Are there any noticeable differences between the first year of the 997's second generation (2009) and the final year (2012), insofar as the base coupe (C2 or C4) is concerned? Nothing I can find online would indicate that to be the case, including intensive perusal of photos.

Stated differently, if I buy a 2010 997 base Carrera (C2) instead of the final 997s that they were still making in 2012 before the switch to 991, will there be any difference other than the fact that the 2010 will have been on the planet longer?

I am a first time buyer. I drove a first generation 997 (2007) and was unimpressed with the level of refinement I was going to be getting for a $50k car. Then I drove a 2012 997, and noticed a significant difference in the interior noise level and the relative modernity of the instrumentation; I felt much more at home.

As you might have gathered, I'm not a performance purist: I want the punch and the handling, but I'm 44 years old and this is going to be a daily driver, so I would prefer a tiny bit of pampering. Might even just hold out for a 991.

 

I'd say the differences do not matter, particularly for a base model. Haven't seen folks wishing they had the 12 instead of the 10.

 

AFAIK the differences are only some options such as Bluetooth and universal audio interface (iPod connectivity) became standard in later years. Also I believe some options that were standalone became bundled into packages. There may be differences in the steering wheels.

No difference mechanically.

 

A 3rd radiator was added in 2010.
If you're wanting more refinement the 991c2 is a good choice

 

I think the third rad was added on the 2011 models as standard....and for cars with pdk only.

 

Yeah my 2010 S doesn't have 3rd radiator

 

The 3rd radiator isn't expensive and a good thing to have in hot climate and for track days.

http://www.suncoastparts.com/product..._EngineCOOLANT