WTB: 996 versus 997?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,764
Likes: 27
I think the interior of the 996 is way behind its time and the 997 is more modern. The price delta is still significant and there is a lot of depreciation left in the 997s vs the 996s. From a bang for the buck stand point a 996 tt cant be beat but that my opinion thrown in for fun...
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,225
Likes: 32
From: Tobacco Road, NC
The interior of the 996 was designed prior to and subsequently released in 1996 with the 1997 Boxster. 15 years old will look dated. But then again is was a refreshed take on the austere interiors of the 911 line.
I agree, the best bang for the buck is a Turbo (or GT3) in the 996 line. You can get a solid Turbo in the 40's right now. But the same model year Carrera would be 15-20K less on the market so I would say the ENTIRE line (Carrera, GT3, Turbo) are the best bang for the buck right now.
I agree, the best bang for the buck is a Turbo (or GT3) in the 996 line. You can get a solid Turbo in the 40's right now. But the same model year Carrera would be 15-20K less on the market so I would say the ENTIRE line (Carrera, GT3, Turbo) are the best bang for the buck right now.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Winston-Salem, NC
Tell your friend to get a 2006 to 2008 Carrera S 997 which has 355 HP. PSM, (Porsche Stability Management) and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) are standard. The Base Carrera has 325 HP and is not worth jumping from a 996 (320 HP).
The 2006+ cars have an improved IMS bearing and there has not been one report about an IMS shaft problem that I recall reading the 997 Forum.
If he can swing it the 2009+ 997.2 base Carrera has 3.6L engine with 345 HP and the S has a 3.8L engine with 385 HP. They have an entirely new engine (9A1) that:
- has 40% fewer moving parts
- has DFI (Direct Fuel Injection)
- does NOT have an Intermediate shaft, so no IMS problems
- improved PASM suspension (derived from the GT2)
- is available with the PDK transmission if that is your preference *
If I am able to get another Porsche anytime soon, it will most likely be a 997.2, preferably an S model.
The 2006+ cars have an improved IMS bearing and there has not been one report about an IMS shaft problem that I recall reading the 997 Forum.
If he can swing it the 2009+ 997.2 base Carrera has 3.6L engine with 345 HP and the S has a 3.8L engine with 385 HP. They have an entirely new engine (9A1) that:
- has 40% fewer moving parts
- has DFI (Direct Fuel Injection)
- does NOT have an Intermediate shaft, so no IMS problems
- improved PASM suspension (derived from the GT2)
- is available with the PDK transmission if that is your preference *
- * PDK it is an awesome transmission but the car MUST also have Sport Chrono to take full advantage of the transmission mapping capabilities. With Sport Chrono you get 3 different transmission/throttle mapping programs - Regular, Sport, and Sport Plus.
If I am able to get another Porsche anytime soon, it will most likely be a 997.2, preferably an S model.
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 223
From: San Francisco & parts north
Is your friend going to track the car at all? If so, a 996 with upgraded suspension would be a better deal than a stock 997, IMHO. The Gen 1 PASM shocks on the 997S produced some odd handling over bumps, especially in the rear. For me, X74 suspension upgrade on the 996.2 is better for a mixed use car.
Other points: 996 is slightly lighter than 997. And the complexity of the electronics and computer systems increased substantially from 996 to 997. 996 also has a spare tire... 997 does not.
True what they all say above: 997 is the better street car of the two.
Other points: 996 is slightly lighter than 997. And the complexity of the electronics and computer systems increased substantially from 996 to 997. 996 also has a spare tire... 997 does not.
True what they all say above: 997 is the better street car of the two.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,342
Likes: 24
It all depends on budget at this time, if you don't care about depreciation too much, then 997 no doubt. If your budget is limited or depreciation is a problem for you the 996 is a great deal. you can get a full option 2003 996 with less than 30k miles for $30k. The 997 will cost you $10k more.
I really wanted a 997 because I love the headlights, but after driving both, the difference was minimal and driving a bargain always add a little bit of fun for me.
Also, even though I could afford it, the bargain criteria was a BIG Wife Acceptance Factor !
If I was single, I would have gone for the 997S and I would have certainly regreted not buying a 996 Twin Turbo for the money
1. bargain : 996
2. better car: 997 S
3. better and smarter choice: 996 TT
I really wanted a 997 because I love the headlights, but after driving both, the difference was minimal and driving a bargain always add a little bit of fun for me.
Also, even though I could afford it, the bargain criteria was a BIG Wife Acceptance Factor !
If I was single, I would have gone for the 997S and I would have certainly regreted not buying a 996 Twin Turbo for the money
1. bargain : 996
2. better car: 997 S
3. better and smarter choice: 996 TT
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Brickell, FL
I have a 996 40th anniv and test drove a Carrera (non-S). I would not give up my car for that base Carrera.
