lightguy

Currently I have a 996GT2.
If I were 20 years younger the question wouldn't be asked BUT I find the ride a little too extreme.
Plus no (defeatable) nannies.
I used to race Formula cars so a stiff ride is (was) acceptable. The 6GT2 is too much.
Ah... the old days
Is the 7GT2 softer or can I expect the same stiffness ?
I'm considering a 599 GTB as an alternative.

Igooz

I bought my '03 GT2 new and then the 7GT2 and still own both; is your question about ride? (And I'm also old! )

Yes, the 6GT is definitely harsher, louder, stiffer, wilder, etc. Twin Non-VTG turbos, smaller footprint, no TSC, ... I wrecked mine with my wife passenger in the car, sad day, but fixed it at Porsche.

You will be pleased with the upgrade. But you may even be more pleased with the 2007-2009 997Turbo as it will get you even a more subtle ride and still faster than your 6GT2.

DM1

I had both and the 997 is definitely much taimer. Smoother all around. But if your looking for that, as the previous post says, a 997 Turbo will do the job just as well at less then half the price.

MikeAWD

Depends on what your 6 GT2 is worth. There are many of them going for more than a 7 GT2 these days which makes it more car for the same or less money.

Carjunky1

I bought a '08 997 GT2 and I think the 997 models are the sweet spot for any liquid-cooled 911. I tried a souped-up (600 WHP) 996 GT2 and almost spun it after the salesman almost spun the car. The nannies in the 997 version have saved me more than a few times. I think the interior and the exterior of the 997 look much better than the 996 but this is purely subjective.

To answer your question, the ride is slightly more compliant in the 997 version and I compared each model with light weight bucket seats (LWBS). If you are concerned with the ride I would still upgrade to a 997 GT2 and get one with the sofas for seats instead of the LWBS. Even considering the huge premium for the 997 version, I would consider it worth it over the 997. More power, better looking, better handling dynamics, and an upgraded interior.

BTW I also own a 991 Turbo S, and I would sell it in a heart beat if I had to choose between it and my 997 GT2.

C.J. Ichiban

997 GT2 was actually criticized in period for not being hardcore enough. Too centered on long distance driving.

996 was more in vein of the 993- "hey this thing is bad to the bone. Respect it. Good luck!"

Misplacedyankee

I think that was the thought due to all the nanny controls that default on the 997. Turn that stuff off and its a better and quicker version of the 996. I have driven both and actually like the 996 version, but went 997. I think it was worth the additional $$ personally on aesthetics alone.

gt2-josh

I owned four GT2s. Three 996s and one 997. Two were bought new and two were bought used. I'm a big fan of the 996 platform. Looks are subjective. It might help to read Excellence articles from 2007. The magazine had collectors, professional race car drivers collectors and weekend warriors opine. Couple of comments, every 996 GT2 dyno'ed at approximately 500hp. That significant under rating didn't occur on the 997. The 997 is tamer, has more electronic nannies and is a tad heavier. The numbers, the butt dyno and the track and back road data tell the story. The 997 isn't significantly faster. To me it feels a bit sterile. The 996 GT2 was criticized for hard to tame handling. The reality is the press car and many early delivery cars were found to be out of alignment. The 996 GT2 is extremely sensitive to alignment. In particular the toe measurements must be exact. I'm trying to stick to just the facts but as I mentioned I'm biased towards the 996...

Igooz

After 14 years of 6GT2 ownership, 9 years of 7GT2, 24 years of 964 Turbo, 4 years of 930, 2 years of 7GT2RS, and every turbo 911 Porsche has sold in the USA (minus IMHO boring 991), I have to say that the 6GT2 is the true descendent of the original 930 and the genuine Widowmaker. 997GT2 is tame as compare and cushy, not boring, but it got soft and chubby.

OP, sorry if I diverted, I have gone around in a circle to conclude that if you want a softer GT2 get the 997. If you want a bit more comfort try the last Mezger M/T the 2007-2009 997Turbo.

993GT

good to see the love for both gen's of GT2 .. the avg car guy doesn't understand how good and fast they are

lightguy

I may hold off selling the 6GT2 especially after all the positive comments posted here. I've never actually driven a 7GT2 but have read its more refined.
Financially selling an appreciating 6GT2 to buy a depreciating 599 doesnt sit well with me either.
I may just add a 07-09 997TT and have my cake and eat it too !

Thanks for all the considered responses.

gt2-josh

Sorry for veering OT. However if you decide to sell the 996 GT2 please let me know. I've been looking for my fourth for over a year now. Lots of near misses. Hope to find one to keep for as long as I can drive it. Best Josh aka gt2-josh

TB993tt

I think this is incorrect, 996GT2s were =/-3% their rated power so the Mk2 version may nearly scrape 500PS but unlikely.
In contrast I know for a fact that all the 997GT2s which have been tested on Manthey racing Maha dyno and on properly calibrated and cooled engine dyno were over 540PS, usually around 545PS

I think the reason for your comments boils down to the testing you are referencing, a combination of the testing dyno and importantly the cooling used. A lot of the dynos used in the US are of the 5 second spin a wheel up non loaded variety which on turbo motors doesn't give an accurate measurement of fully loaded turbo power.
On the 997 the readings could often be skewed by inadequate cooling meaning the VTGs giving too high IATs and reduced output.

gt2-josh

I may be incorrect but the dyno tests I referenced were prompted by multiple 996 GT2 owners who did the Silverstate Classic and other similar events and the horsepower, gearing, weight, tires couldn't explain the top speed. Several stock cars were dyno'ed and they all produced similar horsepower ratings. I'm sure there's a thread on RL. In addition 04-05 GT3s showed a similar phenomenon. 9 out of 10 dyno'ed at 400hp. I don't know if this had to do with insurance ratings or what but I remember this phenomenon. We also couldn't figure out what mechanical components changed on the 04-05 GT2. Your info sounds better than mine but the raw math on performance stats itself made the factory rating suspect....

Igooz

I won't jump in the Toby + Josh discussion just that I never heard or felt the 6GT2 being over-rated other than that they delivered power in an explosive way. However, seat of the pants my currenty 7GT2 vs. 7GT2RS, they are very similar and both more than the 6GT2. Still the 6GT2 is way more similar to the 930 and in street stock size tires you can break them loose too easily.

IMHO: The years that you want to test drive would be the '07-'09 with the 3.6L Mezger and with M/T. Stay away from TIP and the PDK was in the later years with the 3.8 DFI. (DFI is great, but if you keep cars long, then a Mezger is a Mezger and the motor is related to the 6GT2).

I owned mine from '07-'14 and it was a great car. In used markets they are runnning at around $70K-$80K.