AlexL.

Has anyone here driven both the 3.6L 996 and 997 s back to back? I own a '03 996 and have never driven the 997s. I did drive the standard 997 and felt as though the "seat of the pants" oerformance was similar to my car. Is this the case with the 997s or is there a large difference in performance?

Chris 996

I drove them back to back. I can tell you that the 997S felt lighter around the turns while at the same time holding the traction on the road better.

DCP

The thing I noticed more than the added power was that the shifting was more precise in the 997. Of course, the fact that I had another person in the car and I am used to driving my 996 alone surely muted the power impression.

I don't know whether I should be, but I am a bit leery of the adjustable suspension for out of warranty ownership. Sounds like a very expensive repair. It does seem to make a difference, however.

Bottom line: if I had the budget for it, I would trade for a 997S in a heartbeat, but I am very happy with my 03 C2.

Bullet

I agree with you that the 997 really doesn't make much sense for a happy 996 owner, but the 997S, IMO, does. The only question is what it's worth to you - ie. it comes down to money and value.

The 997S definitely felt faster to me, and the exhaust note was a delight too. It's definitely not a LARGE performance difference, but enough of one that when added to the other differences (better looks, nicer interior), makes sense for me. I share the concerns about PASM already posted, so I am trying to control my urges as I await a North American 997S with the -20 mm sport suspension option. I think that car will make the most sense for me as I upgrade my 996. I just hope I don't have to wait forever . . .

-B