geeky

I went through this exact dilemma two weeks ago. I'll list out my train of thought and reasoning why I ultimately ended up purchasing the 997.1 Carrera S.

996:
Pros:
- AWD
- Mezger Engine
- Turbo
Cons:
- GT2 Clutch conversion (necessary sooner or later)
- Coolant Lines (pinned/welded necessary)
- Dated interior/exterior

997S
Pros:
- Newer Technology
- No coolant line issues
- Newer interior (this was the primary reason for me as I bought the 997S as my daily driver) (heated seats, bluetooth, sound deadening, heater, ac, the overall look and feel of the interior)
- Carrera S Brakes
- PASM/PSM
Cons:
- Not a turbo (depends on who you're asking)
- IMS Bearing
- Oval/Scratched Cylinders

As I mentioned, I ultimately went with a 997S as my decision was also skewed slightly as I also own a 996 with a full WB conversion and an LS1 swap. I saw the LS1 power and widebody similar to a 996tt rwd converted car. Furthermore the 997S that I specifically bought had a full record/history of having the engine rebuilt with 3.8 LN Nickies, updated LN bearing, LN 1/2qt extended sump etc and the biggest push was I was looking for a daily from my 996 LS1 WB and the E36 Track Car (dedicated) that I was driving around for a year. Drove around in bucket seats, caged, stripped interior, no heater/ac, no stereo, no sound deadening etc. So looking at comfort and interior bells and whistles the 997 just came on top of the 996 especially when I already have another 996 sitting in the garage.

dgjks6

Real Porsche people don't like 991's either

Hey, what other response do you expect on the 997 forum?

By the way, I will give you my opinion. For a fun car and a weekend toy - the Turbo for the win. For a daily driver, the 997.

qikqbn

All personal preference. If you are all about Torque, going faster and easy mods... Turbo all the way. Power delivery is not very predictable due to turbo lag and the sound is a bit "whooshy" as we all know. N/A Motor of 997s offer less torque, but very predictable power delivery and a screaming sound at high rpm will be your reward every time. Btw, I was a "Turbo" guy many years ago. Loved the torque, but turbo lag and unpredictable power delivery was frustrating at times. I still love them, but for me I ultimately decided that a screaming N/A sound and power predictability are my personal preference.
Intro:

Comparo 997 S vs 996 TT vs Modena vs NSX

Doug H

I had 3 996tts and 2 997tts and I have had a 996 C2 (wife's), 997.2 C4S cab and a 997.2 C2 cab (wife's). I have no clue how anyone can legitimately complain about turbo lag in the 996tt because it ain't there or one is just not used to the real world of turbo lag. Those little K16s and even the K24s spool up instantly and provide incredibly steady, linear pull. The NAs are lethargic feeling in the lower rpms comparatively speaking. The 996tt power delivery is very smooth and predictable.. they are great, well mannered daily drivers as well.

colinallcars

I have a '02 996tt 6 speed, and a '08 C4S tip.
I agree that 996tt has NO noticeable turbo lag, and is a beast loaded with fun. Mine has tune exhaust numeric SSK and RSS motor mounts. When the turbos kick in and knock you back into your seat the feeling is PRICELESS!
While the C4S is a bullet also especially in the upper rpm range, it seems quite docile in comparison to the turbo (especially with tip tranny),
While both are great daily drivers, i would opt for C4S as daily if I had to chose only one, but then again if I had to chose only one.......I'd keep Turbo all day long and buy something less expensive as my daily😛

Steve 911

996TTTS

Just a view but when you modify most factory twin turbo's cars with just a tune and free flowing exhaust with lower cell cats the difference is throttle response, turbo lag and driveability improve significantly. Never understood folks complaining about turbo lag without modding the exhaust and tune. My first drive in my stock 996 turbo back to back with another modified twin turbo mark that I owned was extremely underwhelming and yes very laggy in comparison. After just a tune and exhaust that opinion changed quickly. Now it's the power delivery is not ideal for my liking eg prefer boost coming on much lower in the rpm range. But solutions to address that