How do you choose a 997?

[mex99]

Hello! I currently drive a Cayman, which I love, but due to recently having a second child I am considering buying a 997. My question is how do you pick one; I sort of guess I should look at a C2S which I could spec very nicely for £75K. By saying this I am instantly dismissing the non S version and the 4 wheel drive versions. Is this correct? Just how do I know? Should I buy a turbo, although to be honest I would struggle to justify £100K for a car. I don't like cabrios, but may like the targa............?????

I know the Porsche range well and I do understand the technical differences across the range I am just genuinely trying to understand some of the philosophy by which decisions can be made.

Appreciate some thoughts.

Thanks...

 

[Sunil]

Best thing to do is drive all the different options. You'll know straight away which is your favourite and that's all that matters.

 

[Dylan1]

ORIGINAL: Sunil

Best thing to do is drive all the different options. You'll know straight away which is your favourite and that's all that matters.

the only correct answer[]

 

[Sandy59]

Firstly I'd start by deciding how you're going to use the car, I recently had a similar dilemma. For purest driving experience I'd be looking at a non S version, with factory lowered suspension option and ceramic brakes, this may not be very comfortable for kids though.
The S version with PSM is more comfortable, a bit more power, a few more toys and very good all rounder. A factory power kit can also be added to the 'S' which I understand is quite impressive, although fairly expensive.
Prefer 2wd myself, but the 4wd system is very good.
If you really need ludicrous speed then it would have to be the turbo I guess !!

As others have said no substitute for trying the different models out yourself, good luck and let us know what you decide on.

Cheers

 

[okellyt]

Good advice os far.

With kids, if you want them in the car then PASM is the way to go, more comfortable on longer runs. S is good as well abit more power much better torque, so for calm kid transport its a bit more relaxed but can still pick up its skirts and fly when its playtime.

I am with Sandy 59 for a abck rod beast go standard C2 with lowered sports suspension, sports seats short shift, LsD etc Makes a nice mini GT3 if you need oocasional back seats

Presonally I's want to run the kids in the beast so I'd go for an S. 2 or 4 wheel, I'd go for a dive at OPC's and see what you prefer. However practical note here you loose boot space for the 4wd do unless you are in bad weather areas I'd default towards mores otrge on a C2S plus while having slightly lowers limits its a better handling car

Other extra's - short shift is great, so is Bose stereo. cruise control is useful if you do lots of motorway traffic where there are camera's or if its very long runs.

Powerkit is awesome - creates a real wolf in sheeps clothing Or more like tiger in wolfs clothing

Try em out pick what you like

 

[YvesD]

ORIGINAL: dyllan

ORIGINAL: Sunil

Best thing to do is drive all the different options. You'll know straight away which is your favourite and that's all that matters.

the only correct answer[]

Can I add to that in answer to the original question ?

How about 'with your heart and a blank cheque book'

Yves

 

[Ronnie C]

why is a base C2 with sports suspension option any more "pure" than a C2S with the same suspension set up?

I recall in some magazine that a journalist said he'd seriously consider a C2 with ceramics over a base C2S as they work out the same price, but this wouldn't make it better than a C2S with ceramics.

This conclusion is of course made after driving a car for a few days, so obviously they know more about it than owners like us who are approaching or have already entered year 3 of living with these cars.

If you already own the Cayman, you may not notice a huge difference moving to a base C2. Take the C2S out (especially if you opt for the X51 version) and you will immediately notice not only the extra grunt, but much improved stopping power.

 

[Dylan1]

Can I add to that in answer to the original question ?

How about 'with your heart and a blank cheque book'

Yves

ORIGINAL: YvesD

ORIGINAL: dyllan

ORIGINAL: Sunil

Best thing to do is drive all the different options. You'll know straight away which is your favourite and that's all that matters.

the only correct answer[]

Can I add to that in answer to the original question ?

How about 'with your heart and a blank cheque book'

Yves

too true-much to linda's chagrin!
[][][]

 

[Sandy59]

Bear in mind this is just my opinion :
For me there is plenty grunt in the standard car for serious fun, it is only actually 0.3 secs slower from 0-100mph.
The main reason for that I guess is it's 25kg lighter than the 'S', and I feel that's what gives it a very slight edge on the driving experience, again IMO.
Now as mentioned if you add the X51 pk to the 'S' (not available on the C2) that apparently does move things on to the next level.
At the end of the day it depends what you want from the car, only test drives will really help you make the right decision.

 

[Grant]

997S is the way to go, great car as standard, just ensure PSE & sensible spec & you'll be drooling all the way down your favourite A, B or back Road! But I'd also test drive a 996TT, maybe an X-50 or S, just to see which you prefer, 2wd adjustability, great sound, revvy top end, better ride or road ripping 4wd grip & a fair ground ride with torquefesten grunt!

Both awesome cars, its a close call, only the test drive will reveal your weakness!

 

[mex99]

Many thanks for all the comments and thoughts. I realise I have a long test driving day ahead of me - I will ask my local OPC to set up a day driving all the options and seeing all the specs. Should be a fun day!!

Thanks again.

 

[okellyt]

ORIGINAL: Sandy59

Bear in mind this is just my opinion :
For me there is plenty grunt in the standard car for serious fun, it is only actually 0.3 secs slower from 0-100mph.
The main reason for that I guess is it's 25kg lighter than the 'S', and I feel that's what gives it a very slight edge on the driving experience, again IMO.
Now as mentioned if you add the X51 pk to the 'S' (not available on the C2) that apparently does move things on to the next level.
At the end of the day it depends what you want from the car, only test drives will really help you make the right decision.

X51 allegedly brings the 0-100 down to 9.7 seconds a full second quicker than t he S. Thing is in reality is it feels much faster which matters more than what is faster.

C2 has normal suspension, smaller and lighter wheel as well as being lighter. So lighter weight and lower ration of unsprung mass = nimbler car.

Me I take the C2S any day bit if cash is restricted, the C2 with all the outright sports goodies will feel like more of a race car for the road than a similarly piced C2S.