I have a 2006 997S Cabrio (6 speed) which I bought new. I have driven and owned Porsche cars for over 50 years and have driven most of the current 911 models. No other 911 has given me the satisfaction and joy of this model. It is a most balanced feel, with a tactile sense of oneness with the car. I love driving it every time I leave the driveway and although, someday, I may buy an upcoming new 911, I will never part with the 997.
I agree 100%. I am a 20 year Porsche owner and as the new cars become more "gadgety" and full of computers I find myself enjoying the simplicity of the 997s even more. No doubt the new Porsches are faster and capable, but I also feel they have also gotten much larger, sophisticated and refined in a way that has lost some of that intimate connection you get from the more mechanical feel of the 997s. I have owned my 997 C4S for 11 years now and still get excited to drive it every time. Thanks Tommy for the great review. It was nice to see your reaction and big smiles while driving the 997.
@@qikqbn77 I am currently considering my 1st Porsche and the 997,996,Cayman and 718 are affordable. I've grown up as a 911 freak and the driver car bond a must and I like to those sounds. Also like speed. Im looking for advice as I have no car guys to help. But I want pops and such.
I have 981S Boxster PDK and 997.1 Carrera S Coupe with manual transmision and short shift. I love the analog mechanical feel of the 997. Makes you feel connected to the car at all times and enjoy a more classic driving.
Cant go wrong with a 997 in my opinion beamer has amazing handling but i feel they’ve always been second to porsche you wont regret you decision i look forward to seein those porsche vids you’ll be posting in the near future.
They are tremendous; I've owned two! I just sold my second one to buy an Alfa Romeo 4C, because I believe every car enthusiast should own an Alfa at least once, too :)
That’s what the boys from Top Gear always said. My buddy did the exact same thing. Went from a 991 to a launch edition 4C and tracked the hell out of it. That’s a car just built for Motorsport.
like the porsche foldable bucket seats! it‘s a must have on track and gives a firm hold. i just have the driver seat, super easy to switch back and forth with original seats. however not too easy too find and quite pricey these days.
Keep the M3, as I said I have the F80 M3 Competition and the 997.1 C2S. The 997.1 C2S is still a quick car, 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and it’ll do 190mph. Don’t ask how I know, I just do 😉
Dude tracks the car and has not installed a deep sump pan and baffle? Not good. I do not think this is a good track car (I own one). It’s an amazing daily driver. If you want a track car get a 718 cayman and reflash the ECU.
I had my 997.1 on the track at Area 27 - created by Jacques Villanueave - for 2 days this past June. It is an amazing car. My dream car since I was 12 yrs old. I waited 38 yrs and got it July 2019. As the other guy said, Welcome to the club. I'm also the VP for BC Interior Region of PCA. Great people.
I thought the same thing. I have an 06 C2S . PDK is better.. there, I said it. Mine is a MT6. I personally prefer the manual. I have a friend with a Dodge Challenger RT. He gets me on the get go but, RPM’S take over on my side. He’s friendly until the twisties. Goodbye! He says it’s too scary to keep up with me in the mountains. We don’t drive crazy. I can just enter and exit way better than the Dodge. I think a lot of it might have to do with tread contact. His tires are “skinny” when compared to mine. He has to brake when I don’t. Scary but enjoyable.
I considered the 991.1 before picking up the M3. The decision really came down to practicality as the car was going to be a fun car for the whole family. The seats and storage makes the P car impractical for the whole family for road trips. The driving dynamics is great, I’d say, better for than the M3 at the margin. It really really depends on your use case. If you want a car that can do it all, M3. If you want a car for yourself and your wife only and track days, Porsche.
As someone who's been in your position before, I ended up choosing a manual V8 R8 over the 911. Was just more exciting of a car for me. I still have it 8 years later, and am never letting it go unless I wreck it. If you want mechanical, I think it's worth your time to try a manual R8 before deciding for sure. Or just fly out to Chicago and try mine 😁.
Agree,followed an R8 in my 997 the sound is amazing but it looks like a little square box. The design dates the car,the 997 is a Sophie Loren of the car world curvey and sexy.Dateless and still on point.
The lean helps the turn in, if you stiff up the front too much you will get lots under steer. You will need to increase the front track by adding spacer to counter the under steer.
