Hi

I recently sold my '02 Z06, and I am now deciding which car I want to move up into. I love the turbo for its awd and easy power gains, while I love the 997S for its relative simplicity, and clean lines. I will be using this car mostly as a daily driver, with some driving events at Summit Point mixed in - I am buying a '66 912 to really learn to drive/hopefully club race with. Thanks!

Chase

 

If you haven't done so yet, drive each car (hard) and see which one you like better.

 

A 997 will bludgeon you with depreciation, while the TT is much more rare and moddable. If you like the lines of the 997, how does a 993 TT sound?

 

Hmm, I had not thought of a 993 TT. How is the awd system, and modability (is that a word?) as compared to the 996? I think I will try to get a test drive. Thanks

 

The AWD system is similar (the same?), and the car is just as modable.

 

for a daily driver, the 997s is probably a better car. But you'll never get the ridiculous smile on your face that you get from the torque of the TT. As far as the 993 vs. 996TT, you really need to drive them both. The 993 is a little more raw, but they're both incredible cars. If you can drive all three, and but whatever floats your boat. You can't go wrong with any of them! Good luck.

 

Well, Chase? What kind of response did you expect from the 996TT forum?
I was at the track a few months ago with a guy in a 997S. A very nice fellow who had owned a 996TT. We had a similar past track history.
He thought the 997S was more communicative and responsive than his TT. We had several "match-ups" on the track and everytime he got blown away. I would catch him and pass him and leave him behind every time. He admitted he was no match for the TT.

 

996TT hands down

 

Not sure how a 997S would be a better daily driver than a 996TT. The 996TT is very mild mannered and easy to drive in traffic. I spent 24 hours in a 997S and it did not even tempt me to trade my 04 TT cabriolet and the cabriolet is a pig compared to my previous 03 TT coupe. I am definitely going to buy a 997TT, but no way would I go from a 996TT or even a 993TT to a 997S.

 

Haha, I know, this is why I posted the same question on the 997 forum. I'm really starting to think the 996tt is the way to go, as the 997s seems like a step down (in performance) from my Z06.

 

I test drove a 997 S and while it is a nice car it is not even in the same league as the 996tt.

 

Hey Chase:
At the last NASA DE at RoadAtlanta there were at least 4 ZO6's, 1 ZR1, AND 1 C6 running in my group. This was my first non-PCA DE. I had never run against Vettes and Vipers, and was not sure how my car stacked up. They combined the group 3's and 4's (expert/instructors) into 1 run group. I don't know about each driver's ability, but only one ZO6, one NSX, both on race slicks was faster than me (I am sure they were more capable driver). I really enjoyed running with the Vettes, vipers and mustangs. It was amazing how much later I would get on the brakes than the other cars. I would run right up on their tails going into a turn, I really had to watch myself. This never happens at PCA DE's. Braking power seems to be a major advantage with the Porsches and especially the TT.
I am running with NASA next weekend at RoadAtlanta. I am looking forward to mixing it up with the Vettes/Vipers again.

 

I drove the above mentioned cars, and also threw a GT3 into the mix. I chose the 996tt hands down, and the GT3 was a close second. I do like the looks of the 997, but it lacks the power and pizazz that I wanted.

 

I took a long hard look at a side by side comparison of a black 996 cab and a black 997 cab over in the 997 side and I swear the 997 head lights and front end are a step back and make the car look dated. I like everything else about the 997, from wheels, interior, to the rear end of the car, but the front end is dated looking.

I wish Porsche would have done CGT, 360, 430, or even a Vette style light instead of going back to round or oval. I will still buy the 997TT when it comes out, but I think going back to round or oval head lights is not keeping pace with the times. It would be like Ferrari going back to a pop up head light to me.

It would be great if Porsche would seperate the 997TT from the 997 model line by giving it cool head lights. Perhaps the next series will figure out a way to integreate a modern looking head light. Don't get me wrong, I like the look of old Porsches, but wish Porsche would chart new grounds rather than revert back to simple oval roundish headlights. VW Bugs can still use round headlights, but all other high end sports cars have come up with pretty cool ideas in this category except for Porsche.

 

Hey Chase...Take it from someone that has had 5 Vette's, the last two a 01 & 02 Z06...BUY the 996tt. It's like a well refined, all weather Z06! :reckon:

My 1st Porsche was a 03 C4S, Great car...too slow compared to my Z06. I HAD to have the tt, no question about it!

The biggest thing to me about the switch from the Z to the tt is the refinement of the Porsche...Wow. Both the Z & the tt are super fast, but the tt is so much more than the Z, and if you know how to drive, a bit quicker, and definitely more stable at high speeds...(and rain...did I mention the drivability in all weather..haha )

Like the saying goes..."There is NO Substitute!!" (and if you still crave the Z power...you better but the tt!!)

Life is too short...BUY the tt!