996 Turbo vs Turbo X50

[Paul James]

I've now narrowed down my choice to a 996 Turbo. However, I am now presented with a dilemma; X50 or not?

I've stretched my already stretched budget to £35k, and am wondering what PCGB would choose to do with this. I can get a low mileage, nice condition 996 Turbo from a dealer, or a slightly higher mileage (though still nice condition) Turbo X50 in a private sale. Is the X50 upgrade worth a dropped warranty/higher mileage? I'd appreciate your opinions on this.

Cheers

Paul

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

I normally prefer to try and buy a cherished car direct from an enthusiast private seller than a dealer. Riskier, but you generally get slightly more for your money. If buying from a private seller, a PPI by a specialist can give peace of mind, and there is no reason why you couldn't get an aftermarket warranty if it helps relieve any worry. The X50 has the larger K24 turbos, so the power delivery gives even more of an an adrenalin rush than the standard K16 car. If it is an everyday car then the standard version is probably more 'friendly' to live with on a day-to-day basis, but as a weekend toy I would probably go for an X50. Difficult choice, but a nice one to have! Both are awesome cars, and there are some fantastic value cars around.

 

[Paul James]

There certainly are some amazing value Turbos around at this point in time. I guess you're right in that if the car has obviously been looked after well by the previous owner, you'd get more for your money rather than purchasing from a dealer. Although Turbos are known for being near bomb-proof, I would definitely still get the car inspected by somewhere like Parr or JZM. Porsche warranty could also be an option, providing the car gets through their inspection.

 

[watlina]

I think it comes down to how you like to drive. For most drivers the standard Turbo is plenty and you have to be brave or stupid to get near the limit of its abilities on the road. The X50 takes it step further. It's is all about the extra torque with the X50 from the bigger K24 turbos but this comes at the cost of a bit of the superb flexibility of the standard car. The X50 has to be driven hard for you to realise it's advantage. Look at the figures below and you'll see the max torque band is higher up and narrower. This actually makes it a tad slower 50-70 in fifth gear but it pays off as speeds rise. Once you've had an X50 on song I suspect you wouldn't want to give up that even bigger push in the back ;-) Std X50 420bhp @ 6000rpm 450bhp @ 5,700 560Nm @ 2,700 – 4600 620Nm @ 3,500 - 4,500 0-62 4.2 4.2 0-100 9.3 &nbsp9.0 50-75 4.8 &nbsp4.9

 

[condor]

I have got an X50 and she is a beauty to drive. i have not driven a standard turbo, so I can't shed light on the difference. The X50 is very surefooted & its delivery of power is 'turbine' like. A joy to drive every time.

 

[924nutter]

I have a std turbo, except for a Tubi exhaust and if that only gives +5% through better breathing, then that bestows it with 441 bhp, probably with increased torque, at the expense of 101 db. static @ 4,500 r.p.m. and that is plenty. The first time you change down into second, (remember to wait a couple of minutes after the water temp hits 80 for the oil to warm up) you will find out that adrenalin is brown. Drivers coming towards you cannot comprehend how quickly it can overtake, and often flash you in robot mode then realise they were a bit premature as you are back on your own side of the road and settled before they even draw level with you. Not like my previous 944 turbo cab, N/A 3.2 quick but it was very "ships telegraph" on turbo lag. Before any one coughs and says bullspit under their breath mine had only done 45,000 mile when I sold it in February, and again it was bought with a stainless steel exhaust already fitted, but man oh man the lag.

 

[dtroughton]

I have an X50 Turbo. I didn't drive a standard car so I can't really comment on the differences of performance. I think the performance is incredible, but I can't imagine that the standard car isn't amazing too. I went for the X50 car because I thought it would be a better long term investment as rarity seems to be everything in the current (crazy) second hand market.

 

[James Beaumont]

Hi

I have 944 turbo s with a few mods and there is to much lag, but still a fast car, then I got 996 c4s which feels that little bit better in every with against the 944.

Then about 3 weeks ago I pick up 996 turbo and its really fast, faster then any other car I have driven, even against the Lotus Carlton I have.