frayed

Hey fellas, I love my 997S; I consider it the best sports car I've ever driven. However, I've been following the upcoming release of the turbo a bit and like the aggressive look, the widebody, and the power. Been thinking that I might get one. (as a street car only; have the track car thing covered)

But, I've had a 996 C4S and just didn't care for the AWD feel; it just wasn't as lively and engaging as the 996 C2 or the GT3. Is there any reason to think the 997 Turbo will be more lively than the 996 AWD cars?

Since the 997 Turbo isn't out yet, perhaps somebody could comment on the driving dynamics b/t the 996 C4S and the 997 C4S?

tstafford

I too had a 996 C4S and didn't like it. Now have a 997 C2S and wouldn't want AWD. I have no idea if they improved the system, but I would want to drive it first. How about a 997 GT3 - nearly the power, less money and no AWD??

ojpimpson

some pics & the chicks come with the car. Per- wolfgane

OCBen

I haven't been following the GT3 development, but is it a widebody like the 997 C4S? If so, that's a plus for getting the GT3 instead.

NVRANUF

According to the June Excellence mag, no, the new GT3 has "the same narrow-body fenders as on rear-wheel-drive 997 Carreras, but with special sport tire 305/30R-19s that are pushed out in the wheel wells by 5mm spacers"....

allegretto

I've owned both 996 C4S and 997 C4S. Owned a 996 C2 Targa and drove the 997C2S

The 997 C4S is lighter on the front wheels than a 996 C4S by a fair margin. But there is still a heavier feel. As I stated previously, I don't think is as much the weight as the torque. The C4's just like to straighten out more under power, the differnece in turn in between the 997's is considerably smaller than it was in 996's but still present.

As I'msure you know, Porsche claims an all-new 4 wheel drive system for the TT but I don't know anyone who personally has driven one.

The GT-3 and TT are very differnt beasts and I think you have to be in a philosophically different place if you are choosing one or the other (or compromise and buy both!)

I drive my 997 98% of its miles on the street (just a little tracking for fun) so I would opt for the TT "cuz it is arguably the most streetable supercar ever made.

If I was buying for the track (or at least for significant trrack use), I'd go for the GT-3 since the power curve and handling (including yaw management) are better suited for that purpose.

Either way, you're getting a helluva car!

Carcam

I had a 996 C4S and Turbo and even though they had the same AWD system, the turbo felt lighter and more responsive maybe because of the extra power. Of course the 997S is worlds lighter and sportier feeling. I'm hoping the 997 TT is somewhere in between.

ltc

The AWD system in the 997TT is much improved over the 996TT AWD, and the 997TT is a bit lighter than the 996TT.
All modern PAG AWD systems are designed towards understeer (it's safer that way), so if you are sensitive to car balance and torque steer, I doubt you will like any PAG AWD system....hence the likely reason GT2's and GT3's exist in the model line up.

ronmart

Go watch the videos and read up on the Porsche web site. The 997 Turbo has yet an even better AWD system than my 997 C4s and allows for greater rear wheel bias and slippage than my car.

With that said, I've had no trouble getting the back end out on my 997 C4s and it feels much more nimble to me than the 996 C4s. The steering is lighter and more responsive and overally I've been very happy with what Porsche has done to allow a lot more play with the car (before you get AWD or PSM assists) than I observed in the 996.

H20NOO

The Turbo weighs in at something like 3500 lbs. It is going to be scary fast, no question. For me though, I'll take rear wheel drive and a few hundred lbs less weight and probably still have no trouble scaring myself if the mood strikes!

If I could have bought a GT-3 with rear seats and a smaller rear wing, that would have been my choice. So, the next best thing...

MC

Edgy01

Go with the GT3 is you want to avoid the AWD weight and handling differences. The 997 is a truly different car than that 996 in so many respects. I drove a 2WD Turbo for many years and preferred its handling characteristics. I also absolutely love not having to deal with any turbo lag.

dan

frayed

Some good comments.

As for the GT3, I've already owned a 996 GT3, and only have limited interest in the 997 GT3 b/c I already own a track car. Whatever I buy will be my daily driver and I'd like to retain rear seats to take my 6y/o to school once or twice a week.

In an ideal world I'd take a a 997 Turbo in RWD format w/LSD.

I guess I'll have to drive the Turbo when it comes out to see if it lights my fire.

tstafford

Post comments when you do.

allegretto

Oh my man, you think it wont???

texas911

The GT2 is a rear wheel drive turbo with rear seats.