I know exactly what you mean. I sold my M4 for a 997.2 a few months ago and it’s the best, most engaging and mechanical feeling car that I’ve owned. I find myself wishing my 1 hour commute in traffic would last longer when I’m driving it. I would definitely keep the M3 since your kids are still young and get a 997. The 991 felt too numb in my opinion but I would get it if I was looking for a 911 as a daily.
Tommy L Garage none at all...power is more than enough for me...the raw feeling and enjoyment more than makes up for the power gains I had with the M4. I looked for a while before I found a clean 997.2, which I wanted for reliability and I got a 2016 GTI as my daily 😂
Fun video. Having owned an E46 and 997, the difference is pretty big. Btw, not to get too technical or geeky, but it doesn’t matter if a car is front, rear or mid engine, you ALWAYS brake in a straight line (talking track). There can be slight trail braking or some overlap, but to get proper turn in at corner entry, you need to load the fronts as hard and late as possible, without being too late. This applies to all cars.
Hey Ottawa buddy , please share me where I can find accurate information about IMS bearing failure and bore scoring for 997.1 and 997.2. I had a 997.1 and had unknown engine problems and I had to get rid of it. Now I’m back in market. I have heard that 997.1 is more raw and little less refined feeling than 997.2. I prefer that. Is that true? Is 997.2 is noticeably refined? I want to know if 997.2 can be raw enough to fulfill my Porsche dreams. Or should I take another risk and buy 997.1?
Tommy, you don't need the latches. In fact the seatbelt is the recommended method (latch just makes sure the installation is simpler and lowers the chance of misinstallation). Check rennlist for baby seats that fit and installation instructions are there as well. You will have to cut the carpet on the back shelf to expose the upper anchor. IMS is only really an issue for early 05 cars. Good luck and welcome to the best 911 - the 997 :) I went M3 to 911 as well and there is NO going back.
A masterpiece like a Porsche is like a pair of $100k speakers; anyone can admire the finish, the noise and the power but it takes an expert to enjoy it's full potential. Also, much like a good car needs a smooth, curvy road ... a fine pair of speakers needs jazz or classical music to really shine.
Love how the owner of the 997 said you have to keep it straight decelerating into the corners, because it's a rear engine. Then they agree that problem has been diminished by moving the engine forward over time... until they came out with the Caymen! The owner of my main repair shop that I use races and his answer to my considering a 911 was: keep your Boxster, it handles better! (I drive my sports cars on two lane mountain roads, not on a track.)
So I hit the age of 60, and I had owned every type of Mercedes, and I was about to buy another one, and I thought maybe that was just me in the default setting, so I wrote down what I wanted from my next Mercedes and I found myself with a list of about 5 things and one of these was long-distance comfort one was speed and nothing on my list said sports car. So in an effort to break from my Mercedes mindset I brought a Bentley GTC that was 14 years old, and it was lovely, and then it happened I went out in a friend 991, and I was hooked on 911s, but I couldn't afford the 991 and the Bentley, so I found a 997 and all I can say is that this is the most amazing car its so small and fast I got a C4S and whilst the GTC will suite every occasion as I head towards old age having the 997 parked next to it makes me feel as if old age will never happen. Mine is a triple black stick shift 2006 Gen 1 and I will probably keep it forever as besides another 997 I cannot think of anything else that comes close to the smile it puts on your face every time you turn the key and hit sport mode
That’s quite the journey you’ve had! I actually picked up a 991.2 Carrera T and it’s everything I’ve ever wanted. I’m typing it as I stare at the car in my garage. I really love it. But I’m also happy you found the perfect car for you. Wishing you lots of happy miles!!!
@@TommyLGarage That's EXACTLY the combo I'm running. Tesla Model 3 Performance is what most of our miles are done in. The C2S is for canyons, around town or, soon track days. And the model 3 aftermarket is growing big time.
@@ashishpatel350 I know, I know... I was just kidding. I'd love to Subaru bring back their flat 6. I remember some Legacy's having them, sucks it wasn't turbocharged. I did like what Marty from Mighty Car Mods did with Supergramps
@@TommyLGarage went from M3 to M2 comp to Carrera S. Out of the three, it doesn't have the highest horse power, but the handling and feel doesn't even compare.
