nuclearfishin

Ok, this really isn't a troll from a noob on my 2nd post. I'm reading as much as I can on this forum and I keep coming across a couple themes I'd like to get your opinions on. First, I've seen more than a couple say that the 997 is what the 996 should have been, in other words they finally got it right when they went to the 997. What exactly had to be "gotten right?" I've also read that the 996 and 996tt are completely different cars. Aside from the obvious engine differences, are they really that different? Finally, I've seen advice about buying the newest car you can afford, however is a 997 C2S performance similar to a 996 turbo that I should be looking at a '06 C2S versus an 03tt?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. I know these are only generalizations but they seem to come up more than a few times in all the posts I read. Cheers!

nick49

An '06 C2S has much in common with a 996 N/A, basically the same motor, M96. The Turbo shares virtually nothing motor wise with either.

Your opinion of the 996 Turbo apparently is based on very little knowledge. The 997 Turbo is softer, plusher, quieter and less visceral than the 996. To some this is better, to many, it is worse. I studied and drove many 997s before I bought my 996 Turbo. Generally every newer model of Porsche shows some refinement of the previous models it replaced. Many are insignificant to many enthusiasts. Gotta do more research and go with what is important to you.

Read the forums, there's a wealth of info here that will answer many more questions than you could possibly ask.

CincyScott

I've owned now 2 996TT's, and they're a ton of car for the money. I actually think the front end is the least attractive of all of the 911's, but it has so many other positives, I overlook it.

I'd own an older Turbo over a newer NA any day.

blockhed

996TT>997 NA as in non gt3 car

"02996ttx50

you'll have a hard time finding folks who have had these cars describe them so disparagingly. as noted above, lot's of improvements happen to the 911's with each iteration. some are good. e.g. i don't mind moving turbo vanes, do you? as far as the tt's are concerned, i've had a couple of them also, and though i haven't yet had a 997 tt, i've driven enough to say they didn't really get it dialed in out of the box until the newer turbo s w/ pdk. as i read your position, 997 c2's don't belong in this comparison. it isn't fair to the n/a cars.

bottom line. a modded 996 tt will still kick a whole lot of pedigreed ***. so, red headed stepchild? i don't think so.

ltc

I believe the "red headed stepchild" description stems from the front headlight styling decision.
It was very unlike all previous 911's and is often described as "fried eggs". The Turbo always had different headlights than the 986 Boxsters and Carreras, but the overall shape was still the same.

Obviously having been on the 98 LeMans winning car carries no weight.

Going to the 997, they returned to more of a "993 look" which was better received.

Other criticisms were the interior design, switches, etc...minor compared to the headlights.

jcb-memphis

I actually "like" the headlights and the newer cars seem to want to go to a more modern look....the 993 look has captured/trapped the front end to some degree. I like the 997 too mind you, but I find the 996tt really nice. Am biased as heck of course.


Jeff

BT ZR1

I also have grown to like the headlights. I had a C2s and my 03tt is way more car.

mmm951

Man, you don't know what a "red headed step-child" is until you see the photo below. I am in the process of bringing this 964 Turbo back to its original condition for the body - motor and suspension is another story.

There is a big difference comparing any normally aspirated car to a Turbo car, no doubt. However, there is not going to be a big difference "between" the Turbo cars (996, 997, etc.) to justify the higher prices of the new ones - especially on the street. They are all very, very fast!

It boils down to aesthetics and I personally like the front end of the 996.

"02996ttx50

wow. that really is a face, only a mother could love. yikes.

personally i liked the 993 styling as the best, and nothing can replicate the thump of the doors opening/closing. i miss that old car. i have though become used to my 996t headlights, and they are admittedly very "busy". but not nearly as fugly as the first 996/boxter assembly. once they've aged, yellowed, and weathered? they are wholly unattractive.

Daytonaman

You guys and your headlights; There was a post not to long ago, that claimed most people thought the 996 looked newer than a 997. Probably due to the fact that many exotics use that all-in-one headlight config. Of course the 7's headlights were a throwback to the classic look.
Anyway, for sure I won't want for a Boxter anytime soon..

mmporsche

I really don't care for the 997 tt as far as looks go. The styling is overdone- too many bumps and bulges and I have never liked the wheels. I drove a low mileage example before I bought my 996tt and couldn't fathom paying the $30k premium. I like the looks of my 996tt more everyday and I believe it was just too ahead of its time. I regularly receive "beautiful car" comments. As was stated, each generation gets more refined, read isolating, from a drivers perspective. I personally prefer the sharper more visceral feel of my car. That being said, I don't commute and I bought it for pure driving pleasure.

jcb-memphis

That was my post...two architect friends of mine, separate days and times, told me "when did that new one come out" about my 996. They know the 997.....to them, once they heard the explanation, the 996tt looker "newer." Just an N of 2 though....ymmv.

JB

street rod

I believe the 996tt is the best looking production car model that porsche has ever made. Top to bottom, headlights and all.

nuclearfishin

Thanks for the responses guys, keep them coming. As far as comparing a 996tt to a 997 c2s, the 0-60 and 1/4 mile times are very close, so when you say the tt is way more car or it's not fair to compare a turbo to an n/a, what are you referring to? I think the cs2 is only off by about 2-3 tenths of a second, no?