Shopping 964, 993, 996TT, 997TT Cabs - Shocked!
06-12-2018, 12:48 PM
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Shopping 964, 993, 996TT, 997TT Cabs - Shocked!
First pls excuse typos. I am on a plane typing on tiny iPhone.
Yes as my title says my net admittedly quite broad! Let me give a little background. I have owned 944 turbo, 944S, 968, 993, and a heavily modded 997TT shock I sold for my current main toy - a Lambo Huracan.
I am now lookong for a mew daily and will be moving to SoCal in a month. Hence I was shopping for Cabs. The criteria is:
Fun to drive - meaning steering, ride, sound
Great looking
No rattles
Appreciating - cause why not! Nearly all the non 991’s are!
Bonus - Can take toddlers in back. Have a Land Cruiser for family duty but would be nice to be able to occasionally enjoy the Cab with them as well.
I took a trip to drive a 90 C2 Cab. I think these are the coolest looking of the three I am looking at.
964
I used to only prefer the 993. Now I find it a little bit around and dare I say not as much character as the more chiseled lines of the 964. The 964 still has that flat front in profile where the lights go from a pillar straight to the nose. Which looks great when it is lowered on nice wheels. I think these are the coolest looking of the three I’m looking at. Plus they are much more rare than a 993. When you see a super clean 964 it looks pretty special. The only problem Is that either all of them or the one I drove is really lacking in the fun to drive department. It was solid for a convertible, no real rattles, but the steering felt unnecessarily heavy and without feedback or sharp turn-in. The AC did not work very good. And I was told that this is common on 964. It felt like I’ll would get this one almost exclusively for looks and nostalgia - less for driving pleasure. This was a bit disappointing to me. I really was excited about the idea of having a somewhat classic 911 that looked gorgeous and even better lowered on some Turbo 3.6 replicas.
996TT Cab
It was an X50, full leather, exhaust - forgot which one, lowered on H&R’s. This one was the most surprising. It was super solid. Had great steering feel with its somewhat thin wheel. The interior looked and felt great with all that leather! In a strange way it felt like it had better build quality and ride than my old 7TT or the 7TT Cab I would drive next. I did NOT expect this. True, missing the overtly bulging fenders gives it a more svelte lowslung coupe feel - yet it felt more engaging to drive. Very shocked.
997.1TT Cab
For some reason the one I drove did not impress at all. More rattles than 996TT, felt more bumps and the steering didn’t have as much feedback of what’s happening at the road. I wonder if this is typical or if I need to drive to another.
993 Cab
I have not driven one since have not driven one since my old one which has been about 13 years! I have been so focused on trying out a 964 that I had not seriously planned on driving a 993. I may need to do this.
Summary
Which one seemed I could immediately get in drive and enjoy? Shockingly the 6TT Cab! And ironically where I used to hate the lights and lack of curvy fenders (hence my 993 and 997) I now kind of find them sorta cool and even exotic when lowered and GT2 nose! The fenders not popping out as much makes the car look longer which is either good or bad. Since this will be my chill car even with kids I suppose it’s neutral to good. Not nearly as long and bloaty looking as M4 I was also considering!
Fiscal considerations... the uber clean and low mileage 996 I would buy would be around $60k. A clean low mileage 997.1 around $70k-$75k. The 996 is on the rise. The 997 has been flat for the last 5 years or so. Which is very good. Perhaps 996 is only rising because it was ridiculously undervalued in the first place! Who knows what the future holds - but I predict the very things that made the 996 a dog will make it desirable later (its size, GT-ish, lights etc) cause that’s what always happens.
Anyhow, whom of you have also owned or currently own a 996TT? Love to hear your thoughts. Also if you’ve driven both and have a different view pls share. I love the input.
Yes as my title says my net admittedly quite broad! Let me give a little background. I have owned 944 turbo, 944S, 968, 993, and a heavily modded 997TT shock I sold for my current main toy - a Lambo Huracan.
I am now lookong for a mew daily and will be moving to SoCal in a month. Hence I was shopping for Cabs. The criteria is:
Fun to drive - meaning steering, ride, sound
Great looking
No rattles
Appreciating - cause why not! Nearly all the non 991’s are!
Bonus - Can take toddlers in back. Have a Land Cruiser for family duty but would be nice to be able to occasionally enjoy the Cab with them as well.
