mikefitz6

I always wanted a Porsche. 2 years ago we got a very nice 1989 cab and had a ball with it for a year. I put in a new chip and that seemed to made an improvement in the acceleration. It was enough to keep me happy....but after a year the dealer had this red 2004 cab with 40,000 less miles and I could not help myself.

There were a lot of things we liked better about the new car. Parts that were 15 years younger was the big thing. No more gas smell when I pulled it out of the garage. A cab top that did not need a boot added by hand. Quieter inside, a much nicer interior although I do miss some of the funky controls like the heater on the '89 (I never did fully figure out how to work it all). The big thing I liked was the boost in power, now that was real sweet! Overall, I thought it was a huge step up despite the fact that my friend with the '79 turbo calls my car a bar of soap.

So, if I trade up to a 997S, still about 3 years in the future, will I see as big a difference as I did between the '89 and '04? That would include comfort, power, and handling. I really don't think I want the expense and complexity of a turbo. I don't mind a plush car so the GT3 isn't an interest. There is no easy way to test drive one. I don't like to go test drive a car at a dealer unless I am close to buying. That is one of my character flaws and I am comfortable living with it.

I am guessing if the jump from an '89 to the '04 was a 10, the jump from the 996 to the 997.2S would be a 2 to a 3. Does that sound about right?

Thanks for your comments.!

Mike

simsgw

No that doesn't sound right. I have to caveat this by saying I never drove an '89 so I can't fully judge your yardstick, but the difference between a 996 and a 997.2 is enormous. Having decided we needn't spend more than 50 or so for a car at our age, we tried the 996 in a couple of variations and decided to go down the road to the Mercedes dealer. The sales manager asked for one last test drive to impress us and he brought out a 997.2. We weren't a block down the street when I told Cindy "this is a car I'd be willing to own." By the time we finished the rough road test and the high speed segment, I was sold. It cost almost twice as much as the 996's we looked at, but I was not willing to own one of those and I ripped the velcro off our checkbook grabbing for the 997.2. If you don't like test drives, at least get someone to give you a ride in their own.

If the difference between a 997.2 back to a 996 were only three, the 'ten' difference back to your '89 would be scary.

We probably have people who drive both types concurrently. All three types actually. You should give more weight to their views, but there you have my opinion for what it's worth.

Gary

purrybonker

I had an '87 cab for about five years and babied and tweaked it and had a blast with it. When I first owned it I thought it was about the fastest, most capable car ever built.

Now I have a 997S cab and yes, the power and sophistication difference is huge. But it doesn't matter - the power "rush" doesn't last.

There is simply no meaningful way to compare an 80's 3.2 Carrera to a 997 - about the only thing in common is the name plate and what the brand brings to the table.

If I had the space and found the right car (like my old one) - I'd grab another 3.2 Carrera in an instant to park beside my 997 because they each bring vastly different kinds of pleasure to me in driving them.

alexb76

Only way to compare it to your upgrade experience, is FOR YOU to do it... as we can't quantify it the same way.

All I can tell you is that 997 is considered to be the best 911 ever made, and that includes 993 (pls don't flame)!

p-cardriver

996 Turbos are pretty cheap these days, so you might tease yourself by driving a couple of them. It would seem they are pretty robust. Then drive the 997 and decide for yourself whether you can appreciate the differences.

robbonds

Let me just say the diff between the 997 and 997.2 is easily a 2 or 3

rodsky

I've had a 3.2, a 964, a 996 and a 997.2S. The difference from the 996 to the 997.2S is pretty big (dont know if I can give it a number but at least a 6), although my 996 had the X51 package which gave it 345HP. And thats from a 2004 to a 2009. My 997.2S has 385HP and it is much quicker.

Porsche really did a great job with the 997. The interior, chassis, looks, comfort - all around, its a big improvement. Not a huge improvement in power between my 996 X51 and a 997.1S - performance was pretty close (and I'd say it was quicker than a non-S) but the cars are very different in all other respects. But if you upgrade in a couple years from a 320HP 996 to a 2009 and beyond C2 or C2S, it will be at least a 6 or more in difference (on your scale - if i get what you mean)..

mikefitz6

Thanks all!

The difference is much bigger than I thought and that is what I was hoping to hear. It makes it much easier to justifiy an upgrade when there is that big of an improvement.

I will be back in 2 or 3 years.

Mike

RonCT

I had a 964 (your 89) a 997.1 and now a 997.2. I've driven plent of 996s, but haven't owned one. But if 964-996 is considered a 10 to you, I'd suggest the change from 996 to 997.2 is another 10 and others are right that 997.1 to 997.2 is a couple of points anyway. The 964 is a fantastic car in its own right, but the power and surety of the 997.1 and 2 are simply amazing. 0-60 for a 997.2 in 3.9 seconds is blistering and super-car fast just a few years ago. I don't know the numbers, but I think the 964 was about 5.2-5.5 seconds to 60, the 996 wasn't that much quicker, but the 997 is blisteringly fast.

Edgy01

I've had 2.7 and 3.0 litre 911s over the years (some with boost, and others without) and the move to a 996 would be significant for most--to a 997, another big step. (I never got a 996 because the look just wasn't working for me). The 997 is considerably more refined, with tons of power. I would suggest AGAINST buying a 996 turbo as they are getting older and as an older car, maintenance issues will start to grow. As we have found, the turbo maintenance costs will be easily twice that of a N/A engine.

ELUSIVE

In your scale, the difference between a 2004 996 and a 997.2 is definitely higher than a 3. Go sit in the car and you'll see a huge difference in refinement and the power/handling will be significantly better as well. Just my $0.02.

Dr. Z

I've had a 944, 964 coupe, 996 coupe, 996 cab with Tip, Cayman S (987) coupe with sport chrono, 997.1 4S cab and now an 09 997.2S coupe with PDK and sport chrono......the 997.2 is a very different animal.....new engine, tranny, suspension (esp the front) and interior (materials much better).....
This 997.2 IMO is the most fun and rewarding driving experience I have ever had. This car feels more solid and the suspension seems very stable with absolutely no front end "light" feeling that I had experienced with other 911s that I've owned. Each car has been a blast and fun in their own way but to me the 997.2 is in a class all it's own. Of course others may not feel this way so my suggestion is to go to the dealer and just drive a 997.2 S but after you do you will want one. When you get a 997.2 let your friend with the 79 turbo say what he wants as you blow right by him..........

simsgw

We'll be looking to welcome you, Mike.

Gary