I completely agree with both posts. It is not as if the 996 is a 'bad' car. But the 997 is just far beyond it, on so many measures. Overall, the 996 clearly reflects the pressure that Porsche was under to deliver a car without the financial strength to really complete it. It's been documented that there were corners cut to get it out the door prematurely. The interior is visually challenged, the body shape is considered by many to be far less exciting than the '7', the engine design and power, etc., all add up to a lesser car.
I test drove a number of each before reaching that conclusion and I couldn't be happier with my decision. Moreover every time I see a '6' on the street (acknowledging bias and not wanting to offend 996 owners), they really aren't the thrill to see that a 997 is.
So, if you can carry the finances, and there are no issues with the 997 that you are considering, I'd strongly recommend the '7' or wait until you can get one.

 

I'd much rather get a 7. a 997.1 or 997.2 are preferable to a 996. But to say engine design and power add up to a lesser car hmm. Its not that big a difference. For a car that came out in 1999 compared to one that came out in 2005, there was not enough power in the 997.1 when compared to the 996 IMO. My 996 40th anni had 345 and the top of the line 997.1 S had 355. I thought the 996 40th anni and C4S were nice cars. Thats why i skipped the 997.1 and got the 997.2S. 385HP and the torque plus all the other upgrades - made it feel much faster and a big step up vs. my 996.

Overall I'd get a 2006+ 997.1S over any 996 except maybe a GT3.

 

997.1>997.2>993>996

 

I just purchased 997 c2s, and it's awesome.

there are many improvements.

but you will be good either porsche.

 

after a long struggle i finally am a porsche owner (i mean the credit union is a porsche owner for a while hehe):

2006 911 carrera S convertible

 

Great choice.

 

I just went from a 996 to a 997. You made the right move. Nice car!

 

If you have good income, wait a year, save and pay cash. Much better.

 

actually for me the opposite,i need to establish car credit

 

Great choice great color- with all due respect to 996 owners there is no way I would get any 996 over any 997 S- I agree with Yrallis you would be better to get a classic 993- that I could see...but I love our choice.

 

Yup,
I'm with larry on this one 993 or 997!

 

since the price range is so similar, u have to take the 997. Cannot find one thing that the 996 is better than the 997 other than some ppl's personal preference on the exterior styling. Engine, suspension, brakes, interior, 996 is far more behind.

 

Very nice looking 997s Cab.
I think that you can not go wrong with the newest Porsche your money can buy.
Welcome to the world of Porsche ownership, good people that enjoy fantastic cars.

 

Terrific car - well done!

 

thanks guys!
im now investigating car audio options. it has the pcm 2.1 with navi and bohse. Im missing ipod connectivity. So far I found a mobridge setup to gain ipod control for around $500. an upgrade to pcm 3.0 seems impossible or extremely expansive and an aftermarket solution would mean a lot of rewiring.

any recommendations on car audio places for porsches(!) in Los Angeles area? I had my previous work done at extreme auto sound in north hollywood but I dont think they know porsches (fiber optic cable system etc).