996 Turbo - one dimensional drive vs C2/C4?

Hi all, was wondering about the collective forum views on the drive of a 996T compared to the NA 996s. :thumb: Having owned a 996 C2 Cab Tip for 6 years previously, I liked the car, but just found it lacked a bit of power and the suspension was a bit soft. I was intending to sort the suspension and supercharge it, but then the Covid situation brought 996Ts (just about!) into my price range, so I thought I'd scratch that itch and picked up a (pretty unloved) one about a week ago. Now, I've read many times about how the 996T is powerful, but uninspiring to drive because of it being so capable/powerful and a flat exhaust tone and I expected to be a bit underwhelmed with it in nearly standard form. I expected that I was going to have to sort the brakes, suspension and possibly even power delivery out to make it really engaging. :dont know: However, it is an absolute hoot to drive - feels so much tighter and planted than my old 996 and the power delivery is insane. I also feel like I have a lot of learning to do as braking into corners from higher speeds needs a lot more concentration on what the front end is doing. Granted I have fitted an aftermarket exhaust that sounds a lot better than standard, so that solves the exhaust note problem, but overall I think it's a much more involved drive than a 996 C2? Given the lack of other forms of entertainment around at the moment, I'd be interested to hear other people's opinions on both what they've heard about these cars and their personal experiences? :thumb:

Compared to a tiptronic cabriolet (one with maybe tired suspension), it could well feel more involving. But you also need to try a good C2 (I personally prefer 3.6) to really know which is best for you. I owned a Turbo for 3 years and sold it for exactly the reasons stated (everyone is just in your way, honestly) and had a C2 for 3 years, which I personally enjoyed far more.

This old thread from before and after I made the 996C4 -> 996T move might keep you going for a while. See --> http://www.911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=81768&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=comparisons

Ive often heard about the turbos being a bit uninspiring to drive once you get over the punch. But surely it's just like a quicker c4s and you don't hear many people saying those are boring to drive.

I've often said, "You can drive a Turbo like a Carrera but, when conditions allow, you can't drive a Carrera like a Turbo". A lot of fun can be had by consciously driving a Turbo 'off boost'. At the end of the day it's a very torquey 3.6 litre car with an option of switching to 'ohmygod' mode at the twitch of you toes.

One word Mezger! The turbo is the 911 to own in my humble opinion. The GT cars are way out of most people budget and would be to focussed for me anyway, but to drive, to look at and to tinker with I cant think of any other motoring bargain right now. Forget trying to make any monetary gain on any 996, just drive them and enjoy for what they are 8)

I think that makes a lot of sense, but honestly, what's so great about a Carrera (compared to a Turbo)? The C2 is a bit lighter, but standard the brakes feel spongey, the suspension on mine at least had quite a bit of body roll and it's not particularly quick. :dont know:

Thanks for the link! :thumb: Only about half way through it so far!

Tinkering with a Turbo I'd be surprised if anyone could get their hand in the engine compartment there's so little room with all that extra plumbing

Being a (nearly) 10 years turbo owner I am obviously going to be biased but surely any car is judged on how inspiring it is when you are pushing it?!? I can't say any cars I have ever owned I preferred it when going slowly to going fast! Yes the 996t is very 'capable' - but not boring. When really 'making progress' it really is entertaining - you have to focus There are quicker cars out there but it is one of the few I have driven that when going quick I give it my full attention. Going from 'cruising' to 'we're properly shifting now' takes a lot less than you think!!

Agreed, I had noticed how pretty much every DIY tutorial on YouTube starts with dropping the engine!

I've had my turbo two years now and I think it just gets better the more I know it. I thought it was great when I bought it but a little soft on standard suspension once I got used to the power. I've since put ohlins R/T coilovers on and had the magicians at CoG set it up to close to GT3 spec. Now it's just so much fun on the twisty bits. Took it Portugal last summer and on the back roads in Spain ad Portugal it was epic! Personally I don't like the rear loose on public roads. I have done one track day but my brakes ran out before could really push it to the point of breaking traction in the dry.

In the land of TVRs I have had the fast and very fast version of the same model and 99% of the time, I preferred the entry/fast version of the car as you can work it harder on the road more of the time. Then there is that day with the rare empty road with warm tyres or a couple of the straights at SPA or the back straight at Snetterton and you want more than than even the full fat version offers! These are older cars and based on 20 years of running such vehicles, to me its more important to make sure that the suspension, steering, brakes and associated components are working as they should and are properly set-up. A tired turbo will probably not drive as well as a sorted base version!

Owned mine over 5 years and still not bored with it. The power delivery is still ridiculous. Been to Spa a couple of times in it and it's far more capable a car than I am a driver, the grip is astonishing and never once found it lacking enough power. Seriously capable cars, even by today's standards. Trundle to the shops at 30 or motorway runs at close to 200mph, does both easily.

That's interesting - as I was expecting the "power creep" factor to come into play, where after a while, you get used to the power, no matter how much you have, and crave more? I've certainly experienced that over the years, I remember being terrified of a car with 250 bhp, then the same again at 300 bhp. Nowadays I think 400 bhp isn't enough at times! :frustrated: :thumb: