718 GT4 to 997 Turbo
Discussion
I’m sure lots have driven both, what are people’s thoughts on going from a newer GT4 to a 997 Turbo.
I bought the GT4 as my eldest son (26) had terminal cancer… it was his dream car.
He was in for brain surgery, I went for a walk while he was in, I bought a scratch card and won £100,000.
I don’t earn much but I have no debts and the mortgage is paid off, I felt I wouldn’t lose too much on the GT4 in the time we had left so I bought it. We had a great year in the car, lots of adventures and fun times, buying the car was one of the best decisions I ever made and even if I lost every penny in the car I’d never regret it.
My son passed away a few weeks ago, I’m doing okay… at 50 I’m asking a lot of questions and going through the usual mid life stresses that lots men deal with. My mum passed away in May so there’s that as well.
On to the positive things I have in life, my youngest son is 3 and he’s car mad, unfortunately he can’t go in daddy's silver car as it has carbon bucket seats and no airbag delete.
Driving the GT4 I’ve realised I really enjoy the handling of proper sports car over a GT car. I’d like something faster than the GT4 and I’m prepared to lose out a little in the handling.
My budget would be 70k, at the very most and I’m looking for something that’s done most of its depreciation that I can take a three year old in.
I was very close to pulling the trigger on a 570s but yearly warranty or potential bills have put me off.
I was looking at high mileage 991 Turbo’s but there don’t seem to be many around.
I’ve also looked at V10 R8’s.
The dream would be a 991.1 GT3 in comfort spec. I’m fully aware of the engine issues. As the car wouldn’t be hammered I’d be okay going with one that’s had a replacement engine. With the year I had if the engine did go pop I’d be okay.
I didn’t consider 997’s as I thought they might be a bit old, recently I’ve been looking and they might be the best option in my price range.
I don’t care about manual or automatic, I’m not bothered about the interior look or even the sound.
I guess I like the way car handles, steers, stops and accelerates. I’ve done a couple of track days in the GT4 and thoroughly enjoyed them but I’d say road is priority and enjoying time in it with my kids.
So after the life story… as a “drivers car” and as a driving experience would the 997 stack up?
I’m guessing it would be a little less firm and planted but a bit quicker off the mark and in a straight line.
There seems to be a lot of love on here for the 997 turbo. If it’s good enough for Ben Collins then I’ll sure it’s more than enough for me.
It’s unlikely I’d get more than a quick test drive from a dealer so any feedback from folks who’ve driven both is much appreciated. 🙏
I bought the GT4 as my eldest son (26) had terminal cancer… it was his dream car.
He was in for brain surgery, I went for a walk while he was in, I bought a scratch card and won £100,000.
I don’t earn much but I have no debts and the mortgage is paid off, I felt I wouldn’t lose too much on the GT4 in the time we had left so I bought it. We had a great year in the car, lots of adventures and fun times, buying the car was one of the best decisions I ever made and even if I lost every penny in the car I’d never regret it.
My son passed away a few weeks ago, I’m doing okay… at 50 I’m asking a lot of questions and going through the usual mid life stresses that lots men deal with. My mum passed away in May so there’s that as well.
On to the positive things I have in life, my youngest son is 3 and he’s car mad, unfortunately he can’t go in daddy's silver car as it has carbon bucket seats and no airbag delete.
Driving the GT4 I’ve realised I really enjoy the handling of proper sports car over a GT car. I’d like something faster than the GT4 and I’m prepared to lose out a little in the handling.
My budget would be 70k, at the very most and I’m looking for something that’s done most of its depreciation that I can take a three year old in.
I was very close to pulling the trigger on a 570s but yearly warranty or potential bills have put me off.
I was looking at high mileage 991 Turbo’s but there don’t seem to be many around.
I’ve also looked at V10 R8’s.
The dream would be a 991.1 GT3 in comfort spec. I’m fully aware of the engine issues. As the car wouldn’t be hammered I’d be okay going with one that’s had a replacement engine. With the year I had if the engine did go pop I’d be okay.
I didn’t consider 997’s as I thought they might be a bit old, recently I’ve been looking and they might be the best option in my price range.
I don’t care about manual or automatic, I’m not bothered about the interior look or even the sound.
I guess I like the way car handles, steers, stops and accelerates. I’ve done a couple of track days in the GT4 and thoroughly enjoyed them but I’d say road is priority and enjoying time in it with my kids.
