3.4 v 3.6

Guest · Aug 4, 2005

I'm currently looking at cars around 2001 to 2003 mark. Obviously the less I spend the better!!

Now I've driven both the facelift version and older version before but not back to back and not noticed a massive amount of difference. Now I've just had an argument on the phone with a specialist dealer salesman telling me that the 3.4 was an "inferior product" to the 3.6 and significantly slower!!

Is this really the case??

jonathanw · Aug 4, 2005

Having had a 3.6 Coupe from new, a second hand 996 cab 3.4 and a from new 3.6 996 cab I would strongly advise you go for the 3.6. It has more torque and a little more power. A much better car. However nobody could call the 3.4 slow , its still a great car.
My current 997 3.6 feels much faster than my previous 3.6 996.

You should enjoy any of the recent 911 variants

Rotorhead · Aug 4, 2005

The 3.6 'facelift' model incorporated a significant number of improvements over the 3.4 and, having owned both, I would say that the 3.6 is the better car.

However, you get what you pay for. There are plenty of excellent 3.4s for under £40k, whereas most 3.6s will be well north of this figure.

Guest · Aug 8, 2005

That's the thing - I can afford a 3.6 at £40k to £45k but not sure whether it is worth me spending the extra.

I have been royally spanked on the residuals of my M3 [

] and am keen to not lose so much again (I appreciate that it will lose money - I'm just hoping at a slower rate!!). The 911 is the perfect choice as it is just as swift and will give me a lot more front end feedback (came into the M3 from a Lotus - that was different!!)

Consequently as this is my first foray into 911 ownership do I "settle" for a 3.4 and be happy with it for a couple of years or do I go the extra £10k for a 3.6?? So the question really is "Is the 3.6 £10k better than a 3.4??"

Also is the used market for 911's any different in winter??

Rotorhead · Aug 8, 2005

The residual issue affects the whole prestige market at the moment. Porsche and BMW owners might complain, but some Ferrari, Maserati and Aston Martin owners have really suffered on a grand scale.

With 911s the prices tend to compress rather than collapse. At the top end you have the brand new 997, then below that used 997s, then the later 996s, then earlier 996s, then 993s, then 964s/3.2s etc. Of course there are exceptions, certain desirable models will buck the trend.

If you are looking for a 996 to use and enjoy regularly, and keep for a while, then it may be worth stretching to a 3.6 'facelift' model and you should now find a better choice close to £40k (what you've lost on the M3 you may have gained on a 996). A private purchase may yield the best deal.

To protect your investment try to ensure:
- As low a mileage as possible
- UK supplied/full OPC hoistory/ideally Porsche Warranty
- As high a spec as possible

Good luuck

Grant · Aug 9, 2005

Hi JLS22!
Just in case it helps, below are the main differences between pre & facelift models, if you decide to go the facelift route, think about an early sensibly priced (a lot are still over priced so be careful) C4S, if possible, for best residuals!

2002 MY-

New "˜Facelift' model introduced, also the C4S & TARGA models.

The facelift (& new model C4S & Targa) featured a number of improvements, including"¦

1/

A more aggressive looking front and rear-end, with aero-dynamic improvements that greatly reduce lift, along with new (more efficient) clear teardrop shaped front lights (same look as the Turbo) to further distance the 911 from the Boxster.

2/

Porsches "Variocam plus" technology was added to an enlarged 3.6 litre engine. This

gave an additional 20bhp (to 320 bhp) but more importantly, greatly increased the mid

range flexibility of the car. In-gear thrust felt better and more deep chested than before.

3/

The exhaust system was "˜tweaked' to improve the volume and quality of sound

inside and outside the car.

4/

Inside the 996 gained a glove box & twin cup holders, the interior was upgraded to

include soft touch plastics.

5/

The OBC (on board computer) became standard equipment & this was placed centrally below the rev counter, the digital speedometer became smaller and moved (this was a negative step) to the left.

6

/ A "˜smaller' three-spoke "˜sports style' steering wheel became standard equipment.

7

/ The facelift also incorporated improvements to aerodynamics, crash protection, body shell rigidity & benefited from chassis/suspension fine-tuning, to improve stability, handling & ride comfort.

These M.Y. changes are the main ones, but there were other tweaks (upgraded engine management, chassis, tyre widths etc.) over the years.

The above list applies to C2/Cab & C4.

All the best with your search.

Grant