vannielj

Ok, I am going to purchase my first porsche and it has to be used because the most I want to spend is ~70k. I have basically narrowed it down to going with either an '04 C4S cab, '05 C2 cab or '05 C2S. I am really torn but ignoring the whole cab debate is the 997 that much of an upgrade over the 996 C4S? Sorry if this is a stupid question and I know the 997 S has the 355 bhp engine but I though the C4S had the Turbo suspension and brakes which I would think would be better than the 997s? Also, the wide body is what I love most about the C4S. I am in California and don't need an AWD but I love the look of the C4s. Thanks for your thoughts.

robbonds

same decision here - went with 997s cab - couldnt be happier...the extra hp, torque and body style was the decising factor..rather have those things than awd

skate

vannielj, I am in the process of trading my 03 C4s for a 06 C2s Cab right now. It is tough to part with this beautiful car but one must move on. My decision became easy once I drove the C2s and played with some of the options. Sport Chrono, PASM, interior upgrades, 355 hp, comfortable sports seats, and Cab for summer all played into my decision. Btw, the C2s has the larger brakes/red calibers standard. The width of the 996 C4s backend is only a faction wider than the 997 C2s. The 996 C4s width is actually in between the 997 C2 and C4 so it isn't that big of a deal. Still think the 996 C4s is a much more aggressive looking car but is starting to look dated. I know this, things change and evolve for a reason.

JFScheck

2D 997S...

OK - next question...

vannielj

Thanks for all the replies. It sounds like the 997 is the way to go.

jcnesq

Having previously owned a 996, I say definitely go for a 997S - IMO big step forward in many ways, including power. The 997 rear profile was changed so it at least looks like it has wider hips. I always liked the 996 C4S look a lot, but I too think it is becoming a little dated.

ronmart

Gotta go with the 997

Riad

Personally if you were comparing the 996c2 vs. 997c2 I would agree go 997. However, I do think the 996C4S is much more unique and aggressive looking than the 996c2/4 models. I personally do not like what Porsche did with the 997C4S it seems to have lost it's uniqueness.

jmtc,
Rob

pongobaz

^^^^^Ditto what Rob said.

allegretto

Owned 996 C2, 996 C4S Cab and now 997 C4S Cab.

996 AWD is not as good as 997AWD in terms of feel. 997 out-grunts 996 noticably as well.

I would think you should buy the best car you can afford, even if you have to stretch a little. A used 997 makes a great deal of sense since there is nothing "collectable" about the 996 line and they will all continue to depriciate.

Get the best one you can. We buy these casrs for fun and so unless you are looking classic, say 356 Cab, get the newest one you can.

Edgy01

By posting this question on the 997 forum you're going to get a biased answer, of course. But I fully skipped the 996 generation of Porsche and am currently hauling *** on the autobahns with my 997S Cabriolet. You know the old advice on Porsche buying,--always buy the NEWEST one that you can afford. There ARE significant enough differences to make the 997 the better 'buy' for you.

Dan

pongobaz

997 are also depreciating rapidly, especially the non "S" variety. It will be no different than with the 996's in a few years when the "998" arrives. 996 C4S were pretty pricey when new but offered lots of value as well: wide body, TT chassis and brakes, full leather, pwr seats, unique style, etc... Now they represent a really great deal and their prices are not dropping as fast as C2's simply because there are fewer of them available IMHO.
as far as styling is concerned: that's totally subjective...beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I tried many new and used 997 (S and non S) and 996 (C2, C4, C4S) and for my money, the 996 C4S was the best fit.
Drive many and make your own decision. Any one will still be a Porsche and put a major smile on your face whenever you drive it.

dstrimbu

I love my 997 C4S to death - it's the perfect car as far as I'm concerned for all-around use... but 70K might be a stretch for a 997 C4S...

That being said: I drove a buddy's 996 GT3 Mk.II last week. If I lived in Cali, I'd seriously consider the 996 GT3. He paid 80K for a pristine example in Portland, OR - 2004 model.

I have heard that the changes in the Mk.II car (2004- ) are substantial, and make it much more streetable as a daily driver. Can't say for sure, but it was a _spectacular_ ride... the motor revs endlessly, and the power is very linear. The lack of PSM on the 996 GT3 might be an issue, though - I almost spun it starting off into a right turn... I hit the gas as I would normally in the C4S and... yeehaw! 45 degrees out of line just like t-h-a-t. <g>

Just a thought, Vannielj.

-d

SilverSteel

I couldn't agree more with this comment. I had a 996 and believe it is a wonderful car, but the 997 adds so much it's not even worth opening a discussion on. Buy the most car you can.

SilverSteel

I certainly can't argue with your car--it looks really tough. But as you know there's so much of the car on the inside and under the hood that needs serious consideration.