The handling was softer, and the engine did not rev as willingly as my X-51. The exhaust note was also
underwhelming. However, the aesthetics are better both exterior and interior in my opinion.
He can get a lot of car with a 40th at a very good price these days.
If he wants to go 997, he should definitely check out the S.
As an aside, I was given a loaner Boxster (non-S) and I don't see how it can be marketed as a sports car.
The handling was softer, and the engine did not rev as willingly as my X-51. The exhaust note was also
underwhelming. However, the aesthetics are better both exterior and interior in my opinion.
He can get a lot of car with a 40th at a very good price these days.
If he wants to go 997, he should definitely check out the S.
As an aside, I was given a loaner Boxster (non-S) and I don't see how it can be marketed as a sports car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 6
From: Mississauga, Canada
Tell your friend to get a 2006 to 2008 Carrera S 997 which has 355 HP. PSM, (Porsche Stability Management) and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) are standard. The Base Carrera has 325 HP and is not worth jumping from a 996 (320 HP).
The 2006+ cars have an improved IMS bearing and there has not been one report about an IMS shaft problem that I recall reading the 997 Forum.
If he can swing it the 2009+ 997.2 base Carrera has 3.6L engine with 345 HP and the S has a 3.8L engine with 385 HP. They have an entirely new engine (9A1) that:
- has 40% fewer moving parts
- has DFI (Direct Fuel Injection)
- does NOT have an Intermediate shaft, so no IMS problems
- improved PASM suspension (derived from the GT2)
- is available with the PDK transmission if that is your preference *
If I am able to get another Porsche anytime soon, it will most likely be a 997.2, preferably an S model.
The 2006+ cars have an improved IMS bearing and there has not been one report about an IMS shaft problem that I recall reading the 997 Forum.
If he can swing it the 2009+ 997.2 base Carrera has 3.6L engine with 345 HP and the S has a 3.8L engine with 385 HP. They have an entirely new engine (9A1) that:
- has 40% fewer moving parts
- has DFI (Direct Fuel Injection)
- does NOT have an Intermediate shaft, so no IMS problems
- improved PASM suspension (derived from the GT2)
- is available with the PDK transmission if that is your preference *
- * PDK it is an awesome transmission but the car MUST also have Sport Chrono to take full advantage of the transmission mapping capabilities. With Sport Chrono you get 3 different transmission/throttle mapping programs - Regular, Sport, and Sport Plus.
If I am able to get another Porsche anytime soon, it will most likely be a 997.2, preferably an S model.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: Timbukto
I have a 996 40th anniv and test drove a Carrera (non-S). I would not give up my car for that base Carrera.
The handling was softer, and the engine did not rev as willingly as my X-51. The exhaust note was also
underwhelming. However, the aesthetics are better both exterior and interior in my opinion.
He can get a lot of car with a 40th at a very good price these days.
If he wants to go 997, he should definitely check out the S....
The handling was softer, and the engine did not rev as willingly as my X-51. The exhaust note was also
underwhelming. However, the aesthetics are better both exterior and interior in my opinion.
He can get a lot of car with a 40th at a very good price these days.
If he wants to go 997, he should definitely check out the S....
In my case, it was a 40th Anniv vs. 994 C4S vs. 997 Carrera S.
I narrowed it down to a 40th Anniversary vs. the 996 C4S. I wanted the X51 of the 40th Anniversary vs. the "wide body/sexiness" of the C4S. When I found a C4S with the X51, I was sold!!! Ideally, I would have wanted the wide body, X51 and rear wheel drive only. But this doesn't exist.
Pricing aside, if your friend was considering any other 996 other than the C4S or 40th, in my opinion, he/she might as well get the entry level 997.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,808
Likes: 54
From: MA -
Here you go - the differences between a 996 and 997 in one picture...Look how pretty the 997 is
But a nicely sorted 996 is still very pretty... PS: I STILL like my headlights :-p
Anyway, having spent a lot of time in both the 996 and 997: If money is not a big deal, buy the 997.
If you want to save some money and still have a fantastic Porsche driving experience - get a 996 - it's a fantastic used car bargain and prices have definitely stabilized from a year ago. (i.e. they've stayed basically the same from a year ago)
But a nicely sorted 996 is still very pretty... PS: I STILL like my headlights :-p
Anyway, having spent a lot of time in both the 996 and 997: If money is not a big deal, buy the 997.
If you want to save some money and still have a fantastic Porsche driving experience - get a 996 - it's a fantastic used car bargain and prices have definitely stabilized from a year ago. (i.e. they've stayed basically the same from a year ago)
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,225
Likes: 32
From: Tobacco Road, NC
