997 GTS more than a 997 Turbo?

[Tremelune]

I've never been a fan of the 996 or 997 besides the Turbos, but after seeing enough photos of 997s, they grew on me and I did some research, which led me to the GTS.

The GTS is a two-year car that is RWD, but still has the big hips of the AWD cars. This is what I look for—and it seems many other do too, as I couldn't find one for much under $80k. Is this because they're so much newer than, say, a 2006 Turbo? Simple rarity? Or is there more to these things than an HP bump and alcantara interior?

I would certainly take a Turbo over one...but I wonder about the C4 models. AWD doesn't add that much weight and complexity, does it...?

[Rick Brooklyn]

I like the GTS, but if I bought one it would have to have the factory aerokit and the side script. The right comparison with the turbo imo is with a 997.2, which are still reasonably pricey, I don't think you find a good one for less than $80k either.

[SalParadise]

Keep looking at the 996TT for awhile, put a photo up on your desk, on your bathroom wall, on your visor...it may grow on you and when it does save yourself $40K and it's more car than you will ever need.

[littleoldman]

The 996 doesn't grow on most people and the seats and interior are antiquated.
Save up for your 997. GTS or TT.

[Matt Monson]

GTS doesn't have a Mezger engine or Getrag gearbox. The turbo does.

[Rick Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by littleoldman

the seats and interior are antiquated.

That means it's turned into a 'timeless classic"

[KNS]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

GTS doesn't have a Mezger engine or Getrag gearbox. The turbo does.

I never understood the popularity of the GTS, it still has the regular engine. Big hips - okay but why put it on a pedestal? I would, however, take one over a C4 or C4S.

[Skwerl]

Besides the attractive RWD + big hips combo, I think the fact that it's a naturally aspirated engine will be a big part of its value retention in years to come. It's sort of a GT3 Junior in that way, and with Porsche's move towards TURBOS IN ALL THE THINGS (along with Ferrari and BMW and...) I could see NA sports cars being the next "6-speed manual." Last of a dying breed, old school, all that stuff collector/investors/enthusiasts gravitate towards.

Not to mention the 997 body in general being the sweet spot between the 996's controversial styling and the 991's large GT proportions.

[Rick Brooklyn]

What Skwerl said. Plus, the center lock wheels are real badass.

[Tremelune]

The 996 Turbo, unlike every other 996 I've ever seen, is a beautiful car. The worst part of the 2000+ 996 isn't the headlights—it's the slab sides. The Turbo fixes this (and IMS concerns). If I could find one with a clutch pedal in Atlas Gray I would buy it. I've been looking casually for months. They are rare birds. For some reason, I just can't seem to settle for any other color.

I value body shape over motor capability, and I don't think I'm alone. Motor swaps aren't that big a deal, whereas a widebody conversion is like $20k of work I can't do myself and cannot be undone. I'd personally rather have an M491 than an SC with a 3.6.

The closest comparison to a "normal" car for the GTS is probably the 997 C4 and C4S, but I understand they're quite rare, too. The 993 C2 seems to command a higher premium than the C4...so...who knows where the market will land once these aren't being used for foul-weather dailies for many.

Every 911 release since the SWBs has had large GT proportions compared to its predecessor—it's all relative, but I see your point. If could stomach the depreciation, I'd have a 991 in my garage. I love the way they look, and I happen to have a need for a grand touring highway machine at the moment..

[Tremelune]

Ha, those are pretty cool. Might make wheel replacement tricky, though...

[Rick Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by Tremelune

If could stomach the depreciation, I'd have a 991 in my garage. I love the way they look, and I happen to have a need for a grand touring highway machine at the moment..

Based on your location, I hope highway doesn't mean the BQE or God forbid the Jackie Robinson, 'cos that would mean the right vehicle for you is a 1996 Crown Vic or similar. Belt parkway would be marginally better but still takes a brave man to drive a nice car in Kings county.

Bad old memories aside, I don't think 997 4Ss are rare at all, I can see a dozen priced in the 40s and low 50s on Porsche's website.

[specialtyoneinc]

I would test drive them. Different drives. The 07-09 997TT's are torque monsters and probably won't depreciate much more if your looking for a 6spd Coupe. Can't beat the Mezger IMO. I'm seeing higher mileage Tips in the $50ks out there.

The GTS is more rev happy and makes better noises. The engine isn't anything that special compared to a S or 4S. Also the GTS is a newer car and has some depreciation to go. They do look great.

[Tremelune]

Originally Posted by Rick Brooklyn

I hope highway doesn't mean the BQE or God forbid the Jackie Robinson

Unfortunately, most of the driving I do is to escape NYC, so at least the first 30 minutes are all crap roads. It means that the car I drive the most is my Chevy Astro.

This is what happens to automotive enthusiasts that live in NYC. They park their nice ones upstate and are presented with the problem of finding a comfortable grand tourer with a clutch pedal that isn't ugly. Oh, and one that is as small as possible to fit in my Brooklyn spot. Just so it's easy to go somewhere else and drive.

I usually wind up concluding that the answer is an old Porsche and a pile of money to make it softer and quieter...or maybe a 997 GTS that comes standard with PASM. Cheaper to move to California...

[Rick Brooklyn]

Like Seinfeld said, people in new york act like the city is a human body and cars are germs.
(Or something like that)

[Tremelune]

Heh, it's real, but it's true. This city should be 90% bicycles and mass transit. Non-commercial traffic into Manhattan should be outlawed.

I drive in NYC because I have the heredity disease of automotive enthusiasm. What's their excuse?

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by Tremelune

The 996 Turbo, unlike every other 996 I've ever seen, is a beautiful car. The worst part of the 2000+ 996 isn't the headlights—it's the slab sides. The Turbo fixes this (and IMS concerns). If I could find one with a clutch pedal in Atlas Gray I would buy it. I've been looking casually for months. They are rare birds. For some reason, I just can't seem to settle for any other color.

I value body shape over motor capability, and I don't think I'm alone. Motor swaps aren't that big a deal, whereas a widebody conversion is like $20k of work I can't do myself and cannot be undone. I'd personally rather have an M491 than an SC with a 3.6.

Sounds like you should be looking for a 996 C4S and repaint it. That's going to be the cheapest way to tick your boxes.

[techweenie]

In the past, I've seen the 3.2 Turbo Looks bring as much as real 930s.

There is a segment of the buying public that is afraid of Turbos but loves the look & will pay for it.

[pkabush]

Originally Posted by techweenie

In the past, I've seen the 3.2 Turbo Looks bring as much as real 930s.

There is a segment of the buying public that is afraid of Turbos but loves the look & will pay for it.

Sad but true. I never understood that mindset.

[Rawknees'Turbo]

Originally Posted by pkabush

Sad but true. I never understood that mindset.

Same here - can't imagine paying big money, like weenie pointed out, for a factory sheeper.