Today got to finally drive a 993 which I was wondering what it was like . I noticed the clutch felt a little strange and wondering if anybody else had noticed this? Nice but clutch could be a dealbreaker.
Next up was 04 996 . Wow did that thing feel faster and the clutch was better and the engine noise was louder and better but the gearshift was a little clunky compared to the S . I wonder is that normal on these and do you get used to it.
Last up was an 07 Cayman S. Very nice and clutch and gearshift felt better but the styling is not as attractive to me.
Wonder how much better the 997 is compared to these?

 

IMHO, Cayman S > Base 997. Disclaimer: I'm biased as I wouldn't trade my Cayman S for any 911 this side of a GT3.

 

The 993 is the last of 911's to have the clutch hinge on the bottom...I wonder if that's why it felt "strange". I've owned 993s and 996s...I'm not a big speed junkie, but to me the normally aspirated 993s are just too slow. I do appreciate their build quality however. Try closing the door on a 993 and then a 996...you will notice a significant difference. In my opinion, the Cayman S is one of the few cars in that price range (aside from Elise/Exige) that is remotely close to the S2000 in terms of fun factor.

 

missing my 993 as I read this thread. =(

 

Liked the 997 911 much, much better than the 996.

 

The 997 Porsches are 100x better than the predecessors. I'm just basing this on looks, though.

 

I drove an 04' 996 C4S a few years ago and the thing that stands out most in my mind was the clutch action...it was very good.

 

I dig the 997 and that is next on my test drive list! The two 996's I drove seemed to be a little different . The one I drove where the clutch and shifter were clunky had a new clutch so not sure if that had anthing to do with it!
To me the Cayman is a sweet car but the looks are good but not great . To me the 911 in certain colors is more like Playboy playmate or Victoria Secret supermodel sexy!

 

The clunky 996 gear shifter is a deal breaker for me. Personally, i havent been able to get use to it. My dad has '01 c2, and I hate driving that thing around because of it.

 

The 997 is a not a step above the 996 but a leap!
in terms of exterior and interior design, performance, and build quality.
I know someone trying to sell his 2005 C2 for a very fair price.
PM me if interested.