Budget £25k - 997 C2S vs 996 C4S
Discussion
I sold my 996 cab back in 2008 and after extend period without a 911 I am now looking to get back into Porsche ownership, this time a coupe. Originally I set a budget of £20k and was thinking about a late 996 possibly a C4S. However after a quick search today, I found some great looking 997's and even a few 996 Turbos for circa £25k. I have all but discounted the Turbos as I assume at that price will be expensive to run but would be keen to hear first hand experience.
So do I go for the 996 C4S and keep some cash back for maintenance, or spend £5k more and go with a newer 997 C2S or go for a 996 Turbo
So do I go for the 996 C4S and keep some cash back for maintenance, or spend £5k more and go with a newer 997 C2S or go for a 996 Turbo
I originally set my sights on 996 C4S ownership with a similar budget.
However, after doing some research and speaking to specialists, they advised due to the potential fragility of the 996 block, if I can get more money together the 996 Turbo will deliver a bullet proof engine and potentially better resale value in the future if I need to get rid of it.
Whilst the interior is the same (I test drive 04' models), and the handling is the same from what I could achieve in normal and semi-fast road test drives, the C4S is a great car. However, stepping from the C4S to the Turbo, the sheer driving experience is massively different, i.e. the sound, the power delivery, the speed, the brute force on acceleration, not to mention the grin on my face. Once you've driven the Turbo there is very little comparison.
It took me 6 months to find the car I wanted in the colour combination, budget, mileage, and condition.
I am now on week 6-7 of Turbo ownership. Can't stop smiling.
However, after doing some research and speaking to specialists, they advised due to the potential fragility of the 996 block, if I can get more money together the 996 Turbo will deliver a bullet proof engine and potentially better resale value in the future if I need to get rid of it.
Whilst the interior is the same (I test drive 04' models), and the handling is the same from what I could achieve in normal and semi-fast road test drives, the C4S is a great car. However, stepping from the C4S to the Turbo, the sheer driving experience is massively different, i.e. the sound, the power delivery, the speed, the brute force on acceleration, not to mention the grin on my face. Once you've driven the Turbo there is very little comparison.
It took me 6 months to find the car I wanted in the colour combination, budget, mileage, and condition.
I am now on week 6-7 of Turbo ownership. Can't stop smiling.
Real world 911 turbo performances are astonishing. I'd recommend a 997 in that case too but they are still quite expensive. I once had the chance to drive for about half the trip from Turin to Stuttgart in a 997.2 turbo and it is something I won't forget. At the time I had just bought a five years old V8 Vantage 4.3, despite you had to rev it seriously it was comparable in raw pace to the 997.1 S. But a German couple of friends came to visit me with as surprise, they replaced the 1st gen 997 with a brand new 997.2 turbo. The girlfriend was staying in Italy the full month while he had to come back a couple of times for work so once I went back with him to Stuttgart and rent instead of flying to Frankfurt. He generously offered me to drive. Every overtake was just a matter of thinking about it! I am generally a rwd 911s fan but the turbo is so fast that you aren't even thinking at the slighter less pleasant response of the steering. We swapped 2 times after coffee stops and the story isn't so beautiful in the passenger seat. It's not the noise or the ride the problem but the accelerations are quite uncomfortable!
I find the 996 and 7 "feel" quite different. The 996 has heavier controls for both steering and gearchange which I prefer. Also the PSE sounds better than 997 PSE.
Interior and performace wide there's no doubt the 997 is markedly better and I prefer the front lights to my "egg white" versions.
@ PKOC - Are you saying the sound of the turbo is better than the C4s? I find this very surprising
Interior and performace wide there's no doubt the 997 is markedly better and I prefer the front lights to my "egg white" versions.
@ PKOC - Are you saying the sound of the turbo is better than the C4s? I find this very surprising
I went 996 c4s.alot were saying go 997 c2 but I prefer the 6c4s looks (couldnt get to a good turbo and again Although I like the tt I hate its scoops I the arch) I also love the way the 4s drives.it weightiness on steering and heaviness of brake and clutch suits me.plus ive had a few 4wd cars before and like them.
I will admit mine was cheap so it swayed me.but I do prefer the cars looks and Interior over the 7
You need to drive all 3 and decide tbh.
I will admit mine was cheap so it swayed me.but I do prefer the cars looks and Interior over the 7
You need to drive all 3 and decide tbh.
StockwellCab said:
Thank you all for your feedback and comments. I think it's test drive time, with my head saying 997 C2S and heart saying 996 Turbo. 
I will let you know how I get on.
Early 997's are just as prone to engine problems I believe, so for me it was heart saying 996 turbo and head saying 996 turbo (they don't often agree!) I will let you know how I get on.
...so I bought a 996 turbo.
But you really must try both and see which you prefer.
The 997.1 is just as prone to engine issues - notably bore scoring - as the 996.2 from my research. IMS was improved but the other spectres of the engine are still there...
Also bear in mind annual VED will be nearly 500 quid for the 997 if it's registered after March 2006, and 270 for the 996... Hardly a deal killer.
Also bear in mind annual VED will be nearly 500 quid for the 997 if it's registered after March 2006, and 270 for the 996... Hardly a deal killer.
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