Well, that review changed my mind about buying an F80 over a 997.1 or 997.2. I've had 2 Porsche's already (80's cars), and LOVED THEM. Not the fastest but the one that makes your emotions race every time you fire it and wind it up. THANK YOU for an honest review and not being able to withhold your expression made it a great review.
I think that 997 blows the doors off the M3. Classic lines. The new M3/4s look so dated after each refresh. It wasn’t always the case. The E36/46 and E92/93 were very classic and minimalist in their design- and still look good and modern even today.
There is something about the sound of a Porsche- smooth, understated, and visceral. Glad you had a fun time, looking forward to some 997 content. (Thanks again for the splash guards, can’t believe I drove my F80 for two years without them).
had 996 turbo for 4 years+ it was amazing. Sometimes I miss it, but 997 turbo would SET me right! I love more refined interior and exterior! front bumper with headlights and fog lights and rear tails+ They say 996 turbo feels more mechanical. I drove mine, rain, snow, shine.....
I’m glad you mentioned bore scoring. Most people only mention the IMS problem. Most 997 M97 engines post Feb/Mar of 2005 have the newer larger single row bearing which while not serviceable is more robust and the failure rate is lower. The bigger problem is bore scoring. Due to the metallurgy of the cylinder linings, bore scoring is a problem more often found on 997s in cold weather climates. Apparently when it is really cold the pistons no longer fit properly inside of the cylinder, so don’t start your 997s when it’s really cold. This was also potentially exacerbated by some mid-western winter fuel blends that at idle was washing away the oiling. So just be careful when shopping for a 997.1, get the bores examined if possible. I ultimately found an opted for a higher mileage 997.2 (S with 6-speed manual). A high mileage 997.2 is relatively close in price to a low mileage 997.1. If equal in miles, the 997.2 will be up to $20k more, but you get a more powerful (30hp in the S) direct injected engine without bore scoring or IMS issues and you get more modern infotainment electronics. They didn’t make as many 997.2s and manuals are more rare, but worth looking for. Great cars either way!
I'm really thinking to go back to Porsche's _ Like I mentioned I had 2003 996 turbo. I want 2007 997 Turbo! 6spd with just a tune and exhaust, extra 80hp+ easy! around 580hp!+ Plenty of power! And Porsche turbo with straight pipe design exhaust- smiles!
The interior of that 997 is quite rough. I have a 1 owner, built to order Porsche 997 Carrera 2S that I bought with 27k miles. It was still a brand new car at 11 years old with the EXACT spec that I wanted as I wanted particular options such as hardback bucket seats with embossed leather headrests, extended leather, Bose, Bi-Xenon, PSE, PASM, heated seats etc etc. It was rarely driven, maticulously maintainted/serviced and kept in a heated garage. The leather was all brand new, the grain looked untouched even on the steering wheel. I didn’t want Sport Chrono as I don’t like the dashboard clock. It clutters the classic design cues. So I wanted PSE along with the PASM, same thing as Sport Chrono, just no annoying dash clock. Mine also has the specially optioned 19” Carrera Sport Design wheels. I also have a 2017/18 BMW F80 M3 Competition too. I feel much safer in the 911! Much more planted and stable when cornering and it doesn’t try to kill you every time you drive it like the M3 does with it’s batshit crazy turbo boost! The 997 C2S is a much better car to drive. Handles better and there is no “pendulum effect” with the 997. That’s BS. Furthermore the 997.1 C2S is 355bhp stock. Well, probably more like 365bhp-370bhp as Porsche understate their power statistics. It’s the 997.2 Carrera S that has 385bhp stock.
Please try a 4S. Try paddle shifting a PDK. And try a 997.2. And dude, don’t underestimate the fun of a cabriolet. Especially in the canyons with the redline exhaust note echoing back in the cabin. Try em all. Take your time.
Reaching out to Nour Hummadi, Justin Bruce Kies Motorsport, Tommy L Garage...guy my 2011 BMW 335i xdrive has the following code 0028A0, 002FAA, 002EE2 and 002EEC can you please help me out l’ve change spark, plug coils and fuel injector on cylinder 3
I have had a 2016 m3 for yrs. Love it so much I couldn’t part with it, but had to have a 997 so I decided to have both much against my practical side. Totally different cars. Both fun cars to drive, but the m3 is an easier car to drive. Better for city driving.
