On paper, the 996TT gives up 65hp (480hp vs 415) to the 997, but the 997's I've driven don't feel much different than my car when stock. With a UMW tune, my car feels quicker, but I can't quantify it.

I know that a tune isn't 65 hp, so is the 997 actually faster and it's more refined feeling less so? I won't lie and say I wouldn't rather have a 997 looks-wise, but I think performance wise, there's less difference that I can feel.

Does that make any sense at all?

 

Weight is a factor. I have 996 X50 which is closer to the 480 and I think the 996 is faster after looking and driving both. A tune would make the 996 an easy answer over price of 997 IMO. I like look of 996 over 997 personally (especially interior) minus the headlights.

 

With both just having a tune, the 997 will still have more hp and tq. The 997 Turbo is also at least 60 to 160 lbs heavier.
The 997 also has a electronic AWD system vs the mechanical AWD system. It is a much better system.

Other then the warts on the front bumper and the tail pipes in the rear bumper. The 997 looks slightly better and more modern. I could live with the tail pipes but I have seen GT3 bumpers on the 997tt and that is what I would do.

From a dyno day we had on a superflow awd dyno.

996 TT with UTW chip
CEngPw 457
CEngTq 529

997.1 TT chipped and mods
CEngPw 505
CEngTq 572

 

Scott - when my friend (who sold me his stock X50) picked up his 997 turbo, he and another guy raced home. He said head to head the 997 would pull away quicker from a low speed, but the X50 would begin to reel him back in. I have driven his 997 turbo and found it smoother, quicker (turbo is always ready to go) and more effortless to drive. I have not driven a stock 996 turbo.

 

I go back and forth on modding my 996 or just putting that money to a 997.1 TT. I know deep down I can have a faster car for the money with the 996, and there's something to be said for having no car payment. I'm just trying to decide on my long-term strategy.

I've been talking to Kevin a bunch about going to 2a, but by the time you do everything you should to a 996 to keep it reliable and build power correctly (2a parts, Clutch upgrade, exhaust, misc) you're in the $10k+ range if you turn your own wrenches. While my car + $10k doesn't get you a 997tt, it does get you in the small loan category.

HOWEVER, now I've got the bug for power mods, so I know I wouldn't leave the 997tt alone either. Given that their turbos are different than the 996's, it seems a much more expensive proposition there as well.

Just wondering aloud really... I think the wife would kill me if I sold my 996 anytime soon, just thinking about the long range plans.

 

you mentioned it Scott; keep it reliable and build power correctly. IMO, when you are extracting more HP/TQ at all rpm's; usually, higher rpm's, the reliability window begins to close, per se.


I have debated the UMW tune, 1A, 2A, larger intercoolers, silicone boost hoses, billet DV's, GT2 clutch and components, etc. to the point where I enjoy my current 996Turbo (plenty of power for a DD), not shelling out big time $$$ and keeping the current mods; GT3 6pots, X73, and Speedtech exhaust (thanks Dell) and not really much else to satisfy what it already is providing. oil changes and brake flush on time, and soon a 60K service ( around Christmas).

Yes, you will enjoy a superfast 996 Turbo; as you know, you'll never get the money out of those expensive mods.



Long term, I'll be shopping for a well kept 997.2 Turbo, 991 Turbo, or a GT3 when the kids outgrow the rear seats. The resale of a stock powerplant that hasn't had modding may be worth a few $ more.

 

Just stop talking to Kevin.

 

I wouldn't go that far.....
good thing he's in WA state and I'm in Miami, FL. I keep telling myself, shipping
costs are waaay too much for all those mods......

 

I like the 997tt, I think we'll pick one for my wife sometime this year and leave it mostly stock. I don't think I'll ever sale the 996tt. BTW I pulled a 997 EVOMS 700gt to the top of 5th gear, It was awesome, the 996tt does have a lot of pull up top

 

The 997 with variable turbos, will pull faster from the line up to a certain point. The 997tt with variable turbos has less lag.

 

911's are getting longer, inside and out. 4" overall on the 2013. Heavier, and now with round headlights. Many mfgrs are using the slants as the 996. Love those slants!

 

Scott,

Both of us being Ohio-boys seem to think alike. I have thought the same exact things. I am trying to keep my "mod-fever" under wraps, and being on the forum here hasn't helped:-) We need to put our money into decent mods that enhance the car without going overboard. One can easily go from $6K in mods up to $15K in the blink of an eye---and then decide two years later "ohh I'm going to sell the Porsche and buy something else." Personally I wouldn't go and plunk down that kind of cash on a 997T right now. I'd just pace out the mods---I am being challenged as well---it can become an addiction. I'm eyeballs deep in it right now---I just haven't shared any of it on the forum here for risk of getting hammered telling me "hey John you don't know what you are doing!" Well, I can assure you that my tuners (and Kevin) know what they are doing 100%, but all of that costs money money money!

We're in the same boat, man...but we all need to work together to control the mod-fever that has taken control of us.

 

Hello Scott,

You have a 996 TT and I have a 997 TT and I live just outside Louisville,KY which is not too far from you (120 miles).

The best thing would be to take a trip down to my place and drive both cars back to back before deciding what to do next.

You are welcome to drive my car if you do decide to come over

If you have the funds, it's a 997 TT all day long...

Later

 

And I complete the Turbo Triangle. Louisville, Lexington, Cincinnati

 

Considering that your 997TT is my dream one, I think I'd better stay WAY FAR AWAY from you

Thanks for a generous offer!