986 vs. 997.2 - a review after a few months of ownership
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 |
One day the 986 will be really "old school" and you'll be sorry you're driving a 991.5.
Enjoy the 7.2 though, I bet it's great. |
Does the 997 AWD shift power from the rear end to the front if the rear end starts to slide like the 996 C4/S/Turbo? That was a disappointment in the 996 AWD for me. Well I just wasn't expecting that level of understeer. But since the C4S I was on the fence for (guards red/black cherry from AZ) would only have been used during winter it wasn't really an issue but it pretty much meant I would have to keep the Boxster S. The C4S could be an addition but not a replacement for the Boxster S.
These days I think 996 GT3 is the best deal going. You get a Porsche race engine and not a street engine (already have one of those), far fewer nannies, at the highest bang for the buck ratio. That engine could probably do 300K street miles without a hiccup. But then I'm stuck with another 3 season car... |
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Just when you thought it was safe... another coolant leak concern on GT3/GT3RS - Rennlist Discussion Forums Nice update on your car Chris. Looking forward to a ride. :) |
^ yep. And the centerlocks on the 997's need to be serviced at some ridiculously short interval at some ridiculous price. Porsche make some bad calls sometimes..
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No comment on interior quality/differences?
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But honestly, I never drove a 997 before, I never drove a Porsche with a limited slip before, I never drove a 4WD on the racetrack before. So I am totally in the learning phase. Ask me at the end of the season and I might know what I am doing.... |
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