Bonster

A friend of mine just sold his S2000 and has been thinking about getting a Porsche (ever since he rode in mine, lol!). Now, of course I would rather recommend a 993, but that's another story. This guy is looking for the pros and cons of each car. He wants to be able to compare and contrast so that he can make a more informed decision.

I would cross-post this in the 997 forum, but I think I might get in trouble for that. Any (preferably non-biased) help would be greatly appreciated.

Zookie

997 is all Pro's VS 996... get the 997

Bonster

Thanks, Zookie . . . but this fellow wants to know WHY. I did get some info at our track day yesterday about the HP difference, etc., but like I was able to write that down. One guy said that (to which I chuckled) the reason to get the 997 was that the 996 headlights "look stupid." Okie dokie. I just really want this fellow to get the right car. It's not like our cars are on the cheap. THANKS.

V225

I would tell him to drive both, and pick the one he likes better.

LVDell

997>996>993>etc

Contrary to what the individual fanboys tell you, Porsche does NOT goes backwards when creating a new 911 line.

B r i a n

I would recommend to buy you the latest you can afford - willing to spend (assuming the car has a good history and is in good condition).

DCP

996 is the better value and the 997 is the better car. Not by much if you are camparing to the base 997, but still it is better. I still remain very happy with my 996. 997 is not enough of an improvement in any model I could afford to justify a switch for me.

Bonster

Thanks, folks so far, for your inputs. I promised I'd gather up info by Monday at work. You folks are awesome!!!

kr3678

Yesterday I spent some time with the owner of a very basic '05 997. He was absolutely astounded at how much better my interior was than his. (Mine has full leather, supple leather, embossed crests, etc...) His other comment was that he didn't see all that much difference between the two while looking at the outside of the car.

Now, I'm not crazy. The 997 is a much newer, more advanced and probably better driving car than mine. However I paid 2/3 of what he paid for his car, and I got a fully loaded one while he got a very basic one.

Tell your friend to drive a lot of them and buy the NICEST one he can afford.

Janusz

IMO 997, albeit more power and possibly better stock chassis, is a softer car then 996, more japanized. This opinion of mine applies to almost each newer model of 911; they appeal to broader and broader audience and keep losing enthusiast appeal.

Other then that I like the 996 interior better; again, its less japanized. Many people prefer 997 interior though. Again, it appeals more to average owner, I think.

I like 997 headlights better.

To be fully enjoyed NA 996 needs an upgrade in suspension. PSS9/10 is good enough.

juankimalo

+1

Todds911

All good points.

I believe the 996 is a better value too. And the 997 is a nicer car (apples to apples on options), IMO. There are also important differences between 2005 (first 997) and 2006 on, especially regarding the engineering of the IMS. Then you get into non-S vs. S. You can search this on the 997 forum. It is well covered there.

Each little step up costs you. Then you get to the point with the 997 where you are spending enough that you next say "I want a CPO," and that costs more. So it is easy to do the walk from $25k/996 to $45/50K and up 997. Then you start to say, man I'm at $50k, i should start looking at Turbos.

Most say buy the newest you can afford. That's generally true. But for me there is an element of overall purchase satisfaction relative to price paid, especially if it not a DD.

I'm looking at 996's and 997's right now. But for value and the fact that it is a weekend car (hard for me to imagine a $50k car sitting in the garage), and the cheaper 997s are generally out of warranty, I'm leaning at 996's (but keep looking at the 997s). I'm a tormented soul.

Gaspasser19

+1 Get the newest one you can afford. Better HP, better interior, better suspension. What's not to love?

redridge

996 gt3..... Id get that over a 997 carerra.

LVDell

Not sure I'd pull the GT3 (or Turbo) into this discussion. THey are not 996's. Rather, they just share the outer skin. The heart of a Porsche is the motor, gearbox, and suspension. So more like a wolf in sheep's clothing.