they are quite different cars... depends on what you want really... if this helps my dad owned a 996 turbo, he now owns a 997s and he thinks his 997s is the best porsche he has had. I drove a 996 turbo, not much at all. The turbo is hugely powerful, etc. The 997s is obviously a bit less raw power but I really think the interior and fit and finish of the 997s is way above the 996 turbo.

Check them both out... go testdrive both - thats a must.

Have fun with yuor search... also consider the fact that the turbo is AWD and the 997s is RWD... i think RWD is much better.