Dennis C

Hello 997ers...

Once again, I'm visiting this forum as I consider a 997 purchase. It's a tough one. I curently drive a 996 C4S every day. It's about to roll 133,000 miles on the odometer, and it has been a fantastic vehicle. I've got it set up just the way that I like it, and it's a color combination that I love - Midnight Blue Metallic with Natural Brown Leather interior. It's my favorite car among all the cars that I've owned in my life.

So you might ask: "why am I considering selling a car that I love?" The answer is pretty simple. At 12 years old and 133K on the odometer, it's starting to show signs of age. It has the minor wear and tear that you'd expect on a daily driver. The interior is getting closer and closer to the point that I need to have some significant work done at an upholstery shop. The nose needs to be resprayed. My second gear synchro is on the way out, and I probably need to have the transmission rebuilt. Things like this are getting me to the point that I have to ask myself: "should I keep putting money into this car, or should I buy a newer one?"

I had an opportunity to rent a 2010 C2S cabriolet in Europe a few years ago and drive it around for a week, including a nice run over Stelvio Pass. I drove the car around Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy and it was fantastic. It was very familiar, but noticeably upgraded and more powerful than my 996. I really enjoyed it.

This brings me to my next question and request for advice from all of you on this board. My budget is somewhere in the low $70K range. In this range, it appears that I can afford a 997.1 turbo, or perhaps a 997.2 C4S if I shop around. I really want an AWD car because I live in the mountains and I drive all year long. I use my car as a daily driver, so I have no issue buying one with what is considered high mileage for a Porsche. Given the choice between a 997.1 turbo and a 997.2 C4S, which would you choose?

I love the idea of the power offered by the turbo, as well as the solid Metzger engine. That being said, I prefer the lines of the C4S without the air intakes on the sides and the spoiler on the back. I also love the sound of a naturally aspirated Porsche engine. The updated lighting, bumpers and PCM system on the 997.2 is also attractive. Has anyone here owned both cars? I'd love to hear some personal experiences with both.

Sorry for the long post, but I do appreciate your input. My next challenge is that I prefer cars in the more obscure colors with a manual transmission. If only I could find a 997.2 C4S in Nordic Gold with a manual transmission in my price range...

JayRace

Sounds similar to my situation. I had around the same budget and looking at the same two models. For me, it came down to 2 things. This is a "fun" car I plan to keep for an extended period of time and I thought the C4S would be easier to maintain and have less chance of expensive issues arise. Secondly, I could not stand the PCM 2 and knew I would have to deal with completely replacing it in a 997.1 Turbo. During my time looking there was a huge price difference to go to a 2009 Turbo with the updated electronics.
I was looking at Cabrio's by the way. Ended up with an CPO'd 09 C4S and could not be happier.

Dennis C

Great feedback, thanks.

The thing that keeps making me look at turbos is the fact that I live at about 8,000 feet of elevation, and forced induction is nice at altitude. That being said, my normally aspirated C4S doesn't really feel underpowered...

Decisions, decisions...

Fahrer

Living a 8K ft would get me to choose a turbo in any case, whether a Porsche, VW, Audi or BMW.

Dennis C

I hear ya... My wife just made the move from a 2004 Cayenne S to a supercharged 2014 Audi SQ5 for her daily driver. The difference in power and torque at altitude is quite dramatic...

Para82

My 997S ran like a dog as soon as I got it up in altitude (Colorado Springs). I would go for the used Turbo. OP I do agree with you about the lines, the 997C4S is more beautiful.

RobC4sX51

I had an '09 Turbo (997.2) and the engine is awesome! It doesn't sound awesome in stock muffler form like a naturally aspirated flat six does, but when you get on it, it sounds ok and HOLD ON! I liked the electronic upgrade (PCM is touch screen) but the '09 Turbo was not available w dynamic cornering lights like the 997.2 911s were. Ventilated seats were though. If you can swing an '09, I would say Turbo. If not, 2011-12 C4s would be my choice. GL

hurricanesteve

When in doubt, turbo. Address the cosmetics if you must, but turbo. Turbo. Turbo. TURBO. Seriously. If I had had the budget I'd have gone turbo. My choice/budget was 996 turbo or 997.1 so you could argue that the 996 cosmetics drove me to the 997. I would argue that of all 911 models, the 996 was the only one I didn't connect with. Can't massage a 996 to look like a 997...a bridge too far. But a 997.1 turbo versus 997.2 c4s seems like a no brainer. Ymmv...you know what they say about opinions .

pissedpuppy

turbo/mezger = winner

ilko

If you're thinking C4S by all means do NOT test-drive a turbo. It will completely mess up your plan.

Dennis C

Great responses, thanks. I already know that once I drive a turbo, there's no going back!

I've actually seen a few 2007 and 2008 turbos under $70K, which is very reasonable. I don't think I can get into a 2009 turbo in my price range, but you never know. I'll keep looking around.

SToronto

I test drove. 997.1 Turbo when I was shopping for mine....awesome power whenever you want it. The power was the only draw. However I wanted the clean elegant looks of the c4s and mine is well optioned, so passed on the Turbo and stuck with what a 911 meant to me. A turbo or GT3 might be in the cards for second 911.

gota911

Dennis,

Nice to see you on the 997 Forum. I don't go on the 996 Forum much anymore.

The 997.2 C4S has 60more HP than your 996 C4S. That alone is worth something in power at 8,000 altitude. Add to that DFI, improved suspension, better PCM, improved Nav, and last but certainly not least, NO Intermediate Shaft so no chance of IMS issues. I would say it would be worth you time to drive a 997.2 to see how it feels to you.

Tim

Dennis C

Thanks Tim! Sounds like you're enjoying the 997. Everyone here brings up very good points. Ultimately, I think I'll need to take the same advice that we give people who visit the 996 board: drive both cars and then decide.

Fortunately, I have the luxury of time to find the right car. I'm not in any rush.

GermanCarSpecialists

Do not be afraid of buying a VERY clean 997.1TT. They are great cars, great engine. Asides from electronics, I prefer them over the .2TTs all day long.