stanm5

My .02 cents;

I like the look of the new 997, but having sad that I also like the look of the 996.
I thought I might like to own a 997 and test drove one a few weeks ago. Great power, nice interior....but it was missing something, it simply felt too smooth, too refined.
It reminded me of when I sold my e34 M5 and bought a e39 M5, more power, nice interior.....too smooth.
It got me thinking that the 996 may well be the last raw feeling Porsche. I know 911, 964 and 993 owners will all say that their model is more raw than the 996 and while I don't necessarily disagree I do believe that the 996 is the last of the breed.
I think it's normal for owners of the previous model to feel theirs is "better" to the incoming model but in this case I feel the 996 has an edginess that the 997 simply doesn't have.
I'm sure I could learn to love a 997 GT3!


Stan

Edgy01

The 997 is actually shorter than the 996. I particularly like the interiors of the 997 over the 996. With the 996 they got into all those curves and swoopy stuff. The 997 cockpit is muc hmore like the 911s of yesteryear.

I appreciate what they have done to the handling of the 997. With all the variants of 997s out there anyone should be able to find one that works for them. I had them build a S cabriolet, 2-whl drive, with PCCB brakes and the widest factory wheel available (8.5 in front, 11.5 in the rear). The handling does remind me of my older 911s, except I can do what I used to do a LOT faster. We used to always brag about how 911s handle like rooler coasters. The 997 really does.

I remember when they changed the bumpers on the 911 in 1974 and thought, 'what are they doing??' In time, the newer safety bumpers grew on me. In time, all their designs grow on people.

bernocco930S

I own both of these cars and I am STILL warming up to the style and stance of the 996 C4S (soon to be re-pinned with a lower stance). In my mind the most sexy car ever built was this 930S! I just have trouble making it a driver!

bernocco930S

Did the same BMW thing and last summer went BACK to the E34 and now is my daily driver. I love that car and the style. I like your taste.

djantlive

if you like 996, i am not sure why you would not like 997. it's virtually unchanged in looks except a few things.

Nicolaasdb

997 is a move in the right direction for Porsche...back to the days that when I saw a porsche my heart started beating faster......hopefully the 999 is going to that again. ....now my heart start beating faster when I put the pedal to the metal in my 996 and I think...I think I saw a cop car in my rearview mirror!!!

blk on blk

i think the 997 is just about perfect in every way.

nick49

I saw a pic of the front of a 997 GT3 that inspired to start this thread.

I rarely watch TV but tonight I saw a commercial for Mazda and the frontal view of the model pictured had more than a strong resemblence of the 997 GT3.

If someone has the ability and energy it would be interesting to see a post with these models side by side. Don't get me wrong, I think the 997 may very well be a better car than the 996, but that is not my point. Again, the 997 series, especially the GT3 from the front, and even the 987 Boxsters have lost that captivating Porsche essense. If you're an old guy like me you may or may not agree but at least you know what I'm talking about.

If you are young enough to be my son, you may not understand fully what this post is about or the feelings generated by very special cars of bygone decades.

DreamCarrera

I love the new 997 as well as all 911's dating back to the original in'63. However, IMHO the 996 is the greatest 911 of all time. It is the perfect modern day sports car.

My only objection to the 997 is the interior, which has become too refined and MB like and this is unacceptable for "the quintessential sports car". The interior of the 996 is the perfect blend of the bare bones pre-996 interiors and modern day luxury cars. It is very sporty yet very liveable and comfortable.

Also, I agree with several previous posters who have said that the 997's ride quality and handling caracteristics, such as steering feedback, have become too tame for a 911.

Steven C.

Being an old guy too and having driven Porsches for, lets just say a long time. I like both of my cars and I like the 997. My problem is the build quality or lack of it in comparison to the hand built cars. Too much plastic and rattles in the interior. Too many cheap fastners and plastic in the build. Have to keep my 964 to remind me of a really good Porsche.

Porsche can never go back to the old ways but it was really fun while it lasted.....just think what a hand built 996 or 997 would be like and how much it would cost

evansaero

That 930S is SWEEEET... That car is incredible looking

Every time I look at the 996 from the front I wish I had the 997, anyway I really like my car and every time I drive it I keep telling myself

Fulfillment of a dream, an award for a lifetime of achievements
Special Porsche Sounds, Special Porsche Sight, and most important Special Porsche Feelings

2fas4u

imho i think the styling of the 997 is akin to the 993 and the 930, while the 996 is akin to the 964 as i said just my opinion.https://rennlist.com/forums/newreply...e=1&p=3990734#
hiha

chago996

Up-close, I like the subtle lines of the 996. The lines looks sexy enough without making the car look heavy. From a distance, I like the lines of the 997. The more bulbous lines are easier discerned, especially on a dark colored 997. Up-close, the 997 to me has lines that are too exagerated and make the car look heavy even though it may not be significantly heavier than a 996. I love getting into mine and looking at those lines and thinking this a true sports car. The 997 looks heavier and disrupts that feeling of lightness, inherent is a sports car. The best attribute that I like about the 997 is that line that rises up from the back end of the rear fender up over the rear lights. On the 964, 993, 996 that line is a straight shot around, separating the rear bumper form the lights.

grahamtwatson

I think they did a great job on the OUTSIDE of the 997, but the inside is definitely more "average" than the 996 is. Harder lines, looks thinner somehow or other. Maybe even more "Scandinavian" rather than "British" - Ikea instead of Harrods.

The 997 is a better car in all sorts of ways, just look at all the reviews, but I'd love to be able to get one with more of "gentlemans club" feel to it.

GO_ANALOG

When the 901 was shown Porsche owners said thats not a proper Porsche car.

My favorite is the 73s then the 964rs, I like the 997.

After fixing the changes the US government had Porsche make to my suspension (ride height), I love my 996c2. Big difference by the way... Ruf springs, stock dampers.

Kevin


Of course there is a new one in the works. the 2009 model.