rodsky

+1 Saw one last night - looked sharp. You've got a top of the line 996 with wide body and great looks vs. bottom of barrel 997 with more miles and sketchy past.

Get a PPI. Consider IMS fix for peace of mind.

cibergypsy

I owned a 2004 C4S Coupé and now a 2006 Carrera S Coupé. Reading the descriptions you provided about both cars, I have to go with rodsky's comments and recommend the 996 C4S. It is a top of the line M96 based 996 with solid history and fewer miles whereas the 997 is an entry level stripper without complete records and more miles. A 996 C4S is a great looking car!

ELUSIVE

997, but expand your search and find one that has a better past.
Have you seen the interior of the 996? Horrible.
As others have said, the 997 is is vastly improved in just about every way over the 996.

rsabeebe

I just made this very decision. I was shopping the '02-'04 C4S and found a few beautiful examples and one in particular (which might still be available - pca owner, records, local concours winning car...) that I nearly bought. In the end, I wound up with a 997S. Both cars are good looking, with a nod for sure to the 997, but a lot had to do with the interiors. I'm a previous '93 RSA owner and the 997 interior is truer to that original layout than the 996. Not really sure what the designers were thinking with the 996 interior - just not a fan. Obviously, the bump to 355hp of the S pushed me over the edge. That said, if you like the looks, colors combos and options equally, buy the 'better' car. A PPI may point out things that make the decision much easier. Good luck.

TT-911

I owned a 996 C4S once and liked it a lot. Was sad to see it go but replacing it with a 07 turbo soon took care of that.
Between these two : C4S every time. Beautiful car with, to me, a nice interior as well. The back with the reflector and big lights is gorgeous.

GermanCarSpecialists

Although a huge fan of 997s, I would go with the C4s. Lower miles, service records, clutch and seal is out of the way. Winner.

Mike in CA

Really? I don't think it's that bad.....

cibergypsy

^ I don't think it is bad either. In my opinion, colors make a big difference. For example, black looks good but I wouldn't buy a 996 with a light color interior like graphite gray, unless it was in a 996 GT3 in very good condition because there aren't many available to choose from. Darker colors are better in the 996 series' interior, imo.

AP997S

I'm biased being a 997 owner but it is (IMHO) so much more refined (compared to a 996) from an interior, exterior and handling perspective.

alexb76

997 for sure.

cibergypsy

The 997 is much nicer in all aspects, of course... that's not to say the 996 is bad.

Mike in CA

In general, I agree, but with the 2 specific cars the OP is considering the decision is much more difficult and I think the edge goes to this particular 996. Surely the people who are saying "buy the 997" aren't suggesting that every 997 is superior to every 996 regardless.........

Aerokitted

C4s looks a lot more special and will age better. A nicely option 996 interior looks better than a standard 997 interior.

gonz911

997 without a doubt. Owned a 996 and it's just a bad memory now - all around.

Chaos

Sold my 996,looking for a 05-06 997...