I've slightly fallen out of love with my lowly 997.1 4S, and was looking around for replacement... then started driving around cars in the 50-70K range, either test drive, or I upgraded my rental cars whenever I traveled... OH BOY, nothing, I mean NOTHING is as engaging, enjoyable to drive, sounds as good, handles as good, brakes as well, and looks as good in the price range of a used 997... NOTHING! There are faster cars, more equipped cars, more technology, etc... BUT, I simply haven't driven any car that I enjoyed more than my 997...

The cars I drove:
BMW M3, Lexus IS, Lexus GS, Infiniti Q60, Mercedec C43, Mustang

Now admittedly most are not in the same sports car class of 911, BUT, their prices are the same or a lot more than a pre-owned 997, and they absolutely pale in comparison in driving enjoyment!

• Most turbo cars are simply crap, I owned an Audi S4 b5, and it was an awesome turbo engine, but the newer turbo cars seems to be tuned for fuel efficiency, and basically they're either laggy and slow in "eco/normal modes" or jerky in "sports mode".
• The needless array of display and features and buttons on most newer cars are taking away from drivers focus and basic crap like changing radio stations is now ridiculous in some cars (Infiniti with TWO screens was the worst).
• Most GT/sport cars lack in braking for some reason, and all are heavy and don't come close to 997 handling, none had as natural of a handling as 997. All were auto/dual clutch and I never liked any of their gear change ratios, BMW was probably the best but I still prefer manual.
• I also found a lot of AWD cars (compared to my 4S) do weird things like torque vectoring in cornering which completely takes away your control of the car dynamics, it may make the car safer, or faster in the hands of idiots, but it simply isn't as fun to drive, or as FAST to take corners in the hands of someone who knows how to drive.

So, folks, hold on to your 997, or upgrade within the range of 911, or if you're in the market for one, you're getting an amazing car for an incredible bargain price.

PS. IMS aside (2005), one major plus is that 997 has been an incredibly reliable car too... so no real gremlins owning a used one, unless abused ofcourse!

 

Try a newer Cayman, the non-turbo ones

 

Thanks for that insight Alexb76! A refreshing point of view and I agree 100% . I love driving other people's cars out of curiosity and just to compare to my, similar to yours, 997.1 911 C4S. Recently drove a good friends 2014 Corvette Stingray with super cool mods making 550 hp. Now I gotta be honest, that thing sounds like an angry beast! The torque is very impressive! Fast as all get out, but you know what... As impressed as I was with the corvettes sound and torque, I had no desire to switch camps. Our 12 year old 997's are still just as exciting to drive, but in their own unique way. Not as loud, brutish, and fast in a straight line as the corvette, but our cars are still amazing to drive with precision and feedback the corvette was missing.. I walked away with new found respect for the corvette, but had a big smile on my face while driving my 911 home too. I felt very fortunate to own my 911 and realized what a great car we are blessed to drive every day.

 

Driving anything back to back with the 911 really is an eye opener, not that something out there is not better, but it does give you an appreciation of how dialed in it is. That being said the road conditions do play some part, it can be unpleasant in LA on many roads in the 997.

 

Freeways were some of the worst I've ever driven on, but I had a blast taking my GT3 up ACH, Malibu canyons, etc. You guys are really spoiled with such great roads in your backyard.

 

While I agree with the sentiment, none of the cars listed are sports cars at all. Sporty, perhaps, but not sports cars.

 

Yup, the 911 is the right balance of everything - driving dynamics, utility for a car of its type, reliability, etc - that's why its still around after 50 years.

 

Came to say that exactly. Not a single one of those cars are sports cars.. so a poor comparison from the beginning

 

Be careful talking in absolutes, you'll have the 996, Boxster, and Cayman crowd up in arms. In my opinion, the 996 is still the best (((BANG))) for the buck!

Nice write up though!

 

I don't know about that. The BMW M3 coupe manual is definitely sports car class as well as Mustang GT500. I wouldn't kick them to the curb.

 

I am planing to get into my first P car next year and after lot of back and forth narrowed to 997. For the sound , iconic shape, years of Porsche 911 marketing / brain washing.. it is must to get over the 911 itch .. for the been there done that.
Having said that the best and most fun/sports car I have ever driven for street use is hands down the 718 Cayman S manual...which I hope to buy someday. The shifter/clutch feel and nimbleness/precision is in a completely different level compared to the venerable 997, no turbo lag and man is it fast..

 

Started in a 996.2 C2. When I was shopping for my 997.2 C2S, I drove a couple Camaros, 2015 Mustang GT (worth noting the year as they put in IRS), BMW M4, and a 987.1 Cayman.

The Camaros were horrid. "Lots" of torque, but hit redline around.... 2000 rpm? I don't know. It was well before it should have. And you can't see out of a Camaro. The HUD was straight out of the 80's.

The Mustang was "brand spanking" used (1000 miles on it) with full exhaust. That sounded sweet. AND, surprisingly, it drove ALMOST as well as my 996. Surprisingly composed and dialed in. But. Mustang.

Cayman was good, but slower than a Prius running on AA's. M4 was better, but I don't see the appeal of a BMW...all badge, cheap plastics and rattles. Basically a German Ford.

Hence, back to the 911. Had to add a few pennies to my budget for the 997.2, but didn't want the looming catastrophe. No regrets.

 

The only cars I have found that tempt me and are within my budget are the Z06 Vette and ZL1 Camaro. I am very close to trading my C2S for a ZL1 I found. The power, ride quality and comfort are very appealing to somebody my age. The only thing holding me back is I am going to take a real beating!

 

Turbo Caymans are awesome. I loved the GTS when I test drove it.

 

Yup, haha... The only thing that comes close is another ... Porsche

I have the Boxster/Cayman too and in the handling, steering response, and precision they are way up there too. The 911 still holds the edge for me in the excitement department. The Cayman/Boxster do exactly as their told, where as the 911 still keeps you on your toes and you have to be a little more calculated in how you attack corners vs any other car on the market. But it can be tamed and the levels of excitement this car achieves blasting through canyons or on the track really sets it apart from other cars. Other sports cars are great in their own right too. There is no denying that. It's just the unique character of an *** end engined 911 that make driving it really exciting compared to other sports cars that may even handle better or be faster.