Grant
New member
Had a chance for a more extended test drive in a 997S, I wanted to share a few things that really stuck out !
plus ++++++++
1/ I have to say the driving position has been VASTLY improved (can never get it 100% right in a 996) I got really comfortable & the seats (standard sports items) gripped far better than the old ones. I wouldn't waste the money on adaptive items when the standard are this good!
2/ The ride comfort is MUCH better than a 996, 2nd time around even the sport setting was acceptable, well damped for small bumps but still very "jolting" over large ones. The last time I tried it this seemed far too hard for the road, but it must have been a particularly bad road before because I didn't loose any fillings this time & body control is top notch!!!
3/ the steering is much more relaxing around town & on the cruise, but still nice & pointy on the twisty stuff.
4/ The interior is a bit nicer although not that much of step up on the 996, having said this the centre consul look's miles better than the old swoopy plastic thing, but I didn't like the DOZENS of mock alu/chrome buttons around the PCM unit!
minus----------------
1/ It didn't seem any faster than a standard facelift 996, this car had the sport chrono feature & this did improve things but in honesty I was disapointed with it's performance even with only 1200 miles on the clock. It was so capable that subjectively the other halfs Boxster S "felt" as quick although I'm sure it wasn't . It was also too quiet inside, the 996 is better, the 997S needs a sports exhaust it is a must have!
2/ The steering is far better around town & on motor ways , but isn't as alive & feel some as the 996's, the better ride also filters out some of the seat of the pants feel & adjustabilty you get with a 996, particularly one with sports suspension.
Conclusion.Fabulous car, even better as an every day driver & more capable than a 996 on all fronts BUT, not as alive, organic & involving (didn't we say the same about the 993 when the 996 was launched). Price for price..a second hand 996TT adds ballistic grunt to the 996's armoury for the same money as a new 997! Suffice to say that anybody who is buying a 997 will have a fantastic car, but I for one won't be chopping in the 996...just yet!!!
plus ++++++++
1/ I have to say the driving position has been VASTLY improved (can never get it 100% right in a 996) I got really comfortable & the seats (standard sports items) gripped far better than the old ones. I wouldn't waste the money on adaptive items when the standard are this good!
2/ The ride comfort is MUCH better than a 996, 2nd time around even the sport setting was acceptable, well damped for small bumps but still very "jolting" over large ones. The last time I tried it this seemed far too hard for the road, but it must have been a particularly bad road before because I didn't loose any fillings this time & body control is top notch!!!
3/ the steering is much more relaxing around town & on the cruise, but still nice & pointy on the twisty stuff.
4/ The interior is a bit nicer although not that much of step up on the 996, having said this the centre consul look's miles better than the old swoopy plastic thing, but I didn't like the DOZENS of mock alu/chrome buttons around the PCM unit!
minus----------------
1/ It didn't seem any faster than a standard facelift 996, this car had the sport chrono feature & this did improve things but in honesty I was disapointed with it's performance even with only 1200 miles on the clock. It was so capable that subjectively the other halfs Boxster S "felt" as quick although I'm sure it wasn't . It was also too quiet inside, the 996 is better, the 997S needs a sports exhaust it is a must have!
2/ The steering is far better around town & on motor ways , but isn't as alive & feel some as the 996's, the better ride also filters out some of the seat of the pants feel & adjustabilty you get with a 996, particularly one with sports suspension.
Conclusion.Fabulous car, even better as an every day driver & more capable than a 996 on all fronts BUT, not as alive, organic & involving (didn't we say the same about the 993 when the 996 was launched). Price for price..a second hand 996TT adds ballistic grunt to the 996's armoury for the same money as a new 997! Suffice to say that anybody who is buying a 997 will have a fantastic car, but I for one won't be chopping in the 996...just yet!!!
