JKay

Hello All

Previous 997.1 Turbo owner here, and I am looking to get another Porsche to compliment my current 981 Boxster (which I'll be keeping for now)

Looking at 911's where I live, it looks like the 996 TT is what I can comfortably afford. I have done some research into common faults and know there may be potential hidden costs as these cars are now around 20 years old.

I have also had a 987.2 Cayman, Cayenne Turbo as well ay my current 981. Id love a 991 Turbo one day but they're around 3-4 times the price here and its not the right time for me due to other commitments.

The "new to me" 911 will be a second car which I may track occasionally, but it will spend most of its time on the road, spirited road driving in the canyons etc and late night runs when roads are empty for fun. I love the slug of torque they give which I find addicting.I dont plan any mad mods except for an exhaust and a mild tune (if it doesnt already have one).

So.....Looks aside (I actually love the way the 996 Turbo Looks) Apart from the out dated interior, is a 996 TT hugely different to live with and drive to a 997.1 Turbo?

Had a short test drive and I loved it, but curious to hear from people who have lived with both. A Manual Transmission would be my preferred choice but seems there are only tips for sale locally

Thank you in advance
Jkay

s65e90

997 has nicer turn signal stalks that don't click, and don't feel like they're going to break off when you use them. Also the ignition is nice as the key snaps back when turned versus like an old tumbler. That's all I got.

Dock

Outdated interior?

Mavster

I think there is more legroom in a 997. The 996 feels less insulated from the outside world and so a more raw driving experience. I don't think the centre dash console of the 997 will age as well as the 996 variant.

JKay

Thanks …. i kinda like the less insulation bit…. Gives me that 90’s sports car feel and I find in modern cars (spent a lot of time in modern Ferraris when I worked at a dealership), I am so insuliated in something like a 488 I keep pushing into jail territory

Capt. Obvious

I haven't owned a 997 but I've been around them enough to get a good feel for the big difference. The main difference has already been alluded to with the interior. The 997 interior feels, looks, and sounds more modern than the 996. Depending on your idea of what one of these cars should be, that can be either a good thing or a bad thing. I personally have always liked the 996 interior because it is a bit more spartan and makes the car feel older and more raw (both of which I mean in a good way).

Driving/maintenance/general care and feeding is pretty similar between the two.

racngrn

I don't tend to think of the 996 TT as having a dated interior, any more than I think an Air-Cooled interior is dated. I prefer "period correct". The interior is unfairly maligned much like the headlights but is really not a bad looking interior. I owned a 98 Viper GTS for a period of time and can tell you, the 996 TT is gorgeous compared to that. And yet, the Viper was it's own creature. "Love the one you're with" - like the song says.....hahaha. Quite sure you'd love the 996 TT too. .

JKay

thanks! I for one don’t mind the 996 interior either at all and love the exterior looks as mentioned above … that’s why I’m focusing on the driving/ownership experience instead

It’s a delta of around $40k between a 996/7 TT here and if it’s pretty similar as youve pointed out , it’s a no brainier for me

RCF925

I recently purchased 2002 996tt, Interior just fine, everything is leather wrapped on mine so no plastic

JKay

Very true come to think of it, ie period correct….. I don’t hear people Bash the 993 interior as much 😅

harlanmott3

I haven't owned a 996tt but I did cross shop them, and have spent wheel time in both, own a 997tt. No talk about looks inside or out, cause whatever thats every persons individual thing. When I cross shopped the two this is what I noted: The 996tt engine is the same gt1 block but turbos are not vvt so they have more noticeable lag than 997tt. The 997tt uses an electronic front diff vs a viscous. The electric diff gives a much better feel and makes it more useable in poor conditions, but also means gt2 conversion is not a possibility like on the 996tt. The 997tt engine has plastic elbows (I don't think the 996tt had) and may need addressed. 997tt has different cam shafts that can spin in their housings (I don't believe the 996tt has). They both have the same issue with glued in coolant pipes. 997tt has better injectors, pistons, and I think maybe rods as well (rods are week link in 997tt also tho).

Rambler_13

I owned a 997.2TT 6mt before my current 996TT and I think you will be pleasantly surprised by how similar the 10 year older chassis feels while in a simpler and more analogue platform. I much prefer the looks and driving experience of my 996 over my 997. Note that my 996 has a KW V3 suspension so take that into account too.

cdk4219

997 has better stereo, better seats and seating position( more room and lower) much better AWD system, better shifter feel. The interior is definitely more modern. It seems quieter as well

Rambler_13

Better awd system how? Because it is more electronic than mechanical; or involves the front wheels more frequently? Give me the 996 system all day.

harlanmott3

996tt is not mechanical, its fluid, viscous coupling. The 997tt system is better in every way, minus its locking the car into never being 2wd. For some that could be everything! Feel free to research it, info is readily available on the improvements of the electronic vs viscous coupling.