997 gen1 and gen2 differences

[jetbox]

Hi,

I hope to soon be in the market for a 997 not sure which model yet. Its going to largely be driven by budget (40k) but is there a definative list of what the differences are between models and gen 1 and gen 2 and C2, C2s and C4 versions.

I am aware of the dfi and pdk in the gen 2 call but what are the more subtle changes. I tried to find pdf copies of brochures online but have only found the gen1 brochure. Does anyone have a copy of the gen2 brochure they could email me?

Thanks

[Paul O]

In appearance your main differences are;

revised front bumper (you'd have to look hard to notice)
LED DRL lights
revised rear lights
interior centre console is now black not silver/grey
different wheel selection

errmmm... thats about it really. Like you say, subtle.

[Ekona]

PASM was changed completely, it's much better dampened on the gen2 cars and makes the harder mode actually usable in the UK. It makes a massive difference to the drive, easily as much as the new engines, so definitely try both before you commit.

Option of having a USB connection to the PCM3 (itself a billionty times better than the PCM2) for your music player of choice shouldn't be sneezed at either.

[gl20]

The above posts summarise the move from .1 to .2. Then in response to C2, C2S, C4

C2>C2S - 3.6 to 3.8 engine capacity so more power of course. PASM is standard. Better wheels and twin exhausts (rather than 2 single pipe exhausts) and, here's the kicker, red callipers! That's all I can think of - there may be some other stuff.

C4 I know less about as personally less keen on it. Apart from the obvious that it is 4WD I think versus the C2 you get the wider body no matter which iteration (or that may only be with the C4S. Not sure if it standarises anything else.

Then there is the C4S that broadly combines both the above.

[Trev450]

I have a pdf of the Gen 2. What's your email address?

[Mermaid]

Gen 2 is 3.8 litres, what about Gen 1.

[stevod]

I think the gen 2 C4 has the newer 4WD system, from the turbo.

S

[Magic919]

The premium Gen 2 brochure, more of a book, is worth getting hold of.

[jakesmith]

This is the same for Gen 1 and Gen 2:

C2 - narrow body rear drive 3.6
C2S - narrow body rear drive 3.8 (+ white dials, red calipers, PASM, 4 exhausts, 19" wheels)
C4 - wide body, 4 wheel drive 3.6
C4S - wide body 4 wheel drive 3.8 (+ white dials, red calipers, PASM, 4 exhaustsm, 19" wheels)

Gen 2 adds over gen 1:
New engines, more power, more economical
Option of PDK rather than tiptronic s
new PCM much better, touch screen, ipod / bluetooth integration if specified
new bumpers & lights front & rear
different engine note, I think the exhaust is not supposed to sound as good as gen 1

[RiccardoG]

jakesmith said:

C2S - narrow body rear drive 3.8 (+ white dials, red calipers, PASM, 4 exhausts, 19" wheels)

C4S - wide body 4 wheel drive 3.8 (+ white dials, red calipers, PASM, 4 exhaustsm, 19" wheels)

You forgot Litronics (Bi-Xenon) also standard on S models.

[Magic919]

Not exhaustive, but here's a start I made. I think Park Assist became standard too. Some are options.

PCM
Touch screen
Voice Control
Universal audio interface
Bluetooth
Bi-xenon lights
Dynamic cornering lights
LED lighting and DRL
New intakes
Door mirrors changed
DFI
PTM on AWD
PDK
Launch control with PDK
Heated steering wheel
Larger rear discs on non-S
SPASM
Ventilated seats
Hill-start assist
Locking rear diff AWD models. (Option on 2WD)
PSM enhanced
ABD
TPM improved
Airbags improved
Centre console redesigned
TV tuner
VTS

[Diesel130]

jetbox said:

Hi,

Its going to largely be driven by budget (40k) ,,,

Thanks

Surely, if you have 40K to spend, then it's a no brainer to go for Gen 2?

[MadMark911]

Diesel130 said:

Surely, if you have 40K to spend, then it's a no brainer to go for Gen 2?

Yup - worth it just for the peace of mind with the engine.

[jetbox]

thanks all for replying.

yes a gen2 seems a no brainer but currently right at the top of my budget. lots more choice in price range for a gen1 and wanted to understand if the differences were significant.

anyone with a gen2 c2s for sale then let me know...

[Magic919]

You might just about do that for a manual one. My experience was OPC ones are not much more and you get that 2 year warranty. I'd suggest getting on the Porsche warranty wherever you buy.

[DMC2]

Noticeably less understeer

[paul0843]

Magic919 said:

You might just about do that for a manual one. My experience was OPC ones are not much more and you get that 2 year warranty. I'd suggest getting on the Porsche warranty wherever you buy.

Would agree with this,, opc cars similar in price to specialists..
Went through this process a few weeks ago..
Even though I could buy quite a basic gen 2 car for around £40k I opted for a very very high spec
gen 1 car..07 . C4s cab that listed just under £100k.. Paid £36.5k from bristol opc..
The 2 year warranty is a massive peace of mind

[Diesel130]

... but you might be hit hard with resale value.

Edited by Diesel130 on Thursday 25th April 12:05

[jetbox]

Looks like a the gen 2 is a better bet in many ways...

Let the hunt begin.

Anyone selling let me know.

[ChrisW.]

Maybe I didn't read this carefully enough but the most compelling reason seems to have been lost.

The new Gen 2 engines were designed with 40% fewer components to erradicate the known problems in the 996 non Turbo/GT3 /GT2 cars and Boxster / Cayman cars pre-gen 2.

To date, there are no known Gen2 problems and indeed this basic engine is now the basis for all Porsche sports cars, the Turbo a couple of years ago and now the new GT3.