I took a trip to drive a 90 C2 Cab. I think these are the coolest looking of the three I am looking at.
964
I used to only prefer the 993. Now I find it a little bit around and dare I say not as much character as the more chiseled lines of the 964. The 964 still has that flat front in profile where the lights go from a pillar straight to the nose. Which looks great when it is lowered on nice wheels. I think these are the coolest looking of the three I’m looking at. Plus they are much more rare than a 993. When you see a super clean 964 it looks pretty special. The only problem Is that either all of them or the one I drove is really lacking in the fun to drive department. It was solid for a convertible, no real rattles, but the steering felt unnecessarily heavy and without feedback or sharp turn-in. The AC did not work very good. And I was told that this is common on 964. It felt like I’ll would get this one almost exclusively for looks and nostalgia - less for driving pleasure. This was a bit disappointing to me. I really was excited about the idea of having a somewhat classic 911 that looked gorgeous and even better lowered on some Turbo 3.6 replicas.
996TT Cab
It was an X50, full leather, exhaust - forgot which one, lowered on H&R’s. This one was the most surprising. It was super solid. Had great steering feel with its somewhat thin wheel. The interior looked and felt great with all that leather! In a strange way it felt like it had better build quality and ride than my old 7TT or the 7TT Cab I would drive next. I did NOT expect this. True, missing the overtly bulging fenders gives it a more svelte lowslung coupe feel - yet it felt more engaging to drive. Very shocked.
997.1TT Cab
For some reason the one I drove did not impress at all. More rattles than 996TT, felt more bumps and the steering didn’t have as much feedback of what’s happening at the road. I wonder if this is typical or if I need to drive to another.
993 Cab
I have not driven one since have not driven one since my old one which has been about 13 years! I have been so focused on trying out a 964 that I had not seriously planned on driving a 993. I may need to do this.
Summary
Which one seemed I could immediately get in drive and enjoy? Shockingly the 6TT Cab! And ironically where I used to hate the lights and lack of curvy fenders (hence my 993 and 997) I now kind of find them sorta cool and even exotic when lowered and GT2 nose! The fenders not popping out as much makes the car look longer which is either good or bad. Since this will be my chill car even with kids I suppose it’s neutral to good. Not nearly as long and bloaty looking as M4 I was also considering!
Fiscal considerations... the uber clean and low mileage 996 I would buy would be around $60k. A clean low mileage 997.1 around $70k-$75k. The 996 is on the rise. The 997 has been flat for the last 5 years or so. Which is very good. Perhaps 996 is only rising because it was ridiculously undervalued in the first place! Who knows what the future holds - but I predict the very things that made the 996 a dog will make it desirable later (its size, GT-ish, lights etc) cause that’s what always happens.
Anyhow, whom of you have also owned or currently own a 996TT? Love to hear your thoughts. Also if you’ve driven both and have a different view pls share. I love the input.
06-13-2018, 09:59 AM
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We love our 09 997TT Cab....I think our 3 year old loves it the most lol. No rattles or issues here just get in and drive. We test drove a 996TT cab and the thoughts would have been complete opposite of what you felt 997 vs 996. Finding a well maintained car with good history is the most important part.
06-13-2018, 12:58 PM
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We love our 09 997TT Cab....I think our 3 year old loves it the most lol. No rattles or issues here just get in and drive. We test drove a 996TT cab and the thoughts would have been complete opposite of what you felt 997 vs 996. Finding a well maintained car with good history is the most important part.
06-13-2018, 04:59 PM
#5
Rocky Mountain High
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I owned a 996 Carrera 4S coupe and a 997.1 Turbo Cabriolet.
I found the ride quality of the 997 to be vastly improved over the 996, despite the fact that it had larger wheels (19" vs. 18"). This may be a moot point, because if you lower a car it can dramatically impact ride quality. If it's done properly, then I hear that it's not a big deal. A 997 Turbo gives you PASM, which can be modified with the DSC controller to improve your ride. This isn't an option for the 996.
I think that if you're looking for a very basic, almost primitive car by todays tech standards, then the 996 is a great option. They are known for great steering feel, they are fast, and they do seem to be appreciating slightly. This might be the right combination for you.
I find it hard to imagine that a 996 would win in a 996 vs. 997 comparison, but everyone has their own priorities. I would never go back to a 996 after owning a 997, much like I would never go back to a 997 after owning a 991.
