Let's get the 997/996 rivallry off the ground then.
Discussion
I like the look of the 996 but the 997 look is growing on me more and more.
And the 997S is I think a marked improvement over the 996 C2 or C4 for the UK market. I believe the C4/C4S is still a very necessary vehicle in countries that have regular snowfall ie Germany, but the 997 3.6L engined model I really can't see the reason behind it personally now that a C2S is available. The only reason to buy a 997C2 over a 997C2S is price and who compromises when buying a brand spanking new Porsche?
The 997 GT3 also looks to be a great car, lapping the 'Ring 11 secs faster than 996 GT3 Mk2, but the premium over the gains isn't likely to make me change anytime soon.
>> Edited by Steve_M on Tuesday 21st March 00:45
And the 997S is I think a marked improvement over the 996 C2 or C4 for the UK market. I believe the C4/C4S is still a very necessary vehicle in countries that have regular snowfall ie Germany, but the 997 3.6L engined model I really can't see the reason behind it personally now that a C2S is available. The only reason to buy a 997C2 over a 997C2S is price and who compromises when buying a brand spanking new Porsche?
The 997 GT3 also looks to be a great car, lapping the 'Ring 11 secs faster than 996 GT3 Mk2, but the premium over the gains isn't likely to make me change anytime soon.
>> Edited by Steve_M on Tuesday 21st March 00:45
I think build quality + design + looks are better in the 997. But if I had 60K to spend on a Porsche I would get a 996TT X50.
Drove my TT to work today and was reminded how amazing it is. I zipped past in a instant whaty other cars can't even consider doing in the first place. Simply one of the greats. Hope the 997 TT ups the game even more. Now that will be a car to have !
Drove my TT to work today and was reminded how amazing it is. I zipped past in a instant whaty other cars can't even consider doing in the first place. Simply one of the greats. Hope the 997 TT ups the game even more. Now that will be a car to have !
Steve_M said:
I like the look of the 996 but the 997 look is growing on me more and more.
And the 997S is I think a marked improvement over the 996 C2 or C4 for the UK market. I believe the C4/C4S is still a very necessary vehicle in countries that have regular snowfall ie Germany, but the 997 3.6L engined model I really can't see the reason behind it personally now that a C2S is available. The only reason to buy a 997C2 over a 997C2S is price and who compromises when buying a brand spanking new Porsche?
The 997 GT3 also looks to be a great car, lapping the 'Ring 11 secs faster than 996 GT3 Mk2, but the premium over the gains isn't likely to make me change anytime soon.
>> Edited by Steve_M on Tuesday 21st March 00:45
That'll be those Michelin Pilot Sport Cups....look what they did for the CSL
997 looks great from the outside - the interior is a different matter. The quality may be better, but the dash, door panels etc are too plasticky. The door panels especially are much nicer on the 996 - they look like they could be off any old 'japcrap' on the 997 - and what were they thinking of with the 'crono pack' timer 
I can afford a 996 but not a 997 therefore I prefer the 996!
I may be in a minority (of 1) but I actually like those wacky 996 headlamps. That said the 997 front end is also very pretty, but what were they thinking with those funny little lights on the lower front valance of the 997TT, looks like 'Bruce the Shark' from 'Finding Nemo'!
Of course they both pale into insignificance compared to the mighty, faultless, perfect-in-every way 993. ...if you like 1960s interior, dodgy aircon, broken door straps etc etc :braces for barrage:
I may be in a minority (of 1) but I actually like those wacky 996 headlamps. That said the 997 front end is also very pretty, but what were they thinking with those funny little lights on the lower front valance of the 997TT, looks like 'Bruce the Shark' from 'Finding Nemo'!
Of course they both pale into insignificance compared to the mighty, faultless, perfect-in-every way 993. ...if you like 1960s interior, dodgy aircon, broken door straps etc etc :braces for barrage:
Don't you just love the 997 Turbo 10s boost button, wonder if it behaves like the boost button on night rider - should soon see 997 TT jumping traffic queues etc. Bet all the 996 TT owners will be v. jealous.
Personally I would have thought that the ideal 911 would be some form of air cooled turbo monster
Personally I would have thought that the ideal 911 would be some form of air cooled turbo monster
leeme3 said:
I may be in a minority (of 1) but I actually like those wacky 996 headlamps. That said the 997 front end is also very pretty, but what were they thinking with those funny little lights on the lower front valance of the 997TT, looks like 'Bruce the Shark' from 'Finding Nemo'!
I think quite a lot of people like the fried egg lights. Look quite high tech etc. Shame they've stepped backwards to the old style as it ages the 996s a bit.
