Hi,

I can't make up my mind. I like the 2006 style better, but may only be able to afford the C4 Cab instead of the C4S, yet for the same price, I should be able to get 2004 C4S.

I wonder if there is anything on the 04 C4S that's better than the 997 C4??

 

If you want to save money and the 997 is priced too high --skip the 1999-2004 cars and go back a little further to the 1995-1997 993 cars .

The 1999-2004 996 cars can not compare to either the 993 or 997 . I can list the reasons why but I can speak from experience too .

My advice is to get the 997 because it is modern and may even have warranty but I also feel taht in todays price market it's best to wait because many cars are simply priced too high in contrast to the last two years.

 

"I wonder if there is anything on the 04 C4S that's better than the 997 C4??"

Not really. In terms of just power, the base non-S 997.1 is about as good as a 996-S. And the base 997.2 is about as good as the 997.1 S.

 

This is not true on any front.

1) Non S 997.2 Vs 996 C4S -
Everything from the a tremendously improved structural integrity to the interior faced a major upgrade-- along with a power upgrade . This translates into a better driving. more comfortable car . Not to mention the dreaded RMS potential on a 996 and what the cost to repair would be on an out of warranty car.

2) 997.1S Vs 997.2 Base car
The power is near equal but the direct injection (new and very different) engine not only improves fuel economy but gives an immediate response . Plus the car can be equipped with PDK which greatly shifts the package .
In terms of comfort and entertainment the 997.2 is a huge step up .

 

I agree about the chance of costly repairs with a 996 however you can say the same for an out of warranty 996

But while the 997 may be a better driving experience there is nothing wrong with a 996.

At yesterdays DE there were many 996's on the track and they perform quite well and you would be hard pressed to find a driver who felt the 996 was a let down or any less of a Porsche.

To the OP buy what u can afford and try to get as much background on the car and warranty if possible. Then go learn to drive the devil out of it. You will quickly forget about the minor differences in power delivery and comfort.

Good luck

 

Sorry... the 996 is an ugly duck. Stupid looking headlights, interior design very dated. I would take a base 997 over a 996 S any day.

I couldn't buy any Porsche that I couldn't stand to look at....

My $.02

 

Many may prefer one 911 model over another but i don't see how anyone can say any 911 model is ugly.

 

In terms of pure styling, the 1999-2004 models are a departure from the earlier, more iconic look of the 911. In 2005 Porsche went back to a more iconic style of the older models.

In terms of reliability, there have been many engine issues with the 1999-2004 model car. You may buy one that will be perfect for many, many thousands of miles...Or, maybe not. Doesn't seem worth the gamble.

I couldn't afford a 997.2 and felt that since it is my first Porsche and I will never track the car, a 997.1 will be good enough for my needs as a daily driver street car.

I'd hold out for a 997.1. I just like it much more (interior-exterior and reliability wise).

Good luck to you!

Steve

 

Not sure if you need AWD, but if not you could consider a newer boxster S. Much better than a 996.