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987S vs C4S/Turbo??

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chard

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Hi, I'm looking for some opinions on this one. I currently run a 987S which I've have for a couple of years. It's a fantastic car but I've always fancied a 911 of some description. I was wondering if anyone has made a similar move and if so could they share their experiences with me?
I've read lots of posts saying that a 996 would feel "old" by today's standards and that it isn't any quicker than my current steer, would this be an accurate appraisal?

Many Thanks

Richard
 
Hi Richard, I made that move almost two years ago. I went for the 996 Turbo Cabriolet. It's (a lot) faster, but still gives you the roof down appeal and the 4WD keeps it nimble. I haven't missed my Boxster at all!! Cheers, Neil.
 
Thanks for the reply. How does the handling compare between the tow cars? Also I've read lots about engines going bang, is the problem as bad as it is made out to be on forums and if so is there any tell tale signs to indicate if an engines about to go?
 
It's different, but just as good. The 996 feels heavier, but with the Turbo power, 4WD and big 19s it handles just as well.

I only do c1500 miles a year in my Porsches, so I'm not really a good reference for engine reliability, but some of the guys on here use their cars regularly and will be able to give you a good idea.
 
the 996 turbo engine is the legendary Mezger engine which is GT1 derived it is for most purposes bullet proof, if appropriately looked after it can also be rebuilt,the c4s and the 987 have the same type of engine they are still reliable but there are one or two issues that can occur ie rear main seal and intermediate shaft failure this has been documented extensively read BAZ's description from Hartech on the problems.Repair is a more complicated issue.The C4s is a v pretty car and externally IMHO better looking than the 997 version yes the interior is more dated in terms of fastness I cant belive in my wildest dreams a 987 is faster than a turbo,I am sure someone will come along soon to say what the situation with the C4s is but that was also pretty quick. I am of course biased I think the 996 turbo is a brilliant car and at the moment seems to be going for crazy money.If you have ever fancied on now appears to be a good time to seriously look at them
 
Thanks for the reply. I wasn't comparing the Turbo to the 987 but more the c4s. Essentially unless I've got huge amounts of cash laying around to pay for a replacement engine, the Turbo would be the best bet?
 
Hi Richard, i think for me i would say for you to do a few things.

Drive both, or even all three back to back to get a better feel as to what is going to be best for you.

There are more tiptronics out there i belive but that would really be a personal preference i think.

Like some of the others have said, the engine is stronger/better etc.

For me the boyhood pin up won, hence the Turbo in the garage. The looks, the better engine, how it drives, the kick you get if needed, the smile it puts on your face everytime you see it.

The power of the turbo is something else, i dont drive hard either but you know its all there waiting if instructed.

The FWD gives you the point and shoot feeling, and the car really does handle fantastically well (thats an understatement)

Think about whats really important to you, write it all down, and that may help you make your mind up............

Hope some of this helps [:)]
 
I had a 986, a 996 C4 cab (as fast as a C4S), have had a 987 for a week, and been in a turboS and several turbos.

The turbo is so fast it's entirely on another level. I had a childish traffic light race with my 996 vs a 996 turbo and it left me for dead in 50 yards, by 100 yards it was so far away I gave up. The turbo engine, as has been said, is bullet proof. It's a superb car, crazy value for money ATM. The grip offered by the 996 is also much greater.

I'd say the 4wd in the turbo and C4S makes the steering feel a bit wooden and heavy, the Boxster feels a lot lighter, more nimble, more chuckable. So it's a trade off between outright feel and power.

Between the C4S (regular engine with associated issues) and turbo, I'd have the turbo in a flash.

 
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I've been browsing the classified and I see a lot of sub £25k high mileage turbos. Would these types of cars be best avoided or worth a look with the right history?
 
Our esteemed moderator Mr Hamilton sold his excellent tip turbo porsche for around the low £20's IMO the man who got that car got the bargain of the century,but as most things in life you get what you pay for, they need a certain amount of maintenance and bits do need replacing generally speaking there is no such thing as a cheap porsche, in essence always buy on condition look for and expect to see the bills,Richard has done a very good guide however i think you have to be a member to get the advice,beware the clocked motor,and if you look at a turbo you are probably better off spending cash up front for an inspection there are the dealers the respected ones include 911 virgin,JZM, and RSJ,after my experiences I would never over look a private sale it would be all down to provenance,if you look in the members for sale there looks to be an absolute minter 2002 with low miles at the moment happy hunting
 
The Buyer's Checklist is freely available here: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=269468

Don't get too hung up about mileage, and you won't pay a premium. You are buying it for yourself, not the next owner. So buy cheaper, sell cheaper, or buy higher, sell higher.

History, history, history.
 
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