| Author | Message | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 251 Registered: 4-2002 |
I ran Roebling Road a few weeks ago. One of my guests at the track had a 993TT and I was in my 550. I won't comment on lap times as driver skill obviously plays a large role, but I can say without equivocation that the 550(somewhat surprisingly to me) absolutely walked the 993TT down the straight. So, as far as acceleration, I really believe that the seat-of-the-pants feeling in the 550 is very deceiving. The car is so competent and I dare say almost plush(especially compared to my 512M) that you really don't appreciate the tremendous performance. | ||
| mwg (Mikeg)
New member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 21 Registered: 8-2003 |
Nice comparison of the 550 with a Porsche 993TT. Also a good blurb about 360 depreciation vs. 550 at the bottom of the article. http://p-car.com/reviews/993ttvs550/ | ||
| Ralph Koslin (Ralfabco)
Member Username: Ralfabco Post Number: 719 Registered: 3-2002 |
The GT 3 racing seats are unavailable here "thankfully" because the government (allways works in our interests) wanted to make sure the seats could handle requirements of the crash tests. Porsche I assume did not want to keep crashing cars with the seats and rollbar of the Clubsport Option. Given that most Americans are more interested in luxury items for their cars. You can find the original Euro factory leather GT 3 seats in the marketplace. Porsche a little too much of a Speed Appliance for you ? GT 3 380 bhp 8,200 rpm Titanium rods 350mm brakes w/6 piston pots (ceramic available) low weight - lowered height 295mm wheels in the back 2WD ~ No PSM | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 1325 Registered: 9-2002 |
Mike, I feel the same way Bill Hart does - the switchgear, center console, etc. is all VERY cheap. They could rip out that whole dashboard and do better anew. The seats are pretty lame too... The GT3 was more acceptable because of different seats, etc. --Dan | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 2064 Registered: 11-2002 |
Mike, I'm with you too. I like the Turbo's interior. I have the NAV on the car too. There are things I don't like about it, but in general, I find it to my liking. Cheers | ||
| Michael W. (Whimike)
New member Username: Whimike Post Number: 50 Registered: 7-2003 |
wm_hart: Cupholders? Neither of my TT's nor my 996 Cab had cupholders because I didn't get the base model in which they use the cupholders to use up free space in the center console. If you get the NAV option there is no room for cupholders and consequently there are none. My 996 Cab did not have NAV, nor did it have cupholders. In regards to the cheap plastic used for the side mirror switches, mine is in leather which is included in one of the leather package options. I agree, the supple leather is to "luxury" out the car, i much prefer the standard leather. Anyway, I am going on the record as "liking" the 996TT interior if it has the proper options. Apparently I am in the minority here. I love the interior of my 360 as well, there isn't much to complain about. | ||
| Chris McKay (Mrmckay)
New member Username: Mrmckay Post Number: 16 Registered: 7-2003 |
All, Thanks for all the advice and comments. It's a good feeling to know that I can always count on the wonderful folks here on F-Chat. At this point I think that I'm gonna see if I can get a little more than the "standard" test drive to help in my decision. Thanks again for all of of your input...I really enjoy being a part of this forum. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1613 Registered: 12-2001 |
Traction control? What traction control? As to the TT interior, i love the idea that, in my car, touted as close to a street legal race car, i have a cup holder. A cup holder? Oh, yeah, and the leather. Porsche used to offer leather and "supple" leather. No, i prefer the leather that's not supple, thank-you. Maybe the interior is acceptable on a 50k boxster, but not in a 188k plus GT-2. As to spartan, i'll take that everytime, particularly when the alternative is cheap plastic. The turnsignal stalks on the GT-2 are the most flimsy plastic things i've ever encountered; the switch to control the side mirrors,likewise. Porsche could do a better job inside the cockpit. The options, such as "aluminum look" and carbon fibre do little to disguise this. | ||
| Michael W. (Whimike)
New member Username: Whimike Post Number: 47 Registered: 7-2003 |
