mclaudio

I did a couple of searches but didn't really find a direct answer, therefore I thought I'd post my question/inquiry here. I currently use a 996 as a daily driver. My ears seem to be increasingly sensitive to the road noise while driving at freeway speeds on worn out Seattle (I-5 and I-405) freeways. Subsequently, I'm considering a 997 as my next DD. My question is:

Assuming tire condition and model are similar to my current tires (relatively new at <5K miles) and traveling on the same well-worn freeway at 70 mph, is the comparable 997 Carrera interior noise level lower than the 996 C2 model?

Thanks in advance.

Edgy01

This is always going to be a very tough comparison because you have to compare the same equipment. i.e., tires and wheel sizes. Assuming both are the same you will quickly discover no difference between the cars.

Mike in CA

I owned a 996 for 8 years, but I sold it almost 5 years ago so it's hard to make a direct comparison about the noise level. Besides as Edgy points out, differences in tires, exhaust, etc make comparisons even harder. What I have noticed is that my 997.2 is more solid feeling; much fewer creaks and rattles over rough roads for example. In particular, where the roof/sunroof area of my 996 was a source of annoyance due to rattles, my 997.2 has no issues. I don't know that if you measured them with a sound meter that the the 997.2 would be quieter, but it has a more refined, solid feel IMO, which makes daily driving more pleasurable.

niner niner seven

Best thing to do would go test drive a 997 at the dealer since the sound of the 996 is fresh and current in your mind

lexart

Every manufacturer tests new vehicle models for NVH. Dr Bernhard Pfäfflin, head of Porsche’s NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) department can be reached at bernhard.pfaefflin@porsche.de.

Ask for NVH numbers for both 996 and 997 models and you'll have your definitive answer

KeninBlaine

Like others pointed out, I think the biggest contributor to road noise is tires and pavement. I find that interstates, especially the heavily traveled concrete variety, and ESPECIALLY in wet areas like Washington and Oregon, are extremely noisy. The 996's and 997's have huge fat tires and little sound insulation between them and the interior, so they're noisy on rough surfaces.

sbpsu354

I had an 03 996 with Pilot Sport Ribs, US 030 suspension, and sport exhaust. I rarely drove the car with the exhaust in quiet mode, but when I did, the car was surprisingly quiet. It was freakishly quiet on surface streets. Tire noise with the Pilot Sports on the highway really wasn't that bad. The P Zeros on my 997 make a ton of noise on the highway and some on surface streets, and will be replaced with Pilot Sports soon enough. Once that's sorted, I would suspect that the 997 with stock suspension, and normal exhaust will have a slight bit more engine noise (Never a bad thing) than the 996 with sport exhaust in quiet mode.

okbarnett

I find the 997.2 to be noticeably quieter than the 996. But I also did sound deadening material under all the rear carpet and floor. It reduces it even more

mclaudio

Just to confirm, did you add more sound deadening material to your 997 above and beyond what was already there?

mclaudio

Thanks for everybody's input so far. I realize that accurate comparisons would be tough due to numerous variables. My 996 has felt solid so far with no niggling rattles. The noise that bothers me is from the tire and road interface. I have driven a 997 PDK but not at the same route where the rougher roads are. I do acknowledge that I need to drive back to back over the same road and compare.

mclaudio

I noticed a significant reduction in tire/road noise when I changed from Kumho to Nokian late last year. So yes, tires do make a difference.

In terms of exhaust/engine noise, it's fine with me. In fact, I often welcome listening to it more than the stereo. For some reason, it's the tire/road noise that leaves my ears ringing after a while. I must admit that my hearing has been compromised probably due to my years of being around unmuffled race engines.

rodsky

My 997.2 feels a bit quieter than my 996. Can use my phone at freeway speeds. Tougher to do in the 996.

jumper5836

Wouldn't the seals around the door and window really matter. I know after 10 years seals loosen up and allow a lot more wind noise in. I think you can't compare a 997 vs 996 unless both were new from factory.

mclaudio

Good point. Wind noise is actually ok but perhaps seals may be compromised enough to let more road noise in. I'll check them out.

okbarnett

theres nothing there from the start. I added a layer of boom mat off ebay on the 997. Take out the rear carpet and cover everything you can. It costed about $40