?Trade 355 for 996 Turbo?

Hello:

I've looking to trade my 95 355 Spider for something similar in weight and size but with torque closer to my 550 (At one point considered trading the 550 and 355 in toward a 360 CS - Couldn't give up the 550). The problem is I don't want to add to much more in funds so the 430 is out.

The 996 Turbo has more HP and torque close to the 550 - I know that it won't sound as nice and won't have the wow factor but the Porche will be a fraction of the cost to maintain than F-cars.

Any insight from present Porsche Turbo owners who are past/present F-cars owners would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

Z06? the 996 is very nice as a car, but it is likely 3 years old....

 

996TT is a tremendous car, I've owned one for 2 years.....loved every minute. Very reliable ($0.08 per mile), and VERY modable, easy to get 600 RWHP without internal modifications, and unlike most cars, has the suspension to put all that torque to the pavement.

Yes, you lose the sound and much of the WOW factor, but it still garners attention. Went to an predominately S2000 car show and there was always a group around the two Turbos.

With a Z06 you still have a car that looks like every other Corvette, has a substandard build quality and interior.......plus you have to put up with Chevy dealers......yuck.

I've owned several Corvettes, they are well engineered but poorly executed.

How about a Viper or supercharged NSX?

 

I think for most non car people the porsche will still grab as much attetion as a 355. I rode in one a couple times and it is fast and it sticks well with the awd. If you would really like a fun car you can supercharge a viper for around 10k and thats about 6xxrwhp. I do like the idea of the supercharged NSX but I dont really like the community of NSX owners they seem extremly uptight and touchey when it comes to their cars.

 

make sure you're ready to lose 2WD. i traded my 996TT on my 550 - in large part i was just sick of AWD - by the time you cut the car loose to have some fun, you were soiling your union suit. that said, i never cut the rear end loose much on my 355. my 996 Cab though - now that was a fun car to throw around corners!

the power on the 996TT is great - but also be aware than unlike the 550 you're gonna have turbo-lag, so it's a different kind of delivery.

it was/is a fine car, but i do not miss my 996TT.

the 355 really could use some more power....

doody.

 

Ok, I'm confused. You harp on the Z06 interior, build quality and dealership network and then recommend a Viper???

 

Have you considered a 993 tt? Most are running a more $$ than a 996 Turbo, but will probably keep their value better.

 

What do you mean by uptight and touchey? I didn't get it (weak english).


Btw you already have the mighty 550, so I guess it's ok to have a Porsche and a Ferrari in the garage. Isn't that perfect? The 996TT to put miles on and the 550 to drive occasionally? A supercharged NSX is fast but as said above the 996TT can be very, very fast with just some minor tweaks.

 

Here's another vote for a 993 turbo over a 996, unless it is a GT2.

 

Thanks for all the insight so far - I was looking for a 993 Turbo before I bought the 355 used, but put it on the back burner when I got the 355.

When I got back to the search the prices appeared to have gone up $10 to 20K - Discussions with the local Porsche dealership have led me to believe the 996 has more options and higher limits in upgrading the power.

Thanks!!!

 

Id keep the 355. The 996 Turbo is a very sanitazed drive compared to the 355.

 

Or even a 964 turbo !

 

The Viper has WAY more WOW factor, which he said he would miss. In my experience, the certified Viper techs (only ones allowed to touch them) do a good job fixing the cars and provide great personal service. Hell, Chevy would turn anyone loose on a Corvette.

Yes, both are challenged on quality issues......typical Detroit mentality.

 

Take off the front differential.......instant 2WD.....this is getting to be a common mod, there are even kits available.

993TTs inefficient cooling really hampers its hp capability........and parts and service prices approach F-car levels. The 996 was a great re-design for alot of reasons.....

 

Shark01,

Where do you get the idea the 996tt has inefficient cooling? The car is water-cooled now and in terms of efficiency is plenty for the stock output as developed and tested by Porsche. Whenever one modifies any motor for more output one has to upgrade the whole system (engine /drivetrain/suspension/brakes) for a proper project and successful outcome. To add more power from the 3.6L turbo six one of course should enlarge the intercooler and make sure the extra heat is properly addressed. Look at the Sportec 911 turbo currently being developed to go 250mph and still be streetable (registered and driven as is on the street) with only 800-850 HP!

 

Oops,
misread your comment Shark01, my sincerest apologies. I agree the 993tt has problems developing more hp with air/oil cooling limitations. But HP is never what makes the overall package great (example Lotus Exige). Balance and practicality as well as rawness (character) have always been the Porsche spices of attraction for my taste (choice) in cars I'd like to own.

 

Ive seen people propose the idea of a V8 swap in a NSX and wow it goes down hill from there. Most of the owners are purists to the extreme. I would have to say go with a Viper. You can find a supercharged viper or turbocharged viper within your price range if your into modded cars.

 

Don't do it. Unless you are totally concerned with outright performance the Turbo will not give you that "something" that the 355 does. If total performance is your goal, just get a Z06, add a few mods and say bye-bye to just about anything on the track.

Just my 2 pennies.



Darrell.

 

+1

However neither of them holds a candle to your F355 in terms of looks/celebrity.

 

i concur with dmoore. i've owned both. the 996TT has no soul.

doody.

 

although 996 turbo maybe a better/reliable car, stick with the 355 or save up a bit and get a 360 or something. the value of the 996 turbo will keep on droping, there is no sense in buying that. the 355 would hold its value or at least close to it.