Porsche 997.1, 997.2 or Turbo Thoughts
Porsche 997.1, 997.2 or Turbo Thoughts
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Discussion

Shapes

Original Poster:

39 posts

142 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
quotequote all
Hi Guys,

I'm at a point where I'm gently thinking about swapping my weekend play car (Honda S2000) for a Porsche (Dad had a few and its always been a boyhood dream to have my own flat six rawing behind me).

My daily drive is a BMW F31 335xD, which does things impressively quickly though all with minimal fuss. I love the raw driving experience of the S2000 though it does feel a bit underpowered compared to the BMW and rather tiring sitting on any motorways, though the intoxicating noise and chuck-ability I adore.

I've been investigating the various options that will give me good performance, the Porsche driving experience without breaking the bank. The 997.1 seems to be on the cards, after a friend let me drive his C2S recently I experienced for myself the good pace it had, tight feel and good for longer distance, or is it worth saving a little longer for the more expensive 997.2 that has various known engine flaws rolled out and a bit more grunt. Though I was always thinking C2S for the RWD drivers car setup, I did consider a 997 turbo as from reading the reviews and various youtube vids, it drives like a RWD with obviously a lot more ummpppphhh, though the engine seems more fragile.

Any thoughts or experiences would be much appreciated. Was thinking that renting a Porsche for a weekend (though options seem limited) would be an idea to see which one hits the mark.

Cheers in advance,

Nick

g7jhp

7,026 posts

261 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
quotequote all
No issues with the 997 turbo engine. The 997 turbo is in another league performance wise.

The 997.2 will be better than a 997.1 as it doesn't use the engine issues.

Choice would be AND v RWD.

r1flyguy1

1,571 posts

199 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
quotequote all
g7jhp said:
No issues with the 997 turbo engine. The 997 turbo is in another league performance wise.

The 997.2 will be better than a 997.1 as it doesn't use the engine issues.

Choice would be AND v RWD.
I was unaware the 997.1 turbo has any engine issues!!!!!

I may be wrong but thought the mertzger lump in the turbo models are not the same as those used in the NA models, but I stand to be corrected.

The 997.2 is supposed to be an 'improved' model and yes I wish I had waited 12 months to afford the .2 but I'm very happy with the 997.1

What's AND???

D16RR_Rich

510 posts

211 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
quotequote all
Used to own a 997.1 C2S, then a Nissan GTR.
Currently have a BMW M3 as a daily driver.
Was going to get another R35 GTR however decided to go for a 911 turbo.

The difference in performance between the standard C2S or C4S and turbo is night and day, not even on the same page. The turbo has supercar performance.

Initially wanted a 997.1 turbo with manual gearbox and aero kit. Drove a few however decided to increase my budget and go for a 997.2 turbo with PDK gearbox, aero kit and RS Spyder wheels.

The 997.1 turbo has the 3.6litre Mezger engine same as the GT3, these are bullet proof appart from the cooling hoses which are bonded to the engine and can fail during track/hard use.

The 997.2 turbo has a 3.8litre engine which is more powerful in std form and 20% more fuel efficient.
With the PDK gearbox the 997.2 does 0-60mph in 3.2 secs and 0-100mph in 6.8secs (1.5secs quicker than 997.1 turbo)

The 997.1 turbo were available from £38k however prices are on the increase and cars vary from around £42k to £58k

The 997.2 turbo is newer and carries a premium, prices usually start at £65k with low mileage, however I have recently seen a manual car for £60k.

The interior on the 997.2 looks a lot newer and modern compared with the 997.1 especially with the new 3 spoke aluminium steering wheel.

However it's all down to budget and personal choice, test drive a few cars and then decide which way to go.

Also for advice have a look on www.911uk.com

Hope that helps

Edited by D16RR_Rich on Saturday 9th May 13:17

hondansx

4,699 posts

248 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
quotequote all
They make have the same silhouette, but the Gen 2 cars - in whatever form - are incrementally better in every way (i've had 997.1 Carrera S, 997.2 Carrera 4S, 997.1 Turbo and 997.2 Turbo S).

I would wholeheartedly recommending spending extra on the Gen 2 as a result. Based upon what you're talking about budget wise then, i would suggest a nicely specced manual 997.2 Carrera S. The end of the line GTS (wider body and more power) is a little nicer too, but they are quite strong money for what is not that much of a noticeable difference.

D16RR_Rich

510 posts

211 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
quotequote all
hondansx said:
They make have the same silhouette, but the Gen 2 cars - in whatever form - are incrementally better in every way (i've had 997.1 Carrera S, 997.2 Carrera 4S, 997.1 Turbo and 997.2 Turbo S).

