30 Oct 06
Before you even get around to expressing a preference for colour and trim, you need to decide between the 3.6-litre engine that powers the Carrera models and the 3.8-litre unit that propels the Carrera S.
Given that this is a sports car you might assume that the larger capacity, more powerful - 355bhp against 325bhp - engine is the no-brainer pick of the pair, yet the performance of the smaller motor isn't that far off the pace and its showroom price is £7k less than the £67,860 of the 3.8. It's always nice to have the top dog, of course, but unless you can tell the difference between a car that does 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds compared with one that does in 5.0 seconds, you might be better off saving some money.
Now for transmissions. As well as rear-wheel drive there's the option of four-wheel drive; the latter models are known as the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S and are identifiable by slightly wider bodywork. And all-wheel drive for a powerful sports car is good, right?
It can be, but Porsche's traction and stability control systems are now so capable that they negate the need for four-wheel drive, unless you happen to live in a snowy, mountainous area. A rear-drive 997 is four grand less and is slightly faster and more fuel efficient.
Manual or automatic? In some sports cars you wouldn't even pose the question, but Porsche's Tiptronic S automatic gearbox is a cracker that suits the character of the car and can be used like a manual. Hard drivin' heroes may well still dismiss Tiptronic, but if you spend a lot of time in traffic, give one a go and make up your own mind.
