996 Carrera 4S or 997 Carrera 2 ?
Discussion
It's a question that keeps bugging me at the moment, as I'm looking to buy my first Carrera at some point this year. Yes, there are posts about this kind of thing already on here but the more info the better...
The budget is currently around 20k to 22.5k which will get me either of the above. Yes, 996 Turbo's and Carrera 2 S's are better, but also at about 3 - 5k more depending on age, condition and mileage etc. which may just be too much for me this year and life's too short to wait.
Ok, the pros and cons for each as I see them (having never driven either!):
997 C2 – 80% newer and more modern parts and panels. Slightly more power at 325 ps vs 320 ps and lighter, so a bit faster in a straight line (in the dry anyway). Probably faster around bends and generally better behaved and more comfortable on dodgy roads with the PASM option. Nicer interior, more economical and cheaper servicing with longer intervals at 20k vs 12k miles. Hmmm, why would I get a 996 C4S over this again? Maybe because of the existence of the Carrera S and the first point below…
996 C4S - It's a better model its own 996 range than the 997 C2 is, considered to be second best to the GT3 by EVO magazine. They also said it was 'keyed into the road in a way the Turbo isn't, which I've never seen anyone else mention on here before... It has better brakes than the base 997 C2 (but aren’t they good enough on the 997 for road use?) and may be a bit more stable and easier to drive with 4WD (vs a PASM'd 997 though, I don't know). Perhaps it'll hold its value better as well? Maybe looks better with a slightly wider body and the cool red strip at the back - subjective.
Anyone driven both of these or just able give me some extra insight and advice? It’s a tough one for me.
The budget is currently around 20k to 22.5k which will get me either of the above. Yes, 996 Turbo's and Carrera 2 S's are better, but also at about 3 - 5k more depending on age, condition and mileage etc. which may just be too much for me this year and life's too short to wait.
Ok, the pros and cons for each as I see them (having never driven either!):
997 C2 – 80% newer and more modern parts and panels. Slightly more power at 325 ps vs 320 ps and lighter, so a bit faster in a straight line (in the dry anyway). Probably faster around bends and generally better behaved and more comfortable on dodgy roads with the PASM option. Nicer interior, more economical and cheaper servicing with longer intervals at 20k vs 12k miles. Hmmm, why would I get a 996 C4S over this again? Maybe because of the existence of the Carrera S and the first point below…
996 C4S - It's a better model its own 996 range than the 997 C2 is, considered to be second best to the GT3 by EVO magazine. They also said it was 'keyed into the road in a way the Turbo isn't, which I've never seen anyone else mention on here before... It has better brakes than the base 997 C2 (but aren’t they good enough on the 997 for road use?) and may be a bit more stable and easier to drive with 4WD (vs a PASM'd 997 though, I don't know). Perhaps it'll hold its value better as well? Maybe looks better with a slightly wider body and the cool red strip at the back - subjective.
Anyone driven both of these or just able give me some extra insight and advice? It’s a tough one for me.
Edited by scoobysnacks2 on Thursday 21st February 23:15
scoobysnacks2 said:
They also said it was 'keyed into the road in a way the Turbo isn't', which I've never seen anyone else mention on here before...
Becasue it's absolute tosh, that's why. 
I'd like to hear them justify that statement in terms of an engineering explanation.
Anyway, back to the query, Both cars have their strengths and I really think it will come down to personal preference.
Personally, I've always had a soft spot for the 996 C4S (but actually ended up waiting a bit longer and buying a turbo). 997 Carrera was within budget but didn't get a look in.
Yes, regarding the C4S vs Turbo more keyed into the road thing, I have no experiece in either but I do know the C4S is 75 KG lighter and also has different slightly softer suspension settings. I can only guess that on the (rough?) road they were on at the time it felt a bit better than a Turbo does.
Whether that's sometimes true or not, I'd much rather have a Turbo (read massive torque and power increase with the much stronger GT1 engine).
Whether that's sometimes true or not, I'd much rather have a Turbo (read massive torque and power increase with the much stronger GT1 engine).
I have a 996 C4S Tip (Cabrio). It's the only Porsche I've owned and I can't therefore compare... What I would say is my car is an immensely "capable" and "assured" drive, but not "visceral" or "exciting" in any way at legal road speeds. It copes with ease on twisty roads, has more than enough go for easy overtakes, and is, frankly, very easy to drive. That's why I bought it, but I suspect that's not what some/many look for in a Porsche?
Nano2nd said:
i think you could get a decent C2S for £22.5k, i sold mine in Oct for £25k and it was high spec with OPC warranty, new brakes all round and 2 new rear tyres! but 59k miles...
Hmmm, I guess I've been mostly looking at reputable Porsche specialist trade sellers who seem to be charging at least 25k for an S on sub 60k mileage. I guess it's the attraction of a comprehensive warranty (worries about IMS and scored bores) that attracts me to them. I know I could go cheaper privately or from less known traders (with an inspection), but not sure about the inspection helping much with those issues mentioned above which can happen without warning and this is where a more trustworthy seller and better warranty may come in very useful... Still thinking that one over though.The 996 C4S is a lovely car and one of the best looking 911's in a lot of peoples opinion. Mine looked and sounded lovely with PSE. However I drove numerous 997's both S and non S variants prior to buying and to be honest if I could of found a really good example of a 997 with PSE at similar money I would of jumped at the newer car. The issue was the better examples of the 997 were always priced accordingly as it sounds you are finding.
I think you'll find that it could be the PSE which helps you make your mind up. Although the PSE is an option across many models and years, there is a certain affinity with the 996 C4S, with approx 30-40% having it. Ask a dealer to start up and rev a 996 with and without and that will make your mind up.
But if you value the 997 interior massively over the 996 then that could sway you the other way.
Other options may sway you too - I doubt I'd buy another 996 without Litronic headlights.
But if you value the 997 interior massively over the 996 then that could sway you the other way.
Other options may sway you too - I doubt I'd buy another 996 without Litronic headlights.
It's a nice decision to have to make. I was weighing this up last summer (996C4S v 996TT v 997) and ended up stretching the budget slightly to get an '05 997C2S - I know the others have their merits and supporters, but in the end the newer car just seemed to do most things a bit better. Plus the looks (headlights!) and interior helped sway it. Prices seem to be softening all the time so the C2S is probably a realistic option. 4k miles later still very happy and no regrets ( so far...).
Yes, perhaps the C2S is just too close to the C2's price for comfort and I may end up wishing I'd waited just a bit longer. It's that idea that makes me feel I may be happier in a 996 C4S, which is a bit cheaper than the 997 C2 generally and could be nearer 20k in the end. All great cars though, whatever I go for. I guess I need to go out and see some! Perhaps I'll end stretching the budget a bit more...
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
BUT. I couldn't / can't drop that much cash on a car simply for it's exterior looks. vs. Say interior comfort. Drive. Tech etc
Would you ?
I fully understand that point as the 997 Carrera (non S) seems to be a better car than the 996 C4S in many ways as mentioned in first post. However, the exterior looks, 4WD and better brakes may be enough for many in choosing that over the 997. The spectre of the 997 Carrera S is probably my main issue with the base Carrera model, but maybe I just need to let that go if budget really does prevent me getting the S (the jury's still out on that though). In the end, taken in isolation, it may be the best buy for me. If I get one with PASM and Litronics (still at least 2k - 3k less than the S) then the 30hp will be the biggest noticeable difference as I don't think I'll find the standard brakes lacking (coming from an E46 M3...).Would you ?
Edited by scoobysnacks2 on Friday 1st February 16:50
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