Anyone Gone from 997 Turbo to 996 Turbo?

[JKay]

Hello All

Previous 997.1 Turbo owner here, and I am looking to get another Porsche to compliment my current 981 Boxster (which I'll be keeping for now)

Looking at 911's where I live, it looks like the 996 TT is what I can comfortably afford. I have done some research into common faults and know there may be potential hidden costs as these cars are now around 20 years old. 

I have also had a 987.2 Cayman, Cayenne Turbo as well ay my current 981. Id love a 991 Turbo one day but they're around 3-4 times the price here and its not the right time for me due to other commitments.

The "new to me" 911 will be a second car which I may track occasionally, but it will spend most of its time on the road, spirited road driving in the canyons etc and late night runs when roads are empty for fun. I love the slug of torque they give which I find addicting.I dont plan any mad mods except for an exhaust and a mild tune (if it doesnt already have one). 

So.....Looks aside (I actually love the way the 996 Turbo Looks) Apart from the out dated interior, is a 996 TT hugely different to live with and drive to a 997.1 Turbo? Had a short test drive but curious to hear from people who have lived with both. A Manual Transmission would be my preferred choice but seems there are only tips for sale locally

Thank you in advance
Jkay

[stormblack]

Hi

I currently have a Gen 1.5 997 Turbo and previously owned a 996 Turbo S. Both manual cars.

I think the 996 was in some ways a more exciting car with the way the boost came in. It also felt a bit less refined compared to the 997 and a little more frantic. Yes the interior is somewhat older in the 996 but not too bad and hopefully shouldn't put you off. I think the 997 is quicker but just gathers pace in a more refined way.

Hope that helps.

[Tommie38]

Do consider the coolant hose upgrade if you are going to track it. That isn’t cheap - I believe the engine needs to come out.

[Desert Dragon]

Slightly more exciting power delivery in 996 turbo, more RWD bias. They're lovely. As others have said with 997 turbo its very mute and refined by comparison (other than tyre roar which is awful on 19s with 305 section rears on 997).

[jimPH]

I haven't driven a 997, but I own a 996.

Looks alone, the 997 takes it. Though a 996 GT2 look is very appealing. A 996 interior can be upgraded with plenty of OEM carbon, leather and paint (silver is popular)

Look for some decent 996 buckets, or 997 seats will fit and are a good upgrade. 996 seats are rubbish.

Gearbox is better on the 996 and easily upgraded, no upgrades exist for a 997 box.

AWD is better on the 997, but easily retrofitted to a 996, but a lot of people go RWD anyway.

Power delivery is just down to turbos, rest of the engine is pretty much the same.

997 has the active suspension, again can be retrofitted to a 996, but most people get some passive coilovers.

Chassis wise, probably read some blurb that the 997 chassis is x% stiffer, but you'll never know the difference.

If I could buy again, I'd go 997 and put a 997 GT2 box in it converted to AWD with my engine.