996tt vs 997tt

[sheldon]

Im a big fan of all Porsches old and new,
I really like the standard C2 997 and in my opinion this does look better than the standard C2 996. (Im the proud owner of a 996 C2 btw)

However after seeing all the latest shots of the new 997 turbo (and while im sure this is a better car than the 996 turbo), is there anyone else who agrees with me that the 997 turbo doesn't look quite as good as the 996 Turbo? Im not sure exactly what it is, but I think the 996 turbo just look's more like super car than the 997 turbo.

what do others think?

 

[Rotorhead]

I saw the new Turbo at Geneva.

There was one rotating on a display for all to see, and another upstairs for invited guests to sit in and fiddle with.

And I would agree; it really doesn't look any more desirable than the 996TT.

I'm sure it's a very clever car, stuffed full of the latest technology, but it was completely over-shadowed by the new 997GT3 which looked absolutely gorgeous. Somehow, the 997TT looked like an older man's car with the 997GT3 looking fresh (particularly in white) and fun.

I also agree with you about 911s in general. A C2 Coupe, of whatever generation, is the perfect car. Anything else is 'icing on the cake', and not everyone likes icing.

 

[Guest]

Nothing wrong with a bit of icing, especially if it gives you up to 50% more power and torque.

The biggest visual difference on the 997TT is the wheels. I don't like them much and think they look like BMW jobs. I think this has a big impact on the side view.
The 996 front is very simple, with the lights all out of the way in one unit, leaving the front available for two side inlets and the central radiator. It is all clean and neat. The 997 has the fog lights in the edge of the bumper which looks a bit clumsy, and the indicators are stuck in the radiator inlets. It is the problem with returning to the round headlights.

The rear of the 996 was pretty clean, there is only the recess for the number plate on the back of the bumper. The extra holes for the the exhausts spoil the clean look on the 997.
The wider rear wing on the 997 doesn't make much visual difference.
I think the rear lights on the 997 may be less high, since I think the rear is a bit more sloping.

The side air inlets have a central bar across the them which makes the side look a little less clean.
The you have a flat door panel and flared panels in front and behind, along with the flared sills on the 997.
They did this since "people" alledgedly wanted to make it look more like a 993.
But this has just taken a very smooth clean shape and made it look over complicated.

In reality, the 997 is the same or better for drag, so the shapes and styling have no negative effect.
Styling is a non-exact science, but IMO smooth and clean looks best. When you've got that much power, you don't need extra eye catching bits and bobs.

If you look at the average age of people that buy turbos, perhaps they wanted them to appeal to older people[]

 

[Grant]

It is an interesting question, as a long term owner of the 996TT, I have to say that I am dissapointed with the design flair of the 997TT. It seems a very "measured" step forward, I think Porsche could have easily given the car 550bhp + & more radical cutting edge looks. If they had , no doubt I would be shelling out the readies for a new one, as it is I find myself looking elsewhere in the range, having even considered moving away from Pork for a while!
Whilst still producing the best real world sports car product in the world, for loyal long term Porsche customers the vastly increased volumes they are currently pushing means MUCH bigger depreciation. So if you aren't worried about impressing others with the latest model (& I am not) then a value judgement has to come into your decision! E.G... how much the new model has moved things on VS the amount of cash to get into one!!

 

[Guest]

I have had a 996TT for nearly 2 years now, having worked through most of the 911 range. When I had my C4S I just HAD to have a Turbo & I moved heaven & earth to get one (shame the kidney didn't sell on Ebay !)
I just don't feel the same about the 997TT having seen the pics. I am sure it will be a tour-de-force of technology, but looks wise far too fussy compared to the 996TT.
I saw a video of the new 997TT, there where 2 of them (blue & silver) lined up on a start line & I was sure the silver one was a 996TT & they were going to race them, but they were both 997TT's.

You can pick up a mint 996TT for £50k, the 997TT is £100k or near enough.
Is the 997TT really a £50k better car than a mint used 996TT ??

Julian.