996 C4S vs. 997 C2
 

Hi Guys,
I've been lurking around here for a while, but it looks like this coming Spring everything will finally fall in place to get my first P-car. I'm going to be using this as a DD and likely driving year-round. I live in Niagara, so we get some snow, but it's usually gone within a day or two. I'd like to keep my budget to under $40k which puts me into either early 997 C2's or late 996 C4S. I've driven a friend's 997 C4S which would be the ideal car, but unfortunately they're still a bit above my cap. I'm coming from a WRX, so I'm leaning to the C4S since I've become used to the all wheel drive. Bearing this in mind, what would you do?

I had the same conflict two years ago and went with the 997 C2. No regrets!

C2 with snow tires would be ok I'd wager. Honestly, 996 vs 997 is a no brainer. 997 is a massive improvement on the interior and overall styling. Imo the 996 went away from some of the cool nuances of the 911 (headlights, door handles, etc) and the in the 997 Porsche brought them back.

With a good set of winter tires, you'll be fine either way. I've driven RWD Porsches for the last five winters and never had an issue. That said, I really like the 996 C4S. Buy the best car you find, I guess.

If you HAVE to drive in the winter then 4wd is definitely superior but I caution driving a 911 in the snow. Low ground clearance, salt and other drivers makes it sub-optimal. Other than the 4wd the 997>>996. You asked an opinion so I will give it. Of the 7 generations of 911 the 996 is the only one I find ugly. I just sold my 997.2 but I waited a long time between my 964 and 997. I just think the 996 headlights are awful. It's still a 911 and I'm sure you will enjoy it but man did Porsche blow it with that model. As a general rule buy the newest one you can(with a few exceptions). Every year has a few things to look out for so make sure to do some research. As an aside, I would take a 993 or 964 over a 996 on looks alone. I understand beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I agree actually. Still sounds great and drives great but I hate the damn lights

Thanks for all the opinions. I guess I'm in the minority that actually like the looks of the 996 C4S, but I do admit the interior of the 997 is worlds better. The fact that there seems to be less chance of problems with IMS in the 997 is definitely also a consideration. Our other household vehicle is a 4Runner, so obviously perfectly suitable in winter, but both my wife and I drive each day. This has been a dream car for a while, and I'm not in a real hurry, so I can at least wait and see if a C4 997 comes up at the right price.

I also prefer the 996C4S looks over a 997C2/C4...996 is generally considered more of a 'sportscar' over the 997 which is more known as a "GT" car, and IMO the exterior/interior design represent that...
If worried about IMS, go 996TT or 2009+ 997 C2/C4..
Since you are in Niagara region, should go have a chat with Auguste LeCourt about his opinion...
Good luck in your hunt!
Cheers,

C'mon, I've heard the same tired phrase every time a new generation of 911 is introduced. We're hearing it now about the 991..."GT, luxurious, too refined". Meanwhile the 991 outperforms the 997 in every quantifiable category (just as the 997 does to the 996). Every new generation is superior to the one it replaces.

We all have personal preferences. Personally, I disliked the 996's exterior and interior styling (too much a departure from classic), but the 996 outperformed the 993 (which many feel is the best looking 911). The 996 brought us the water cooled engine and increased performance - another departure from classic (and it's both loved and hated for it).

Get the 911 you love. They all have their own issues. They're all damn fine sports cars. By all means, seek advice and opinion. In the end though, the only opinion that matters, is yours.

996 C4S or Turbo. Best looking ass. Also you are comparing essentially the base 997 C2 with a higher performing 996 ? Do you plan to track it ? I suggest you find the with the options you are looking for, and test drive as many as possible. Have fun. Also coming for them WRX C4S may be a better fit.

IMS issues really are only early production run '05 997's. There are few if any documented IMS failures in '06-'08 cars.

M97's definitely seem to be better in that regard than the M96's; safe to assume due to the larger IMS bearing. Only suggested 2009+ MA1 cars as OP seemed to be concerned about IMS and it has been eliminated in those cars.
Really can't go wrong with any of the 911 offerings....
:cheers:

Agreed, an apples to apples comparison would be the two versions of C4S, but I'd rather not jump up the added $10k. I plan on doing the odd track day with it, I've had the WRX out and had a blast, so it's definitely something I can see doing a bit more often. I think taking out the two back to back is probably a good idea as it sounds like personal preference plays a huge role.

Absolutely! :thumbup:

Drive both, and in poor weather if you can, and at the end of the day hopefully you just "know" which one it is you prefer!

Exciting, keep us posted on how the search goes!

Personally I like the shape of the C4S' wide body more then any other water cooled Porsche. Also prefer the modern head light design of the 996.2 rather then the 50's era's round head light that is shared with the VM beetle. I love the front and rear bumpers on the C4S as well as it has full leather interior which is an option that not all 997 have, not sure the 997 is that much nicer even with it optioned with full leather. I prefer the window buttons on the center console in the 996 and not in the door like on the 997. I prefer the door handles on the 996. Both have a weak engines, it dies for a ton of other issues not related to the IMS. I would say it is better to have the ability the change IMS bearing then have it fixed and never be able to. I consider the IMS a wear item and just change it out with the clutch.