glpdx

I know this subject has been done to death and I applogize if I'm just repeating what's already discussed. Nevertheless, I'd like to hear what everyone has to say about the DIRECTION porsche is going with the Turbo's styling, without simply saying "I like it" or "I don't like it". I have a 996 Turbo S Cabriolet and still have the first deposit for a 997TT Cab at my local dealer. However, after much thought, I've decided I'm better off sticking with my 996. My decision isn't because I don't LIKE the 997TT but because I think the 996TT fits better for what I have a porsche for. The 997TT is an incredible performance machine and is very beautiful. However, the 997 seems more like a "luxury" car and less of a "sports" car. When I take my Porsche out for driving, I do it for the experience, and don't need the option for a softer ride. If I'm not in "sport" mode, then I'm in my other car. Again, no need for anyone to get defensive. This is what I AM looking for in a porsche. The more sophisticated and luxurious 997 might be perfect for someone else. My thoughts are exactly along the same lines as what that guy on Top Gear said. He said he'd pick a Ferrari F40 over an Enzo or Carrera GT any day because it's more fun to drive. Though this forum is probably biased, I'd love to hear what everyone else has to say.

david1

I've never had a TT but have owned an '04 996 CS4 Cab and '05 997 CS coupe and cab...I've ordered the 997 TT (coupe as cab won't be available until next year). Both 997's I own(ed) have had the Sport Chrono Package and I drive using it most of the time. The 997 TT has been ordered with the Sport Chrono as well. From all the stories/reviews on the new TT, I believe it will be an improvement over the 996 TT but...it is a lot of $ and only those who are somewhat crazy (I put myself in this category) will purchase it...of course, you may want to wait and see what the 997 TT S cab is all about as I'm sure it will be even better than the plain 997 TT (coupe). I've read a hp increase of 20-30!

mrpc12

I like the styling and the new wheels. Plus the adjustable suspension is perfect for me. My wife's main complaint about my 996 Turbo is the bumpy ride. When she is a passenger I can soften it up and then when I am riding solo I can put it in sport mode.

Sobe

D977TT looks so much better than the 996TT and has much better performance , it is the next level .

GreggT

It's not a 'sports car' anymore.

The DIRECTION is (and has been) to a different and broader demo-buyer group...sucessfully I might add.

Saying it's the 'next level' may be true when compared to 996......but then many thought 996 had already separated itself from the Turbo lineage.......and many of those same proceeded to take their 996TTs to a rougher time with suspensions & stage 3-5 to match.

Just my opin.
And if your opin is that the 996 (or 993) is a better match for you......then that definately should be your move. Good luck.

ltc

There's nothing about the car (from a styling perspective) that I like....but styling is very subjective (e.g.: the Bangle penned BMW's).

Then again, I didn't like the Carrera GT either, so it appears as though PAG will be leaving me behind as a future customer. That's OK, there are plenty of older MY Porsches on my 'list' to hunt down and find.

I agree with GreggT, the Porsche 911 Turbo will always be considered/thought of/marketed as a 'supercar' in the sportscar category, but it's really a GranTouring car now. The days of PAG producing a "modern day 73 RS" are gone I'm afraid.

E39 in Philly

Seems to me the same criticism was leveled against the 996TT by drivers of its predecessor (still is). The cars get more refined, it's a natural progression. They also get faster, and hug the road better. In this case (997 vs. 996) they also get better looking, something that can't necessarily be said about the last progression. But that's not to fault the look of the 996, it's just that the 993 was too near perfect.

GreggT

I find it easiest to simply put the 993 in a different era......last of a line, final evolution, etc, etc.....996 is a simply a different car.
On the 997 "better looking".......certainly subjective, and your opinion is yours, but I continue to think the visual change was minor.
.....and that what was changed, was not a "progression" that improved.
But she's still a pretty good looking car (that a few mods could fix )

Wachuko

I can live with how the rear of the car looks... the front... no F* way... slap the front of a 997GT3 instead and we are talking...

Ken89911T

GreggT got it right. PAG has been making and selling the 911 Turbo to a different crowd than were buying their highest performing cars thirty years ago. Even in the late 80's, one auto journalist thought the Turbo was for (God I hate to say it,) "poseurs". Fact is, lots of Turbo owners, myself included, use their Turbo as a daily driver. It's just too fun to leave in the garage. Certainly, driving a fully-prepped NASCAR stocker would be a kick in the ***, but who would want to drive that to work evey day? So, PAG makes a car to satisfy the driver who wants a world class sports car, but who also wants a few amenities to make the experience even better. The GT2 lets the more dedicated tracker get what they look for. Just my take on it.

urbanscribe

Read this thread from ten years ago to get a feel how new gen design discussions are always the same.

GreggT

I wonder how the discussion will follow going forward.....as Pcar sets it's sights on E technology.
Pretty incredible how things have changed.
Formula E in 2019, mid-engine'd 911 RSR, Mission E platform on the way..
Time keeps on slipping into the future.....Steve Miller.
Embrace the change....and/or modify it to meet you needs.

Big Swole

lol I didn't realize I was reading a 11-12 year old thread until a few post down. I was like, "WTH are these guys talking about".

Wonder how their views changed over the years about the 997's?

Dennis C

urbanscribe

Pretty predictable. Probably has to do with what you first drive when you get into the Porsche family. Like an ex girlfriend.

I owned a 1990 c2s in 1991 and lived in nyc for a long time after that. Had a few cars (some fun) but mostly transportation. When I came back into the fold last year I got a 997TTS and so of course it felt massively more modern than I remembered and maybe a little less raw but who remembers. That allows me (rather than going to 991) to get a thrill from a future 991 update at some point and so on for a while.