[DimSum]

So...
Looking around in the used market, whats a better choice?
A 997 Carrera, or a 996 TT?

I like the fact that the 996 TT has many upgrades in terms of turbos and software, however many on the market are around 2002-2003.

Looking at the pricing, I can either pick up a 2003 996TT or a 2005 997 Carrera.


What what you pick, and why?

[Boost Gomez]

I would take the 996 for the modding potential but be ready to pay to play for maintenance/repairs.

[stickypaws]

The 996 has the ugly egg yolk eyes and cheaper feeling than pre-996 cars and later 997s, but the 996TT is more bulletproof than a 2005 (non TT and GT) 997.

It's a better race bred motor than any of the 997s (again, except for the GTs and TTs) with a true dry sump derived from the GT1; the 997 is a M96 block (no separate oil tank plus the expensive RMS issues.)

Probably the best bang for your money if you want performance over styling. Plus it's AWD which could help save your life in the wet or any less than perfect road conditions.

But it all depends on what you really want from owning a 911. There is no "best." You need to try them on and see what fits for you.

[b0bab0i]

996TT all the way

[Amir87]

Originally Posted by benmoooon

996TT all the way

+100

[DimSum]

Yeah, I was thinking the only reason why I would buy a 997 is because of the new headlight styling. But in-terms of performance, I can see why the TT can be a much better choice.

What major changes or fixes would need to be done on it? I know clutch is one, but in-terms of reliablity, is it worth it to invest $40K for an 03 or 04 996TT?

[devo]

From a purely performance perspective I' probably go with the 996 turbo over a C2. If the choice were between the C2S, I'd probably go with the S. (Be weary of some of the early turbo's second gear syncro issues.) I would have to consider each scenario individually as there are so many options with Porsches.

Yes, the Metzger dry sump engine is more bullet-proof than the wet sump in the 997 Carreras but it's not like the na Carreras are exploding either. They have proven to be very, very reliable.

I would only consider a 2003 turbo or later as there were some visual and mechanical improvements with those model years.

With all said above, the OP must be aware that any 997 has a much better interior than the 996's. Visually, the exterior of the 997 is much more pleasing, imo. And, 996 turbos do not feel as precise as the 997 C2(S)'s. You know you are in an AWD car unlike the 997 turbo which feels very much like a RWD car. When I test drove my friend's 996 turbo, I felt that the car was not nearly as nimble or as precise as my 997 C2S; which I owned at the time.

I know these cars and the options very well. I have owned a 997 C2S, C4S, turbo and presently a GT3. If the OP wants any advice regarding specific cars, I'd be glad to help.

[devo]

Originally Posted by DimSum

Yeah, I was thinking the only reason why I would buy a 997 is because of the new headlight styling. But in-terms of performance, I can see why the TT can be a much better choice.

What major changes or fixes would need to be done on it? I know clutch is one, but in-terms of reliablity, is it worth it to invest $40K for an 03 or 04 996TT?

Headlight design, slab sided body, ugly flush door handles, lesser interior quality, 18" wheels, wheels with too little off set are a few of the differences.

If you're going to invest $40k in a 996 turbo, get a 997 turbo instead. It's a much better car and very easily modded like the 996. There are 560 hp+ 997's running around with only $4k in ECU mods. Or, just get a 997.2 C2S over any 996 turbo. It's pretty much as fast and much more fun, imo. You just won't have as much mid-range torque evident in the upper gears.

If you are fixed on a 996 turbo, look for the x50 option. It adds about 26-30 hp and much torque. It should not add that much to the price; maybe $4-5k. It went for $17k. x50 turbos run like they have more than another 30 hp.

[DimSum]

I can't afford a 997TT. My budget is within the 996TT range, but after hearing from you said, it seems like the 996TT is a smart choice. I really do love the look of the 996. The only thing which the 997 I do like is the headlights. What is the average price for a 996TT on the market for an '03? I'll probably drive it stock for a year or two before I start doing the turbo upgrades.

