swftiii

Listers,

I have been in the air cooled Porsche 911 world since 1999, but am considering making a change from my air cooled 964 to a 997S. I will be entering a phase of life where getting to the track is probably not in the cards for a number of years and I will be driving either the 964 or the 997 daily, but would like to do the track thing again in the future.

I'm not sure if it is the 8 year itch or not, so am interested in hearing your thoughts and having a dialog for or against the change.

Thanks,
-Skip

Blu311

I don't really have any 964 seat time aside from one ride several years ago, but the 997 is a great car and great daily driver. It will be much more comfortable and practical than the 964 and may even feel luxurious in comparison even though the 997 is not a luxury car by todays standards imo.

You may feel the 997 isn't 'raw' enough compared to the 964 but that's why you have to test drive a few to see if its what you like.

You have a pretty 964, reminds me of the turbo in the first Bad Boys movie! Is there a way you can purchase a 997 and keep the 964?

Good luck!

KNS

If you are able to buy the 997 but hang on to the 964 for a while I'd do that. The 997 is a fantastic car but don't sell the other one 'till you're sure.

dmz

The 997 will be a better daily driver and less expensive to maintain in the long run for sure. So, in the practical sense, is a no brainer to do the upgrade.

However, if you have to make this decision financially, it's a hard one to make. In one hand, you probably want to sell 964 now since the market is high and get yourself a nice low mileage 997S . But in the long run, you'll see more of a depreciation hit on the 997 than keeping your 964.

Given that you've been driving your air cooled car since '99. I would make the switch in a heartbeat.

j beede

I would keep the 964 and buy a sensible daily driver. As 997 prices fall over time and as the 964 rise I think you will regret letting the air cooled car go.

The longer you wait the easier and cheaper it will be to buy a 997. You will always be able to find a great deal on a 997. Replacing the 964 will only get harder.

mickfluff

Hope I can help... Sold my 964 few months back and prior to that had a 993TT etc...then before that a 997c2. After a trip to Fort Lauderdale Boat show picked up a boat and another 997 this time a C2s.

The whole "why air cooled cars are so great" is another topic so will focus on what to expect in a 997c2s.

You will be getting into a more superior car at every single level... more comfortable, more power, better handling, more features/amenities, more reliable and although all Air Cooled guys claim there is no better sound then a flat six it’s OK being an air cooled guy wanting to listen to your stereo so that is infinitely better as well The 997 is by far the best value today for what you will get comparing to the 911 editions through the years. Not going to bash the 996 but aesthetically some feel Porsche dropped the ball here but be sure Porsche more then made up for it in the 997. The 997 has more functional rear seats (for a cruise with the kids or grand kids if you have them) and is a joy to drive long distances, short spirited rides as well as to the grocery store and back.... want a track day, not an issue as the 997 will be at home there as well.

You truly can not go wrong moving to a 997.... will you miss that air cooled car? Sure in many ways but no where in how many ways the 997 is a more superior driving car. If not for the rising prices and fear of being left behind if the market continues to soar I think you would see more people taking the leap into IMO one of the best modern day 911's in a 997.

Love air cooled cars for many reasons but for a car to enjoy, drive hard, truly enjoy the driving experience, technologically advanced but not so far like the 991 cars the 997 is it....

If your viewing your ownership in anyway as a financial investment (what car will go up in value?) then keep the 964.... 997 is mass produced and although some hope to see the prices rise some days it will be a LONG time till they ever see the air cooled boom and if they do be sure those air cooled cars will double or triple where the the water cooled market could go some days.

Hope this helps...

apperception

In August, I sold my 964 to my brother and bought a 2006 997 S (Seal over Cocoa). It took some getting used to, but I absolutely love the 997. I do miss the connectedness of the 964, but am growing spoiled by the little things like A/C that works like a real car. PASM gives the choice of a very firm or compliant ride. Spousal Acceptance Factor is also much higher.

Still, while the 997 does everything better, it is not necessarily a "better" car. I plan on keeping the 997 for a very long time and it is very capable of being a daily driver. I find myself leaving the Audi S8 at home more often

I also did a full stereo upgrade and am very pleased.
Larry

gota911

Skip,

Because I have never owned an air cooled Porsche, I can't compare "air cooled" to "water cooled" cars.

However, I would recommend you get a 997.2 (2009 - 2012). I had a 2004 996 and, when I went to upgrade to the 997, I skipped the 997.1 and went to the 997.2 because of the new 9A1 DFI engine, which does not have an intermediate shaft, so no IMS problems to worry about.

The 997.2 also has an improved navigation system versus the 997.1, and the PASM suspension system (I have a Carrera S) was improved on the 997.2.

My 2010 C2S is my daily driver and I have had it for a little over 4 years and have put 73,500 fun filled miles on it.

captainbaker

I have had 3 964's over the years. The 997 is the perfect next step in the evolutionary process.

Its more refined, luxurious, yet never looses that go cart feel when you push it. Go drive one and you will understand what I mean.

Astur

I'm one that went the 964 to 997 route... My first Porsche was a beautiful 1993 Arena Red Carrera-4 which turned many ahead during the years that I had it. Then after a while I went over to the Dark Side with M-B and BMW's until I found my new gem.

Back in May of this year I bought a pristine 2009 997.2 C2, Guards Red, PDK, Sports Chrono, black interiors, GT2 19" wheels and with only 15.3K miles. Truthfully the 964 was nice but the 997 is a class apart.

The 997 has more power, is smoother, has better handling and with the PDK is just a dream to drive. So if you find one you like and at the price that you can afford, don't even think twice!!!

Ben Z

After driving various air-cooleds I came to the conclusion I would love one for a weekend toy, but not as a DD. Having a weekend toy and driving something else daily is not a practical option for me, so I chose a 997. If I were buying again today I would also be looking at the .2, although IMS failures in '05.5-'08's are almost unheard of (or substantiated).

swftiii

All great comments, thanks. I have driven my Dad's 2006 S as well as sat in the right seat instructing students in them a number of times. I was always amazed at the torque at all RPM levels and the stability at the limit as well as the smoothness.

I'm not sure I can swing the 997.2 (unless I can sell the 964 for a really great price) and in talking to my wrench and reading a lot here not sure I would worry much about the 06-08 997S with the larger IMS bearing and good regular maintenance. My wrench (who I trust very much) believes that it won't be an issue with good fluid and coil maintenance - anyone have real data and insight to dis-prove or otherwise?

It isn't an easy decision as I have a lot of great memories of working on the 993 and then 964 and tracking it with my Dad and air cooled buddies. This decision has been in the making for a while though, and I feel it is the right decision and direction for me to go to the 997.1 S.

Thanks and keep thoughts coming,
Skip

ElectricChair

I went from a 930 Turbo to my 997.2 C2. Adding a 997 to your 964 would be perfect. If that's not an option, get the 997 hands down!

turbo3.6

Lots of good advice here... I went from a 964 turbo to a 997.2 GTS. I had the turbo for 10 years and loved it. Then, over the last few years, the value went crazy and I was worried every time I drove it. So, since I had never intended to own a "collector" car, I sold it last year and bought the GTS. The GTS is a better car in every way; the only thing I occasionally miss is the violence of the turbo kicking in at 3,000 - that was like a drug!

As others have said, if you can swing it, keep the 964 and get the 997 for daily use. If not, get the best 997s you can afford and don't look back...

Good luck!!

GTS Sully

Great advice all around. If possible, definitely keep that 964 and just add the 997.2 to the stable.