996 vs 997

[PeterC4]

I had a chance to drive my wife's girlfriends new 997 C2 Cabriolet. I took the car through its paces and got a decent perspective on how it drives. Some interesting observations. First, the 997 was a smoother shifting car at least compared to my 2000 996, although mine has a new clutch. It was an interesting perspective from the cockpit, but overall the car seemed smaller to me. Second, it felt a little subdued and the steering was precise, but light and almost a little vague. Overall a nice car, but somehow...it lacked a little of the exciting "rawness" I experience in the 996 C4. As to overall power/acceleration, I didn't notice much difference at all, if anything the C4 felt a like it had a little more torque. In any event, it was certainly a refined ride, smooth and linear. As to the cockpit, didn't grab me like I thought it would. I'm sure a few more hours in the 997 and I'd get some different impressions, but it was an interesting contrast none the less.

[salomon]

I have a '99 996, and recently test drove a Carrera S, and came away with the same impression. I am still very happy with my 996 and did not feel the urge to get the new model at the current time.

Edited July 14, 2005 by salomon