This has probably been done to death, but I'm looking to order a 997 and can't decide between a C2S with the powerkit and the turbo. Most people would automatically have the turbo if they could afford it, but I have always thought that less is more when it comes to the 911! Having driven a standard C2S and the turbo, I loved the looks and the relentless shove of the turbo, but the immediacy and delicacy of the standard car. I also preferred the noise of the sports exhaust. I have ruled out the GT3 because it looks too OTT (even compared to my current F430!) and because it will be a road car primarily, and I live in the South East! Has anyone out there had the same dilemma?
997 C2S Powerkit vs Turbo
- Thread starter PVJ
- Start date
PVJ
I have the C2S with powerkit and absolutley love it, nearly 6k miles so its not yet quite developing full power. The factory stuff indicates 6k - 10k for all the horses to be unleased from the powerkit.
I did look at the Turbo, the finacial controller banned me from buying it, every since Gary has been trying to tempt me to buy one. You might have to wait for the facelift and for me to win the lottery Gary.
The financial controller further banned me from a GT3 with the cutting comment "well that tells everyone your havinig a mid life crisis doesn't it". Something to do with my 10 year older brother having one I think.....
So I bought the C2S powerkit. Stunning peice of kit and feels rather like a mini turbo except for two things, it sounds utterly stunning if you like your German 6 cylinder sounds and the level of feel and response though the helm.
Its also pretty quick. Porsche's own figures give the C2S powerkit a 0-100 of 9.7 secs - exactly half way between the standard C2S and the GT3 no surprise there. Interestingly every bit as fast as the 996 Turbo (Porsche figures again)
Recent figuring of all machines in a Porsche mag in different conditions (2 people, full tank versus Porsches half tank and a driver) and a 6 mph headwind put the Powerkit and GT3 neck and neck to 110 after which the GT3 pulls away. Neither car had been fully run in.
I think thats a bit genrous on the Powerkit, the headwind and extra weight proportionately hurting the GT3 more.
Either way that means the Powerkit is a real stealth vehicle with all the comforts of a cooking 911 and not a million miles behind stutgarts best on a rough road (on a track it gets killed)
The Turbo on the other hand is another league of performance away especially on a rough or wet road. it just doesn't sound as good or communicate as well. An after market exhasut shoud cure the sound bit, at least partially. The feel thing is the price you pay for 4 wheel drive.
So if you can stretach that far buy the new GT2!
Otherwise you pays your money and you takes your choice. I've been blown away by the C2S Powerkit as my first 911 its everything I dreamed it would be and more. [
]If I see a 997 Tubo I admire it and a bit of me is whistful about owning one. [&o]
If I had the turbo I'd admire the tehcncology and stealth on the powerkit miss its noise and purity of feedback but still be glad I bought the 997 turbo its one of the last of a dying breed - an every day supercar, buy one before they ban them[
]
Guest
New member
I would certainly consider the powerkit on my car maybe in a year or a so when rather than suffer depreciation by swapping cars (ie: to a turbo, although there would most likely be financial constraints anyway) I could add on the powerkit. I have only heard good reviews and very few people have said that the difference is negligible. I guess it's never going to be worth the price but then you can't really put a value on these things. I also prefer the normally aspirated delivery and 2 wheel drive of the C2S and the extra horses of the powerkit would be a welcome addition.
Although I have no idea how I'd feel if financially the Turbo was a possibility for me.
Although I have no idea how I'd feel if financially the Turbo was a possibility for me.
My choice was between the C4S or the Turbo and went for the C4S as I was advised it was a better "general use" car. Having had in the past Aston "V8 Vantage" factory tuned & a Ferrari BB512, I tend to find the car a bit underpowered on the strait... the best car in the bends! 3 months later, I am wondering about fitting some king of power kit (all help welcomed) or changing it for a Turbo...
Francois
Francois
I'm not convinced about the looks of the GT3. I know I shouldn't care, but that rear spoiler is just too OTT for me. Rear seats are also part of the head approval consultation document! Current car is a F430 (amazing, incredible, but not usable enough), and the previous one was a V8 Vantage (beautiful, amazing sound, but ultimately disappointing). I love the looks of the turbo, and could probably stretch to it, although the cashback if I part ex the Ferrari for a C2S would be useful right now. Need to drive them both back to back, but I fear the local dealer probably thinks I'm a timewaster as I haven't carried out my threat of ordering a car yet!! The problem is that the little boy in all of us screams "Turbo" because it is natural to want the biggest and best, but I suspect that in day to day driving, the standard car with powerkit is probably more fun more of the time.
