from 997 to 996
I guess this is an unusual post. 
I am downgrading from a 997C2S to a 996C4 3.4. The reason is I will have to relocate for my work from Switzerland to Spain and did not feel like taking a very recent car without knowing the place first. So the 996 is a good compromise. Still a Porsche, but would feel less sorry if something happens during the year it is going to take me to get used to the country.
Prices of cars in Spain are crazy and I will still make money on the 996 when I will be reselling there (I can import one car 'tax free' provided I keep it for a year).
Now to those who are wondering whether there is a difference 997/996 (if anybody...given the 997 is out for 3 years now)...let me say it is night and day and while must people have made the comparison going from 6 to 7, here is my experience from 7 to 6.
Engine:
The 3.8 not only has much more torque and power, it takes revs very quickly. The 3.4 is lazy in comparison. No life before 4500rpms.
Engine noise:
997 had PSE, 996 the sport exhaust from that time. Well, the 996 is just mute in comparison. (note: the 3.6 996 sport exhaust was much closer to PSE)
Suspension:
The 996 also has a sport suspension..but I know it only because I was told. Would not have guessed. For reference my 997S had -20mm/LSD.
Steering:
I don't know if it is because the 996 is a C4 or because it is a 996, but it is not as precise, as reactive.
Pushing the limits:
The 996 is so much easier to drive. Smashing the throttle in any corner will NOT do anything. Weaker engine, softer suspension and 4 wheel drive will just swallow that pedal to the metal. On the 997, before doing this, a basic health check of the road and traffic conditions was still necessary...But soo much more fun when all parameters were green !!!
Options I miss from the 997:
- Sport adaptative seats. I feel like I am sitting in a Renault now....
- Proper exhaust sound
- PCM 2 and generally the interior
Conclusion:
Now I really feel like my C2S was a mini GT3...really sharp car. I enjoy every bit of the 996, it's a great car, but I know what I am getting next when I am back :-) (Get it right (a.k.a GT3) )
I am downgrading from a 997C2S to a 996C4 3.4. The reason is I will have to relocate for my work from Switzerland to Spain and did not feel like taking a very recent car without knowing the place first. So the 996 is a good compromise. Still a Porsche, but would feel less sorry if something happens during the year it is going to take me to get used to the country.
Prices of cars in Spain are crazy and I will still make money on the 996 when I will be reselling there (I can import one car 'tax free' provided I keep it for a year).
Now to those who are wondering whether there is a difference 997/996 (if anybody...given the 997 is out for 3 years now)...let me say it is night and day and while must people have made the comparison going from 6 to 7, here is my experience from 7 to 6.
Engine:
The 3.8 not only has much more torque and power, it takes revs very quickly. The 3.4 is lazy in comparison. No life before 4500rpms.
Engine noise:
997 had PSE, 996 the sport exhaust from that time. Well, the 996 is just mute in comparison. (note: the 3.6 996 sport exhaust was much closer to PSE)
Suspension:
The 996 also has a sport suspension..but I know it only because I was told. Would not have guessed. For reference my 997S had -20mm/LSD.
Steering:
I don't know if it is because the 996 is a C4 or because it is a 996, but it is not as precise, as reactive.
Pushing the limits:
The 996 is so much easier to drive. Smashing the throttle in any corner will NOT do anything. Weaker engine, softer suspension and 4 wheel drive will just swallow that pedal to the metal. On the 997, before doing this, a basic health check of the road and traffic conditions was still necessary...But soo much more fun when all parameters were green !!!
Options I miss from the 997:
- Sport adaptative seats. I feel like I am sitting in a Renault now....
- Proper exhaust sound
- PCM 2 and generally the interior
Conclusion:
Now I really feel like my C2S was a mini GT3...really sharp car. I enjoy every bit of the 996, it's a great car, but I know what I am getting next when I am back :-) (Get it right (a.k.a GT3)
)
