996 C4S vs 997 2S

[AlexGLon]

Hi all

Apologies if this has been dealt with before, I scrolled through but couldn't see anything covering this topic.

I've got enough cash for a 2004 996 C4S, or a 2005/6 997 2S (both under 45,000 miles). Are the Gen 1 997s a much better car to opt for over the 996s? I fully admit I don't know much about Porsche's yet, as this would be the first one, and get scared reading all about the oil leak problems in the 996s.

Any advice welcome. Thanks.

[AlexGLon]

Also, is it worth getting a younger C2 (2006), rather than the slightly older C2S (2004/5). Would I really notice the difference between the two?

[LordOfTheManor]

997 is a prettier car .

[Magic919]

We hopped from 996 C4S to 997 Gen 2. I wouldn't buy a Gen 1. Oil leaks are not a huge concern on the 996. They often weep oil from the RMS, both mine did. Nobody ever got harmed.

[Colonel Panic]

997 Gen 1 may actually be more prone to bore scoring than a 996.

Looks are entirely subjective, of course.

[Sine Metu]

I prefer the front end of the 997 (marginally). I much prefer the back end of the 996. I prefer the interior of the 997. The 997 will always feel like a newer car so 997 gets my vote.

[Fl0pp3r]

If it were my money I'd be tempted to try a 996 C4S. Part of the reason is that I've already owned a 997.1C2S, and tho' I very much enjoyed ownership, the shadow hanging over the engine would be a worry (unless of course you can find one that's already had the Hartech treatment, or can factor it into your budget). In favour of the C4S, it is by all accounts a great steer - better than the sum of its parts, with a bespoke suspension setup and the Turbo running gear of course. It's the best looking 996 as well according to many, even if a little dated on the inside. Residuals now solid.

Edited by Fl0pp3r on Saturday 29th August 11:31

[AlexGLon]

Thanks all.

Sounds like Gen1 997s are a bit risky, probably why there are so many roughly 10 years old on the market (warranty runs out, risk get's higher etc).

Do the 996 C4Ss have less risk of the engine problems? It's almost putting me off at the moment.

[Magic919]

We ran 2x996 for two years and had no problems. IMS failure is more the 996 thing and bore scoring more a 997 thing. I'd do the 996 again, TBH.

The guy that bought our 996 had it for 2 more years and it was trouble free. We had replaced the IMS as a precaution.

[Tuscanny]

Most of the 996 3.6 in the classified adds are all getting on in miles around 80000 . Are these sort of mileage ok with a full opc history.

[LeeE60M5]

Has exactly the same choice recently.

I went for the 996 c4s because I could afford to buy the best condition available with low miles where as the 997 I would not have been able to. Even then that said I have always liked the look for the c4s 996 and do actually believe it's one of the best looking 911's so it would have been my choice anyway.

I know it's subjective but the 996 turbo body with none of the spoilers , air grills and the wrap around reflector is in my opinion a real winner.

[c4sman]

997.1 3.6 2006 is an awesome pure 911 in my view. Dive one before you decide and it's meant to be least prone to engine issues. Next for me would be the 996c4s, future classic. C2s 997 would be my last choice only due to reputation for IMS/bore score (although I think a lot of this is hype imho)

[Pommygranite]

LeeE60M5 said:

Has exactly the same choice recently.

I went for the 996 c4s because I could afford to buy the best condition available with low miles where as the 997 I would not have been able to. Even then that said I have always liked the look for the c4s 996 and do actually believe it's one of the best looking 911's so it would have been my choice anyway.

I know it's subjective but the 996 turbo body with none of the spoilers , air grills and the wrap around reflector is in my opinion a real winner.

I see you had an E60 M5 - how does the 996C4S compare as a daily driver?

[harleywilma]

AlexGLon said:

Thanks all.

Sounds like Gen1 997s are a bit risky, probably why there are so many roughly 10 years old on the market (warranty runs out, risk get's higher etc).

Do the 996 C4Ss have less risk of the engine problems? It's almost putting me off at the moment.

If your not confident get it checked over, 996 interior is really grim and from the front it looks like a boxter,might be worth looking for the lowest owner and mileage that you can on your budget,the best spec car will always be what is the most desirable. Talk to some of the dealers they have more experience than most on here as they sell em.
If a 996 is going to be a classic you still need to buy low mileage as when you want rid you can move it on.The general
public don't get involved in all the negative issues and will always favour the most up to date spec and lowest mileage for there bucks..

[EGTE]

996 interiors can be grim, but full leather option lifts it a long way. It's also much more "generic"-looking to my (and others') eyes than later cars.

Basically, all aspects of looks on any model are subjective......

[harleywilma]

HMMMm

Edited by harleywilma on Monday 5th October 16:38

[pete a]

harleywilma said:

HMMMm

Edited by harleywilma on Monday 5th October 16:38

MMMmmmm

[Magic919]

Manual one looks so much better.

[matsoc]

Despite 996 now looks now better than some time ago to my eyes I'd still prefer the 997 looks. The 997 interior I would say that is objectively better even if (as others pointed out) a full leather 996 interior in good shape is still something good looking. For performance and handling are both worth their price even if I’d slightly take again a 997 for a drive, especially 2wd S with the optional lowered sport setup with passive suspension.

[harleywilma]

MMmmmmm