ojpimpson

I know 997 must be better newer car.but why how so.thanks

Bullet

No, it's not. I've driven both (I own a 996) and I haven't been able to appreciate any significant difference in the driving experience (coupes). None. The 997 certainly looks better and has a nicer interior (albeit far too may buttons and what's that TV screen doing inside my supposed to be spartan sportscar).

The 997S is a different story altogether though. It does represent a step up, and PASM, despite what the track aficionados say, is a great "best of both worlds" compromise.

If money is an issue, I'd definitely considering getting a second hand 996. It's a GREAT car.

-B

OCBen

Okay, OJ Pimpson???, you need to report immediately here:

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/252128-what-does-your-username-signify.html

Vancouver83LTD

ojpimpson = 14 year old?
haha

scycle2020

fun that this topic came up...last week i drove a 03 carrera coupe, a 96 993 coupe and a 997 coupe back to back to back at a local dealership...big differences between all three cars....the 997 had better ergonomics, much better shifting and more direct steering vs the 996...the seats were much better as was the handling and the engine note...the acceleration was about the same with the two cars but the 997 had the stiffer chassis...of course interior and exterior looks go to the 997 imo....also, clutch up take and feel was better in the 997....so i felt the 997 was a large improvement over the 996, which was unfortunate for me, because the 996 carreras are great bargins right now...

Bodhi

Two DE instructors (also 996 owners) who've gotten in the car with me (base 997 w/ PASM&SportChrono) have both remarked how much more smooth and stable the car is. They now both want 997s.

Bullet

Some things to think about:

Shifting: the clutch action on a 997 feels like the little clutch on my Volkswagen Jetta. I actually like the heavier clutch on the 996. As for the gearbox, the throws are shorter on the 997, but minimally so.

Steering: some auto journalists have lamented the loss of the direct steering of the 996 versus the variable ratio steering of the 997. I think EVO came to the conclusion that the steering was actually better on the 996.

Seats: No difference at all in my opinion - same with ergonomics (but I'm average sized 5'11). Perhaps the 997 you drove had sport seats to make them feel "much better" than the 996?

Engine note: It is louder in the 997 for sure, and that goes a long way to making the car feel sportier and peppier. The engine note on the 3.8 L is a screamer compared to the 3.6 on the 997.

Stiffer chassis: I think it's important to keep in mind that the 997 you drove was the newest car of the bunch. That will surely affect how stiff you feel the chassis is. I know that my car's suspenions settled over the first 10,000 km, and that affected how "stiff" it all felt. When I drove a 997, I also thought it was stiffer, but I was comparing it to my 996 which had 25,000 km on it and is a Targa. I doubt that the 997 chassis is appreciably stiffer than a 996 with equal use and taking into account the suspension set up and age.

All in all, I stand by my statement: the actual differences between 996 and 997 are small, and if money is an issue, then a 996 remains a GREAT car - 95% (if not more) of what you get with a 997, for considerably less money.

-B

NVRANUF

If money was an issue, why would you have a 996??

Each of my Pcars are great cars in their own respect. As for the 996, they just never appealed to me on any level, so I waited for the 997, hoping it would.....and boy did/does it ever!!

pedsurg

Bullet: No disrespect but yikes! Differnt trannies (from different continents), stiffer chasis, tighter suspension (some mags prefer the soft setting on PASM to firmer stock 997). How bout a little thing like a fully adjustable sterring wheel. While I loved my 02 C2, I believe the 997 to be better in all regards. That's the easy question. The harder question is whether you should buy a 996 in the 30's or a 997 in the 60's.

scycle2020

thanks for bringing some sanity to the discussion...the question is a 996 for half the price of a 997, and each person has to answer that for them selves....of course, many porschephiles like the 993 over the 996, as seen by the high resale values of late model 993s vs 996s.....

Bullet

I think we're all saying the same thing here . . .

I never said that there was NO difference or that the 996 and 997 were equal - only that the differences were small and that there were actually some changes that some thought may have gone in the wrong direction. Basically, I'm just saying that the 996 is still a really great sportscar, and if money is an important issue, then celebrate, because it can be had for a really great price nowadays. No shame in that!

If money is not an issue, then run out and get a 997S with X51, sport chrono, sport seats, PCCB, and sport exhaust!!!

-B

Mikla

I drive now a 997 and it is significantly better than the 996 in all aspects (mine has 19" wheels, PASM & Sport Chrono)... but considering the current 996 prices, it is not twice as good. Value for money, 996s are hard to beat.

MMD

Yes, it is much better than 996 models
Why? Because European reviewers (who know more than we do) are unanimous. Also because every 911 is an advance over the previous. C'mon, "your question has become teeeeeedious (like Mike Meyer's "Dieter.")"

texas911

Yes.

Truble10

I would say "yes". It might be a better car than my 996TT except for the power difference. My neighbor sold his 996TT to get the 997S and he says it is better in every way, shape and form. I can't wait for the 997TT!!!