The 997 C2S is quite nice, but I don't like how it doesn't have the slotted vents on the side panel...

Also how is the steptronic system on the 996? Is it any good? Or should I stick to manual?

Thanks for the input!

[devo]

Originally Posted by DimSum

I can't afford a 997TT. My budget is within the 996TT range, but after hearing from you said, it seems like the 996TT is a smart choice. I really do love the look of the 996. The only thing which the 997 I do like is the headlights. What is the average price for a 996TT on the market for an '03? I'll probably drive it stock for a year or two before I start doing the turbo upgrades.

The 997 C2S is quite nice, but I don't like how it doesn't have the slotted vents on the side panel...

Also how is the steptronic system on the 996? Is it any good? Or should I stick to manual?

Thanks for the input!

The side vents are for the turbo's intercoolers.

Porsche calls it Tiptronic. It's an auto gearbox with a torque converter. It's okay as far as automatics go, but shifting can be a bit slow for a sports car I'm told. Never drove one. I really dislike autos in a sports car.

I have not idea on current vaules as I have not shopped that market in a while.

[amgthis]

I'd get a 997 just because it hasn't aged yet.

[jibaholic101]

996TT because it is a classic and is soooo much more car than the C2s

the 996TT will have 496hp while the carrera will have ~320

[DimSum]

Originally Posted by devo

The side vents are for the turbo's intercoolers.

Porsche calls it Tiptronic. It's an auto gearbox with a torque converter. It's okay as far as automatics go, but shifting can be a bit slow for a sports car I'm told. Never drove one. I really dislike autos in a sports car.

I have not idea on current vaules as I have not shopped that market in a while.

Whats the best place to look for nicely kept conditioned cars?
I tried giving ebay a shot but.. who knows the truth behind it. I would rather prefer to pick it off a private seller instead of some used car online dealership.
I'm worried that if I get an '03 996TT with Auto the gearbox will die shortly. You know like those horror stories with BMWs reverse poping ($3000) fix.

Originally Posted by jibaholic101

996TT because it is a classic and is soooo much more car than the C2s

the 996TT will have 496hp while the carrera will have ~320

I grew up with a poster of a 996TT(dream car) in my room. Till today, it is still my favourite looking Porsche. The 997TT with LED tails looks good, but it is way out of my budget.

[b0bab0i]

Get one with a manual tranny!

[Year's_End]

997.

The 996 is so much less attractive and the 997's interior is infinitely better. Enough to win me over, even if it supposedly provides an inferior driving experience.

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by jibaholic101

996TT because it is a classic and is soooo much more car than the C2s

the 996TT will have 496hp while the carrera will have ~320

414.

444 with the X50 pkg.



EDIT:

Talk about a bad economy..
This guy is here in Dallas and seems to be in a bind.

Asking $38,800.00
Not an auto guy myself, in these cars, but that is is hell of a lot of car for the money.

No issue Clean Carfax TURBO MAKE ME AN OFFER... Must sell by end of January...need the money. 2001 Porsche 996 Twin Turbo Coupe with only 35K miles. Speed Yellow on Dove Gray Leather Hide. TechArt BODY! Black Turbo Wheels accented with Yellow Ring Stripes. 3.6L Twin Turbo 415HP Engine. Tiptronic Transmission, Red Brembo Brake System, 4-wheel drive System, Amazing Suspension. One of a Kind Please email or call me about the car. Looking to sell and NEGOTIABLE on the price....

OP: RUF here in Dallas does PPI inspections for under $300 I believe.

[footie]

May I suggest you check the service charges for both models, this may very well make the decision for you.

Both are great but from a personal perspective I perfer the look both inside and out of the newer 997 C2/4S, more befitting a car that costs as much as they do.

Also the difference is power isn't as great as it seems, the C2S had 355ps compared to 414ps from the 996TT and their respective performance is equally quite close.

