I've owned a black/black 996 turbo manual for over two years and decided to move to a 997 turbo tiptronic. I'd like to outline a few subjective points of comparison for anyone thinking of making the move.
Having driven both back to back for a while now I think the 996 stands up really well. Side by side I find the lines of the 996 a little purer and less showy. The headlight issue is not one for me and I think it will become less relevant over time.
Despite what 'group think' says, I find the 996 interior every bit as nice as the 997's. It seems just as well put together too. The only substantive difference for me is that there is much more room for the driver (the seat moves back further and the steering wheel is adjustable).
The 997 is more refined in the sense that it is quieter and the suspension more absorbing on UK roads. The difference is not enormous and compared to a sports saloon, for example, the 997 feels noisy. So, this issue does not matter a great deal to me.
Handling is similar except with respect to the awd system. The 997 feels much more secure and confidence inspiring. I never quite knew whether the 996 viscous system was working and that did not inspire confidence. Certainly at lower speeds, it did not seem to work e.g. rear wheelspin at traffic light starts and wheelspin on steep, slow inclines.
The Megzer engine, of course, is essentially the same, bar the turbos. I had a decatted exhaust on the 996 and, with a remap, it both boosts as early as the 997 and is as fast.
Currently the 997 fetches about 10k more than a comparable 996. Is that extra worth paying? My logic is that the 997tt is a somewhat better car but, if it were a depreciating car, it would not be worth the difference. However, since values of both cars seem stable, if you have the money then there is nothing to lose in buying a 997 turbo.
Cheers!
Having driven both back to back for a while now I think the 996 stands up really well. Side by side I find the lines of the 996 a little purer and less showy. The headlight issue is not one for me and I think it will become less relevant over time.
Despite what 'group think' says, I find the 996 interior every bit as nice as the 997's. It seems just as well put together too. The only substantive difference for me is that there is much more room for the driver (the seat moves back further and the steering wheel is adjustable).
The 997 is more refined in the sense that it is quieter and the suspension more absorbing on UK roads. The difference is not enormous and compared to a sports saloon, for example, the 997 feels noisy. So, this issue does not matter a great deal to me.
Handling is similar except with respect to the awd system. The 997 feels much more secure and confidence inspiring. I never quite knew whether the 996 viscous system was working and that did not inspire confidence. Certainly at lower speeds, it did not seem to work e.g. rear wheelspin at traffic light starts and wheelspin on steep, slow inclines.
The Megzer engine, of course, is essentially the same, bar the turbos. I had a decatted exhaust on the 996 and, with a remap, it both boosts as early as the 997 and is as fast.
Currently the 997 fetches about 10k more than a comparable 996. Is that extra worth paying? My logic is that the 997tt is a somewhat better car but, if it were a depreciating car, it would not be worth the difference. However, since values of both cars seem stable, if you have the money then there is nothing to lose in buying a 997 turbo.
Cheers!
