986 vs. 997.2 - a review after a few months of ownership

[ChrisZang]

It's now about 4 months since I took possession of my 997.2 and about 2 months since my 986 found a new home.

So I went from a 250 hp 2002 986 S with manual transmission to a 385 hp 2009 C4S with PDK, and I could imagine that some of you might be considering a similar move. So here is a short summary of my (subjective) experiences.

What's great about the 997.2?
* I can finally take both kids to school
* The interior is much more refined and PCM 3.0 is really great
* I always felt a little claustrophobic in the 986 with the top up, the 997 feels much spacier (duh)
* Boy, this car is fast
* You get more respect on the road. Let me explain: You are in the middle lane and want to change lanes into the fast lane - into the gap which juts opened. In the 986, people always seemed to try to close the gap. Now in the 997 no such thing.
* MPG is about the same as I got with the 986
* PDK is absolutely A-M-A-Z-I-N-G
* Much harder to toss around on the track (I need to learn trail breaking)
* I can see the engine


What do I miss from my 986?
* Easier to throw around on the racetrack (the 997 is heavier and has the weight in the back)
* The rear trunk, oh much I miss it
* My 986 sounded so much better (after some exhaust surgery) than the 997, but I'll take care of it soon. But I miss the intake right next to my left ear.
* You think parts for the 986 are expensive? wait until you have a 997
* My 997 is a coupe, and every time the sun comes out I miss not having a convertible
* 997 drivers hardly wave back when you wave at them, 986 drivers do
* Changing sparkplugs is a nightmare on the 997
* No spare tire in the 997
* Checking the oil level is very cumbersome
* And last not least: 986forum is much more fun than the 997 forums