997 Turbo owners opinions on the Gen ! and Gen 2

[BIRMA]

I recently re-tried a 997 Turbo Gen 1 soft top which I liked but didn't buy it in the end. In my search for more info I came across a You Tube video from the Porsche Experience Centre on the Gen 2 which got me wondering how much of a difference is there in the two cars. I haven't yet had a chance to try the Gen 2 car and as I'm keeping my Boxster for a year or two more the Gen 2 car will be well within my budget allowing for a Gen 2's depreciation over say a two year period.
It struck me on the video that Porsche have done their usual thing and that is not change the cars looks but have significantly tweaked the important bits.
I would appreciate the opinions of anyone who as actually owned both as I'm sure you would be able to provide a real world comparison.

[hondansx]

I can't comment on the cabrio models, but your hunch is correct, the Gen 2 car is a much improved car under the skin and - if you can afford it - it's well worth going for. Some people are nostalgic about the Mezger engine, but in Turbo form it is not characterful so you aren't missing out. The performance, ride and handling are all nicer; it feels like more of a sports car. You also get the upgraded PCM.

[BIRMA]

hondansx said:

I can't comment on the cabrio models, but your hunch is correct, the Gen 2 car is a much improved car under the skin and - if you can afford it - it's well worth going for. Some people are nostalgic about the Mezger engine, but in Turbo form it is not characterful so you aren't missing out. The performance, ride and handling are all nicer; it feels like more of a sports car. You also get the upgraded PCM.

Thanks, I think a visit to my local OPC to try one will be in order some time in the future.

[IMIA]

Mezger just needs a sports exhaust like this one to wake it up. Porsche designed the 997 turbo as a comfortable GT which it is.

Not difficult to liven it up. Rather enthusiastic fellow here. Its GT2 but has exactly the same engine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqAVK9ACA8w

[paul0843]

IMIA said:

Mezger just needs a sports exhaust like this one to wake it up. Porsche designed the 997 turbo as a comfortable GT which it is.

Not difficult to liven it up. Rather enthusiastic fellow here. Its GT2 but has exactly the same engine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqAVK9ACA8w

He seems happy enough with that

[IMIA]

paul0843 said:

IMIA said:

Mezger just needs a sports exhaust like this one to wake it up. Porsche designed the 997 turbo as a comfortable GT which it is.

Not difficult to liven it up. Rather enthusiastic fellow here. Its GT2 but has exactly the same engine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqAVK9ACA8w

He seems happy enough with that

I have a Europipe Loud system which also sounds fabulous. Will take a vid at some stage

[BIRMA]

I have no real intention of changing anything on the car if I'm honest as I found the standard package OK in every respect, plus I'll probably seriously consider the OPC warranty. I know if you like the Mezger engine a Gen 1 manual is the way to go but I'd like to keep my current car another couple of years at least which will bring the Gen 2 into my price range. The other factor is that at the moment I only use my Boxster in the summer and a may well buy a Gen 2 soft top and do the same as I quite enjoy my winter car.
As a dedicated manual man I may even consider a PDK car as a few Turbo S's could be bought for a relatively small percentage increase of my budget.

Edited by BIRMA on Sunday 22 February 15:04