I would wholeheartedly recommending spending extra on the Gen 2 as a result. Based upon what you're talking about budget wise then, i would suggest a nicely specced manual 997.2 Carrera S. The end of the line GTS (wider body and more power) is a little nicer too, but they are quite strong money for what is not that much of a noticeable difference.
Not having owned a 997.1 turbo, how did the 997.1 turbo compare to your 997.2 turbo S?
Performance, refinement etc

I assume that your 997.1 was a manual.

hondansx

4,699 posts

248 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
quotequote all
No, sadly a Tip! The Gen 2 Turbo S is a step up in terms of performance. Ride and handling also much better; feels more like a sports car and less of a cruiser. The 997.1 bored me to tears and you can see that Porsche made a lot of effort to take the crown back from the Nissan GTR with the Gen 2 model - it's a monster.

D16RR_Rich

510 posts

211 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
quotequote all
hondansx said:
No, sadly a Tip! The Gen 2 Turbo S is a step up in terms of performance. Ride and handling also much better; feels more like a sports car and less of a cruiser. The 997.1 bored me to tears and you can see that Porsche made a lot of effort to take the crown back from the Nissan GTR with the Gen 2 model - it's a monster.
Thats exactly why I bought a 997.2 car instead of another R35 GTR, thanks

g7jhp

7,026 posts

261 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
quotequote all
r1flyguy1 said:
g7jhp said:
No issues with the 997 turbo engine. The 997 turbo is in another league performance wise.

The 997.2 will be better than a 997.1 as it doesn't use the engine issues.

Choice would be AND v RWD.
I was unaware the 997.1 turbo has any engine issues!!!!!

I may be wrong but thought the mertzger lump in the turbo models are not the same as those used in the NA models, but I stand to be corrected.

The 997.2 is supposed to be an 'improved' model and yes I wish I had waited 12 months to afford the .2 but I'm very happy with the 997.1

What's AND???
????

The 997.1 turbo doesn't have engine issues and yes it has the Mezger lump.

The 997.1 C2/C2S (NA) has the chocolate engine. The 997.2 has a new reliable DFI lump.

r1flyguy1

1,571 posts

199 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
quotequote all
g7jhp said:
r1flyguy1 said:
g7jhp said:
No issues with the 997 turbo engine. The 997 turbo is in another league performance wise.

The 997.2 will be better than a 997.1 as it doesn't use the engine issues.

Choice would be AND v RWD.
I was unaware the 997.1 turbo has any engine issues!!!!!

I may be wrong but thought the mertzger lump in the turbo models are not the same as those used in the NA models, but I stand to be corrected.

The 997.2 is supposed to be an 'improved' model and yes I wish I had waited 12 months to afford the .2 but I'm very happy with the 997.1

What's AND???
????

The 997.1 turbo doesn't have engine issues and yes it has the Mezger lump.

The 997.1 C2/C2S (NA) has the chocolate engine. The 997.2 has a new reliable DFI lump.
In regards to your ????? If they were directed at me smile

You stated "The 997.2 will be better than a 997.1 as it doesn't use the engine issues."

Thus was referring to your '997.1 engine issues' comment, as to what issues your referring I have no idea smile

If your referring specifically to the N/A version which didn't appear to be very clear from your post then....... My bad wink

Edited by r1flyguy1 on Saturday 9th May 19:12

D16RR_Rich

510 posts

211 months

Saturday 9th May 2015
quotequote all
r1flyguy1 said:
g7jhp said:
r1flyguy1 said:
g7jhp said:
No issues with the 997 turbo engine. The 997 turbo is in another league performance wise.

The 997.2 will be better than a 997.1 as it doesn't use the engine issues.

Choice would be AND v RWD.
I was unaware the 997.1 turbo has any engine issues!!!!!

I may be wrong but thought the mertzger lump in the turbo models are not the same as those used in the NA models, but I stand to be corrected.

The 997.2 is supposed to be an 'improved' model and yes I wish I had waited 12 months to afford the .2 but I'm very happy with the 997.1

What's AND???
????

The 997.1 turbo doesn't have engine issues and yes it has the Mezger lump.

The 997.1 C2/C2S (NA) has the chocolate engine. The 997.2 has a new reliable DFI lump.
In regards to your ????? If they were directed at me smile

You stated "The 997.2 will be better than a 997.1 as it doesn't use the engine issues."

Thus was referring to your '997.1 engine issues' comment, as to what issues your referring I have no idea smile

If your referring specifically to the N/A version which didn't appear to be very clear from your post then....... My bad wink

Edited by r1flyguy1 on Saturday 9th May 19:12
I think he's referring to the bore scoring issues and bearing issues with the 997.1. Obviously the 997.1 turbo and GT3 don't suffer from these issues as they use the Mezger engine which is predominantly bulletproof.

Shapes

Original Poster:

39 posts

142 months

Sunday 10th May 2015
quotequote all
Thanks for all your feedback guys. Think I need to spend a bit more and look at getting a test drive of a 997.2 C2S and 997.1 Turbo and see where I go from there.

