Porschefan2001

I was trying to decide between an 01-04 Turbo 911 or a slightly later model Carrera S. Can someone help me with the pros and cons of both. Leaning towards the turbo because I really like the body style.
Any advice is appreciated!

jumper5836

Carrerra S is slower, RWD and has a cheap production engine that unfortunately I have to say, many fail due to scored cylinders, IMS failures, engine rods and skipped timing chains.

They are both old cars, so find one that has been taken care of and has documented maintenance records.

blockhed

You should drive both because we can tell you all the things we like but it's all subjective.
I was in the same boat and went with another 996TT.

ECS Tuning

^ +1 Drive both and report back. You shouldn't have any doubt in your mind after that.

jbossolo

^ What he said. Drive the Carrera first, then the Turbo. If you do it the other way, you won't get to drive the Carrera.

jtt99

Just returned to this forum after many years. I'm a long time Porsche owner and just went through the same decision process over the past two months. I like the 997 but my heart was with the TT so I pulled the trigger on one last week. Now I just need to get it transported home. I had a pristine '86 GR on Black 930 that I sold back to the original owner last year after spending 20 great years with it. Got to love the turbos.

TeCKis300

Here's an interesting video comparing/contrasting the exact models your looking at -

Carlo_Carrera

Turbo.

John 996 TT Cab

My choice was a 2004 996 TT Cab with 2 year CPO warranty versus new but old stock 2007 997S cab. Drove both, bought the TT and sure glad I did. Way more car in my opinion.

rdstemler

The turbo acceleration is effortless compared to NA engines.

TeCKis300

I drove both during my search. Similar to other experiences, I landed on the turbo. I already knew I wanted the turbo given my turbo'd past with other cars. i wanted to try a 997 Carrera though.

To me, it's not just out right speed which the turbo obviously has. It's as much that as driver engagement. N/A motors in my mind are too linear in response. Turbo's have that addictive boost dimension. The boost surge and having to modulate the throttle to manage torque (boost) is just so much fun. Paired with a manual...that's the ticket for me to stay engaged.

And the practically endless potential for power too keep things interesting without making for a ridiculously loud car which is required to make serious NA power made it an easy choice.