A big 996 Turbo S v 997 Turbo dilemma ...

Morning all... so I am new to this 996 forum (but as you can see have been a member for a while now...) and I have a dilemma that you may be able to help me with.... So having owned a 993 C2 about 5 years ago I was then 'forced' to get a sensible family car (Audi RS6) and then due to some 'luck' I was able to trade this for a 991 GT3.... I now 'need' to sell the GT3 and am wanting something older and more of an 'enthusiast' car. I have the opportunity to buy a 996 Turbo S. The car has been in storage for a good while but has been regularly serviced (even though it has covered no miles between services)... however it does need some work (new turbos, brake lines, tyres, bit of paint and other bits)... Now with all the above bits sorted, for similar money I could get a 997TT. I went for a drive in the 996 and I was really impressed, stacks of power, felt nice BUT deffo needed some work, it was a bit rattly and I am sure it will be on the original suspension and it did feel a bit 'tired'. As luck would have it the chap also had a 997TT, unfortunately I was unable to drive this (and it was a tip, which I don't want) but it gave me a good visual (as the cars were parked next to each other) as I just don't know if I can get over the look of the 996 v the 997. To my eye the 997 looks a lot more agressive and purposeful. In my mind, here are the pros and cons (mixed up so not to be too objective :lol: ): 996 Will have had a lot of work done (and I will know exactly whats been done). Will have a more classic feel (like my 993), power delivery, rattles, more driver involvement, a more enthusiast car. More understated ('standard' spec, black with black interior). Might cost more to maintain? Looks (particularly the front end :lol: ). 997 More modern feel, power delivery, interior looks/feel more toward my 991, (especially if its PDK – but that throws in another curveball :lol: ), 'better' handling but more muted feel. Looks more aggressive, possibly cost less to maintain and could possibly get a Porsche warranty on it. My heart is telling me to go with the 996 (which is why I posted it on this forum first :lol: )... BUT I do think I prefer the look of the 997...... I will look forward to your views/comments/advice anything massive I have missed ??.... Cheers, Lig.

I'm in the same position.... and am picking up a 996 Turbo this week! I hate 997 Turbo wheels, but love the standard 996 turbo wheels, and I much prefer the 996 interior, I really dislike the vast amount of switch's in the 997 and it all seems too fussy. A 996 turbo with the centre console delete is imho perfect, harks back to the older models and is nice and clean. The one I'm buying is well known by 9E having been sold by them to the previous owner and serviced by them since, it's as tight as a drum to drive. Yes the 997 will be quicker and has more power but the older I get the less I car about that!!

:thumb: Looking forward to seeing the photos once you pick it up. Personally, I think the 996 Turbo is plenty quick - especially for country lanes, mountain roads etc

You seem to have covered the main points already. Is it a 997.1 or 997.2 TT? There are quite some differences.. For me, manual vs tip would be a deciding pointing. I'm also a tart...so colour is important - I like an interesting exterior/interior colour combination. I'm buying the car for me, not for the next owner - I don't really care about best colour for resale (black, silver etc) 8) What's the milage on the cars? The 996 Turbo S is quite a rare car...

Very nice even though I am slightly biased to a 997 https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2002-porsche-911-996-turbo-18

If the 996 needs turbo's then why not go hybrid to increase the power... just a thought. (Edit. The S had Hybrids does it not?) It's going to be sat on your drive so if looks matter to you then do what you have to do, you won't be disappointed either way :thumb:

I like the 986/996 series but the 987/997 better built. I remember taking a del miles 996 turbo s for a drive and noticing the instrument binnacle squeaking and rattling. I'd go 997 well I did when choosing out of both when they were both new in 2005/6. You should drive both though 996 turbo a lot more old school and a bit more raw. I think if going for either buy one in tip top condition. Either can give you a 10k GBP repair bill from hell.

Cheers chaps for all your replies so far.... So.... Ditchvisitor - Yeah, I am with you on the wheels. I dont 'hate' the 997 ones, but much prefer the 996TT wheels. Center console delete? New to me... I will have to research that :lol: Look forward to seeing yours when you have it!! Photek - To be honest I dont know... I am kind of thinking it will be a 997.2 with PDK - but I feel this would really be a different car completely and couldnt really compared to a manual 996TT?!?! Yeah agree with colour and that adds to my dilemma as the 996 is boggo black with black... The 996TTS has just under 40K miles... Gazc2 - Ah, is that your 996TT that you are selling?? Creationblue - I am not sure about the 'Hybrids' but I would like to keep it standard, so would have the correct K24 turbos... Yeah looks matter, but its the understated look that is also appealing... IMI A - Thanks... I know what you mean... do you think the squeaks could not be fixed tho'?? Yeah I will go drive a 997... Cheers all... Lig.

Everything should be fixable. Still love my 997 16 years on I've fettled my own turbo a bit. I wouldn't leave a 996 or 997.1 turbo standard as Porsche left so much power off the table tbh. If this 996 needs new turbos my first call would be to a good indy (or Markski if you can diy) for hybrid turbos, do88 big pack intercoolers, europipe exhaust and sachs 890 clutch. On a 996 turbo you can go to 550-600hp on stock engine and 997.1 turbo to 550- 700hp on stock engine as it had a few improvements over 996 but both engines have weak spots too like coolant lines, spun camshafts (sleeves in the 997), rods, head studs etc.

Thanks IMI A, I think if I go for a non S 996 or a 997 then yes it could be 'breathed' on a bit.... BUT I think if I decide to go with the 996TTS then I would want to keep it stock. I am not really one for more power but can totally see the appeal.... Is that your 997TT ! Looks amazing..... Mint!!!! Cheers, Lig.

No affiliation with that 996 just thought it was a nice example I have had my 997 for seven years still enjoy it as much as the first day I got it.

Ive been using my 996TT as a daily for this past week, all 750hp of it and I love it :mrgreen:

Nice wheels, what are they? Is that a 944 poking its nose out.

Very nice indeed Gaz!!!

a 996 turbo s is a rare bird as others have said. I can understand why you'd keep it stock I think they're an appreciating 911. 996 turbo mkt in general feels undervalued compared to air cooled and GT3 tbh they're so much 911 for the money by comparison. That X50 on CC looks mint! Be interesting to see what it makes I think a decent indy would sell that 996 for £65k. CC also have a 997 turbo cab for £66k there in lies the OPs dilemma. Whichever you go for get a trusted indy to PPI.