PasPar2

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...

LVDell

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.

gota911

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 *

• * 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.

Just to put things in perspective, I had an '04 996 C2 for 3 years and 3 months and loved it. However, I have "Porsche-less" for 2 years, 4 months and 17 days (but who's counting?).

If I am able to get another Porsche anytime soon, it will most likely be a 997.2, preferably an S model.

quickxotica

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.

philooo

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

beowulf

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.

mooty

997 looks good 996 not so good
997 especially late model with 9A1 engine, stronger engine than 996
997 rattles less.
996 much cheaper.

JDSStudios

Tim, excellent post, thanks.

Mabuhay

I'v researched 996 vs 997 quite a bit. I wouldn't say that the 997 is "more advanced". It's probably a little bit advanced, but I guess it depends on equipment. The interior is definitely nicer in the 997. But the suspension is only slightly different - not different enough for most of us to notice an improvement. But probably different enough for few of us to notice a difference (but not necessarily to notice that it's "better"). Engine-wise, depending on the year 996 vs 997, it's the same engine. The latter 997's have direct fuel injection for example.

I'd have to disagree... the late model 993 is much better than the early model 996.

+1!!! this is case in point how you would have to compare "which 996" vs. "which 997".

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.

roadsession

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)

soverystout

G....T.....3....... (996 variant)

LVDell

How? Resale? Of course. Anything else? Not a chance unless you count nostalgia as better. And please don't give me the RMS/IMS argument.

Divot

^ It's the headlights, you fool.

roadsession

roadsession

I LOVE THESE HEADLIGHTS