996 C4S or 997

[Muzzer911]

Good afternoon,

I've been away from the Porsche scene for about 8 years (kids and houses etc) and am now looking to get back in the fold.

I have a budget of £25K and am torn between the above 2 vehicles. I know this is the 996 forum but my last car was a 996 with a GT3 Aerokit and I loved it. I used to crave a C4S but things have now moved on and I can now afford a 997.

Is the C4S still a desirable 911 or is 997 the way to go?

Cheers

 

[JuliusF]

I suppose it depends which forum you ask! Heard that if you are after a 997, then a MY 2008 onward is a wise purchase as most of the engine bugs were eliminated by then - might bust your budget though - caveat, this is about all I know about 997's!

I have also heard a good late 996 (MY 04) can be a better investment than an early 997 - but then again there's good an bad 996's out there (as there is many a testament to on this forum).

I do think the 996 C4S is a great looking car (but so is the 997 C2S) - However, I think 996 C4S an itch I'll eventually need to scratch, but for me more for reasons of aesthetics not speed or power (its a bit slower in a straight line as you probably know, but quicker in the corners) - and of course extra bits to go wrong .

Handling wise I doubt you'll see much difference - the 996 is a great chassis, the 997 allegedly better (well according to the Porsche marketing dept anyway......). Interestingly if this old Top Gear review is to be believed they originally weren't going to make a 997 C4S as the 997 chassis was that sorted - presumably they had a change of heart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNwNMgT-adc

Good luck in your decision - its a nice dilemma to have!

 

[C2dweller]

I still think a 997 none-s car is a beautiful-handling car (absence of PASM assumed). The 3.6 engine would also appear to be more reliable than its 3.8 sibling. Cost is certainly sub 25k.
... But who can't resist a 996 C4S with a Porsche Sports Exhaust.
What a great decision to make!

 

[Phantom911]

If you fancy a c4s then I would get that, otherwise you will always wonder. If you scratch the itch you can then always sell on, and would hazard a guess you will have made a few £s in the process which then allows a better 997. If the urge is still there.

 

[Pieman7]

I agree with phantom get the c4s first as hopefully they will rise in value then after driving it you will find the sound of one of these I feel is much more old school than the 997 In my opinion. But you can only make that decision with your gut. Please let us know o by the way I love my c4s

 

[crozza]

just been through exactly the same dilemma...

ended up spending another 5k and got a 996 turbo.... I dont regret it - it always puts a smile on my face, and is surprisingly easy to drive 'around town'

There are some to be had around 29k ish just make sure you check it out properly - i had an independent run a check- you wont regret the price increase, and i suspect (hope) that they will stay flat, and even hopefully go up.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-X-Reg-Porsche-911-996-3-6-Turbo-Manual-Gearbox-HUGE-SPEC-/262488137266?hash=item3d1d831e32:g:nOQAAOSwmtJXZDUG

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm...38e:g:i00AAOSwPpFXME7i