I found the ride quality of the 997 to be vastly improved over the 996, despite the fact that it had larger wheels (19" vs. 18"). This may be a moot point, because if you lower a car it can dramatically impact ride quality. If it's done properly, then I hear that it's not a big deal. A 997 Turbo gives you PASM, which can be modified with the DSC controller to improve your ride. This isn't an option for the 996.
I think that if you're looking for a very basic, almost primitive car by todays tech standards, then the 996 is a great option. They are known for great steering feel, they are fast, and they do seem to be appreciating slightly. This might be the right combination for you.
I find it hard to imagine that a 996 would win in a 996 vs. 997 comparison, but everyone has their own priorities. I would never go back to a 996 after owning a 997, much like I would never go back to a 997 after owning a 991.
06-14-2018, 01:03 AM
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I owned a 996 Carrera 4S coupe and a 997.1 Turbo Cabriolet.
I found the ride quality of the 997 to be vastly improved over the 996, despite the fact that it had larger wheels (19" vs. 18"). This may be a moot point, because if you lower a car it can dramatically impact ride quality. If it's done properly, then I hear that it's not a big deal. A 997 Turbo gives you PASM, which can be modified with the DSC controller to improve your ride. This isn't an option for the 996.
I think that if you're looking for a very basic, almost primitive car by todays tech standards, then the 996 is a great option. They are known for great steering feel, they are fast, and they do seem to be appreciating slightly. This might be the right combination for you.
I find it hard to imagine that a 996 would win in a 996 vs. 997 comparison, but everyone has their own priorities. I would never go back to a 996 after owning a 997, much like I would never go back to a 997 after owning a 991.
I found the ride quality of the 997 to be vastly improved over the 996, despite the fact that it had larger wheels (19" vs. 18"). This may be a moot point, because if you lower a car it can dramatically impact ride quality. If it's done properly, then I hear that it's not a big deal. A 997 Turbo gives you PASM, which can be modified with the DSC controller to improve your ride. This isn't an option for the 996.
I think that if you're looking for a very basic, almost primitive car by todays tech standards, then the 996 is a great option. They are known for great steering feel, they are fast, and they do seem to be appreciating slightly. This might be the right combination for you.
I find it hard to imagine that a 996 would win in a 996 vs. 997 comparison, but everyone has their own priorities. I would never go back to a 996 after owning a 997, much like I would never go back to a 997 after owning a 991.
Last edited by Raron; 06-14-2018 at 01:57 AM.
06-14-2018, 07:49 AM
#7
Rocky Mountain High
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Thanks for the feedback. I am a bit different in this respect. I don't categorically ascribe to "the newer is automatically better" ideal. I've had 997TT and also 993. And here I am considering a lowly old 964! Since they are different enough... and this is a hobby after all... I find I can easily go backwards if I fancy a different experience!
You have to decide what you prioritize as you shop. I feel the same way about many things. For example, I prefer an old, mechanical watch over a new smart watch. I know the smart watch is more accurate and has more features, but the old watch is better for me.
Maybe the 996 Turbo is the right car for you. It’s nice to have the luxury to consider such different options when shopping for a car.
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06-14-2018, 12:31 PM
#8
Comments on both
My wife and I had his and hers. Hers was a 2004 tt cab x50. Excellent conf and sold at top price.
Mine a 2008 tt cab, manual trans black with terra-cotta, 17k miles now. The 997 is a bit more quiet and refined. I still have mine.
997 are also increasing in price. Good examples with manual transmission are not easy to find.
Lot's of people do not care for the cab, but I think they look great and are super enjoyable.
Mine a 2008 tt cab, manual trans black with terra-cotta, 17k miles now. The 997 is a bit more quiet and refined. I still have mine.
997 are also increasing in price. Good examples with manual transmission are not easy to find.
Lot's of people do not care for the cab, but I think they look great and are super enjoyable.
06-15-2018, 08:21 AM
#11
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by Raron
I've had 997TT and also 993. And here I am considering a lowly old 964! !
Comparing the 964 and the 997TT is apples and zebras, not even oranges. They're a great compliment to one another and the reason is due to how dissimilar they are. The 964 surely isn't lowly! It all depends on the need at hand. I virtually hate driving either one on heavily trafficked Michigan rubble commutes and find neither to be a suitable daily driver to me. Love them both.