997TT is a bit fussy and details like the side intakes are massively overstated. The first time I saw a 996TT I just thought it was stunning. I can't honestly say the same about the new version.
I have been thinking about exchanging my 4.5 year old 996 cabrio to a new 997 but I have great difficulties in finding the arguments: Yes, I think the look of the 997 grows on you but I actually prefer the headlamps of the 996 and the rear of the 997. The interior of the 997 is cheap and does not wear well IMO. The 996 interior is utilitarian and basic but I think actually it ages very well. And then the price. If I trade in my 996 now I will get say 37000 for it and have to pay in the region of 40 grad for a part-ex. Does this really make sense - I think not and look forward to the 998 in a couple of years time.
mikeg996 said:
Exterior, I'd take the 997 every time: it's stunning. Interior, I prefer the 996, it seems more bespoke somehow despite being lower quality plastics (especially on my pre-facelift version). But I like it. The interior is what lets down the 997 for me.
Those 19" wheels, though....
hmmmm....I had a Boxster S (2000 MY) which had the same interior as the 996. However, I think the 997 interior is a big step forward in the looks and quality stakes.
>> Edited by silver993tt on Tuesday 21st March 10:56
I am really surprised at some of the comments here. Last September I traded my 996 C2 for a brand new 997 C2 and I can say in my opinion there is absolutely no comparisson in any area. To me the 997 is so much better in every department, it does everything so much better. Maybe this can be due to a new car against a 1999 model but the 996 had only covered 30,000 miles and was in excellent condition.
As soon as I drove the 997 I was amazed at how different it felt on the road, it was much more "planted" and secure, it brakes and corners so much better than (my) the 996. The interior is all leather, feels of high quality, the controls are precise and modern, much better than the 996.
Another comment earlier was regarding buying a new 997 and stating that if you were buying new you would always go for the S model. I bought a high spec Carrera with tiptronic, sat nav and phone, full sports leather, sports chrono and a few other goodies for around 66K. I only use it on the road, not on track days, never on the limit and maximum 8,000 miles per year. The same spec S would be 6.5K more expensive, is it worth that for probably what is the same car with a modified computer chip and some increased horsepower you would hardly use or notice at all in everyday driving??? well I certainly didn't think so and I am more than happy with the C2.
While I am on here I might as well get this off my chest.....what is it with the switchable sports exhaust? isn't this the biggest gimmick ever? can it be related to Novas and Fiestas with huge 4 inch silencers blaring out of the back. Do you actually switch on the sports noise when passing a group of chavs on the street corner to impress them or is for when your mate is having a test drive with you?? What is the point of it??? Porsche accesories dept must be laughing all the way to the bank!!!!
Really, when you own a masterpiece of automobile history which is (supposedly) finely engineered and tuned, do you need to scream out the fact by a louder (and probably illegal in most areas) exhaust note???
(flame suit on )
As soon as I drove the 997 I was amazed at how different it felt on the road, it was much more "planted" and secure, it brakes and corners so much better than (my) the 996. The interior is all leather, feels of high quality, the controls are precise and modern, much better than the 996.
Another comment earlier was regarding buying a new 997 and stating that if you were buying new you would always go for the S model. I bought a high spec Carrera with tiptronic, sat nav and phone, full sports leather, sports chrono and a few other goodies for around 66K. I only use it on the road, not on track days, never on the limit and maximum 8,000 miles per year. The same spec S would be 6.5K more expensive, is it worth that for probably what is the same car with a modified computer chip and some increased horsepower you would hardly use or notice at all in everyday driving??? well I certainly didn't think so and I am more than happy with the C2.
While I am on here I might as well get this off my chest.....what is it with the switchable sports exhaust? isn't this the biggest gimmick ever? can it be related to Novas and Fiestas with huge 4 inch silencers blaring out of the back. Do you actually switch on the sports noise when passing a group of chavs on the street corner to impress them or is for when your mate is having a test drive with you?? What is the point of it??? Porsche accesories dept must be laughing all the way to the bank!!!!
Really, when you own a masterpiece of automobile history which is (supposedly) finely engineered and tuned, do you need to scream out the fact by a louder (and probably illegal in most areas) exhaust note???
(flame suit on
)Don't be surprised, people are allowed to have differing opinions
The biggest thing I dislike about the 997 interior is the door pulls. Horrid, straight nasty looking things. Silly, I know, but there you go
Speaking of interiors, I saw a 996 in the airport carpark that had stainless steel seatbacks. Nasty.
The biggest thing I dislike about the 997 interior is the door pulls. Horrid, straight nasty looking things. Silly, I know, but there you go
Speaking of interiors, I saw a 996 in the airport carpark that had stainless steel seatbacks. Nasty.
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