MJBird993

+9

As always, buy the best car that you can afford and never never never skimp on the PPI.

At Law

Absolutely disagree. I wouldn't take a 996 as a gift as compared to the 997 in every single aspect inside, outside, top, or bottom.

The 996 and 997 are completely different vehicles.

GR997S

+ I have lost track. No comparison

7500rpm

The OP will have to chime in a little more. Is he looking for a big performance gain or is he just tired of the old look. If he isn't jumping from a 3.4 to a 3.8, he could be hard pressed to feel a huge performance gain. If he wants the 997 look and interior, then there's a greater difference. Personally, I was going to trade my 2006 C2S for a 996 2005 Turbo S, but missed the sale by a day. The 996 is very rare here, which makes them look exclusive to some extend. Right now, I am debating whether to swap my car to an excellent 2002 Turbo. The only thing against it is the Tip. The headlights growing on me

To the OP, nobody can really guarantee no IMS issue for the 2006 M96/M97 engines. There's a poll going on on this forum, you make your own judgement. I lost sleep for a while, especially when rumbling noises appeared at idle, but I now drive it like I stole it. The noise went away after I changed to thicker engine oil (5W-50) and I suspect the it was coming from a timing chain guide.

If I were you and owned your 2002 from new, I would just drive it until I could afford a 997.2. The 997.1 might not justify breaking the emotional attachment with your current car. OK, here I go