I have owned 3 996's. My first was a 996 Cab that had only a few options and the interior had much more plastic. Both of the 996 Turbo's had the proper options and nearly every interior surface was covered in leather. The main problem is that during the early days of the 996 Turbo many people bought them to sell and make a profit, so they got base models with no options, and thus the plastic showed up. Get into a car that is optioned properly and there are very few "plastic-y" bits. Dan, as far as the GT3 goes, this is a completely differenet beast that has a purposely stripped interior to save weight. It is like the 360 Challenge owner complainging his car doesn't have enough leather and a stereo. | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 1316 Registered: 9-2002 |
I'm with Doody on the 996 interior - this is what steered me away from the cars (including the GT3, which I can't bring myself to say yes to). Again, aesthetics are subjective, so go with what you know. --Dan | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1646 Registered: 11-2001 |
clearly the 996 interior issues are ones of personal preference. i owned two 996s. in my opinion, the interiors were very sterile, simple, and plastic-y. but clearly others differ - that's what makes life so interesting!  doody. | ||
| Michael W. (Whimike)
New member Username: Whimike Post Number: 46 Registered: 7-2003 |
I don't have any experience with the 550, or any V12 Ferrari for that matter. But, I do own a 2001 996 TT and a 360. I hear all these negative comments about the interior of the Porsche, but I can't figure out why. My 996 TT interior is gorgeous and I love it. Are you guys thinking of the 993 interior when you make these comments? Those have pretty funky spartan interiors, but the 996 interior is dramtically better and with the full leather option and a few well placed carbon fiber pieces I think it looks great, feels great, and smells great. In regards to performance, the Porsche engine doesn't even come close to the 360 in sound. But, there is a ton of aftermarket mod's that can be done to the car to make it better. There are a lot of exhaust options to make the engine sound much better, as does exist on the Ferrari market from Tubi, et al... The handling on my 360 is awesome, and the Porsche is right there as well. The 360 IS more fun to drive, but the Porsche is a true worry-free drive it anywhere all day long exotic. I believe the 360 is the natural competition to the 996TT. I think comparing it to a 550 is sort of apples and oranges. One thing is for certain, though, is that my 996TT is my everyday driver and I don't care about putting miles on it and I can rely on it to always run like a top. I can't say I have quite the same confidence in the 360. | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 2056 Registered: 11-2002 |
Doody, PSM has saved my ass a couple of times and made me feel like a hero while acting like a moron. Great system. You can opt to turn it off but as you mentioned, you really better know what you are doing! I've driven 550s when I was shopping for cars. It really didn't do it for me. My wife loved the car though, and she's quite the enthusiast. From a driving perspective I would opt that the 360 is more fun. Again, this is limited seat time in each, not ownership. The Porsche was an easy choice. Although the interior is nothing special as far as the cheap plastic bits, the full leather makes it pretty nice, and the NAV system/digital sound package is pretty cool. It's about as fast as you'd care to go and then some. Handles extremely competently. One reads articles on body roll, and drifting and stuff like that. My automotive critique antennae were never tuned until I took a drive in the Porsche. After the Turbo you really start to notice slight body roll and things of that nature in other cars. It almost feels like how a car "should" feel. Not so with the 550 (excluding barchetta...never had the pleasure to drive one), 360, Diablo, or Murcielago. The Turbo has a very level learning curve. It is very easy to get comfortable with the car and it's driving dynamics. The only complaint is a slightly ropey shifter, then again, I like a little resistance when I shift. Believe it or not, I actually prefer the shifter feel on my Corvette (except 1st gear, and the mandatory 1-4 shift in slow acceleration). The coolest shifter was on the Diablo, even better than the Murcielago (please no broken shifter jokes ). As for finicky bypass valves, I never had a problem with mine and I've heard that an upgrade is not too pricey and lasts forever. Just make sure those turbos cool down properly after a spirited drive and you park the car. Good luck in your search! Test drive them in various conditions. There is no substitute for a good thorough set of test drives. Cheers | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1644 Registered: 11-2001 |