So after the life story… as a “drivers car” and as a driving experience would the 997 stack up?
I’m guessing it would be a little less firm and planted but a bit quicker off the mark and in a straight line.
There seems to be a lot of love on here for the 997 turbo. If it’s good enough for Ben Collins then I’ll sure it’s more than enough for me.
It’s unlikely I’d get more than a quick test drive from a dealer so any feedback from folks who’ve driven both is much appreciated. 🙏
Sorry to hear of your sad news, but at least you made some great memories which money can’t buy.
With regards to what car to buy you need to drive a few to see what you enjoy, the Gt4 is a dynamic car to drive so you may find yourself looking back. For me after owning many a Porsche I want something you can drive and enjoy everyday and I wanted a one car does it all so I got myself a GR Yaris which many a Porsche would struggle to keep up with down a b road and it’s practical too but that’s not to say I miss a Porsche they get under your skin so for me something like a Spyder would fill that void to make a perfect 2 car garage.
With regards to what car to buy you need to drive a few to see what you enjoy, the Gt4 is a dynamic car to drive so you may find yourself looking back. For me after owning many a Porsche I want something you can drive and enjoy everyday and I wanted a one car does it all so I got myself a GR Yaris which many a Porsche would struggle to keep up with down a b road and it’s practical too but that’s not to say I miss a Porsche they get under your skin so for me something like a Spyder would fill that void to make a perfect 2 car garage.
I'm going the other way sort of. I've just sold my 997 GT3 and I'm looking for a short stint in a 718 GT4 to tied me over before GT3 again...
If you get a well sorted Turbo you'll love it. The 997 and GT4 have a similar sized feeling on the road and the 997 platform can be tuned to get it to handle however you want it to.
You want to be aware of it's age now however, they can occasionally throw up big bills from some simple aged related items but on the plus side they still attractively priced for a modern classic and I can't see that lasting forever.
I still think the 997 is the best looking 911 of the modern age and Turbos one of the best looking 997s. Go for it, as you've sadly found out you only live once. Sorry for your loss but I'm sure he would have wanted you to continue to enjoy and it's nice to hear of a windfall going to someone who could use it for a great purpose.
If you get a well sorted Turbo you'll love it. The 997 and GT4 have a similar sized feeling on the road and the 997 platform can be tuned to get it to handle however you want it to.
You want to be aware of it's age now however, they can occasionally throw up big bills from some simple aged related items but on the plus side they still attractively priced for a modern classic and I can't see that lasting forever.
I still think the 997 is the best looking 911 of the modern age and Turbos one of the best looking 997s. Go for it, as you've sadly found out you only live once. Sorry for your loss but I'm sure he would have wanted you to continue to enjoy and it's nice to hear of a windfall going to someone who could use it for a great purpose.
I guess the best thing to do is to go and drive one
I had a 997 GTS, and now have a 718 Spyder. Not the same as your comparison but close. For me the 718 is much more fun to drive than the 997 was, much as I loved it for the 8 years I had it
In my view if you want fun, I'd stick with GT4. If you want speed, and the the character that comes with 911's then go 997 Turbo - but the best way to find out is to drive a 997 Turbo
One other consideration is relative costs of running. Neither car will depreciate much now (again, just my view) but the 997 will be a lot more to run given it's age, and as others have said - there's two of nearly everything to go wrong in the engine
Wish you well with everything
I had a 997 GTS, and now have a 718 Spyder. Not the same as your comparison but close. For me the 718 is much more fun to drive than the 997 was, much as I loved it for the 8 years I had it
In my view if you want fun, I'd stick with GT4. If you want speed, and the the character that comes with 911's then go 997 Turbo - but the best way to find out is to drive a 997 Turbo
One other consideration is relative costs of running. Neither car will depreciate much now (again, just my view) but the 997 will be a lot more to run given it's age, and as others have said - there's two of nearly everything to go wrong in the engine
Wish you well with everything
Hi if you're ever near Herts and would like to drive a manual 997.1 turbo and p ride 991 turbo (wife wisely does not even let me drive hers) happy for you and your family to pop down have a look at ours. Re 991 GT3 spk to Tom at 911 Virgin when he gets one he'll let you loose in one.
Edited to say tried to PM you but it did not work happy for you to PM me.
Edited to say tried to PM you but it did not work happy for you to PM me.
