OK, this is a bit daring, but here it goes:

Before I bought my 2008 S63 I had a 2007 S550. I love my S63. Before I bought the S63 I test drove a 997 C4S (the dealer did not have a 997 Turbo on the lot). What can you say.. Porsche is Fahrvergnuegen pure. However, being a family man the seating capacity of the S63 won.... but I'm still finding myself hyperventilating when I see a Porsche 911. So, now to the point of this thread. After one year with the S63 I have grown very comfortable with all it has to offer: Nightvision, Distronic plus (works perfectly in innner city traffic and on the highway), massage seats, most comfortable ride on long trips, and of course the agility. Looks are not so bad either. So, help me out here, will you? Should I bury my love for the 911 Turbo? Will I look back with tears should I ever sell the S63 and get a 911 Turbo? What would I miss... or not?

Go and test drive a 996TT...best bang for the buck ..and ya got back seats. oh..and they're going cheap right now...

here.. http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/automobiles-sale-29/

You should have kept the S550 and add a 911 997 S to the garage (no need for 4WD).

Yes, but that chance has passed...

you got the S63 for the family. I'm pretty sure they won't appreciate the downgrade in rear-legroom in a 997 turbo. You'll have the time of your life, but the back seat passengers won't.

By posting this thread, it seems like you miss your Porsche alot.
You can't lose with either cars. Both very impressive cars.

Hi, you have made the right decision, the Porsche is not really a comfortable 4 seater. I have gone off Porsche, my SL63 is better in every way. The other day I was followed by what I thought was a 997, it turned out to be a 12 year old 911, the 997 looks old shape. You should see how many 911's are for sale in Top Marques, there are hundreds, far more then Mercs,Jags,
Astons etc.

Hi, sound 8, thanks. You live in the UK? Are you going over to Germany sometimes to enjoy the "Freie Fahrt" on the Autobahn? I lived there for many years. Had a Porsche 928 and a 911 over 20 years ago. That and the german sausage is what I miss most over here in Virginia, USA. Since we have a general speed limit, about the only legal fun you can have is get to that speed limit in as little time as possible. I remember standing at a crossing with a police man directing traffic (traffic lights were out") and when he signaled "go", I floored it and took off. He spun around on his heels and looked in shock.... and I laughed so hard. Anyway, the SL63 would be the only alternative to the Porsche 911. What bothers me in my S63 is that even in Sport mode, with the ESC kicking in, the car feels like it's made for an "somewhat overweight older gentleman". No fun unless you switch ESC off... but than the cruise control doesn't work either.

I don't think that one can compare a 911 to an S class. It just doesn't make any sense. They are way too different in purpose and execution.

Does your S63 serve your purpose? Would a 911 serve the same functions?

If it were me, I would use the S class for its intended purpose ad save for a 911.

Yup, the S63 gets us around nicely. And as far as "family", it's mostly my darling wife and me. The kids are out of the house. So, a 2-seater would do as long as we have a larger car for the longer trips with friends.

But you have a point: keep the S63 and save for a 997 Turbo.... or maybe n SL63?

Depends on what attributes you're looking for in the car. Not sure where you live but unless you'll be driving it in the snow, i'd pass on the C4S and go with the C2S (I had an '06 997S). A much better drivers car.

How bad are the roads where you live? the porsche will not be as comfortable as your MB. Not that the car itself is uncomfotable but bad roads may take it's toll on you. The adaptive sport seats in my car are the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in. If I had to drive across the country, I wold not hesitate to take my TT.

It also won't have the gadgetry of your S class but if you want great handling, great braking, awesome steering feedback then I think you'll be pretty happy.

Like everything else prices are tanking - go find an '07 TT or 997S and keep the MB. You'll have the best of both worlds.

South-western part Virginia, USA. Roads mostly good, should not be an issue. Gosh that TT of yours looks good. My 997TT (if ever) will be white, I'm sure of that. There is hardly ever snow on the roads down here, but doesn't the 4-wheel drive give you better handling on dry roads too?

White was my first choice - go with sea blue interior and you got a winner I'll be glad to help you spec it out (I love spending other peoples money )

If you go TT obviously you have no choice about AWD - unless you get the GT2

If you don't want TT and looking between C4S and 2S skip the AWD. it adds weight and you do lose a bit "feel" compared to the non-AWD car.

... and here is my car in white...
how do I post a picture here? (me dummy)

.. found it. It's so easy!

Beautiful

Not as a driver's car. The P-cars are much faster and more fun when the going gets twisty.

I've got an S65 and a 997 C2. I use them both as daily drivers although the Benz wins mostly during the week. Every time I drive the 911 (especially on twisty roads on weekends) I think it is the best car ever made. It is quiet enough to enjoy music while driving, it is easy in town (best manual I've tried) and out of town on a nice road it is sublime. I say do it. You won't miss the massage seats.

Thanks cte, transferred and mhh. I guess I just have to go for a 997 test drive. I always feel better driving a manual. By the way, can anybody point me to a Porsche 911 forum?

You will not go wrong with a 911, especially a turbo. Nothing compares to the feel you have in a turbo. Like someone already said, you should look for a 996tt unless you have to have a new car. They are quick stock and easy to get power out of them.

I have an E55 w/pulley/tune and it is not even close to the same experience I have when I drive my 996tt, apples/oranges

You should check out 6speed.com and rennlist. Also teamspeed

You got it, an old overweight man that's me, but a very happy one with my new SL63.

GGRRRREAT colour.

Everyone will be as surprised as me. I had a 996 Turbo, it was faster than
my SL55 and I suppose had more road feedback. It also had a back breaking
ride. So I sold it and bought the SL55. However I have test driven the 997
but not the Turbo and I can honestly say my new SL63 feel as good if not better planted, it also has in my opinion better looks than the Porsche, a
better sound track and probably quicker than the 911s, and certainly much
more comfort. I think Mercedes will steal orders for Porsche.