996 vs 997

I'm sure this has been debated to death and I have certainly seen the arguments of 996 vs 993. However, what are everyone's thoughts on the merits of "upgrading" from a 996 to a 997. I know I need to drive one to see what I think but I just wanted to get some thoughts from those of you who have already done this. Thanks

993 < 996 < 997

I think the interior upgrades alone make the 997 more than worth the move to the 997. I like the dash, door panels, guages, and lay out of the cabin quite a bit better. It just seems more updated, and stream lined to me. As for drive and feel I don't think the difference is vast even with the "S" model.

The 997 has been growing on me... I didn't like it for the first 2 years, but I'm coming around. Or maybe it's just the new GT3....

The part I didn't/don't like about the 997 is the angular interior. I like the flowing lines of the door handles on the 996 better than interior door desigh of the 997 . I do like the upper dash on the 997 though. Also, I have really gotten used to and like the window buttons on the rear center console of the 996. It would take me a while to get used to door mounted window buttons again. However, if you guys are willing to "chip in" and buy me a 2007 997S, I'll drive it for 3 or 4 years and report my findings back to you at the end of the "test drive." I just wanted you guys to know that I am a "team player" and willing to "take one for the team."

does no one use center-console window switches anymore? bmw has also gone to window-mounted switches and i can't stand it. after years of use and being convinced that center-mounted switches are the most ergonomically-correct (i.e., your left hand will always be on the wheel while your right is free to handle the window, hvac, stereo, nose pick, passenger slap, etc.), what are these companies thinking? seems like some makers are going against ergo-correct designs just for the sake of it-- b/c car design is so boring now or something. anyway, just my sat-nite, nothing to do, nerd rant.

997 exterior/engine w/ the 996 interior = the perfect car

996, unless you like an freshly upgraded interior and a LOT more horse power. I think the bodies are totally equal.

a *lot* more horsepower? hmmm... you must be referring to the "S" and not the base 997 right?

aahh...but the headlights, grasshopper, make all the difference that hint of tradition is class

Headlights on the 996 can anyone say "New Coke" Given time, whoever came up with that 996 headlight design would've put the ignition switch on the steering column

round headlights make the 997 look "old"... the rest of it is nice... if they only changed the headlights to something funkier... those round headlights have to phased out sooner or later... makes the front end look "dated"... IMHO.

997 - finally a $70k plus car interior and about 2 inch wider rear

997 S >>>>> 996 Carrera

if I had the money...I would upgrade tomorrow!! Finally the 997 has a professional interior...without the cheap plastics! BUT I love my 996. As for the 997 I wish that Porsche would have put a little more thought into the headlight and for that matter the front bumper and the tail lights...it looks like they took the easy way out...even with the mid-model changes....I like that they stay true to the original 911....but sometimes you got to change certain things a little bit more..to stay with the time. If all of this makes sense......

I was drooling all over myself at a stop light the other day looking at a dark blue 997S. That's my next car most likely - someday at least.

Well yes. I own an S. It as 320BHP. A 997S has 355BHP. A LOT MORE!

Did I say headlights? I said body. IMO, people need to get over the headlights. I mean, c'mon; they're headlights....

Ok, ok, GREAT analogy. When it comes down to it, the standard round hlights are the best.

I love my 996 but I am under no illusions when it is compared to the 997. The 997 is slightly quicker, faster, better handling, is a little better looking and has a better interior (although I find the full-leather optioned interior in my 996 to be very nice - other than some of the cheap plastics scattered about). Take nothing away from my 996, but Porsche has moved the game on - as it should.

for the money, I'd rather have a 996 TT than a 997 Carrera. I don't mind the looks of either, but the 996TT is a better package and value IMHO

Whenever I see these "upgrade" questions, I always go to the value quotient since I'm not made of stars.......or money. The difference $$ wise between say a 2001 and a 2005 "S" is like $35-$40k. Damn, I can buy a nice 2nd rig for that difference. How about keeping your 996 and buying one of the following as a play car: '63-'64 Corvette Ferrari 308 Ferrari 348 (if you look carefully) Lotus Espirit Lotus Elise BMW M3 Gen 1 Viper NSX Caddy CTS-V 1st Gen Camaro New 4-door Jeep The list goes on and on........I just don't see a $35k difference between the two

My "ideal" is in progress. My 996, (see signature for present details), is getting a 997S engine, 997S Eurosport exhaust system, and a new ECU. It's lighter than the 997, and should fly. (Making the best of a coolant leak blown engine, and I've gone from deflation to excitement).