Also, the IMS was an issue in cars with engine numbers beginning with 385..... The late 2006 onwards with the engine numbers beggining with 386.... had the IMS more or less resolved and less prone to bore scoring. Bore scoring is down to people not allowing their cars to warm up properly. If you add a shot of ZX1 to your fuel every so often it fully protects the cylinder liners. You only need one 50ml shot every 25k miles but I add one every 5k miles. Regardless, the IMS and bore scoring affected a tiny percentage of the 1st generation 997’s. It’s just over exaggerated by the internet due to so many people seeing one of the very few cars affected.
Fantastic car and the brand, hope you get 997.2 and join PCA...you will enjoy every minute on and off the track. Timeless beauty!!! I had a '97 Turbo S back in the day and nothing I ever had since compares to a Porsche!!!
The 997 is an absolutely fabulous car. 2010 C4S owner (my first which I bought for my 50th in 2014). I also just bought a concours 1985.5 944 which is also fabulous for other reasons. Did you hit the PSAM button (put into sport mode) as that stiffens the suspension considerably.
Very late post: I have a manual 2010 Porsche 911 C4S Cab. It is a very fun car to drive. I also have an automatic Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 diesel offload pickup truck, which I have used for 4x4 offload driving, as well as for winter driving. 8 inches of snow, no problem. Who cares about shoveling snow from the driveway. Also very comfortable. Both are fun but in different situations. The 911 manual is also great because it red lines at 43 mph. This means that I can put my foot down and hit the red line without breaking the speed limit. I have considered if I would ever buy a modern PDK turbo (which can do sub 3-second to 60mph) and discarded that idea as it just wouldn't be as fun. If you put your foot down you will get to illegal speeds too quickly. This means either daintily driving a 911 Turbo versus aggressively putting my foot down in a manual, and feel the emotional buildup as the revs builds up.
A superb car wonder if altering the tyres and shocks has upset the balance ? Mine is a std 2S -1 a delightful drive had a full geo that was well worth doing. Perfect shaped body before going on the current steroids obsession IMO.
Another option you've got is to replace the PASM struts altogether. I'm running KW v3s on my 2006 C2S. With 245s on the front. But yes. Once you've got a 911, it's hard to want much else.
Paul L I appreciate the concern!! Yes I’ll have an update soon. Just super busy with work and selling my house and buying a new one. TLG 2.0 coming soon :)
I am extremely late to this video, but I wanted to say I loved it. The 997 Carrera is my attainable dream car, I'm obsessed with it. I feel like that kid from this commercial ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7sWPHKU1XZU.html haha. Hopefully soon! Great work, would love to see more of the C2S!
eibach springs are typically progressive rather than linear. definitely feels wobbly, especially out of corners. i have eibach V1 in my F80 and after 1 track day I am ready for an upgrade lol
I don’t experience this lean you mentioned either, maybe it’s down to the setup of that car and the geometry. As for the steering, upgraded sway bars would add some benefit but I’m assuming that the bushes may need looking at?
I've been so tempted to part with my E92 M3 for a 997.2 S 😭 I've never driven one though so always wondered if power and handling were up to par for a non GT 911.
@@micraw714 E92 M3 feels big and heavy by comparison, at least compared to a 996. I've driven them back to back. Can't say for sure on 997 but expect the same with a little less raw/light feel in the 997 but more refinement. Handling on a 997 can be made exactly the same as a GT3 because all the suspension components bolt up
@@Rockit181 that's good info, I appreciate that! I think going from a heavy front engine car to a lighter rear engine car will be a really fun transition 😁
Good video. Agreed. I have a 997 G1 and have enjoyed it for number of years before recently getting a M4 with CP. Not really right to compare. M4 is obviously faster on track and more modern but for daily driving I enjoy the 997 more for same reasons stated in video. M4 is too much power on public road at times. A 997 G2 and a M4/M3 without CP maybe a closer comparison. Both are great cars and I always have a smile when I drive either one. I think Tommy should have both :)
