Been a while since I have posted!

I previously enjoyed a 2001 Aero Package coupe and sold in when my wife and I were expecting my son. He is here and I have the blessing to get back into my toys.

Here's the deal.......pricing puts in a 2005 997 carrera or a 03/04 C4S. Whats better? I like the C4S look but is the reliability worth the upgrade with the 997? I know my tranny in the 01 was pretty fragile, and the dreaded commons....IMS/Valve cover leaks/RMS/AOS. SOME of these have been changed or upgraded in the 997, but are they any better?

Let me know some ideas.

 

To me the c4s is a porker as it gains weight without the hp. This would be ideal for someone looking more for a GT type car and/or must have the looks of the wider rear and awd.

OTOH, if you fancy the 997 interior and the more traditional looking headlights, that car might be the one for you.

As for reliability, you can always install the DOF option into the 997 models if you're worried.

My $.02

 

Can't tell you what to do, but I like my C4S, ok it may be a tad slower but the grip when cornering I believe makes up for it. And I like the wide body look, best looking tail on the road.

 

What makes you think the 997 will be more reliable? Many 2005 997s utilize the M96 engine. Even those with the M97 engine share many components. All normally aspirated 997s made up to the 2009 model have an IMSB.

Reliability isn't a good reason to buy either of your choices. They should both be reliable (assuming a good PPI, good maintenance, etc.).

Drive both and buy the one you like. I would take a 996 C4S over a stripped down 997 C2 any day. The 996 C4S is heavier and it has less horsepower. However, the differences in performance are measured in tenths of a second. It's not enough that most people will notice, especially on the street. If performance is really important to you, then consider a 996 TT. It's the best performance car value on the market today.

 

I suppose if one wants to throw in both performance and "perceived" reliability into the mix, the 996 turbo is a no brainier IMO as well. Maybe OP should consider a 996tt with higher miles vs a lower mileage 4s? I've seen quite a bit in the mid 30's which equals higher mileage 997's or lower mileage c4s's. As much fun as the NA cars are, I sometimes wish I had a little more grunt. Especially now that you got family mobiles doing similar 0-60 times and such.

 

I'm with them on the 996 turbo. It cruises like my C2, but kicks you in the a$$ when you want it. IMSB is practically a non-issue, has awd, and has a nice backside. Mileage is a non-issue as well. There are guys still racing w 100k on the clock. Maintenance is not much difference, though the addiction is a tad different: tuning, racing, fuel types, etc. .

997 does look more modern if that's your thing, I'd understand. But as Dennis said, the engine is not much of a difference for $$ upgrade. Go to a launch party and try out these options. Have fun!

 

This is pretty much on spot.

For me its funny this post, because I'm selling mine next month to move into a 997. Yes it looks more modern, but you put a few aesthetic mods on the 996 and looks pretty much brand new...to the public as I get compliments and comments almost all the time.

My 996 C4s has been super solid, yes I did the IMS and all the other goodies and youre right as the performance is very close and unless we are cup drivers then we can make a more profound decision on a differnce of 20hp.

Regardless my reasoning is i've always wanted a 997 I like the subtle differences that only most of us will see. The c4s is still very awe inspiring even in stock form.

 

+1 to all of the above! Cheers

 

05 3.6 makes 325hp C4S makes 320 only a five hp difference. The 997 is better in every way but The 996 C4S is the by far the best looking 996 made. I would go wide body all the way .

 

Or perhaps go w a 2001/2001 996TT?

 

Turbo all the way unless you plan to track it... Also, I think a 996 C4S/turbo rear looks better than my 2009 C4S rear and that doesn't look too bad either. The only reason I don't have a 996 widebody is because I needed a n/a car that was 2wd for the track but everytime I am behind a 996 C4S I salivate.

 

If you have the Money, I would go for the 996 Turbo all the way!


You get the widebody of a C4s and the Power to mach it

 

+1 It really is the best piece of A@$# on the road. I wish I could see the back of my car while I'm driving sometimes...


As for performance, well... If you had the X51 (under rate "345 hp") like I do, then you'd get the 996 over the 997 any given day of the week!

 

996 Turbo and don't look back

 

I went through this before I decided... - For me it was between a 997 C2S and my new to me 996 C4S. IMO the 997s looks better inside and out, is a lot quicker, is newer etc... but to me, I just didnt click with the car. The 996 C4S is the car I've wanted for years, and a newer, faster, better looking pcar surprisingly didn't break that bond for me. Cheers to ugly headlights!

I will say, if you're a go fast junkie, check out the 996tt. Around the same spend for the potential for huge power.