dpluimer

I really wasn't looking to buy a replacement for my 996.2 C4S. But a very clean 997.2, one-owner, with less than 40k miles popped up locally and the price was really right. So, here I am.

First impressions (from a 6'6" 300# driver) - noticeably more interior width in the 997. Slightly more headroom. MUCH better seats. PDK is better than the Tip (but I am a Tip fan). The 2-3 shift at full throttle is amazing.Everything is just refined a level or two over the 996.

With that said, the 996 feels more like raw sports car. My C4S also has a K&N CAI (installed by prior owner), and has the lead in induction sound over the 997. Not sure if I'll leave that be, or not?

Optionman1

I have both a 996.2 and 997.2, both 4s models. You will quickly find that going back and forth between the 2 only enhances the overall driving experience.. My 996 feels "light and airy" vs my 997 which feels "planted and scary". Enjoy!

DesmoSD

Congratulations and finding a clean 997.2 is getting more difficult to find these days. I can see the 996.2 being more raw as it's part of the evolution with a decade difference in technology. The tip to PDK difference is one example as you've mentioned.

gaiakai

I wonder if the difference in "raw" feeling is the same with a 996 going to a 997 as is with a 997 going to a 991?

dpluimer

Great question.

I've had the privilege to drive a 992 GTS at the Porsche Experience Center two days before getting this 997. The GTS was an absolute scalpel. Makes power effortlessly. Incredible brakes. It's another couple of levels over my 997.2 C4S. The turbo and 100hp differences aside, it should feel that way in terms of performance. The interior space is huge on the 992, too. All that said, I think the 997 and 996 make me feel more connected to the car. The 992 felt more connected to the pavement, if that makes any sense.

gaiakai

I definitely get that. With the progress of technology for the pursuit of performance, the new cars that come out are capable of faster lap times in exchange for the driver's connection to the car and it seems even Porsche is not immune to this; as impressive as their cars are. I owned a Model 3 Performance for about 6 months and while it can accelerate like nothing I've ever felt before and hides its weight well during cornering, I've never felt more disconnected from the car. This resulted in me cutting my losses in depreciation to get into an older car, my current e46 M3. I know neither of these cars hold a candle to any generation of the 911, but the concept of performance in relation to the driver's connection remains the same.

GT3twenty10

I just bought a 997.2 as well. Ya they are way nicer than the 996 cars, but I do really like the C2 996’s and the GT3, omg, yes!!
I had a 996tt and an R cayman.. way more room in both. Actually the rear seats (ya there small) but they have more room than the 991 in the back… 997.2 is the sweet spot with 911’s. I sold my 997.2 GT3 and regret it, but the fact I doubled my money (crazy) and bought this car it just made sense… I love the pdk, but miss a m/t… kinda

Goose 993

is it just me or was the 996 a lot lighter in the front? My 03 turbo felt way lighter at speed in the front than the 997 does.

GT3twenty10

My old 996tt wasn’t light feeling at all up front, but I recently drove a 99 C2 and I got that feeling yes, but those car have zero aero especially up front vs 997

GT3twenty10

i drove the 992 CS and that thing would clobber my 997.2 GT3… amazing what the newer cars can do…

Goose 993

probably my worn out suspension

akhbhaat

Having somewhat recently driven all of three of these back to back at a car control event (FWIW, I currently own a 997 and had a 991.1 years ago): yes, sort of.

In this case, all three were gen 1 cars. I'd say the 997 feels somewhat closer to the 996 than the 991 simply because of the hydraulic steering feedback, while the 991 obviously has EPS (and a pretty mediocre early implementation at that). But in terms of overall refinement, chassis feel/stability/composure et al, and performance, it's a remarkably linear progression.

Even in terms of steering speed and precision: the 997 has variable ratio (which then improves in the 991 and 992), while the 996 does not. I will point out that EPS is not (and probably never will be, given the physical design) as feedback rich as the hydraulic units, and that matters a lot--but in terms of precision and speed/response the newer EPS units pretty frankly have the 996 and 997 steering beat. They're amazingly intuitive to steer. You could call it a wash, overall.

Rockerchief

I own all three: 996 C4S, 997 Carrera S (F77), 991 C4S GTS.

As you move through the generations everything about the car gets a bit better. The 996 does feel a bit light in the front end especially at speeds above 90. The 997 is tighter and yes the seats are way better, as are the electronics. The 991 is my wife’s (!) it’s her baby. She can get groceries in it or embarrass the local mustang owning teens. It’s bigger, faster, tighter and more luxe than the others. I’ve driven the 992, fast but not yet a fan. And in all honesty my favorite? The 996…it is the most fun to drive BUT the F77 997 is a beast :-).

SSMOKE-U

I saw a test on the K&N hot air intake and they determined the intake sound was phenomenal, but it did, in fact, lose a measurable amount of whp.

greasem0nkey86

Regarding the 997, planted I can see, what makes it scary?