997 turbo gen1 or gen2?
Discussion
Which should I go for? I previously had a 997 C2S and a 996 Turbo (remapped, short-shift) and after a 3 year break due to working abroad, it's time to get back into a 911. I know I want a manual car and a remap and short-shift are on the cards. While I prefer the look of the later 997, particularly the rear lights, I'm drawn to the idea of the Mezger engine of an earlier car.
I'd appreciate any info from anyone with knowledge or experience of the pros or cons of both cars. I'd probably be more than happy to get back into a 996 turbo if the seats hadn't been such an uncomfortable fit for me.
I'd appreciate any info from anyone with knowledge or experience of the pros or cons of both cars. I'd probably be more than happy to get back into a 996 turbo if the seats hadn't been such an uncomfortable fit for me.
Thanks Carl. Had found a couple of those threads but the others were new to me. Seems a lot of folk are big fans of the 997 turbo in Gen2 PDK guise as the S. I had a go in one at a Porsche Silverstone event and have to say it left me cold. Fast yes, fun no. Felt like the car was doing it all for me and left me feeling a bit queasy and like I was at Alton Towers. Same reason I got rid of a GTR to keep my 996 turbo.
I think everyone has a different pinnacle in the evolution of their favourite car. There are probably many who reject water-cooling and stability management who find a 996 too sterile. For me, a 993, stunning as it is, would be a bit too committed and the current cars a bit too clever.
So, I know I want a manual car, no PTV, active engine mounts etc etc. Looks like a gen 1 is the way to go (or get some 997 seats in a nice late 996). Think I need to get back in a couple and see if I still have the love - my tastes may have been recalibrated a bit by having an Elise as my current wheels.
I think everyone has a different pinnacle in the evolution of their favourite car. There are probably many who reject water-cooling and stability management who find a 996 too sterile. For me, a 993, stunning as it is, would be a bit too committed and the current cars a bit too clever.
So, I know I want a manual car, no PTV, active engine mounts etc etc. Looks like a gen 1 is the way to go (or get some 997 seats in a nice late 996). Think I need to get back in a couple and see if I still have the love - my tastes may have been recalibrated a bit by having an Elise as my current wheels.
No doubt for me on the manual vs non-manual, just gen 1 or gen 2, that is the question. I'm not against either autos or DCTs in principle but, for me, it has to suit the nature of the car. I enjoy driving the wife's Gran Turismo because the auto box (with paddles) really suits the car. On the other hand, my Elise would be an abomination with anything other than a manual. For me a 911 without a stick, whether tiptronic or PDK, is kind of missing the point but, as has been remarked, that's personal preference. I appreciate a gen 2 PDK car is a real weapon but it's not just about the numbers.
All posts very helpful, thanks. Think I'll be looking for an 08/09 manual, has to be silver with black interior. Probably a greater selection of 06/07 cars in that spec so that would be the other option. What I'd really like is a GT2 but then wouldn't we all? Only have an A level in man maths and that would be a degree-level investment.
All posts very helpful, thanks. Think I'll be looking for an 08/09 manual, has to be silver with black interior. Probably a greater selection of 06/07 cars in that spec so that would be the other option. What I'd really like is a GT2 but then wouldn't we all? Only have an A level in man maths and that would be a degree-level investment.
Well, since starting the thread in August I've been going around the houses about how to get back into a 911. Considered everything from a nice (and financially sensible) facelift 996 Carrera, 997 Carrera, 996 Turbo, 997 Turbo right up to 996 GT2. 997 GT2 unfortunately way out of reach. Even thought about swerving a 911 completely and getting an Exige S. Talk about all over the place.
At various times they all made sense for various reasons - 996 turbo and GT2 (if you can find one that hasn't been through a hedge) depreciation proof, Carreras are a lot of car for the money. 997 Turbo good combination of decent interior, looks, modernity while still having a lot of the qualities which attract me to 911s before the advent of electric steering, PDK, PTV etc.
