996 turbo experience vs CamyanS opinions needed

[look 171]

I love my Cayman S with the Chrono package (DFI motor). Fun to drive with plenty of power for the street along with PDK which I have grown to like a lot.

I was at my mechanic's yesterday. He has a 996 TT for sale, cheap. Guy's getting rid of it before his divorce. GT2 turbos, KW suspension, chipped. He did about 40k+ worth the work/upgrades on it in the past two years. He thinks its pushing close to 500hp. I am thinking of selling my Cayman and buy the turbo. Boost is a too much fun. I like my 930's get up and go and it only has 350 at the wheels. I am sure the wasser pump-par TT will by much faster, just not sure about the handling. On the fence about it and it kept me up all night. Craig T ( you drive a 997 turbo?), anyone, help?

I just have to get over the dumb interior and those ugly fry egg headlights

[-Levi-]

I keep going between the two- I would love to also hear what people have to say.

[Nickshu]

One is a real sports car, the other is an SUV that's light on the U part. How much U are you willing to give up to get more S?


EDIT---Just revisited this thread...LOL I must have read CayenneS not CaymanS there ^^^...sorry! LOL.

[WPOZZZ]

I had my 996tt up until September of last year. It similar mods except for the KW suspension. On the freeway, it was a blast, but I'm on an island and can't really go anywhere fast. On city streets, I liked my 987 Boxster better. The mid engine handling is different than the AWD of the 996tt. The 987 is more finesse than the 996tt's grip and go.

[VincentVega]

Do it!

You can always move on later if it doesnt work out.

[masraum]

I drove a stock 2001 tt when I was looking for my current Porsche. I think the '01 had 415hp stock. I didn't really get to "play" on the test drive and was mostly going in a straight line on the freeway, but it was REALLY boring to me. It didn't even feel that fast and it didn't have the feel that I'm used to and was looking for, I assume because they are heavier with the turbo and AWD.

Maybe with a bunch of power upgrades it would come alive.

My first 911 was an '88 targa, then I had 2 miatas, now I'm in an '08 Boxster S. The driving feel and dynamic between all of those cars are similar (despite the differences in the engine location). They all felt light, lively, communicative. The '01 tt didn't have any of that. Maybe it did, but maybe you've got to be closer to the limit, which in a tt might be a problem since I assume the limit is much higher. But, to me, you can drive any of these other cars far from the limit and you get more enjoyment because of the lively, communicative nature of them.

I wouldn't take my one short experience as gospel either.

[Jeff Higgins]

My oldest son has had a 996 TT for several years now. He loves it, for what it is - a GT car, not a sports car. He also has his mildly hot-rodded '79 SC, which although far "slower", he much prefers as his back road carver and track day car.

I bought his '02 Boxster S from him when he bought the Turbo. He very much misses the Boxster. He lives very close by, and we still do a lot of driving together. He never misses a chance to trade and drive "his" Boxster, which means I have a bunch of seat time in his turbo. I agree with his assessment - it's a great GT car, but the Boxster is a far better sports car.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

My oldest son has had a 996 TT for several years now. He loves it, for what it is - a GT car, not a sports car. He also has his mildly hot-rodded '79 SC, which although far "slower", he much prefers as his back road carver and track day car.

I bought his '02 Boxster S from him when he bought the Turbo. He very much misses the Boxster. He lives very close by, and we still do a lot of driving together. He never misses a chance to trade and drive "his" Boxster, which means I have a bunch of seat time in his turbo. I agree with his assessment - it's a great GT car, but the Boxster is a far better sports car.

Which sounds like it mimics my experience.

[Mark Henry]

Don't know about the TT's but I have a 2006 997T coming in the shop with a fried turbo, water pump, water pump housing etc.
Frickin turbo is about $7k from the dealer, and so far I can't find it aftermarket.

[jhynesrockmtn]

The interiors in the C4S and Turbo are full leather and wear and look better than a "normal" 996. One consideration, if you care, a nice TT may be an appreciating car, or at least hold its value vs a Cayman. Is it a 6 speed or auto? I think you'd find the 996 auto much less engaging than the PDK but again, you may not care. I have a C4S and find it responds to inputs well at the track but will handle more like a GT car vs. your mid engine baby.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Mark Henry

Don't know about the TT's but I have a 2006 997T coming in the shop with a fried turbo, water pump, water pump housing etc.
Frickin turbo is about $7k from the dealer, and so far I can't find it aftermarket.

They did not make a 997 turbo until 2007. See if he wants to sell it and let me know. I just fanned on a nice one on BAT earlier today.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

The interiors in the C4S and Turbo are full leather and wear and look better than a "normal" 996. One consideration, if you care, a nice TT may be an appreciating car, or at least hold its value vs a Cayman. Is it a 6 speed or auto? I think you'd find the 996 auto much less engaging than the PDK but again, you may not care. I have a C4S and find it responds to inputs well at the track but will handle more like a GT car vs. your mid engine baby.

Its stick shift. No early auto. I drove an auto 996. It sucked. From now on, its PDK or stick.

[look 171]

I am afraid the driving dynamic on the turbo will feel lazy and not smallish sports car like the Cayman.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by look 171

I am afraid the driving dynamic on the turbo will feel lazy and not smallish sports car like the Cayman.

I'd put $100 on it if I was a gambler.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I've owned a 996TT, 986.1S Caymans, and a 987.2 Cayman. While I would definitely call the 996TT a GT car, I would also say that your 987.2 is more of a GT car than a 987.1. With each newer generation Porsches get more competent but also more isolated and comfortable. The 996TT is comfortable enough to drive across country but can also embarrass many supercars on a race track. It might be comfortable but it is very much a supercar. It will outperform the 987.2 Cayman in every measurable way. Those modifications will also push it more towards the sports end of the spectrum, it should be an absolute rocket.

One other factor to consider, the 996TT is a smoking deal right now and won't be for long. They have bottomed out in value and are definitely slowly rising in price. Most of the magazines and value guides list them as a "car to buy now". So if you buy it and change your mind, you can probably buy another Cayman for less while also selling your 996TT for more. My 996TT is one of the few cars that I really miss, and I fear that when I am again in the position to buy one, I won't be able to afford it.

[Mark Henry]

Originally Posted by speeder

They did not make a 997 turbo until 2007. See if he wants to sell it and let me know. I just fanned on a nice one on BAT earlier today.

You're right I just looked at his info, it's an '07

[Shaun @ Tru6]

996TTs are the fastest Camry's ever made.

Have driven a nice one, was not super impressed with it.

[JeremyD]

I have a 996tt - not sure you are not doing it right -

Mine is a 2003 996TT - it is a phenomenal car. Supercar, connected.

Fast -

And I've come from a long list of aircooled cars.

Stock they are 415 hp - mild tune and I'm around 500 HP. the Pss9's made a difference as well as bigger wheels and tires... I was considering a cayman s - always felt a little tight - although a great driving car.

With the Turbo you can dial out the understeer with a bigger rear bar (and tire sizes) - In the right hands they will run circles around lots of more expensive cars

[look 171]

I thought I had the perfect daily driver dialed in perfectly with the Cayman S (when I am not driving dumb pick up trucks). Between you and Wippedpup, I am starting to think seriously about it. Dang it, another late and sleepless night

[onewhippedpuppy]

If you want full on sports car, yank the front differential, halfshafts, and driveshaft, instant GT2.

Honestly at a minimum you need to give it a serious look and drive, I think they are epic cars.