defeatists amongst us, Tiptronic can be added to any 997 variant with the exception of the GT models (GT3, GT3RS and forthcoming GT2), meaning that it can be added to any 2 or all-wheel-drive Coupe, Targa or Cabriolet. Tiptronic currently offers 5 gear ratios versus the manual car's 6. It is due for replacement at some time in the near future, with Porsche's new PDK (translated = Porsche Double Clutch) clutchless manual that is similar to that currently found in DSG equipped Volswagens.
Cabriolet. This too, can be applied to any Carrera or S model, in 2wd or 4wd form. Porsche uses a folding fabric top which can be raised or lowered electrically at speeds up to about 20mph. There are no plans to incorporate or develop a folding hard-top option for the Cabriolet - with the rear engined layout, there just isn't the space to accommodate one. Equally, the 911's rear-biased weight distribution doesn't lend itself to the addition of another 70 kilos or so of folding roof sitting over the rear of the car. Cabriolet 997s can be had with a body-coloured removable hard-top, though; and this can be fitted on top of the stowed soft-top when needed.
Targa. This you can currently only specify with the all-wheel-drive variety of 997. It's effectively a giant glass sunroof, but it does have the neat trick of being able to be opened like a hatchback, which is kinda handy.
GT3. It's the same width and weight(ish) as a standard Carrera, and also has a 3.6 litre engine. However, this 3.6 litre engine that differs from that found in the regular Carrera. To cut a long story short, it's based on a competition block and seems to be substantially stronger and more durable than the regular 3.6. It revs higher in the GT3 application, to 8,400 RPM, and is mated to an uprated 6 speed manual box. The GT3 gives 415 BHP, and has a little Sport button that beefs up the torque curve and improves engine response when you select it. Neato. You can't get Tiptronic on a GT3, thankfully, nor is it available in all-wheel-drive or as a Cabriolet. The GT3 comes as standard with the PASM system mentioned before, and has very snazzy and uprated brakes now at 350mm front and rear sitting behind standard GT3 design alloys that come shod with very lightly treaded Cup tyres that are specifically geared for the track. The GT3 also has its wheels fitted with 5mm spacers to slightly widen the track (if not the overall bodywidth) over a standard Carrera. You can have a GT3 as a regular/comfort GT3, or as a Clubsport. The Clubsport pack is one that includes a bolt-in roll cage, a fire extinguisher and a 6 point racing harness for the driver. Selecting Clubsport means that you have to tick the option box for the Carrera GT derived lightweight buckets. These are expensive, and aren't great if you're broad across the back. One to try before you buy. The GT3 has no back seats, by the way. 2 seater only.
GT3 RS. Just like a GT3, but based on the Carrera 4/ Carrera 4 S bodyshell, meaning it's 4.4cm wider than a regular GT3, and though it has a cosmetically similar style of alloy to the GT3, it has a smaller offset to give the RS a 34mm wider track across the rear. It comes with the Clubsport option including a body-coloured bolt-in rollcage and lightweight bucket seats as standard, and is only available in a limited variety of colours. It comes with scripting on the side of the car and a few racy cosmetic details, not the least of which is a very trick carbon fibre rear spoiler similar to the 997 Cup car's and a plastic rear screen - but otherwise, is pretty much just like a regular GT3. It's supposed to have 415 BHP, but some PHers have dyno'ed their cars at higher outputs suggesting that Porsche is being slightly conservative in its estimates. Including its wider bodywork and standard rollcage, the GT3 RS is about 20 kilos lighter than a standard GT3.
997 Turbo. OK - so you've gathered now that the GT3 is a 2 wheel drive, manual only car that is sort of geared for the racetrack. Right? Well the Turbo is how a GT3 might be interpreted if it was geared mostly for the road. We start effectively with a Carrera 4 S, meaning that you have the 4.4cm wider body and all-wheel-drive. Porsche then fit the 350mm brakes from the GT3 and fettle their competition derived 3.6 litre motor with a pair of Turbochargers to give a whopping 480 BHP. It's got a very trick variable vane geometry turbo set up that effectively eliminates turbo-lag, and it just feels stonkingly quick all the time. Not as loud or as musical as the engine in a GT3, for example, because the turbos doing their thing tends to quieten the engine and make lots of exciting whooshy noises instead. Nor is the engine as rev-happy, doing most of its work at a less frenetic pace than the engine in the GT3. The Turbo also has the PASM system, and it rides on standard Turbo design 19" alloys. It's a pretty porky 997 variant, which is hardly surprising given that it's wide and has all-wheel-drive - nearly 1600 kilos. Unlike the GT3, the Turbo comes with back seats, and can be ordered with a Tiptronic (automatic) gearbox if you like cross-dressing and that sort of thing. The Turbo comes with more standard equipment than a GT3, and is both quieter and more comfortable. If you order a Sport Chrono Pack with your 997 Turbo, you get an overboost button which gives a bit of extra torque a la GT3 - only more so. It's also to be available soon as a cabriolet. There is no 2 wheel drive Turbo variant, though a new model - The 997 GT2 is on its way to rectify this.
997 GT2. This isn't out yet, so I'm guessing. It will have the Turbo's/Carrera 4's/Carrera 4 S's wide-body, and will probably only be available as a manual (though a new DSG/PDK system will probably be available on it sooner or later, maybe even at launch later this year - DSG/PDK is effectively a clutchless manual gearbox with some very clever technology involving twin clutches to allow ultra fast gearchanges; unlike the Tiptronic system, which is an automatic gearbox with a torque converter and some buttons that allow you within limited parameters to get the gearbox to change ratios now and again). The GT2 probably won't have rear seats, and will probably have in the region of 500-520 BHP from a tuned version of the 997 Turbos Twin Turbocharged 3.6 litre engine. The GT2 will only be available as a coupe, and there will not be an all-wheel-drive version. It'll do without the Turbo's bling alloys, and will have its own 19" bespoke design maybe housing standard ceramic brakes that come in 380mm diameter. Think of the GT2 as a more track orientated Turbo, with more power, less weight, and 2 wheel drive.
