1esquire

You can get either of these w/less than 40k miles for about the same amount ($45k). The newer body style is much improved, in my opinion, but I've never had the chance to drive the turbo, and they are more rare and powerful. Any thoughts on one vs. the other?


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swajames

Based on the wheels I'm assuming the 2006 is a Carrera S.

If I were you, 1esquire, I'd post up on Rennlist or 6Speedonline with this question. On the normally aspirated 997 forums, the response will broadly be that the Turbo is a very special car and would be the obvious one to consider but that the 997 is a much better car overall than the 996 and thus perhaps the one to get out of these two. The Turbo guys will tell you the TT is the one to get, again with justification. For me? I'd get the 997. The exterior is nicer and the interior is much better than the 996. The C2S is a very quick car, and it is truly a delight to drive. It's easily more than fast enough (although the 996 TT is quicker, and very easy to mod to ridiculous power levels). The 997 will still have some warranty too, which is important. That said, the 996 TT's engine is based on the GT1 and it's close to bulletproof.

Take a look here for a summary of 996 and 997 test times. You'll find the 996 Turbo posted quicker times than the 3.8 liter 997 S, but the gap is not anywhere near what you'd think. The 996 TT averages in the very low four seconds for the 0-60, the 997 S averages low to mid four seconds. 60 to 100 times are reasonably close, but here the 996 TT is again quicker (as you'd expect). The 996 TT has more power (at 415 hp) but it's also about 200lbs heavier than the 2006 S. All said, stock for stock the 996 is quicker, but there really isn't a massive difference (for that, look no further than the 997 Turbo which is truly a monster and is much, much quicker).

Either way - you'll love either one of them. Good luck with the shopping and feel free to PM me if you need any more info on the 997S.

sdg1871

It seems bizarre that a 911 Turbo that is five years newer would be the same price as the model that is 5 years older -- each with the same mileage.

But I am not a Porsche expert.

I wish I was.

1esquire

Thanks for the fast feedback.

As you can tell from my previous post in Feb. of 2008, I spend a lot of time researching and choosing cars. I was on this board for about 12 months before I got my 545 making sure I understood all the options, specs, problems, etc.

I'm reaching the point where I could justify starting to look at an extra car (keep the 545 as my daily driver).

One big factor I still haven't decided is whether I want a backseat or not (for the kids, not adults). The 911 is very appealing in that respect, as is a used M3, 135 or even M6/650. On the flip side, not worrying about the back seat makes the Caymen S, Z4M, Lotus, and Z06 look really appealing. About the only car I have scratched from my list is the Maserati based on my conversation with the service manager about the cost of maintaining those cars (see here).

For a cost vs. rarity standpoint, the Lotus is by far the best deal, but everything I've read at LotusTalk makes it sound like those cars are harsh to drive on anything but pristine tarmac. Driving it to work a couple days a week sounds brutal, and you have to keep the RPMs over 6,000 at all times to enjoy the acceleration.

I don't know, the search continues... at least I am completely satisfied with my 545, and I'm in no hurry to get rid of it.

swajames

The 997 does make a decent daily driver and the back seats are fine for kids (in fact, they LOVE it back there as they get their own independent seat).

Based on your list, if you don't get the 911 and are OK with the seating situation I'd definitely go for the Z06. Best bang for the buck on the market.

earl_je

I was stuck with the same question a while back. It was between an '02 911 turbo or '06 911s. Overall, I think you'll find the newer model to take a better edge performance and comfort wise. But who am I kidding, were talking about a 911 turbo... I would choose that turbo over the 911s (maybe except for a GT3).

But I decided to save a little more and splurge on a 360modena in a couple of years instead.

EuroCarFan

You got it backwards. The turbo is 5 years older (2001) and the non-turbo is 5 years newer (2006).

mrfva

It really depends on what you're looking for, speed vs. looks. IMHO, the 997 body style has reverted back to the traditional lines of the 911 vs. the 996. The newer interior and body lines/shape of the 997 has won me over. Keep in mind that the S and above have a slightly wider rear vs. the usual 911.

There's a reason why the 996 911 turbo hasn't held it's value much. Compare the value of the 993 911 turbo with the 996, you'd be surprise at the pricing you'll find. If you're dead-set on getting the 996 turbo, you can always upgrade the front bumpers and side skirts to the newer look, even something along the lines of the 997 GT3

Btw, if the backseat isn't important, you might consider the 987 Cayman S

swajames

Good call on the Cayman, well worth a look too.

EuroCarFan

Sorry for this slightly off topic post but when did the 997 TT come out? 2006 or 2007?