I’m trying to decide between buying a 3.6 liter 996 (996.2) and a 997.1. While the 997 may have many advantages, the only one I am willing to pay so much more for is PASM. And while ride quality is more important to me than speed, I think both the standard 996.2 and the 997.1 with PASM ride well enough, so the remaining big question for me is speed on track. (And while one would generally expect newer cars to be faster, the 996 actually has a better power to weight ratio … .)

So I looked for lap times, starting with the Nurburgring of course, and yes, the 997.1 is 2 seconds faster. But then the 996 was driven by a Horst von Schauma (spelling?) (who is undoubtedly good, but is still a journalist, not a professional), and the 997.1 was driven by Walter Rohl, which surely counts for some of the difference (he’s 4 seconds faster than von Schauma in the Carrera GT, if I remember correctly), and the tires were three years more modern. On the other hand, the 996 had the sport suspension (though not the X74 suspension), and did the 997.1 driven by Rohl have PASM? If not, maybe the PASM car would be much closer to the PASM (and LSD) equipped 997.1 C2S with a LSD which did 8m02 (again driven by Rohl). I’ve found a few other times for other tracks, but there is always the question of which driver, which suspension option, which tires, what weather, LSD or not, etc.

However, surely many members with one of these cars have shared time on tracks with friends with the other, or have even owned both. Can anyone share any insight into which is faster, 996.2 (3.6 liter, with standard suspension) or 997.1 (3.6 liter, with PASM), and how much?

Actually, my initial question (in the thread title) is 996 C2 versus 997 C4. That’s because I’m going to buy a Targa, and the 996 Targa is 2wd whereas the 997.1 is 4wd. So while what I ultimately care about is which Targa is faster, I figure that whatever is true for the 996.2 C2 and 997.1 C4 will be more or less true of the targa versions. Similarly, while I’m not going to buy a US car, I figure that in this case, what is true in the US is true ROW. And any insight related to 996.2 versus 997.1 would be greatly appreciated (but please do specify which cars and suspensions are compared)!

Thanks!

 

Probably not anything you would be able to recognize I'm guessing. If you can live with the sailings of the 996, why not go S 3.8 btw?, then save a bunch of money.

 

Although this test is unfair due to the fact the 4 in the video seems to have PSE and Carbon Ceramic brakes, and the 2 does not. It is the only video I have seen comparing an awd Porsche to a 2.

 

Nice video - but oh no, it ends early ... What did the Stig say???

Anyway, I'm susprised the C4 was faster (and I suspect it wouldn't be on a longer track - this was just a bit over 1km, and with lap times over 1 minute, it's a seriously slow track). But it still suggests that at worst, there may not be too big a penalty for 4wd. Which leaves the question, how big a premium/penalty for 997 with PASM over 996 ...

 

Hella-Buggin, thanks, but not sure I follow you. Did you mean "failings", and if so, did you mean the engine? If so, I think I understand the issues, and for me it doesn't seem like a big enough plus for the 997 to affect my decision. As for the 3.8, I assume you mean the 997.1 S? It's out of my budget :-(

 

Sorry, I meant styling.

Btw. The stig said... Even though the c4 was quicker on that tight slick track... Buy the cs.

 

997.1... no question.

They have improved suspension and many parts of the car even if the engine is the same and AWD helps you speed out of corners faster, so on track difference is minimal. To give you an example, 997 S/4S has the same track times as 996 Turbo.

So, overall, if prices are the same or close, and if 997 is within your budget, get the 997.1. 996 is just FUGLY too and very dated right now.

 

The 997 is such a step forward from the 996 in all facets. Even if they were somewhat equal in performance, the beautiful exterior styling and much better cabin of the 997 makes it the clear choice IMHO. Just compare the two side by side.

Rather save and buy the 997, which has been described as being more 911 than the 996. Its likely more reliable as well, and 06 cars and on have an improved IMS bearing.

Comparing C4s and C2s is never easy. But making the comparison between difference versions makes this very difficult. Suggest you make the choice between AWD and RWD first. There are alot of cars out there and it seems you might be starting off with a suboptimal selection here.

I again would recommend the 997 over the 996. Be patient and you'll be rewarded whatever you decide.

 

This is an interesting academic question, but at the same time such a strange thing to split hairs on when considering a purchase.

As others have mentioned you're never going to be driving either of these cars on city streets anywhere near the limit where it will make a difference and if your plan is to track the car then I wouldn't pick either Targa as my first choice in track weapons. If I was dead set on a Targa and had limited budget it would boil down to this:

Is this a daily driver for an area where it rains or snows a lot? = 997C4.

Is this a second car, or do you live in a dry area and like the fried egg look? = 996C2.

 

If you are between a 997 non S, the difference is minimal performance wise. The 997 is a much improved car. The 997.1S is a step up performance wise.

 

Quoted from http://www.fastestlaps.com

997.1 C2
Max speed 285 kph (176.7 mph)
0 - 100 kph 5.0 s
0 - 200 kph 16.5 s

997.1.C4
Max speed 280 kph (173.6 mph)
0 - 100 kph 5.1 s
0 - 200 kph 18.2 s

996.2 C2
Max speed 285 kph (176.7 mph)
0 - 100 kph 4.7 s
0 - 200 kph 16.2 s

 

Thanks everyone for the helpful input!

Rodsky, based on your signature, it looks like you've got a rather special garage! But I hope that when you say that the 996.2 and 997.1 C2 are very close performance wise, you mean the standard 320 hp version, not the 40th Anniversary edition. I'm rather pesimistic about finding a Targa with the X51 engine. (Whereas if I can't find one with an LSD, I'll install one.) Also, is your conclusion based on track experience, for instance seeing how fast friends with 996's and 997.1 C2s with PASM are able to go relative to you/each other?

Finally, jumper5836, thanks for taking the time to look up and post this. Interesting info, though it also suggests that I should clarify something. I mean, this may be exactly what other readers of this thread are looking for, but for me, what is relevant is speed on track, not straight line speeds.

 

I was comparing the 996.2 nonX51 320 HP to the 997.1 non S 325 HP - they are pretty close. the X51 996 is much closer in performance to a 997.1S. The 996 X51 has 345 HP and is pretty quick. Now I'm not a track rat, as I have 2 pretty young kids and I spend my spare time on the golf course (both of them are playing now too and my 7 year old boy loves Porsches and golf!).. The 997 is definitely a more refined package, better looking and a nicer interior. I'd opt for a 997 over a 996.

 

Do you like fried eggs?

 

I do not know how you compare the 2, not throwing stone, but the 996 has to be the worst 911 ever made. The TT looks OK, but the others are not aging well, that is why they are so cheap used, no one wants them. I would either go 997 or go basckwards further to 993 or even further.