The price is about the same but I am having a very hard time deciding which car is better for me. I currently own a Lotus Elise and love it. I am going to sell it because of the wife and getting in and out drives her crazy. I like the C4S because it's AWD, has the bigger brakes, etc. The 997 C2S is a little bit out of my price range but if it's better I'm patient (not sure about the wife ).

I enjoy a stiff ride and do not care about the interior (997 versus 996). It's a 2nd car that will be a toy for me so I just want good seats and something I can take out evenings/weekends for a fun drive with my "better" half. I also plan to track the car I get about 5 times/year and autox about 6-8 times/year. Track events consist of HPDE's so not literal racing.

If I can find one, I am also looking at a 996 GT3 but that will most likely not be a reality for some time.

 

I'd wait for a 997 C2S. But, if you're deciding between the 996 C4S and 997 C2 I'd go for the C4S. The C4S looks better and has the turbo brakes/suspension. Obviously the 997 interior is nicer, but that doesn't seem to be much of an issue. The C4S isn't that stiff stock, so you'll probably want to switch to coilovers anyway (probably true for any of these cars).

 

+1 for the C4S - awesome looks if you like the wide/fat rear. I personally also prefer the headlights of that generation. I would not think that the C4S would be as good at autocross though because of the extra weight and I don't think that the AWD would gain you much there. I've got a lighter Boxster with race suspension for autocross. My Box handles much better than the C4S with tight turns.

Kirk

 

i really like the 997. You do get the widebody as well. Just get some coilovers and if you want change the brakes. Unless you can get your car to like like highcards or jayfunk then go for a 997 lol. But other than looks wise, not sure but I think the c4s would be better with the awd. Just my .02

 

Wouldn't the C4S be better for a track than a C2? Keep in mind it won't matter for me

 

I think the 997 is the better track choice. The major reason is that I think it is much lighter than the C4S. Isn't the HP a little higher also? You can do some basic brake upgrades - even just the pads and good fluid make a big difference. You would probably want to do some suspension work on either one, so any perceived advantage of the C4S is moot. Add some soft compound tires and you'll run rings around a C4S!

 

I'm looking to invest the least amount for the start. Since the market has a LOT of 911's out there I think I've narrowed it down to either a 996 turbo or 997 C2. I originally didn't want a turbo because I was concerned with reliability but from the reading I have done all day, it seems the turbo cars are very reliable. No sense getting a C4S when a turbo is the same price... Also the market has so many that I can pick and choose like it's a new car

So now it's either a 997 C2 or 996 Turbo. I think the turbo wins. It has AWD and gobs of power. Are these assumptions correct?

 

997 for sure you should be able to get one cheap i just saw the auction prices

rough(very unlikey) 28500-37100 for the week may4th and thats blackbook

so you might be able to get one for mid 30's if u keep looking, good luck

heres the prices FROM LEFT TO RIGHT x-cl means- extra clean -then goes to RGH- rough( HIGH MILES SCRATCHES)

 

Thanks a lot Omar! I hate to ask but can you also post the 2003 and 2004?

 

If you can't do a GT3 than I suggest going with a low optioned -stripped '99 C2 that is equipped with a factory replacement motor and spend the remainder on mods. Also, the standard C2 chassis is generally lighter because the GT3 has a C4 unibody (more rigid).

 

If you track and/or autocross, the C2 will be a better experience as it is a lot lighter and more nimble (in the front end). Looks aside, the C2 will be a lot more rewarding an experience as the AWD P-cars tend to feel heavy and cumbersome and also understeer at the limit.

While the C2's will understeer it's something that can be easily dialed out with suspension and/or tire pressure adjustments.

If you're looking for a cheap fun double use car, as suggested, find a 99 with LSD (option code 220) and a factory reman motor. It will be the lightest of the 996's, one of 2 model years (1999 and 2004- anniversary editions) that they offered an LSD in the body style, and most mechanical (throttle) and involving of the series.

997's didn't have the LSD option until the MK II's which just came out. Something that this car does need as you will break the inside tire loose when pulling out of tighter corners (especially in autocross).

PS- did we meet at one of the runs earlier this year?

 

Btwn the 997 and a 996 turbo, I'd go for the turbo. The extra power overcomes any weight disadvantage.

 

posted 03-04


but remember just because u see these prices doesnt mean u can purshase them for that, this is just a rough estimate for dealers....and sometimes they pay more for them

 

Thanks everyone again for all of the opinions. I'm torn. 997 C2, 996 C2 Anniversary or 996 Turbo. They are all in the same price range. Based off all of the reading I am doing, it seems the RWD is better but the Turbo gives a lot of gains and the possibility of converting to RWD but I still suffer from weight
996TT = 3388
997 C2 = 3075
996 C2 = 2920

The TT has 996 have the better brakes. The 996 has LSD... ugh....

 

I have a '02 C2 White, 33K Miles with all the goodies for track day fun. I am considering selling it. PM me if your interested.