Words by Marcus Boothby
As a car, the Porsche 911 is a fantastic car, with it being highly versatile in the way it can be driven thanks to the many trim levels and power outputs it offers. But now we have the 992 generation, with it being the most advanced 911 yet, while offering ample power, even with the entry-level Carrera model.
Granted, if you want a somewhat old-school feeling 911 but limited to Porsche’s current line-up, you don’t have much to choose from, as there isn’t a new GT3 model yet and every model is turbocharged thanks to emission regulations and the like. So, the closest thing you have to an old 911 is any left over stock from the 991 model generation, or a Cayman GT4. But, we have a solution.
If you’re willing to downgrade a few model generations, you have the 997 generation. Granted, the 997 is 15 years old if you go for the oldest model you can find but you can do better. We suggest a 997 Turbo or Turbo S as we think they are the cream of the crop when it comes to the 997. Sure, they aren’t track focused like the GT models but let’s face it, 95% of the owners won’t ever take their GT models to a track. So, the 997 Turbo…
The 997 Turbo makes for a fantastic touring car, yet can reach speeds of over 190mph, while you’re wrapped up in a leather cocoon. Sure, it won’t be poised on a track like a GT3 or more appropriately, a GT2 RS, but you can drive the 997 Turbo to the ski resort and not have a broken back.
Also, the 997 as a car is brilliant. They are incredibly well built when it comes to the mechanical bits and trim bits, plus they are a lot easier to work on than the 991 and 992 models. Aftermarket support for the 997 is getting better as each year passes, most notably with the aftermarket hybrid system provided by Vonnen, an American company who offers a 150bhp hybrid system which basically plug and play. Yeah it’s $75,000 and requires some dismantling of your 911 but, it means that a 997 Turbo S would have just over 670bhp, which a big improvement from 523bhp, considering you don’t need to do anything to the engine.
Arguably, the 997 also has one of the nicest interiors fitted to a 911 to date. We recommend going for a 997.2 model as the interior is slightly nicer and has more modern tech, but if you’re not bothered about that, buy a regular 997 as you’re still getting a nice interior.
Price wise, they’re all over the place as the 997 had many, many different versions. Granted, you can buy an early 997 non-Turbo model for well under £20,000 but we suggest spending a bit more and get a proper Turbo model which, for a decent one, can be had from £45,000. However, we like the Turbo S and found one we like the look of for an eye-watering £72,500. However, the 997 Turbo S is a highly desirable Car and the prices reflect this.
So, what should you take away from this. Well, the 996 was a ground breaking model for Porsche as it ushered in the change from air-cooling to water-cooling, but then the 991 started to introduce turbocharging across the entire non GT 911 lineup, while the 992 is too new and too expensive. So, get your hands on a 997 while they’re dropping in value and no matter what model you get, you’re getting a cracking car. Do us a favour though, don’t get a GT3, GT3 RS or a GT2 RS and your physical well-being will not like it.