In the end I've gone with my first instinct and opted for an 08 997 Turbo, short-shift manual, low miles, recent OPC car, nice spec. On the way to look at it, I did my best to convince myself that I wouldn't buy it and would go for a cheaper option. Then I made the mistake of driving it. Hadn't driven a 911 for nearly 4 years and it just felt right so that was the end of that - there is no substitute. Feels like I've found something that was missing. Pick it up tomorrow. Pics to follow.
Thanks for the input.
At various times they all made sense for various reasons - 996 turbo and GT2 (if you can find one that hasn't been through a hedge) depreciation proof, Carreras are a lot of car for the money. 997 Turbo good combination of decent interior, looks, modernity while still having a lot of the qualities which attract me to 911s before the advent of electric steering, PDK, PTV etc.
In the end I've gone with my first instinct and opted for an 08 997 Turbo, short-shift manual, low miles, recent OPC car, nice spec. On the way to look at it, I did my best to convince myself that I wouldn't buy it and would go for a cheaper option. Then I made the mistake of driving it. Hadn't driven a 911 for nearly 4 years and it just felt right so that was the end of that - there is no substitute. Feels like I've found something that was missing. Pick it up tomorrow. Pics to follow.
Thanks for the input.
Here it is. As far as I know the car is on a standard map and I am finding it silly quick - much more than I expected. My previous 911 was a 996 turbo with a remap and I'm pretty sure this car is quicker. It's boosting to 1.0 bar if that's any indication of whether it's been remapped.
I'm really impressed so far and can't think of anything that needs changing, apart from the knackered battery.
I'm really impressed so far and can't think of anything that needs changing, apart from the knackered battery.
Yep it's already at the local OPC for a new battery (I'd rather have a Bosch Silver but it's still under an approved used warranty). Supplying dealer picking up the tab, thankfully. Seats are OEM, adaptive sports, half leather with alcantara (I think) centres.
Originally had intentions of remapping it but in my short time with it so far, I can't imagine that I will ever need more power for road use - never thought I would say that! It's already got short-shift so the spec is pretty much as I would have chosen myself. Ideally, it would have been a slightly later car with PCM3 but the chances of getting that with all the other stuff could have meant quite a wait. All in all, I already get the feeling it's a keeper having really regretted selling the previous 996 turbo. I don't have the love for the more recent cars so I'm hoping the garage is now complete much to the relief of SWMBO.
The last one.
Originally had intentions of remapping it but in my short time with it so far, I can't imagine that I will ever need more power for road use - never thought I would say that! It's already got short-shift so the spec is pretty much as I would have chosen myself. Ideally, it would have been a slightly later car with PCM3 but the chances of getting that with all the other stuff could have meant quite a wait. All in all, I already get the feeling it's a keeper having really regretted selling the previous 996 turbo. I don't have the love for the more recent cars so I'm hoping the garage is now complete much to the relief of SWMBO.
The last one.
Well, I thought it was a bit quick to be standard! Turns out it's running a stage 2 map which, with the Miltek exhaust, accounts for the cheeky performance. Have had it down to 9e to make sure the map's safe and to get a Sachs 890 clutch installed as the previous, standard item was not up to handling the increased torque. Seats are OEM adaptive sports but retrimmed with alcantara by Cobra.
Really enjoying the car and, for me at least, it's the pinnacle of the 911 options. Never been in or on anything as quick. At mid £40s it even looks like good value compared with a 997 GT3 (£65k plus) or a decent 996 turbo at about £33k - if you can find one. Can't see me selling it for anything this side of a GT2. Happy days.
Really enjoying the car and, for me at least, it's the pinnacle of the 911 options. Never been in or on anything as quick. At mid £40s it even looks like good value compared with a 997 GT3 (£65k plus) or a decent 996 turbo at about £33k - if you can find one. Can't see me selling it for anything this side of a GT2. Happy days.
He didn't know that but did a datalog for me and confirmed that the map was safe enough but running a bit rich at times. Think I'll go with a 9e map at some stage and possibly upgraded intercoolers. Not sure I'd go as far as hybrid turbos as the acceleration is fairly mental as it is.
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