Edited by IMI A on Thursday 17th September 22:37
Another idea if you loved the Gt4 take a look at the 981 version imo and others it’s the better car, it’s rawer and rarer and makes a better sound (no GPF) there is also potential to tune to circa 430hp for not much outlay and you can pick up a nice one with comfort seats for circa £60k.
The 981 engine was also used in the GT4 race series car, has a history of being fitted in the 997.2 and 991.1 S/GTS
I also think potentially these will be more sort after than the 718 version.
But whatever you go for there is no right or wrong car but as mentioned previously it’s not all about straight line speed a good car can make you smile even while driving along at 30mph
The 981 engine was also used in the GT4 race series car, has a history of being fitted in the 997.2 and 991.1 S/GTS
I also think potentially these will be more sort after than the 718 version.
But whatever you go for there is no right or wrong car but as mentioned previously it’s not all about straight line speed a good car can make you smile even while driving along at 30mph
Sorry to hear about your news. I would be looking at a GTS and I'd be tempted to go for 991.2 GTS provided you're happy to stick with a Porsche warranty and all that entails.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202608315...
You could go for an even higher mileage warranted example but it will affect resale value.
OR go back a few years and get NA, similar money and they sound SO good.
Both these cars are great drivers cars, the .1 feels more like a sports car compared to the .2 as the .2 is stiffer and it takes more pushing to make it feel like you're throwing it around.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202609115...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202608315...
You could go for an even higher mileage warranted example but it will affect resale value.
OR go back a few years and get NA, similar money and they sound SO good.
Both these cars are great drivers cars, the .1 feels more like a sports car compared to the .2 as the .2 is stiffer and it takes more pushing to make it feel like you're throwing it around.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202609115...
Edited by FriedMarsBar on Saturday 19th September 15:49
I've owned both the 996 Turbo and subsequently the 981 GT4. So not quite the same versions of these cars that you are considering, but earlier generations of the same thing. And I actually owned them in the opposite order: 996 first followed a few cars later by the GT4. Both were top shelf of the sweet store cars for me.
I agree with the earlier comment that raw speed itself is a "one trick" that is great fun the first few times that you experience it, but a thrill that fades rapidly upon repeated exposure. And the potential to enjoy massive speed and acceleration is understandably limited within the constraint of being a car mostly for use on the roads. Our UK roads have become increasingly congested at most times of the day, some roads have been getting narrower (and cars bigger) and speed enforcement more high tech, stricter and more dominant. So while I understand you wish to experience raw speed, be warned that the window for enjoying such is becoming increasingly sparse and the elation you feel quite fleeting.
With all that said the 997 Turbo is more than just raw speed and power. It also has the highly capable 4WD which together with the rear weight bias of the 911 would give the car a very different and interesting character to the 718. I certainly believe that you would enjoy experiencing the change in character going from the mid engine, RWD Cayman to the 911. But we warned that you are moving from a high water mark thrilling car like the GT4 to something much more an all rounder, so ultimately it is likely to be less thrilling on the perfect road. Faster, sure, but maybe not as thrilling to control and master. They are both very, very good cars.
I myself remember an epic drive I did (in my 996 Turbo) from my home in Germany to the South of France. I was doing 300 kph on the Autobahn at one stage, winding around the lanes of Arles a few days later and driving back home to Germany and getting caught in a torrential rain storm. The car handled it all with aplomb and felt utterly secure in every situation. And it had loads of luggage capacity for two of us and our kit for a two week trip. Brilliant car and I am sure the 997 version is even better.
As to your decision, there are no wrong answers. But given how precious life is sometimes you need to take advantage of opportunities while they are open to you. Even if a dealer does not lend you one for the day, at least see if you can get some brief drives in a 997 Turbo to get a sense of what kind of thing you are in for. If you are picky on specification and buy a car well it could also be good value for money too i'd imagine, especially considering what prices even fairly mundane newer cars are asking. JZM is a terrific Porsche specialist... they have a white 997 Turbo S that you might be able to consider. (No financial connection or other interest to me).
I agree with the earlier comment that raw speed itself is a "one trick" that is great fun the first few times that you experience it, but a thrill that fades rapidly upon repeated exposure. And the potential to enjoy massive speed and acceleration is understandably limited within the constraint of being a car mostly for use on the roads. Our UK roads have become increasingly congested at most times of the day, some roads have been getting narrower (and cars bigger) and speed enforcement more high tech, stricter and more dominant. So while I understand you wish to experience raw speed, be warned that the window for enjoying such is becoming increasingly sparse and the elation you feel quite fleeting.
