007DT

+1

On another note look at this for a DE car. 997 for $39k!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...spagenameZWDVW

james944

I would prefer the 964, but that's just my preference. DEs are about having fun and learning how to drive, so the best car is going to be the one you like better. Even if a 996 does turn faster lap times, who cares, nobody's timing.

James

jaholmes

I agree, there is a 964 with 60k miles and it's $18k. That's probably a steal.

jaholmes

Oh jebus! Now really is the time to buy. Even F - Cars are cheap now. $165k for a 360 Challenge.

michael lang

Alot can be said for the updates and the expansive availability of OEM parts on the 996, but your question was "which would you prefer for a straight DE only car?" From a driving stand point and having ridden on track in both models, I preferred the ride of the 964 over the 996. The 996 was a very nice car and the driver wasn't babying the car but I compare it to the CLK500. It is a very nice sports cars that can be driven everyday. The 964 on the otherhand felt much more like a racecar. It was very stiff, extremely loud, and blindingly quick...all the stuff we like in a track car.

MUSSBERGER

At those prices either one is going to cost you at least 10k before you know it. Might be all at once or the death by a thousand cuts. Pick your poison. Rather have the 964 but the 996 maybe the practical choice.
Not sure how relevant this is but I broke my SC big at NJMP in the next to last event of the year that I was signed up for and It would have been a real push to get it fixed for the next and last event of the year so I did something I swore to myself I wouldn't do and tracked the 997. I have to admit while I was really taking it easy it was pretty easy to drive fast and it was kinda nice not being left in dust by all the newer cars.

Ritter v4.0

If you want to win your DE: 996. If you want to learn how to drive and go fast: 964.

ltc

^ +1
964's are fun to drive.
Really well prepared 964's are really fun to drive.

996's are great for traffic, grocery store, Starbucks drive thru

Veloce Raptor

Pffftt. 996's have HORRIBLE cupholders.

bobt993

A good deal, but I just paid 39,400.00 for an 05, 997 including Sport Chrono (same miles). The deals are out there. At the same auction a 99 -996 went for 13K, 80K miles,loaded with almost new condition.

JimB

There is nothing wrong with the 964 but the 996 makes a great track car. The chassis is far better than the earlier 911s and pretty much any part from a cup or R/RS/RSR will bolt right on.

eclou

my concern about the 964 is the same concern why I am likely retiring/selling the 944 turbo : ~20 year old wiring harnesses/connectors circuits start to fail at an increasing rate. A good running 944 turbo is quite a nice DE ticket but it seems like the reliability is suspect

onefastviking

+1

996 = faster car given same driver abilitly,easier to drive fast, more disposable (engine,trans,etc), stiffer chassis,more power stock although 964 can be easily upgraded past 996 power levels, weak oil system.

964 = harder to drive although it will force you to learn more to go fast, rebuildable engine,trans, (although at same cost as replacements), dry sump oil system, can be made a few hundred pounds lighter than the 996, air cooled retains value better (although at these price points who cares), valve adjustments needed every so often.

Both will require some $$$$ to get to proper track/DE level, both will probably cost the same over time maintenance wise. Either one works well, just personal preference in my opinion. Since I know the 996 is a local car for you that one does seem to be the more likely choice, and I'll help convert it into a great DE car for you.