RCD

I am finally ready to move on from my 996 after 14 years, and am trying to decide between a 997.2 S and a base 991. In researching the differences between the two, I have been surprised by many references to the high level of road and tire noise in the 997. For those of you 997.2 owners that previously owned 996's, is the noise level higher than the 996? I am okay with the 996 level, but would be hesitant to move to an even higher level of noise in a DD.

Dennis C

My 997.1 turbo cabriolet produces less road noise than my 996 coupe did. I wouldn't call it a quiet cabin, but with the top up, it's quieter than the 996 was.

Para82

My 997S (05 launch) is not a quiet car. It's comfortable enough for daily driving and it's ride quality is very good and very compliant, but it's not a silent cabin. I think the 991 has moved more towards that direction.. Opinions here won't help you much, it's going to take a few of your own test drives comparing the two.

RCD

By the way, I know the quick answer is "drive one and see for yourself"; however, I have found it is nearly impossible to cover the range of speeds and road surfaces necessary to gauge the difference in a test drive.

Para82

Understood - that's why you need to visit a few dealers, get multiple drives in and try to include highway, street, and a slightly rougher traffic congested area to mix it up. (My 997 purchase consisted of 3 separate test drives before I decided I wanted a 997). Just takes time.

Blu311

I am not a ex-996 owner but I have ridden in a few and test drove a handful of 997 cars. I find my 997.2 a bit more quiet than the 996/997.1 cars. Its noticeable in my opinion, especially with the stock exhaust.

TT-911

No, 997 is not louder regarding road noise. Before the 997 turbo I owned a 996C4S and both felt pretty much the same regarding noise. I don't remember noticing a difference be it better or worse.

But 991 is a lot quieter and feels like a different car.

awrryan

My '01 996 was way quieter than my '10 997.2. My 996 had 18" wheels. My 997.2 has 19" which may have something to do with it.

dgjks6

Went from a 996 cab to a 997.2 cab. Just driving along really don't notice a difference, but I can tell you radio (when I use it) does not have to be as loud, conversations (when I let other people in the car) are easier, and when on the phone I spend a lot less time saying "what"?

This is going to be the strange part but all the rules apply top up or down.

996 had Hankooks then all season good years
997 riding on Yokahamas

RCD

Thanks all for your responses. I wonder if the 991 comparative is the real issue. I assumed that the comments about high 997 road noise were coming from people with long 911 histories, but perhaps not.

mickfluff

Have to ask? Do you listen to the radio? I mean is a few decibels more or less in either direction really going to deter you an entire model line? 991 new design so would be shocked if was not the quietest of what your considering as simple progression typically means a quieter cabin. (not always but most times). 991 will be a more Luxury GT car and bigger looking and feeling and the 997 more sportier and IMO nimble. (Not saying it is but will feel that way)

Road noise at this level of car would rank up there with ash tray size as far as factors to determine to buy or not that model😜

KNS

Also - some tires, even when new, can be noisier than others.

gpjli2

996/997: Wind noise should be the same. that is fairly loud at speed in my experience. Road noise is dependent on tire selection and condition as has been noted. All in all I don't think anyone going from 996 to 997 should worry about this. The latter is a better car overall assuming you are talking base and S series.

RCD

That's a reasonable question. When I am alone in the car, it is not an issue. When my wife is with me, it's a different story - particularly on longer drives. We actually like to talk.
The 996 was okay (much better than my old 3.2l 911), but much louder would wear on the conversation over a long period of time.

ltcjmramos

Comparing my ex-6GT3 to my GTS is really apples to oranges, but I find the wind noise of the GTS to be unacceptable. I need to ride in another for a better comparison. I keep thinking I have some part out of sync.