What do you mean when you say 996TT/997TT does the TT stand for Twin Turbo ? I don't know what an X50 is either,sorry never owned a 911 myself,but I usually know quite a lot about cars/models etc. I have a new GTR on order at the mo,I do love the 997 shape turbo but I couldn't afford a new one and I wanted a new car this time so decision was made for me.
Porsche gearboxes are not infallible unfortunatelyThe main advantages I saw with the 997 Turbo was ride comfort, service intervals, weight, cooling and reliable gearboxes.
Ben,Hi Simon,
I've come from a 996TT X50 to a GTR. Although not specifically a 997TT, the 996TT X50 is probably not too disimilar from the 997TT in terms of performance, comfort, etc.
I'm still getting used to the GTR, but I would say that they feel quite different.
In terms of performance, the GTR feels quicker in the lower gears to 100, but I would say that the X50 seemed stronger from 100 onwards (where legally permitted of course). The gearbox in the GTR is addictive. I find myself unneccesarily braking and changing down for bends just for the fun of it - potentially not the smoothest or quickest driving, but certainly puts a grin on your face
On the motorway and long distances the GTR is by far the more pleasurable experience. I drove to the south of France this year in the GTR, and to Italy in the X50 last year. On these sort of distances, the GTR is quieter, more comfortable, and generally less tiring. I was amazed how 4 hour stints felt like more an hour and a half. That said, the X50 wins in the fuel economy stakes, I was getting approx 5mpg more on long motorway cruises at similar speeds in the X50 than the GTR.
On the topic of long distances, the ability to get all the luggage in the boot of the GTR compared to having to distribute luggage between the front boot and back seats of the X50 was a welcome novelty.
In terms of practicality, the GTR gets a lot of attention and thus makes me nervous to leave it parked in common areas. Maybe it was because I had owned the X50 for 3 years, but I was happy to leave it most places without undue concern.
Porsche Extended Warranty aside, I think the GTR will be the more expensive to run over the next 3 years, in terms of servicing and tyres. Insurance premium doesn't seem to be that different, in fact the GTR is a little cheaper this year.
In summary - I would own both cars again, and the decision between a new GTR and a new 997TT (price and residuals aside) would be a difficult one for me. They both have their pro's and con's, and are both fantastic cars in different ways.
This probably doesn't help you decide over one car or the other :runaway: - but I would be interested in your opinion if/when you test drive the GTR.
Good luck.
Ben.
Very good point regarding exclusivity...to many a 911 whatever the model is just a 911...whereas a GTR is at the moment a one model beast (ie before Spec V etc arrive) and is in much fewer numbers and therefore that much more special!(Thanks Ben for the 911 Turbo heads up.)
I think another thing you may want to consider between the 997turbo/GTR purchase is exclusivity.Don't know if this is important to you,but personally i would much rather have a rarer road car than a more popularly seen one.I'm not suggesting that 997Turbos are ten a penny,but since I have ordered my GTR approx 14 months ago,I have seen only three new GTR's on the road (and I hardly think you could miss one) and one of these was on my return from my HPC so kinda doesn't count.Finally I think that Henry has said most of what you could need to know/hear with regard to the 911's side of debate.Let's face it either way this is not the worst predicament to have to make is it ?:clap: Good luck with the decision.
Hi Adam,As a previous poster said what a great dilemma for you!
I have been lucky enough to own a 997 Carrera, 997 Carrera S with factory power upgrade in addition to a 997TT Coupe and in September took delivery of a GTR.
Apologies to the previous poster but in no way is a Carrera S (4 or otherwise) an equitable sparring partner for the GTR - for the purpose of this post I shall be comparing the 997TT and GTR.
For me the GTR redefines the performance car engineering and driving experience - the braking, gearbox, power delivery and cornering capabilities combine to provide a driving experience that is unrivaled (I say this having been lucky enough to some quite exotic machinery). It is good looking in an unconventional (read Japanese!) way and its appeal appears to be universal - I have had nothing but positive comments from all but a small number badge bigots.
Financially the car is a no brainer - the depreciation on a 997TT over 3 years is what the GTR costs!
I have a Granturismo S which I was going to keep but I love the GTR so much that I am considering selling now.
If you want to discuss PM me for a mobile number.