[Sticky]

Originally Posted by footie

May I suggest you check the service charges for both models, this may very well make the decision for you.

Both are great but from a personal perspective I perfer the look both inside and out of the newer 997 C2/4S, more befitting a car that costs as much as they do.

Also the difference is power isn't as great as it seems, the C2S had 355ps compared to 414ps from the 996TT and their respective performance is equally quite close.

The performance is light years apart. One can pick up X50's in the year range he mentioned that trap ~10 mph higher than the wet sump 997's. It is a joke of a performance comparison. Hell, a chipped K16 car can break 120 mph, easily.

Not to mention the turbo has the GT1 block, wouldn't you want the block that was actually raced and is dry sump?

Additionally, with the X50 a simple flash or even just modding the existing turbo housing with a 18g impeller (k24/18g hybrid) can put you over 130 mph trap on stock internals. Hell, even with the K16's you can mod them now to put out over 600 WHEEL. The performance difference is freaking epic, only someone with very little experience with these vehicles would claim they are close in any way performance wise.

Regardless, I was in this position and the only reason I would have ended up in the 997 over the 996 turbo would have been to impress other people, not myself. The turbo will be the more satisfying drive and is a much better performance platform.

The moment you drive the turbo it will seal the deal for you. The moment a 997 C2S pulls up next to you and you dust it without even trying you will know you made the right choice. Buy the car that is more fun to drive, buy the man's car. Don't buy a car simply because it is a little prettier, the average person still can't tell a 993 from a 997.

[footie]

I was simply talking stock to stock, not a performance packed turbo. When you check out stock vs stock sure the Turbo still holds the lead but the performance gap is relatively close.

P.S.
Also I thought the OP was asking for opinions, I was simply suggesting to do a bit of checking out before jumping for the obvious choice because servicing a turbo is more expense and in stock form the gap isn't as great as many would think, sure it can be upgraded to silly performance figures but with this comes reliability issues and Porsche parts aren't cheap.

To the OP, do a bit of digging on Porsche forums and check out prices for repairs and services at dealers before making the jump. That's the best advice I can give you.

[Sticky]

Originally Posted by footie

I was simply talking stock to stock, not a performance packed turbo. When you check out stock vs stock sure the Turbo still holds the lead but the performance gap is relatively close.

P.S.
Also I thought the OP was asking for opinions, I was simply suggesting to do a bit of checking out before jumping for the obvious choice because servicing a turbo is more expense and in stock form the gap isn't as great as many would think, sure it can be upgraded to silly performance figures but with this comes reliability issues and Porsche parts aren't cheap.

To the OP, do a bit of digging on Porsche forums and check out prices for repairs and services at dealers before making the jump. That's the best advice I can give you.

I like the fact that the 996 TT has many upgrades in terms of turbos and software, however many on the market are around 2002-2003.

Seems to me he mentioned upgrades...

Oh, and tunes on the k16 or k24 turbos do not come with reliability issues, don't know where you got that. Additionally, if you remain on the stock fuel system you won't be pushing the rods past the breaking point which is ~600 wheel That is when you have reliability issues.

[footie]

Originally Posted by Sticky

Seems to me he mentioned upgrades...

Oh, and tunes on the k16 or k24 turbos do not come with reliability issues, don't know where you got that. Additionally, if you remain on the stock fuel system you won't be pushing the rods past the breaking point which is ~600 wheel That is when you have reliability issues.

I did read that he talked about upgrades, only suggesting to check out repair and service costs before making the jump.

BTW I know how reliable their engines are but the tolerances on the gearbox, clutch and draintrain come into question if you bump the power too much.

[TwinTurboXI]

If you have never really driven Porsche's much, and plan on driving it hard every so often, I would get the 996tt for the sole fact that its AWD. The 997 c2 is a great car, but to really use it to its potential, it could get very scary with the rwd and rear engine configuration.