Talk me over the finishing line here chaps....

[Sam1999]

I'm very close to buying my first Porsche.... heading for a 997 S.... considering a 2 year old 996 Turbo at slightly less money.

Much prefer the look of the 997 - heard only good things about it...

Being soft for a moment, as somebody who currently drives a 4WD Audi S type motor.... would I feel wrong with only rear wheel drive... would it liberate me?

I'm close... just need some confirmation from the experts that the 997 S is the right move...? ... and should I forget the 996 Turbo who is a lot of car for the money....

Advice appreciated. Cheers

[MOD500]

Have you driven both yet? Thats the only way to decide.

If you are into modding your cars for more power, then the turbo is the car for you.

The 997 will be a purer drive compared to the turbo (owners correct me if I am wrong!), so it all depends what floats your boat.

[robbom3]

Haven't driven a 997 yet, but have just bought a 996TT. Everyone says that the 997 is dynamically the better drive, and I'm sure they're right. Having said that I could not be happier with my 996. The handling is rock solid, the performance is simply awesome, and it is very very easy to live with on a day to day basis.

Tough choice, but take comfort from the simple fact that whichever way you choose to go, you're gonna love it !!!!

Best of luck.

[jjr1]

You will need to drive both as they are quite different in my opinion. I went for a 997S but purely because on the -20mm suspension I found it a better driving experience in my opinion. Others prefer the sledge hammer acceleration of the Turbo so its best you try both.

[Sam1999]

Cheers folks. Good advice.

[simonharrod911]

Whichever one you buy you'll absolutely love it. Agree with the other posters that you need to spend some time in both cars. It's a very difficult decision, I had to make the same one and went for the 997 simply because it just felt so much better to me (albeit slower in a straight line). Also, must be honest, the styling was a major influencing factor.

[Sam1999]

Yep the styling is a real differentiator for me... sounds shallow... but I am not so much a petrol head "loves engines" kind of person... more somebody who just loves driving a beautiful and fun car.

Used to drive an Elise as a second motor which kind of explains my thinking I guess.