Cheers,

Nick

Adam B

29,464 posts

277 months

Sunday 10th May 2015
quotequote all
Shapes said:
I did consider a 997 turbo as from reading the reviews and various youtube vids, it drives like a RWD with obviously a lot more ummpppphhh, though the engine seems more fragile.
what on earth? No the Mezger engine is the one to have

Fl0pp3r

869 posts

226 months

Sunday 10th May 2015
quotequote all
Shapes said:
Hi Guys,

I'm at a point where I'm gently thinking about swapping my weekend play car (Honda S2000) for a Porsche (Dad had a few and its always been a boyhood dream to have my own flat six rawing behind me).

My daily drive is a BMW F31 335xD, which does things impressively quickly though all with minimal fuss. I love the raw driving experience of the S2000 though it does feel a bit underpowered compared to the BMW and rather tiring sitting on any motorways, though the intoxicating noise and chuck-ability I adore.

I've been investigating the various options that will give me good performance, the Porsche driving experience without breaking the bank. The 997.1 seems to be on the cards, after a friend let me drive his C2S recently I experienced for myself the good pace it had, tight feel and good for longer distance, or is it worth saving a little longer for the more expensive 997.2 that has various known engine flaws rolled out and a bit more grunt. Though I was always thinking C2S for the RWD drivers car setup, I did consider a 997 turbo as from reading the reviews and various youtube vids, it drives like a RWD with obviously a lot more ummpppphhh, though the engine seems more fragile.

Any thoughts or experiences would be much appreciated. Was thinking that renting a Porsche for a weekend (though options seem limited) would be an idea to see which one hits the mark.

Cheers in advance,

Nick
What's your true budget?

Even with £30k you will struggle to bag a decent 7.2 CS...it might get you into a 7.1 Turbo but it might not be all that tidy.

In which case your options are basically a 7.1 CS - and you will want to do your homework here to make sure you bag one that has had the required remedial work done on the engine already - OR don't discount a 996 Turbo. 996T owners love their cars with good reason, and as an "investment" vehicle they make a lot of sense right now - having depreciated like stones for the last 10 yrs they are now on the rise. By all accounts they are a more engaging steer than the 7.1 Turbo too.

If I had £30k to spend on a 911 right now it would probably have to be a 996T.


DasChin

610 posts

239 months

Monday 11th May 2015
quotequote all
Its Mezger.

If u like the high revving engine and noise of the s2000 then go NA not turbo.

Shapes

Original Poster:

39 posts

142 months

Monday 11th May 2015
quotequote all
True budget is £40k - £45k with the PX of the S2K. So realistically I should be able to get a good 997.2 C2S, though just to complicate things I only want a manual and ideally a cab which I know will make finding a decent one trickier.

DasChin I am leaning NA for the noise and driving pleasure. smile




Fl0pp3r

869 posts

226 months

Monday 11th May 2015
quotequote all
ok right you are mate, yeah £45k should be enough to get you into a 997 gen2 (Cab) - can't beat a bit of trawling through the PH Classifieds :-)

Adam B

29,464 posts

277 months

Monday 11th May 2015
quotequote all
if I was after a cab, Gen II C2S - nicer noise and cab turbos look a bit naff IMHO

coupe - 997.1 turbo, Mezger engine, more of an occasion when that boost comes on, great car (biased of course)

Shapes

Original Poster:

39 posts

142 months

Tuesday 9th June 2015
quotequote all
After going quiet, I've been hunting around and my thoughts have changed. Not as bothered about a cab now (was thinking sunroof would do it though could even be persuaded away from that), though I am set on a manual.

I did go out in a 997.1 cab turbo at the weekend and it was insanely fast, though almost clinical and not as involving (though saying that I wasn't driving and it may all change with that).

When chatting with one Porsche specialist, he did say had I thought about a 996 Turbo to get more driving involvement, so as a result of that I'm going to drive a 996 Turbo and 997.2 Coupe Manual back to back tomorrow.

There's also a very tidy 997.2 Coupe Manual, near me which I'll organise a test drive over the next couple of days.

It will be interesting to see how the two compare, and what I find more involving as a potential weekend car that can also do some business miles now and again.

Stay tuned... smile

Ape50

78 posts

174 months

Tuesday 9th June 2015
quotequote all
I recently bought a 2010 manual Gen 2 997 C2S with a sunroof and very happy with it. Done 3.5k miles in 6 weeks including a trip to southern Spain. Would recommend the sunroof (never wanted a cab) it wasn't on my list of must haves but it's nice. Love the manual transmission (been driving an auto for the last 10 years) and the steering, handling, etc are fantastic.

Only gripe it could be a little faster but my background is motorbikes - the Turbo never appealed. Also the exhaust is too quiet and I do have the PSE.


Edited by Ape50 on Tuesday 9th June 11:00


Edited by Ape50 on Tuesday 9th June 11:01