Ok - so I am still on the hunt for the 'right' new daily driver for me. I now have two cars in my sights - an 04 4S with 45k miles and all service records from the sticker forward - new clutch and RMS 10k miles ago or an '05 2 - 62k miles - all records - dealer serviced - 60k mile just done.

Any thoughts?

And yes I realize I am posting about a 997 in the 996 forum...

 

I believe a 996 4S will hold value better than a 997 C2. IMHO However, that being said, both will still depreciate.

 

4S is a much better looking car. Engines are pretty much the same. 4S has a wider track and bigger brakes.
The C2 is 220 lbs lighter and RWD. Though the 996 AWD system is predominately 95% RWD and only sends power to the front while the rears are slipping which activates the mechanical differential which then transfers power to the front.

The 997 C2 is .1 sec faster 0-62 mph and 1.3 sec faster from 0-100 mph. At the speed this is where the C2 now starts to pull away gaining another 1.4 seconds to 124 mph

I don't agree with buy the newest 911 you can afford. I'd go with the C4S but today would go with a 996TT. Which to me is possible the best bang for your buck and has a rock solid engine. The engine in both the cars your looking at is the weakest link.

 

That C4S has the wide body. It has a great look to it...

 

As one of the rare 997 owners who actually *likes* the 996's looks, I'll chime in something other than the usual "gagggghh, the headlights!"

4WD feels different the 2WD. Do you have a need/preference? Are you agnostic on the looks issue? Interior as well as exterior?

I think the 996TT in seal gray over black is the best looking car Porsche ever made, but otherwise have a slight preference for the look and feel of the 997. I'd expect them to hold their value about equally (996 4S is rarer, 997 is the newer design and their are a lot of 996 haters out there...)

You won't go wrong either way.

 

Thanks everyone.

Few responses:

- Looks wise - and feature wise - I like the 996 4S better. I prefer the RWD having driven a 911 for the last 14 years or so but the wide body sorta balances that out.

- if I could find an affordable 996TT cab I might do it - though I am really looking for a cab - owning a drop top has been on the list for a while and honestly - this is probably a 2 year daily driver for me unless I fall in love and want to swap out my '84 as my 'hobby' car (doubtful!).

Thanks for the thoughts - I am not sure I am done shopping yet - going to drive both again and see what my gut says.

 

ill take the 997 over the 996 anyday BUT ill spend money to make the 997 look like a 997 GT3.
Plain 997 Carrera look too simple, as for the 996C4S there is not much to do outside other than Full Out TechArt Kit!!!

 

Options? 4S comes loaded not sure what options the C2 has... I asked myself the same question before I bought my car. I liked the updated interior of the C2 but is was a base model. The 4S has widebody, big red brakes, AWD, lower suspension, full leather, rear reflector... and if you modify it with suspension and wheels/spacers it will look really tough..

The AWD is only noticeable when im pushing the limits on track. For daily driving you wont know its there. I also wanted a RWD car and I may be removing the front drivetrain real soon. The only hurdle is installing a proper LSD.

 

The 996 C4S Cab is a hot wee car!

 

Did the same soul searching 6 years ago when I bought mine. 996 C4S' were all loaded, while the 997 C2's were pretty basic (especially hated the look of the non-leather plastic dash and door cards!). In the end it came down to how they felt behind the wheel. C4S with the bigger brakes, sportier suspension, better met my expectations of what a sports car should feel like.

It's all very subjective in the end.

 

997 may not be the spec of the C4S 996, but my basic principle is buy the most modern one you can.

 

Your white 997 is absolutely beautiful.

 

997 is faster, newer, and has a much better interior.

I'd take the C4S.

 

Agree 100%

 

Thanks! I have a few enhancements left to install and then I'll post some proper (non-iPhone) photos of it.

Like I said, I love the look of the 996 too. I do not understand the hostility some of my fellow 997 owners have for it. Dollar for dollar, I don't think there's a better car out there than a well-maintained 996TT.