May 11, 2004 12:46:58 PM
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Carlos from Spain
- Rennteam Moderator
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- Loc: Spain. , Spain
- Posts: 21155, Gallery
- Registered on: Feb 9, 2003
997S vs 997
I was really hoping the 997 would be the best handling 4 seater 997, but now seems like the 997S is like a C4S, not really a performance upgrade.
So far:
- the 997S has PASM standard but from what it looks like the PASM is, if you are looking for adecuate sporty handling you will have to go with the optional sport suspension (-20mm) and mechanical LSD in rear on either of then anyway, so no benefit there.
- the 997S is heavier
- the 997 has 18" wheels that besides being better looking than the 997S wheels, they mean lighter un-sprung weight (the worst weight of all) and also the tire profile of 18" wheels seem to perform better than 17" and 19".
- the 997S has no wider track or more aggressive dimentions vs the 997, so no benefit there either.
- the 997S does have more HP but its ONLY 30HP, so for the price difference b/t them you can probably get the powerkit that will make up the difference, or even better since Porsche powerkits are very underrated in term of HP/torque increase. And maybe you have left for GT3 seats to lighten up the heavier new model and give some decent support.
- the only thing is the brake that are beefed up in the 997 but that isn't Porsche weak spot so not that important factor compared to the above in this case.
- oh, and in the 997 you don't get that 997S steering wheel
My 4-seater GT3 dream of the awaited 997S is going down the drain, but on the other hand a well sport optioned 997 can be OK for a similar price, no?
So far:
- the 997S has PASM standard but from what it looks like the PASM is, if you are looking for adecuate sporty handling you will have to go with the optional sport suspension (-20mm) and mechanical LSD in rear on either of then anyway, so no benefit there.
- the 997S is heavier
- the 997 has 18" wheels that besides being better looking than the 997S wheels, they mean lighter un-sprung weight (the worst weight of all) and also the tire profile of 18" wheels seem to perform better than 17" and 19".
- the 997S has no wider track or more aggressive dimentions vs the 997, so no benefit there either.
- the 997S does have more HP but its ONLY 30HP, so for the price difference b/t them you can probably get the powerkit that will make up the difference, or even better since Porsche powerkits are very underrated in term of HP/torque increase. And maybe you have left for GT3 seats to lighten up the heavier new model and give some decent support.
- the only thing is the brake that are beefed up in the 997 but that isn't Porsche weak spot so not that important factor compared to the above in this case.
- oh, and in the 997 you don't get that 997S steering wheel
My 4-seater GT3 dream of the awaited 997S is going down the drain, but on the other hand a well sport optioned 997 can be OK for a similar price, no?
.. Why more power for free when you can charge good ampount of money for it 
.
). and with regards to all the 996 out there, porsche could not risk to ruin their resale value or street credibility by raising the 997's HP too much.
for now even though it has funny lights and a ugly wing...
. RC's reply to you addresses the car balance - existing power and chassis/suspension improvements cleans the competition - and that is where the game is.