excellent point on the traction control ze_shark! the 550 system doesn't release fast enough once it's engaged. the 996tt system is rather nice - nicest i've had on any of my cars that have had it. it gives you a fair amount of leeway. of course, given the AWD, by the time you get that car sliding you better be damn sure you know what you're doing ;-) doody. | ||
| Ze Shark (Ze_shark)
New member Username: Ze_shark Post Number: 19 Registered: 7-2003 |
I had the opportunity to try both ... and I am in the market for a 550. The 996 biturbo is in my opinion a faster real world A-B car than the 550, fabulous traction, broad power range, real brakes. Interior may not look nice to some (I disagree), but build quality is simply not comparable. Ferraris are indecent crap in that respect. Traction control is also much less intrusive than the on/off behaviour of the 550. Servicing cost for a 996TT are quite significant, but overall engineering quality is arguably a league ahead. I will still buy a 550 because I simply can't get used to the looks of the 996, further less the fussy biturbo vents and ducts. A 996TT is just another Porsche, they build 45'000 which look pretty similar every year. A 550 has stunning looks, a very involving drive, further more with the traction control nanny off, something which will make it a very special car for decades to come. | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 1310 Registered: 9-2002 |
Neal, I mean no offense to porsche owners, but nothing will save that interior! --Dan | ||
| neal (95spiderneal)
Junior Member Username: 95spiderneal Post Number: 237 Registered: 3-2002 |
if tt is considered too dull then dont forget how many mods are availible for pcars. the tt could get a body and interior kit for style, more boost and suspension for performance. 550 will probably remain stock | ||
| Jeffrey Robbins (Teachdna)
Junior Member Username: Teachdna Post Number: 121 Registered: 9-2001 |
So, from someone who owns and drives both (2002 turbo, '97 Maranello). There's no right answer here. You have to decide what you want the car to do for you. The 550 is reliable but the costs will still bite you and Porsche turbo owners always grimace when they hear about the ongoing costs of maintaining a 550; imagine having a thread on a P-car board about changing a timing belt every 5 years (NOT). The P-car is, as Doody mentions, much more robust and bulletproof. But it is definitely less engaging and less fun to drive-if you have the right roads. The 550 gets wearisome in traffic. The clutch takes more effort (although not nearly as much as the older Ferraris). Both cars can be terrifyingly fast. I haven't driven the Ferrari as hard as the P-car,simply because I'm more used to Porsches and know that I can do more with them then the F-cars without them coming back to bite me. The X50 that you have in your profile, despite the horsepower, cannot match the low end grunt that the 550's torque gives you, nor does the Porsche scream like the 550 once you get it above 4000 rpm. All in all, the Porsche remains more practical but the Ferrari is more fun. If I HAD to give up one of them, practicality would probably win out (you do have the 355 to play with!) and I'd stay with the Porsche- and regret that decision for years, no doubt. Hopefully, I'll never be faced with that situation! But I guarantee that if you get some extensive time in the 550, that you'll probably dump your X50: you won't be able to resist that 550 experience and all your commonsense will go out the window.  | ||
| Kuzi (Kzma)
Member Username: Kzma Post Number: 369 Registered: 3-2003 |
Had a 97' 993 Twin Turbo S.................Traded in for a 575M F1. The Porsche felt more like a go-kart. Albiet went like a bat out of hell. Just not as refined as the Maranello. Must be a sign of age. I like the creature comforts of the 575M.....and it still gets up and goes. The Maranello doesn't feel as connected to the road as my TTS, but has a completed different feel that I enjoy more at this stage. | ||
| Robert (Rjklein4470)
Member Username: Rjklein4470 Post Number: 288 Registered: 3-2002 |
