ZuffenZeus

While I think the C4S is probably the best looking of all 996, primarily because it takes the Turbo wide body and adds the iconic center reflector, but that's about it for me. As others have mentioned, it adds weight to the driving equation with very little jump in HP, and it has the more problematic IMS bearing (single row 6204) and the M96.03 that is well documented to suffer from cylinder bore scoring. The M96.01 and .02 in the '99 model have shown to be less prone to the cylinder bore scoring problem and has the Dual Row IMS bearing that can handle about the same amount of load as the 6305 bearing found in the 997.

A big reason why the M96 engines in the '99 MY 996 cars didn't suffer from cylinder bore scoring like it's successors is because of the piston skirt material - i.e. ferrostan. Unlike the ferroprint that was used on the M96.03, ferrostan has shown to be more resistant to flaking off. When you look at the stages of bore scoring, most experts have noted that the first thing to start the downward spiral is the loss of piston skirt material. Once that happens its down hill all the way. If you're able to retain piston skirt material then you mitigate the chances of Al to Al contact that begins the galling on cylinder walls. Piston slap tick being the tell tale sign. Now, there are still chances of IMS bearing failure and even cylinder bore scoring on any MY99 car, but as Charles Navarro has noted, it's super rare to get a MY99 with bore scoring.

There are other things that make the MY99 special, even more the earlier built ones. This was BEFORE Porsche moved to just-in-time full robotics to assembly the cars. This process started after 2000 as noted in Porsche press releases. Some robotics (i.e. spot welding) were used on the early 996 models, but there were more hands assembling the cars unlike today. Robotics are very precise, but people will still appreciate hand-built cars vs a modern robotically assembled cars. Like synthetic lab engineered diamonds, while "perfect" theoretically, people will still value the imperfections of a naturally acquired diamond 1000X over. Engine builders like Jake Raby prefer the early MY99 models because frankly he feels that were much better built from the factory.

IMHO, while the MY99 has a good reputation, you still need to get the car and engine inspected, because it could have been poorly maintained. I would rather have a C4S that was well maintained than have a '99 Carrera that was never serviced and ragged out or left to sit in a garage for years untouched.

An few little things I like about the MY99 vs the 996 C4S:
1. Cable driven frunk/rear deck lid opener. One the biggest problems for Porsche 996 owners is getting locked out of a frunk. If you have a 996 with a electrically actuated lock, you know what I mean.
2. Pre-MOST audio system. This applies to all mk1 cars. I don't like the complications of the earlier forms of MOST transfer bus. Too many growing pains.
3. Porsche didn't use the soft-touch painted surfaces that peeled off. The MY99 cars painted surfaces are much more durable, but soft touch surfaces easily scratch off... one of the biggest eye sores for the later cars.
4. Leather seems to be better quality . The leather appears to be thicker and smells like heaven. Makes the endorphins do a happy dance!
5. I have a '99 C4 and it produces a very rigid controlled drive. It feels agile with no torque steer one would worry about with AWD cars.

Debbie Downer note: With the MY99 there is no cupholder nor a glove compartment. hahaha. No biggie. I could go on and on, but the main thing I would recommend is a getting a Porsche specialized shop inspect the car. It's not uncommon for people to fork out $10K in needed maintenance after the purchase. Good luck!

Mike Murphy

I suspect 180lbs of that is the cab part.

Mike Murphy

I am biased and have a 99. Good luck! We have quite a few Chicagoans in this group (I’m in the Oak Park area).

2mAn

Drive both, and then you'll see why I suggest the 99.

wrightbenz

I went with the early car after much consideration. 33k miles amazing maintenance history with 38 dealer service records. I am very happy with the purchase. Also has perfect HRE wheels on it which look great. 👍

Drove the Car home which was 200 plus miles. Performed perfectly couldn’t be happier about my choice.

peterp

Agree with both weight figures

I've maintained a list of factory weights of every configuration trying to understand the huge driving difference between my 996.1/C2/6sp and 996.1/C4/Tip, so I have the numbers for all the cars.

The factory weight for a 996.1 C2/6sp/Coupe is 2901 lbs, and a C4S/6sp/Cab is 3411, so a 510 lb difference.

The C4S Coupe is 3240 -- so Cab adds 171.

Of course, many have noted that the factory weights don't always match actual car weights (which makes sense based upon owner mods, options, etc) -- but I believe the relative "deltas" between the factory weights of similarly optioned cars are accurate.

996love

I think you made a great purchase! That wheel and color combination is perfect. I really like the look and wouldn’t change a thing!


congratulations and welcome to the club.

Mike Murphy

Congrats!

Patunia

Great choice😎 now post up some pics at its new home!

peterp

You do realize that the white car on the right of yours is even lighter than the narrow body 996!

Congrats -- no question you made the right decision from a driving perspective in my mind

GC996

Congrats! A well maintained narrow body 996 is a pleasure to own and drive. Wait till you put it thru its paces. You will have a smile from ear to ear.

wrightbenz

Pic just before the ride home!

996love

Beautiful.

sublm8

That’s a great looking black 99. So classic. Good choice.

wrightbenz

I truly appreciate all the comments and advice you guys gave. I was really struggling to decide. A 911 has always been on car bucket list and now felt like a good time to go for it. I am very happy with the purchase. The C4S I was eyeing is a great car as well. My wife preferred it but once she laid eyes on the coupe in person she liked it much more than pics. Pictures don’t do these cars full justice just hard to capture them.