TommyV44

I owned both and really never loved the 996........aesthetically just missed for me. IMO don't get the 996 but can't give you any specifics except the looks and feel....sorry!

Tom

pissedpuppy

I never had a problem with my 996, it's looks or performance.

for the money, I think Porsche's interior has pretty chintzy plastic bits - but most cars do these days (though this isn't supposed to be just "any" car)

my 997 has way better seats and the throw is shorter.

we'd all prefer to have the mezger engine (GT3s and TTs) - so the 996 has that benefit. as it's also a TT, it will perform better

joelpirela

I had both at the same time... day and night. The design ethos of the 996 is fast becoming obsolete... too many ovals and roundness (think ford taurus) The 997 is very detailed, more german and simplified. straight lines and sharp edges while still conveying an organic feel.

996


997

sixtosune

As a previous 996 and current 997.2 owner, I think joelpirela's quote above really sums it best; spot-on.

Datura

O_M_G!!! I can't believe that I am cross-posting! Is that like, British??!! ;-)

997 S vs. 996TT

Actually, since I have owned (own) both, I found the interior of my 997 S to be more business-like, focused. Man-cavish! Yes, man-cavish!!

The interior of my 996 Turbo seems more luxuriously focused on an evening of good wines, superb Vicyssoise, and a deep goodnight kiss.

Either scenario is awesome in my opinion!
(Big picture for effect)

Edgy01

Since you are focused upon the interior I would comment that the 997 you are comparing the 996 Turbo to looks fairly stripped. It is lacking a full leather interior (as evidenced by the non-stitched dashboard). When Porsche designs these cars they wind up putting a slush finish on many parts that could be covered in leather, if someone so ordered it that way. However, an a la carte leather interior adds up quickly so you need to find a car that was ordered intelligently by either a very knowledgeable owner or a smart salesman. Sadly, the slush finishes wear in no time and wind up looking pretty ratty, even on fairly well taken care of cars. The high wear areas simply have to be clad in leather originally to keep the car holding up well. Generally, the Turbos have a full leather interior so for simply holding up better the turbo will get the vote. However, strictly from an esthetic perspective, the older (what was that they called it--the Ford Taurus?) look will wind up dating it very quickly. I would pass on the 997 sample that you have looked at and hold out for a 997 with at least the following in leather:

Full leather interior
Central console front and rear in leather

The non-leather consoles take a serious beating and are in need of a repaint in no time.

Better is the 997 with the above in leather, and with leather door finishers. Sadly, very few were ordered that way.

yemenmocha

996:



997:




Sedan:

Renzsport

Dan's got it right. I was lucky to have grown up in the back set of various 911s (a 77 s, 83 sc, 88 carrera). The 997 interior design is very reminiscent of these older porsches and for me that's huge. Although it might not seem significant, the details add up. In the end, the difference between the 996 and 997 interiors is night and day.
Add to this what others have said, the 996 looks a bit ford taurus/focus-y, the 997 is more of a structured german design.

Renzsport

Ha ha excellent

JUST a kiss?!

I like your photo, Looks like your set up for some intense road rally action!
I've noticed quite a few sand beige interiors here and feel I should add mine to the mix, sadly not full leather

Datura

What a beauty!! Yours is pretty much identical to my S. I truly loved the white/sand beige combination. Very clean and I think showed off the lines of the car well.
I have the full leather in my 996 Turbo, and it is nice. Two very different cars IMO.

alexb76

996 just more dated, and one of the worst designed Porsches... however, 996 TT might be a great value for the money.

slicer

I am going through the same dilemma. I currently have a 996 with it's rounded interior details (wife's car). The turbo steps things up nicely with it's full leather interior. Despite the short comings of the 996 interior I think comparing a 996 tt's full leather interior with a 997 non-full leather interior ends up being a toss-up (the leather covering most surfaces just classes things up). However, once full leather is added to the 997 interior, it far surpasses the 996 aesthetically. The electronics in the 997 are also a step-up. My dad has a 993tt and I would choose that interior over the 996. Porsche simply screwed up the design of the 996 interior IMO.

As others have said, there are other factors in this comparison. The Metzger engine makes the 996 tt more desirable mechanically. Plus the 996tt is such a bargain given its performance. The 997.1 still has the IMS concerns. I am now considering the 997.2 S for that reason. Then you start getting into the $70k + range which is near 997.1 turbo dollars....

Bob in NY

[ The 997.1 still has the IMS concerns.

Huh?

slicer

Are you asking because you don't know about the IMS weakness or you don't know about the IMS weakness in 997's? None of the Metzger cars have the problem (Turbos and GT3's). There are many threads about it. 2009+ cars, with the updated engine, do not have IMS issues to my knowledge.

http://www.lnengineering.com/ims.html

Bob in NY

Wasn't aware of this issue and my car has been fine since day one. I do use
Motul 8100 5w40 and change it every 5k. I'm not aware of anyone on the board here with engines problems either.