I owned a 993 TT and put about 12k in miles on the car, and it felt more like a race car for the road. I was going to trade it in on a new 996 turbo, but was dissapointed in the way the car felt. Too much insulation, and the gear box felt like a Lexus. So I went shopping for the prancing horse, and ended up with a 360. My thought on the 360, was just love the way she looked, so I took her home with me. Much like my wife-that was for Nika. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1610 Registered: 12-2001 |
The 550 will feel more visceral than the Porsche, and the overall tactile sensation of driving it, what with the gated shifter, leather interior that looks like it really came from an animal and bulbous aggressive bodyline, will make you feel like an extremely well-hung Italian, even if you are a Lithuanian midget (nothing against Lithuanians). I've had 2 550's and loved both. On the other hand, as most here know, i just started with a GT-2, and even though the 550 is touted as the ultimate driver's car: the GT-2 is quicker and actually puts more rubber to the road; is more nimble and has less, virtually no, body roll and the power assisted steering doesn't seem nearly as noticeable as it does on the 550. Having said that, the limits of both cars far exceed what you will realize on the street. The ferrari is far sexier, but driving the GT-2, i am more connected to the road than i ever was in the 550. (None of the above may apply to an AWD 996 TT, and i've had no wheel time in one of those). These days, the Maranello is a bargain, so, to quote Fox News, "we report, you decide." | ||
| N'din (Abangdin)
New member Username: Abangdin Post Number: 45 Registered: 7-2003 |
My friend sold his 2003 Porsche Turbo with X50 engine (25bhp more) and bought a 2000 550 Maranello. He never regretted it. I took a ride with him to Sepang race track and back and the car is awesome. So stable at 170-180mph. The Turbo does not give you that kind of confidence at very high speed. That is what he said. | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 327 Registered: 4-2003 |
>>speed appliance<< My, my, my, are we jaded or what? IMNSHO a 996 Turbo is one of the best GT cars ever made. Period. Yes, I do own a Maranello, but I also own a C4. And as Mikeg sez comparing a 550 to a non-turbo 996 is not a fair fight. However, I gotta say the C4 is one hell of car, particularly on a road trip. It's nice to park the car after driving 400 miles and then start it up the next morning without even thinking about it. But when you compare a TT to a 550 be careful, be very careful. Yeah, the Germans may be a tad anal but there is no doubt that Porsches are great cars. What to step it up? How about comparing a GT2 or GT3 to a 550/575. I'll let Bill Hart handle this one. So am I saying that the TT is better than the 550? Hell no. The 550 is a genuine romping stomping bad ass mo fo disquised as a Camaro. I love this car. It reminds me of my high school days in the 60s when 4 barrels and straight pipes were the order of the day. In fact, last night I pulled up next to an old Dodge Hemi (orange). Did we race? Course not. We merely gave each other nods of respect, knowing that the 550 would eat the old Hemi. (Plus, I have to worry about my timing belts with 12k miles on them, <sigh>.) But come on, calling a twin tubro an appliance! All I can say is that we live in mighty good times for someone to even think that a TT is an appliance. My advice. Keep the Turbo and buy the Maranello. Two great cars are always better than one. Dale | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1635 Registered: 11-2001 |
speed appliance - thats a great one! hadn't heard that before. mrmckay - i traded my 2001 996TT on a 1999 550 not quite a year ago. my 996 was 18 monhts old and had about 10K miles on it. i had tracked it, but havent' tracked the 550 yet. the only time i ever feel any sort of remorse at not having the 996TT is when there are weather situations where the AWD would be great to have. but those are wildly rare situations. i got rid of my 996TT in part because i grew weary of the AWD, the e-gas, and the turbos. all that said, the 996TT is as close to bulletproof as a supercar can be, imo. my 550 has had plenty of trips to the shop, albeit generally for stupid minor, just annoying, things. it's tough to enjoy the 550's torque and stay out of jail. so do be careful. the 550 is a true GT. while the 996TT is also a GT, it tries very hard to be something smaller and lighter, and often succeeds. they are different cars. definitely get seat time as bobafett suggests. check the archives - lots of info on what to check for and all that jazz with 550s. doody! | ||
