deadendd9009

Howdy gents, I was wondering if someone here has some insight, I've been offered a 996tt with similar mileage (140k km) as my '91 C2, it would be a straight trade. I know the 996tt is more of a GT, is faster and more modern, but I also believe it to be generally as reliable as our 964s.

I know it's a 964 forum, buy maybe someone has both and could chime in? How do these cars compare, all things considered? Anyone made the switch?


Thanks for any insight!

onceover

Without knowing more details I think you're getting the short end of the deal. A 964 will continue to appreciate (or stay level) whereas who knows what will happen with a 996tt. They have come up in price a little recently, but I don't imagine they will be nearly as sought after in the coming years.

BLACK3.2

Depending on condition, the 964 is worth 10-40K more than the 996TT. But putting that aside...

I could not think of two more different 911s. The 996tt is not communicative at all. Yes, it's fast, but it feels like a magic carpet ride and sounds sounds like a vacuum cleaner. If that's what I wanted, I'd save my cash and buy something else.

The 996 GT3 would be the better comparator.

Igons54

I am going the opposite direction. My first Porsche was a 2002 996tt. The performance of the car was great in the beginning but it really didn't have much soul. It felt like a 200 mph Ford Taurus to me. I would gladly sacrifice some top end speed for really feeling connected to the car. In general, I prefer older cars because they are more communicative and each car tends to have some personality, for lack of a better word.

You definitely need to make sure you do your PPI if you do the deal. The coolant pipes on those Mezger engines are a bit sketchy and can be a pretty hefty expense if they let go.

Turbodan

I went from 993 turbo to 996 turbo and driving the 996 turbo is definitely an improvement, and more advanced. The 996 turbo is considered one of the last analog cars that offers feedback. It is great to have a modern interior with modern functions, combined with blow you away performance.

rsclone

​​​​​​​I've had my 964 c2 for nearly nine years, I bought a 996tt manual with fairly low miles and in excellent condition around four years ago. Straight after getting the turbo me and the girlfriend did a 3000 mile road trip all over Europe. It is still one of the best car related experiences of my life. Once we got back and the car was being used on my local country lanes it became a big unwieldy beast with brakes that were barely adequate. You could feel all of its mass in the twisties. Not being able to truly turn all the driver aids off was annoying as well. When garage space became a premium, lusting after an old Alfa Romeo meant one of the Porsches had to go, the 996tt was the one that got sold. If I'd done the road trip in my 964 then it would have probably been the other way round! What I'm saying is that the turbo is a gt car, no doubt about it and it does it brilliantly, the 964 built to rs spec is now a back road blaster and after another couple of years have passed by I'm still sure I made the right decision.

goofballdeluxe

If one can put aside the fugly looks, both exterior and interior, there is no arguing the 996TT is the best bang for the buck performance bargain a modern Porsche can offer.

That said, I could never see trading any 964 for one.

JesusFast

Would not trade straight up...
Maybe for a GT3.. But not a 996TT

and I love me some 996TT's

deadendd9009

Perhaps the market here in Canada is soft, my 91 has around 82k miles, manual and sports seats. It's also a c2. How much do they go for? Mine is a driver, not a show queen (has leaks from the cam tower, engine has never been appart and paint shows road rash but no rust other than at the mirrors).

I don't know how the US market compares to the Canadian one. Anyone interested, shoot me a PM.

Vegas993

uwrasta

I have both. I don't think asking the air cooled crowd if trading for a 996 turbo would be wise.

There are many things I like about both and wouldn't want to give up either.

I have a Kline decatt exhaust and tune on the turbo and the sound is intoxicating. It's just straight up badass. I love the smell as it is distinct just like the air cooled but obviously different. As for ugly that's a matter of opinion as I don't really care that the headlight design changed. Especially when I floor it and get thrown back in the seat.

That being said. I probably wouldn't trade straight across. 996tt's are definitely reliable but there are some big big big ticket items that might not make it sensible
Look up 2nd gear pop and coolant lines in the turbo forum and you'll get educated.
My turbo has the coolant lines pinned and no 2nd gear pop. But having issues with either or both is gonna cost you upwards to 15 grand depending on who does the work.

I have an 05 turbo s and would definitely trade straight across if that's what they are offering. If some or all of those maintenance items have been completed it might be a wash.

Either way you need to drive both and see what floats your boat.

jimq

I have both and have a blast driving both. The 996TT is very reliable. I have had my X50 for 12 years and only problems I have had was the wing getting a leaky cylinder, which I replaced with the electric version, and my window regulator going bad on the passenger side which is odd since I very seldom use it. Its fun driving around town and can just lope around or tromp down for a flatten you against the back of the seat thrill ride. Probably selling the 996TT in the next few months only because I bought a condo on the Gulf of Mexico in Crystal River that I am moving into and it has a 1 car garage. I will really miss it once its gone. Only real reason I am keeping the 964 over the 996 is the convertible will be more top down fun for my travels in the back roads and beach areas of the gulf coast.

nowata

...and I always thought my former 996 reminded me of my former ford ranger

HDA

I just got a 996TT.

whomever tells you they are boring is lying.
it could not be more different than a 964, yet it still feels like a proper 911.

everything happens at 30mph faster than a 964 and you will thank the PASM is there. It is equally fun to drive, easier on the driver, does not try to kill you if you lift mid turn.

it’s a reliable tank.

As a straight trade coupe for coupe it would not be fair, 964 is worth more at same conditions.

pu911rsr

I've owned a bunch of 964's along with a older 911 air cooled 911's, I recently bought a 996 turbo- they are all great cars but very different. From a financial perspective I would not trade a 964 for a 996 turbo but the turbo is a much better car by every objective measure - does it have the "soul" of a 964- no but the 964 doesn't have the the soul of a early 911 either.
Phil