I am new to the board and am looking to buy my first Porsche. I have two cars that I am pursuing that I believe to be good deals. One is an 02 C4S with supersprint exhaust, sport seats, carbon throughout and cold air intake already installed. Black on black 6 speed with 57k miles. BUy price of $28k. The other vehicle is an 05 997 with factory turbo wheels, 6 speed, navigation, supple leather, etc.. 52k miles and buy price of $33k.

I like the look of the 997 from the body to the interior. I love the fat *** on the c4s plus the turbo setup without the turbo but do not like the fried eggs as much as the traditional porsche headlights. Who has owned or driven both and is the 997 worth the extra 5k? Will the c4s outperform the 997 based on suspension and the like? Please advise on the pros and cons.

Thanks,

Tom

 

The only thing that would draw me to the C4S over the 997C2 is the bigger brakes. Other then that I wouldn't even consider the 996 over a 997.

 

I had a 2004 996 C4S and now a 2006 Carrera S. The extra $5000 are definitely worth it. 10 more hp if we're talking about a Carrera non-S, better handling etc. I think the 997 Carrera and Carrera S are as wide as the 996 C4S and the 997s that are wider are the C4, C4S, Turbo, GT2, GT3RS as the normal GT3 is as wide as a Carrera and Carrera S. The 997 will outperform the 996 C4S. The cold air intake only gives you sound, no power. The C4S has bigger brakes but is slower to begin with in acceleration and top speed.

 

^^^
This...

I would get the 997...

 

I had two 996 cars and out of all the Porsches .. I don't miss them .

You are looking at two high mileage cars with a host of problem potential that can really add up. Don't let the entry price be the bait to an automotive money pit . Put more money down out of the gate and if you don't have enough .. WAIT.

 

While others are talking about looks and performance, and they are right. Keep in mind values on WB 996 C4S's are going up! These are sought after cars since not many were made. In fact, some nicer 996 C4S's are going for more than similar 996TT's... crazy I know but both Excellence and GTPorsche have featured them as future classics....

Just my two cents

Jason

 

All,

Thanks for the input. A lot to think about. Performance to the 997, looks and interior to the 997, braking to the 996. How about reliability? Are they both the same. One poster mentions that the two I am considering are high mileage cars. I was given advice from my local mechanic that specializes in Porsche and has been wrenching them for 40 years that he would rather I buy a 996/7 with 50k+ miles than one with less as the ones with less are more likely to have issues from lack of use, such as the seals, etc...

What am I missing? I am also looking at 993s but I want something that will last me for the money, not something I am going to be dumping 5-10k every year on.

Let me know reliability and cost.

 

If not a DD, I'd recommend a 993 -- such a beautiful car and you won't drop $5-10k per year on a good one.

The 996 and 997 are apples and oranges on many levels. If you have any mod bug in you, don't worry about what comes aftermarket as you'll likely put your own touch to it.

The 997 NB can appear as a WB with a 1.5" drop and 7mm front and 14mm rear spacers. It's a strong illusion.

If you like both equally - pick the one with the stronger PPI as the deciding factor as an option.

 

The only 996 i would consider would be a GT3 as a track beast.

I would love to own a 993 at some point.

 

Yes the 996 C4S has the same width as the 997 C2 so that doesn’t matter.

Personally there isn’t a single thing I like about the 996 better than the 997 from a looks department, which matters to me quite a bit. Neither the inside nor outside of the 996 is close to as nice as the 997.

You are, however, looking at one with AWD and one with RWD. If you plan to DD this car up in NH you will like the AWD better in bad weather.
Although I do not know about current prices on 996 C4S I can tell you that 33k for a 05 997 C2 even with those miles is crazy low. I assume this is private party at that price.

Something to think about is your maintenance and fix-it funds. These are not cheap cars if things go wrong. And just like every other expensive car, they can and do. Don’t think that 33k is all you will need as even an oil change will run you $150+. A good set of summers or winters (I just got mine!) will run you at least $1200.

In essence I want to make sure you make an educated decision from a financial standpoint.

 

From a style point, my preference would be the 997, however the 996 c4s with techart headlight covers makes it a lot closer to me. I love the 993 the best of all but as 'gloves' pointed out, the yearly maintenance on top of it is what is being considered.

This won't be my dd. I am a consultant that travels min 3-4 days a week, so my car will be used on weekends only and the time will be shared between it and my 02 suburban that i will drive into the ground. I expect to put between 5-7k per year on the car and am looking to stay under 35k on purchase price. I have an excellent porsche mechanic near me that everyone swears by so I won't be paying dealer fees for servicing, but that still doesn't mean it will be cheap.

With all of that said, I also don't want to be paying $500 per ppi for multiple cars before even deciding on which one to buy. So I am trying to get as much up front advice as I can to limit the targets.

Appreciate all the insights.

 

No question- 997NA>996NA

BUT I would stretch it a little and get a 996 turbo... the turbo is so much more car than both of them for only a little more money. GT racing block, 500whp with a simple tune / exhaust, AWD, wide body, ect. ect. ect.

 

not sure where I would get a 996 turbo for a little more than 28 and 33 that these two are going to run me.

 

I have had a 996 4sx51. Great Car!

Now i own a 997 c2s; even Better!

I would choose a 996-4s over a 'standard' 997c2 and a 997c2s over a 996-4s.

Conclusion: go for the 997 Carrera S!

 

I noticed you said the 4sx51. Is the x51 the 40th anniversary 911? If so, I noticed one for sale that boasted 345 hp from the factory, is that accurate? Seems more than the 911 base of the same year and more than the 2002 4s that I am looking at.

Anyone live in/near Plano, TX that could look at the 05 997 that I am looking at? Need to have it setup for PPI.

Thanks,

Tom