I've no doubt made some mistakes which will be corrected by those that know more than me, but I hope this is helpful.
911wise said:
Congratulations on been Irelands entry into this years booker prize 
You've spelled 'been' incorrectly. It should be 'bean'. And we don't say 'congratulations'; we say 'FairrrrplayshyaBOYO, yeh fechin' kewshe whooreyeh'. Loudly.
Not finished the opus yet, though. One of these days when I'm bored, I'm going to do the 993 range as well. The 996 range can feck orff 'cos it's boring..... well... 'cept for the GT3 and X50 TTs.
ETA - Fuck. Why is this suddenly here? *panicky hitting delete key* This should be quietly and anonymously in the FAQ section.
PPS - the 996 range is lovely. I meant to say it's lovely. Boring is a colloquial euphemism for delightful in my neck of the woods.
Edited by loach on Thursday 26th April 17:20
GT3 has spacers on rear wheels only, plus its Sport button doesn't sharpen response, just fills in the torque curve low down (as stated) and limits the intervention of the traction control.
Gramatically, there was an unnnecessary 'that' early in the GT3 entry (end of first line).
Good job, though.
Gramatically, there was an unnnecessary 'that' early in the GT3 entry (end of first line).
Good job, though.
Edited by ChesterDog on Saturday 22 November 17:37
loach said:
GT3. It's the same width and weight(ish) as a standard Carrera, and also has a 3.6 litre engine. However, this 3.6 litre engine that differs from that found in the regular Carrera. To cut a long story short, it's based on a competition block and seems to be substantially stronger and more durable than the regular 3.6. It revs higher in the GT3 application, to 8,400 RPM, and is mated to an uprated 6 speed manual box. The GT3 gives 415 BHP, and has a little Sport button that beefs up the torque curve and improves engine response when you select it. Neato. You can't get Tiptronic on a GT3, thankfully, nor is it available in all-wheel-drive or as a Cabriolet. The GT3 comes as standard with the PASM system mentioned before, and has very snazzy and uprated brakes now at 350mm front and rear sitting behind standard GT3 design alloys that come shod with very lightly treaded Cup tyres that are specifically geared for the track. The GT3 also has its wheels fitted with 5mm spacers to slightly widen the track (if not the overall bodywidth) over a standard Carrera. You can have a GT3 as a regular/comfort GT3, or as a Clubsport. The Clubsport pack is one that includes a bolt-in roll cage, a fire extinguisher and a 6 point racing harness for the driver. Selecting Clubsport means that you have to tick the option box for the Carrera GT derived lightweight buckets. These are expensive, and aren't great if you're broad across the back. One to try before you buy. The GT3 has no back seats, by the way. 2 seater only.
GT3 RS. Just like a GT3, but based on the Carrera 4/ Carrera 4 S bodyshell, meaning it's 4.4cm wider than a regular GT3, and though it has a cosmetically similar style of alloy to the GT3, it has a smaller offset to give the RS a 34mm wider track across the rear. It comes with the Clubsport option including a body-coloured bolt-in rollcage and lightweight bucket seats as standard, and is only available in a limited variety of colours. It comes with scripting on the side of the car and a few racy cosmetic details, not the least of which is a very trick carbon fibre rear spoiler similar to the 997 Cup car's and a plastic rear screen - but otherwise, is pretty much just like a regular GT3. It's supposed to have 415 BHP, but some PHers have dyno'ed their cars at higher outputs suggesting that Porsche is being slightly conservative in its estimates. Including its wider bodywork and standard rollcage, the GT3 RS is about 20 kilos lighter than a standard GT3.
Found this neat little summary whilst using the search facility on opinions re sunroofs on GT3's. There seem to be a few on the market with this option but was wondering if this is a no no... exp if it will be mainly a w/e toy with lots of eurohoons and TD's. GT3 RS. Just like a GT3, but based on the Carrera 4/ Carrera 4 S bodyshell, meaning it's 4.4cm wider than a regular GT3, and though it has a cosmetically similar style of alloy to the GT3, it has a smaller offset to give the RS a 34mm wider track across the rear. It comes with the Clubsport option including a body-coloured bolt-in rollcage and lightweight bucket seats as standard, and is only available in a limited variety of colours. It comes with scripting on the side of the car and a few racy cosmetic details, not the least of which is a very trick carbon fibre rear spoiler similar to the 997 Cup car's and a plastic rear screen - but otherwise, is pretty much just like a regular GT3. It's supposed to have 415 BHP, but some PHers have dyno'ed their cars at higher outputs suggesting that Porsche is being slightly conservative in its estimates. Including its wider bodywork and standard rollcage, the GT3 RS is about 20 kilos lighter than a standard GT3.
Abit anel i know, but just wondering how much weight this option adds to the car? The one's i've seen also seem to have comfort seats
Edited by healntoe on Wednesday 16th May 00:08
Hi there
Also need to add the GT3 cars have thicker but hollow (lighter) adjustable front and rear swaybars (anti-roll bars).
Don't forget with Carreras you can add the X51 package or parts of it too and not void warranty.
Also PCCB option on Carrera as well, which I believe is the same front and rear calipers as found on the 997 Turbo.
Also need to add the GT3 cars have thicker but hollow (lighter) adjustable front and rear swaybars (anti-roll bars).
Don't forget with Carreras you can add the X51 package or parts of it too and not void warranty.
Also PCCB option on Carrera as well, which I believe is the same front and rear calipers as found on the 997 Turbo.
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