YvesD
New member
PVJ,
The powerkit car is fantastic and is the best compromise for performance, practicality and driver appeal. []
Turbo is of course the Big Daddy but unless money is no object, not really justifying the extra dosh.
Ultimate speed isnt everything in any case and any 997 will satisfy on a level few other cars can. They are even nice to drive slowly !
Yves
The powerkit car is fantastic and is the best compromise for performance, practicality and driver appeal. [
]Turbo is of course the Big Daddy but unless money is no object, not really justifying the extra dosh.
Ultimate speed isnt everything in any case and any 997 will satisfy on a level few other cars can. They are even nice to drive slowly !
Yves
Grant
New member
I understand what you are saying about the wing, it is rather OTT, but the car makes up for it because of the way it drives, it is pretty much as quick as your 430 for a boat load less cash..... 430 nice car by the way[]!
Anyway GT3 out...... so what I would do if you feel like some cash bach at the moment, is get a decent used 997S (without the powerkit) next year will likely see the facelift launched anyway (July time), so I wouldn't buy a new S at the moment personally. Then run it for 6-12 months before buying a used Turbo. Turbo prices are just starting to get real & take it from me in a year they will have dropped big time over current list, people who got the early cars will be moving out of them & supply will be greatly improved!
Sooooooo.....
Nice used 997S for a while & then used 997TT.
or
Put your deposit down for a facelift 997S for next year!
P.S...... Spookily I came out of an AMV8 (great car) to the GT3 after a raft of previous Pork!
]!Anyway GT3 out...... so what I would do if you feel like some cash bach at the moment, is get a decent used 997S (without the powerkit) next year will likely see the facelift launched anyway (July time), so I wouldn't buy a new S at the moment personally. Then run it for 6-12 months before buying a used Turbo. Turbo prices are just starting to get real & take it from me in a year they will have dropped big time over current list, people who got the early cars will be moving out of them & supply will be greatly improved!
Sooooooo.....
Nice used 997S for a while & then used 997TT.
or
Put your deposit down for a facelift 997S for next year!
P.S...... Spookily I came out of an AMV8 (great car) to the GT3 after a raft of previous Pork!
YvesD,
Surprised you swapped your 997 for a 335i. Have had 335i, 335d and 330i as staple company cars. What made you go for the be-em? I did wonder whether they will give the 4s the turbo look as they did with the 996? Although a turbo with the standard body and no badging would be cool!
Surprised you swapped your 997 for a 335i. Have had 335i, 335d and 330i as staple company cars. What made you go for the be-em? I did wonder whether they will give the 4s the turbo look as they did with the 996? Although a turbo with the standard body and no badging would be cool!
Grant - possibly a good idea! I could order a facelift 997 for next year - have only had the 430 for 2 months, and whilst I am always planning the next purchase, and the one after, I'm not ready to swap just yet. Have done 3500m in that time though!! Apparently, there may be a new engine coming for the 09 model year.
My wife and friends all think I'm mad to be talking about changing the 430 already, but why can I not stop thinking 911? I was gutted when I drove an S after taking delivery of the Aston, and realised I bought the wrong car! And then I almost bought a turbo and came away with a 430....
My wife and friends all think I'm mad to be talking about changing the 430 already, but why can I not stop thinking 911? I was gutted when I drove an S after taking delivery of the Aston, and realised I bought the wrong car! And then I almost bought a turbo and came away with a 430....
I goin' get drummed out of the PCGB for this - but stick with the 430, mate - better still stump up £20K as deposit on the 430 Scuderia - a certain Mr. Schumacher will be launching this in Frankfurt next week!
OR - BEST OF ALL!
Order yourself a new 997 GT2 - now that's serious kit!
Regards,
Clive
Jimberland
New member
A 997 GT2 if budget allows, although you would have to put up with the ugly rear spolier.
I love the Turbo as much as the next guy, but 4 wheel drive just doesn't do it for me.
I have a C2S and my next car will by a C2S Powerkit.
I love the Turbo as much as the next guy, but 4 wheel drive just doesn't do it for me.
I have a C2S and my next car will by a C2S Powerkit.
Sunil
New member
I didn't know about the new engine for MY09 but was hoping for the 430 replacement in 2009. That's what I'm hoping for anyway. I don't suppose you know anything about that?
I haven't driven an X51 but I'm sure that it's a great modification to what is already a great car - just ask Yves! [
]Let's put it this way, I wouldn't (and didn't) trade my standard 997S for a TT. I just can't find a car that does the job better than the 997S but, that said, I haven't driven one yet but I'm considering a 612. It's all a matter of what defines a sports car for you.
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