With all that said the 997 Turbo is more than just raw speed and power. It also has the highly capable 4WD which together with the rear weight bias of the 911 would give the car a very different and interesting character to the 718. I certainly believe that you would enjoy experiencing the change in character going from the mid engine, RWD Cayman to the 911. But we warned that you are moving from a high water mark thrilling car like the GT4 to something much more an all rounder, so ultimately it is likely to be less thrilling on the perfect road. Faster, sure, but maybe not as thrilling to control and master. They are both very, very good cars.
I myself remember an epic drive I did (in my 996 Turbo) from my home in Germany to the South of France. I was doing 300 kph on the Autobahn at one stage, winding around the lanes of Arles a few days later and driving back home to Germany and getting caught in a torrential rain storm. The car handled it all with aplomb and felt utterly secure in every situation. And it had loads of luggage capacity for two of us and our kit for a two week trip. Brilliant car and I am sure the 997 version is even better.
As to your decision, there are no wrong answers. But given how precious life is sometimes you need to take advantage of opportunities while they are open to you. Even if a dealer does not lend you one for the day, at least see if you can get some brief drives in a 997 Turbo to get a sense of what kind of thing you are in for. If you are picky on specification and buy a car well it could also be good value for money too i'd imagine, especially considering what prices even fairly mundane newer cars are asking. JZM is a terrific Porsche specialist... they have a white 997 Turbo S that you might be able to consider. (No financial connection or other interest to me).
I’ve owned two manual coupe 996 Turbo S. a heavily modified Techart 996 Turbo and two 718 GT4s. I currently own a 570S and it is similar to a hybrid of a turbo S and a GT4 but with better steering feel and supercar looks.
McLarens can throw up some fairly large bills, but so can a 997 turbo. The size of those bills can be significantly mitigated by buying from a main dealer, or the likes of Thorney Motorsport, and/or having a pre purchase inspection done by a McLaren specialist.
If you were to reconsider buying a 570S I would avoid McLaren main dealers for servicing and rectification work because the cost for the latter is prohibitive and the former seems to serve to do little more than provide them with an opportunity to try and capitalise on it. They are their own worst enemies in terms of damaging their own brand due to sky high repair estimates which they try and use to get people to buy their warranties.
McLarens can throw up some fairly large bills, but so can a 997 turbo. The size of those bills can be significantly mitigated by buying from a main dealer, or the likes of Thorney Motorsport, and/or having a pre purchase inspection done by a McLaren specialist.
If you were to reconsider buying a 570S I would avoid McLaren main dealers for servicing and rectification work because the cost for the latter is prohibitive and the former seems to serve to do little more than provide them with an opportunity to try and capitalise on it. They are their own worst enemies in terms of damaging their own brand due to sky high repair estimates which they try and use to get people to buy their warranties.
Would a Carrera S be enough? The same money as a Turbo would buy you a much newer/lower mileage 2S or 4S. You’d be further away from big repair bills though this depends on the age and your budget. Stick to second generation cars to avoid IMS/RMS/bore scoring (that the Mezger in the Turbo doesn’t get).
I can’t comment on a GT4 as I haven’t owned one but as most of my mileage is on the road, not the track, I wanted something that I could drive to Scotland or Austria and back quickly but in comfort, hence my 997.1TT manual purchase. I’ve had it three and a half years now and I have no regrets but accept that annual ownership costs are well into four figures before tax, insurance & fuel. A nearly 20 year old car is going to require resources to keep it on the road. More resources to keep it tip top - it’s worth keeping it tidy as worn joints soon spoil the handling.
997 manuals carry a big price premium over autos & the PDK box in Gen 2 997s onwards are both reliable and fun.
I can’t comment on a GT4 as I haven’t owned one but as most of my mileage is on the road, not the track, I wanted something that I could drive to Scotland or Austria and back quickly but in comfort, hence my 997.1TT manual purchase. I’ve had it three and a half years now and I have no regrets but accept that annual ownership costs are well into four figures before tax, insurance & fuel. A nearly 20 year old car is going to require resources to keep it on the road. More resources to keep it tip top - it’s worth keeping it tidy as worn joints soon spoil the handling.
997 manuals carry a big price premium over autos & the PDK box in Gen 2 997s onwards are both reliable and fun.
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