I'm looking forward to seeing how your car turns out. Good luck. I'm sure it will be a monster.

"........I just don't see a $35k difference between the two" This is my way of thinking. The 997 is the car but is it worth the extra coin? NO

it'll never feel as good as the 997s as the 911 is more than just the engine. chassis, suspension, brakes are all upgraded in the 997

Out of that list, I would keep my 02 C4S and buy an Elise or NSX as a play car

If you looked at his sig, he has upgraded his suspension and brakes already....I'm sure it'll be a blast to drive.

I still like the 996 more, cause the car feels more oriented to the driver, the interior isnt too big not too small like the 993, just mho

I think his car will turn our *really* nice but one area where the 997 blows the 996 away is chassis rigidity... that's the first thing I noticed when I drove a base 997...

You may be correct. I'm just starting with what I have. But I have added Porsche Cup sway bars and torsion bar as well as a full cage which tightened it up considerably.

I added ROW 030 which includes upgraded sway bars... where does one install the torsion bars? did you do this piece by piece or all at once? curious to see what component makes the most difference...

Why is there always the this vs that. Isn't it the purpose of the manufacturer to keep updating their models. If they didn't people wouldn't be buying their models or new cars. I think the majority of people would love to have a new car, its whether or not they can afford one. If they can't, it only makes sense to buy a different car, or look at an older model that they can afford and go from there. Of course, some people like older models than newer ones. Why would you make a car worse than its previous model. Sure you may or may not like the new cosmetics, but internally is where its at ie engine, brakes blah blah blah

you would be surpised how many cars are made that are NOT better than their previous models for various reasons.

I realized when you asked "where does one install the torsion bars", that I used the wrong words. I have a strut tower brace which bolts across the engine from suspension post to suspension post, and thus makes the front end more rigid.

I'm curious as to why you feel the 996 is more driver oriented than the 997.

The 997 TT would make a bishop kick out a stained glass window.

Wow, this sounds awesome, how much is all that going to run you?

Isn't your engine in the back? Look at following thread about the effect of a strut brace in the 996: Strut Brace 996 Don't worry - you're not alone, I've also added the strut brace in the front of my 996; it still looks good!

WOW, I totally agree with you!

what is strange is that except for 1 poster that actually has driven a 997. everyone is speculating what the differences are. damm..it's just about the only thing porsche will give you for free..a test drive. do it !

Foot in mouth disease runs rampant in my family. (Well, ok, my wife doesn't have it). Now you know that my feeble attempts to describe what my mechanics have done to my car is subject to a disclaimer: that they did not aprove of my telling any of what they've done, or will be doing . It still ran great before the engine's demise, and hopefully will run even better soon.

I have driven a 997 on a mini autocross set up by the dealer at the track. I liked it a lot, but I've sunk to much $ into this car. How much? I'm afraid to tell.

speedread, this is OT, but...I really like those wheels on your car. Which one's are they and what size?

oh ok... strut tower brace then... did you find it made a noticeable difference... front and rear strut braces? curious if strut tower braces induce oversteer or understeer?

The 997 is superior in every way except for the center lower dash. On the 6 it wasn't intrusive to you legs and was removable with the GT3 delete package for a few bucks. Really opened up the dash and cleaned up the lines of the interior. The 997 isn't deletable. Looks far better but makes for cramped quarters. Other than that, I can't think of a single thing I liked on any of my 996 (had 3 of them) over the 997 (had 1).

ROOCK racing. 18"

All I know is, as a package deal, it drives neutral.

997 has a better seating position as well... does the GIAC upgrade correct the e-gas sensation on these cars to provide "sharper" throttle response like a 99 c2?

Thanks speedread.

dunno ming. egas in newest gen porsches is better than the early gen ones but not as good as gool ol' cable linkage IMO.

Come on how much is the swap? If my 99 ever blows I want to know how much it would cost me to upgrade. Whenever something fails I hate to pay a ton of money just to replace it with the same thing. I think that failure is the best time to upgrade. Hell, it is killing me that I am having to put a stock clutch in my car! I so bad want to do a racing clutch or flywheel or something, ANYTHING!!!

I drove a brand-new 2007 Carrera S yesterday. It was pretty amazing. It was just efortless. Felt so light and responsive, made my car feel VERY SLOW and unresponsive. Don't get me wrong, I love my car, but I will upgrade to a 997S as soon as I get a buyer for my car, AND find a VERY GOOD price on an S.