Recently I've been thinking that the 997 looks more and more like a 993, especially when you compare it to the newer and much larger 991. Naturally I realize that this was intentional and that the 997 is itself a much larger car than the 993, but I think they hit on a truly timeless shape that while bigger and more usable day-to-day stopped just short of the too-big-for-a-sportscar 991.

Just me waxing on about a car I enjoy more each day. That's not to say I don't spend endless hours on Cars.com thinking about adding a GT3 again...but maybe this time a 996GT3;-)

 

Well, many of us that owned 993's and earlier 911's at the time the 996 came out were horrified that a) the 996 was h2o cooled, b) the curvaceous hips were mostly gone, and c) the classic 911 headlight shape was gone. Many of us saw the 997 as Porsche seeing the error if their ways and returning to the classic features that are so iconic to the 911 shape, sweet voluptuous hips and beautiful eyes. They have stayed true to form ever since. No doubt that the 996 GT2 and GT3 hold a special place in the 911 line, but I prefer the 997 iteration to any 996.

 

If aesthetics are the only concern then I certainly agree. The 996 GT3 though is the hardest core on-road experience I've ever had. It makes the 997 GT3 I had feel like a Buick. It's like an Integra Type-R by Porsche and that's just about the biggest compliment I can think of!

 

At 6'6" and size 13 feet, the 996 was never comfortable for me, the 997 is awesome for us plus size people. I love the raw sound and feel of the 996 GT3, the GT2 is a widow maker. Fantastic cars for sure.

 

The tilt wheel made a big difference for me as well. I'm 6'5" and 230lbs.

 

Oh to be 230 again!!! Less time sailing, less time driving, less time working, more time on the Trek Madone 5.2

 

I have learned from these forums that I have no taste - or at least my taste in the minority, but I think the front end of the 993 looks bad. Where the headlights, fender, hood, and front bumper meet looks off. The 996 headlight looks much better to fill in that odd shape. They fixed it for the 997 and it looks better.

And the mark I 996 GT3 with the taco wing in silver is the best looking 911 ever. Too bad it was never available in the US. But if I win the next mega millions I am going to buy a silver aero kit mark I 996, have Jake Raby build me a 3.6, got the ROW 030 suspension, Sport Classic wheels, center console delete with a black interior and start racing.

 

Basically what I was thinking and why I wanted one to begin with

 

What's interesting to me is that there are so many people who claim to hate one Porsche or another. These people seem to feel that you have to pick an absolute favorite and hate all the rest. It's silly.

I think the 997 looks great. I think the 996 and the 993 look great. They are all different, but I'd be happy and proud to own any of them. I used to think the 914 looked silly, and now I keep finding myself looking at them on autotraderclassics.com. It's all good....

 

I agree that the 997 was more of a return to the 993 look that I like, and I think it is better than the 991 in looks as well. I think most agree, but looks wise I like the 993, 997, 991, then the 996.

That all said, the 996 GT3 is really intriguing to me. I've been looking at them a lot lately.

 

I like the 996 look personally, but yes I agree the 997 is very much a retro throwback to the 993.

On a side note, my 996 GT3 has more room for tall guys like us (6'5" here) than my 997.1 C4S

Agree with the comments on the purity of that car vs. later GT3s with sunroofs, PASM, NAV and 10 speakers, etc.

 

Here we go again! I have both, will never sell the 993 and might consider in the future on the 997!

 

Maybe after the 991 Porsche will build a throwback to the 997….I hope!

Tom

 

I was at my indy a few days ago and he had a beauty 993 C2s sitting out front the same color silver as my car. I made a comment about how I love the 993s and how I was saving for one but they are now too expensive so I picked up a 997. He said he loves the 993s too but that my 997.2 is twice the car for half the price of a 993 today. He mentioned several reasons including more hp, better handling, great AC, and no emissions issues like this particular 993 that was having trouble with passing emissions.

The 993 will always be a favorite of mine but I've come to accept that I will likely never own one unless I come across some serious money.

 

The 997 is when Porsche got it all just right.