Gary R.

I just went out into the garage and did a scientific "thunk" test and my 997 sure feels pretty high on the thunk scale.. i'd give it an 9.2 compared to my old Audi TT, which I had always thought of as a 9.5 thunker. I never thunked a 993, but if it's a 10 thunk I may just buy one!

Tbred911

what does the TT do it in... if I had to guess I'd say about 4 seconds??

Sean

if it's a 10 thunk I may just buy one

Actually, it is a "10" thunk! People describe it like closing a vault. The 944/968 was equipped with the same design, as were all other Porsches in the 1980s and pre-986 90s.

When Porsche designed the 986/996 they changed the traditional door closing mechanism to something more reminiscent of a Japanese car. The new mechanism is probably lighter and cheaper (and better in those respects), and one of those subtle characteristics that many buyers ignore.

I'm going to look at a 997 this afternoon, and will see how it registers on the Thunk Meter.

rss997

Much thunkier than my 996 for sure...

Tbred911

okay... enough about thunking


will somebody get one of those FAT *** 997 from 60-100 mph please?

rss997

I obey all posted speed limits, sir......

Tbred911

of course Robert, don't all Porsche drivers obey the limits?

rss997

Pete, I played with the timing on the way home and it is very easy to do 60-100. I will get the times up here when i can hop on the freeway in the next few days.

Robert

NTI 911E

The pre-996 911 has a very distinctive door closing. My '73 is comparable to closing a safe door.

pcar964

Closing the door on my 993 is like closing the hatch on a Panzer tank - all 911s before te 996 we like that. I wish Porsche would bring back those small things that really make the 911 special - I respect the 997's abilities, but hate the fact that you could close your eyes and be in a honda. While they're at it, they can start using the GT3 bottom end and dry sump like they should be...

Tbred911

I agree with the above... Chevy's corvette is the wake up call Porsche needs... maybe....

pcar964

c70Pete, I hope you're right - I hope the reality of new Z06s BLOWING THE DOORS OFF 997Ss on the track is enough to get Porsche back in the game. Not only will the Z06 be straight up faster around a track, but it's also more track-worthy (dry sump, need I say more?)

Gary R.

Just checked my brother's corvette and it's more of a clatter/rattle/dropped something in the window channel sound. I don't care if they give corvettes 600HP, in the end its still a GM car..

But hey, that's just ME!

David_A

I just took delivery of my silver 997 and recently sold my 99 996. I need more time to tell you much but my first impressions are good. I owned a 993 and, in my oppinion, other than the sound, the 996 was a far better car. It has an elegant look although it didn't set well with some. I'm a 30+ year Porsche driver and every car I've had has been better than the last. The 997's interior and overall feel is better than the 996 and the car shifts much better. I will post back when I'm more informed. Oh, and, although I didn't buy an "S", the S has a great sound. The sound alone makes you feel like you're going faster even though the difference is little. I would have bought an S, but could not find the deal I found on the regular Carrera and couldn't see the $10-15K difference. I do have PASM and it is great if you're going to autocross or track your car but you don't need it for the street. It is the closest thing to race setting I've ever felt. I'll be back with more! Cheers to you, David

David_A

The reason the doors don't sound like the old cars is because the door windows used to have frames instead of the "air sealing" door glass in the 996/997. They will never get that sound out a door without a window frame. I don't think it has anything to do with quality. After 6 years with my 996, the doors always sealed good and never had air leaks like the old cars. Having said that, my 74 911 still sounds as solid as it did when I bought it in 1976. I love that old car but the 996 and 997 are light years ahead in every way. David