| Brian (Bjc138)
New member Username: Bjc138 Post Number: 8 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Chris, My previous car was an 06/2000 996 TT (chipped to 490hp). Great car, fast, capable but a tad soul-less. I tracked it at Imola and it handled extremely well although the PSM was a bit intrusive. Test drove an F550 on a Tuesday and traded the 996 for a 10/2001 F550 (silver/black) that Friday! I have never looked back. I use it as a daily driver and have had zero problems. I've tracked it at Mugello, Dijon and Adria raceway in the last 12 months and it is on another planet. The torque is endless and the balance perfect. Last weekend I took to the passenger seat of my car while Jean-Pierre Jarier (ex-Formula 1) took me around the track....an experience not to be forgotten! Good luck with your decision. | ||
| Fayyaz Vellani (Fvellani)
Junior Member Username: Fvellani Post Number: 126 Registered: 8-2002 |
Chris, I think Mr. Doody (correct me if Im wrong) used to have a 996TT and now has a 550. I think hell be able to help you out. | ||
| mwg (Mikeg)
New member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 19 Registered: 8-2003 |
I agree with Dan - you just have to experience it. Too hard to describe. Dan - I wish I could have made the Bay Area drive. I was in SoCal with the 550. It looked like a blast - great cars. I will try and make the next one. | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 1304 Registered: 9-2002 |
Mike: where were you during our last breakfast? I have not owned the 996 Turbo, but aesthetics aside (not a fan of the 996 body, esp. the interior), I found the 996 to be too easy. 'Speed appliance' is a great way of putting it. The car works, and works well. But you derive no pleasure, no added joy from doing it just right. Not to mention that there isn't an...emotional ... connection. The best thing you can do is get some extended seat time. I realize this is harder done than said. The best I can offer is should you find yourself in the bay area, you're more than welcome to give mine a spin. --Dan | ||
| DL (Darth550)
Junior Member Username: Darth550 Post Number: 206 Registered: 7-2003 |
Sure, the Porsche is fast and the 360 is a blast to drive but there is nothing like a Maranello! Nothing! I always describe it as, "The closest thing you can get to a first class airplane seat on the ground." DL | ||
| mwg (Mikeg)
New member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 18 Registered: 8-2003 |
I have had 996 Cabriolet since 99 and just bought a 2000 550 and there is no comparison between the power of the 550 compared to the Porsche 996 (non turbo). Obviously not relevant to a Turbo comparison. I debated between a new 996 turbo and 550 and went with the 550 and can't stop smiling. | ||
| Andy Barre (Abarre)
Junior Member Username: Abarre Post Number: 58 Registered: 7-2003 |
I've driven both, but owned neither. The Porsche is really impressive, but I once read an article in C&D that called it a "speed appliance" - perhaps pointing at a lack of character. Wickedly fast for a street car, but it didn't make me lust for one. The Maranello, on the other hand, changed my view of the world. I've driven lots of cars, but that truly is my favorite. Makes me want to hock everything just to get one... Must be the torque. Like a big-block Corvette, only you can get it to the ground. And turn. Oh, and stop too... | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 468 Registered: 12-2002 |
Maranello is the best!!! I know someone in the club trade his 996 TT to a 360. For me I love 100% Maranello better than the 360. Hope this answer your question. Perhaps keep your 996 TT and let your wife drive it as an everyday's car | ||
| Chris McKay (Mrmckay)
New member Username: Mrmckay Post Number: 14 Registered: 7-2003 |
Has anyone made the switch from a 911 Turbo (996) to a 550? Anyone have any comments one way or the other or experience on the subject? When I drive the turbo it feels like something is missing....this all started when I got the 355. I might have the opportunity to purchase a 2000 red/black 550 in the next few weeks.At first I thought about keeping the 911 and getting the 550...but recently I've been thinking of just trading in the 911 for the 550. |