996 C4S vs. 997C2S

[BEN139]

Hi, I am currently on the hunt for a weekend/occasional car which will see me ok for a few Europe trips etc. It needs to be fun, put a smile on my face, have a special feel but still comfortable enough to do longer road trips.
Budget is £25-28k

I narrowed things down to an E60 M5, E92 M3, TVR Tuscan, 996C4S and 997C2S.

I quickly ruled out the BM's as I don't think it will provide the overall grin factor. Fast, but too sensible/pratical.

TVR will most likely be more fun, but maybe not ideal for longer journeys....

Therefore a Porsche seems the best choice. My budget sees a C4S 996 or CarreraS 997. Looks wise I prefer the 997, but I think the 996 has classic status already and could be a better more sound investment.
Out of the 2 which would be the easiest to live with and the most reliable? I know 996s suffer IMS/RMS which is easily cured now, but 997s seem more prone to more serious problems like bore scoring and complete engine failure.....I hear more reports of the 997 engine popping! I would go for a Hartech service plan in any case.

Thanks,
Ben.

[ZX10R NIN]

Not sure what you budget is but a Lotus Evora is a very good shout with a much lower bork potential than either Porsche.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Or the forgotten Europa:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

I was going to say Noble but having looked at the prices I can't believe how strong the residuals are.

[CrouchingWayne]

Of the 997's I believe the pre (997.1) and post (997.2) facelift cars have significantly different risk profiles with the latter being a much safer bet. I don't have much more info to share as the 997.2 was out of my price range so never invested much time looking into them.

[davek_964]

Never really understood the appeal of the 996 S models. All the bits of the turbo, with an associated increase in cost - but without the turbo, and the same engine as the base cars.
At least the 997s have a bigger engine over the base model 911. Plus, they're a lot prettier than 996s.

[crusty]

I have owned a 996 C4S and had to get rid, when early warning of engine failure started.

I have driven the Lotus, and would buy one in a heartbeat over the Porsche, much more interesting car to drive, and less risk of major issues

[LordHaveMurci]

996 C4S is probably the best looking water cooled 911 so far, some will go even further with that statement...!

997 S are prone to bore score, they probably also have some depreciation left in them, whereas the 996 seems to be appreciating at the moment.

Many prefer the drive of the 996, others prefer the looks of the 997. Equally, both interiors have their fans.

You need to drive both really & see which you prefer, alternatively you could always look for a 996 C2 with a FULL Hartech rebuild for less than £20k & look at some tasteful mod's?

[BEN139]

I did consider an Exige Touring but I am not sure it has the same appeal. I would love a Noble but they've sky rocketed in the last 5years....there is one on here in the classifieds in budget but the service history seems a bit rocky.
Seems going by most comments the 997 is the preferred choice. The 996 has always been a bit marmite.

[Ursicles]

Think the 996 C4S will keep its money at absolute worst, or more than likely keep rising as it has been.

Mate has one, and as much as i wasnt a fan of them, ive started to prefer the look of them over the 997.

[mattman]

Maserati Gran Turismo at that price range - much more fun than the porker - if only in noise!

[Shaoxter]

BEN139 said:

I quickly ruled out the BM's as I don't think it will provide the overall grin factor. Fast, but too sensible/pratical.

Well you clearly haven't tried that V10! If you want something less pratical there's always the E63 M6... it's bargey and huge and very different to a 911 so you really need to try them and decide for yourself what you want.