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I've swapped my Supra for my friend's 996 turbo and other another friend with a Gen 2 996 Carrera. Comparing the 996.2 Carrera with my 997.1 Carrera S, look for a 997. Both still maintain the analog feel and are still compact. One thing that I've noticed between the 2 versions was how much modern the 997 interior is, especially compared with the 996. The 996 interior looks very dated with the lack of a oil pressure gauge, amber lighting and center stack. The 997 interior went back to the classic layout yet clean and simple.
I’ve driven many 996, 997, and 991 cars. The normally aspirated 996 and 997 cars have a very similar driving feel. The 997 feels more modern, but still gives you that semi-analog driving experience you seek. I like the steering feel better in the 996, but I like the gearbox better in the 997 (maybe due to the shifter).
If you like the 996, chances are good that you’ll like the 997.
The 996 has a more direct linear steering feel. Very direct on-center, whereas the 997 on-center is less sensitive, becoming more sensitive 30 degrees to either side of center.
The 997 front suspension is more refined and has a wider track which makes the car more stable. Good or bad depending where you stand on your 911ness.
I drove both when I started looking for a Porsche I could afford. I agree with what others are saying. Plus, the added low-end power of the 997.2 is much appreciated.
I've driven a 996 base and a turbo though both were 10+ years ago, I own a 997 and have driven many different ones besides mine, and I've driven a 991 as well. 996 and 997 feel very similar size wise and overall "feel". The 991 feels a shade bigger and less connected, though I'm splitting hairs. If I had only driven a 991 I'd be thrilled with it. For me the 997 is the sweet spot. More modern interior, better looks, amazing feel. In comparison to the 996 that is.
I've owned both as daily drivers, tracked both and instructed in countless versions of each. The above comments are generally correct, in my view. The 996 is a simpler car, and it drives that way. The 997 is more complex, a tad heavier, and drives like it. Not good or bad, just different. The basic geometries are similar enough throughout the 996-997 years that any suspension modifications you make are likely to outweigh the natural distinctions between the years.
A couple caveats to that: 1. the first-gen PASM (997.1S) was a little harsh/crashy at the rear axle on 19in wheels. 2. the stock USA-only springs on the 996 (both normal and M030) were just plain too tall (a swap to X73 or RoW M030 is a must).
The interior changes are significant and you can judge for yourself. Despite its unpopularity, I grew to like the 996.2 interior. It is a major step better than the 996.1 interior even though at first glance they seem the same. The 996.2 got a glovebox and far nicer soft-touch plastics. And, as an added bonus, in the 996 (all years) you can retrofit the factory center-console delete kit from the 996.2GT3RS, which dramatically cleans up the interior and makes it seem far more exotic and sporty. There is no such possibility in a 997.
I currently own a 997.2 C2S 6sp with SPASM, XLF, LSD, etc. and it is plenty sporty but still more refined and "heavier-feeling" than my old 996.2 C2 6sp ever was. The 997 is simply a more complex, loaded car than the 996, and it feels like it. Part of me wishes it were simpler, 200lbs lighter and with a less cluttered interior/center stack, but otherwise I love all the improvements (especially the DFI 3.8).
agree 997 (especially the .2) is the sweet spot in terms of sportiness, comfort, modernity, beauty, reliability... of course it costs the most too
not that others aren't nice to own and to drive
Hey now... if you're going to taunt dglass10 with pretty pictures, let's at least make it a fair fight:
This is my former 2003 996.2 C2 with XAA, X73 suspension and front GT3 LCAs. I wouldn't have had it any other way; on the stock M030 (USA) suspension it came with, it felt tall, overdamped and snappy at the limit. On the X73 kit, it killed. I added a lightweight battery and GT3 seats to get the weight down to 3,000lbs even. Can't get that light with a 997 unless you do major surgery. Still miss this 996, sometimes... but overall I'm happier in my 2012 997.2.
And welcome to Rennlist, BTW. Always nice to have another SF local.
Hey now... if you're going to taunt dglass10 with pretty pictures, let's at least make it a fair fight:
This is my former 2003 996.2 C2 with XAA, X73 suspension and front GT3 LCAs. I wouldn't have had it any other way; on the stock M030 (USA) suspension it came with, it felt tall, overdamped and snappy at the limit. On the X73 kit, it killed. I added a lightweight battery and GT3 seats to get the weight down to 3,000lbs even. Can't get that light with a 997 unless you do major surgery. Still miss this 996, sometimes... but overall I'm happier in my 2012 997.2.
And welcome to Rennlist, BTW. Always nice to have another SF local.
Beautiful car. The aero kit really make it! People that make fun of these cars don't have a clue in my opinion. Best 911 value out there today.
Hey now... if you're going to taunt dglass10 with pretty pictures, let's at least make it a fair fight:
This is my former 2003 996.2 C2 with XAA, X73 suspension and front GT3 LCAs. I wouldn't have had it any other way; on the stock M030 (USA) suspension it came with, it felt tall, overdamped and snappy at the limit. On the X73 kit, it killed. I added a lightweight battery and GT3 seats to get the weight down to 3,000lbs even. Can't get that light with a 997 unless you do major surgery. Still miss this 996, sometimes... but overall I'm happier in my 2012 997.2.
And welcome to Rennlist, BTW. Always nice to have another SF local.
haha well done! that is a purdy 996!!! i especially like the 996.2 c4s's too
Still miss this 996, sometimes... but overall I'm happier in my 2012 997.2.
This.
My 996.2 C2 was raw-er, easier to reach the limit, more direct, blah blah sort of stuff. It's that old analogy of it being more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. The 996.2 wasn't slow, per se, but my 997.2 C2S is better/faster/etc in every way. But, I think my 996 was/could be more fun to drive everyday. Less concern for it's condition, cleanliness, all that BS.
08-20-2018, 08:53 PM
