3.6 or 3.4 & C2 or C4???????

Hi, Im trying to select a 996 to buy for circa £22k and would like to get the general concensus as to what is better...... 3.6 or 3.4 litre?? C2 or C4?? All opinions welcome - thanks.

3.6 C2, but then I'm biased... It's kind of a vague question though. Obviously 3.6 over 3.4 just because it's a newer model with engine improvements. What do you want out of the car? The C2 and C4 do have a different driving feel. My advice is to get out there and drive all 4 variations or failing that a C2 3.6 and a C4 3.6 You'll know which you like more. Above all buy the best you can afford, find one you like and then get it checked over before parting with your cash. Good luck :thumb:

3.6 is facelift and better looking (IMO) 3.4 seems to have more 'issues' attached to it Not many 3.4s worth 22k any more I'd say decide between C2 and C4 then buy the best car you find irrespective of 3.4/3.6

:sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: TB

The sheer power of 300BHP is astounding. As its your first experiance especially on roads I doen't think you'll notice the difference. As I'm selling my C2 I'm a tad biased .. or am I?? hmmm nope just being honest me thinks! As Henry at Virgin says BUY ON CONDITION!

I really don't buy the '3.6 better than 3.4' argument at all. They both share a common casing, and the IMS (Intermediate Shaft), whilst going through several redesign generations, is not necessarily more reliable than the 1st incarnation. Think about it, why carry out a redesign several times?? I think these engines are utterly superb, but are sensitive to oil type and LEVEL. The best thing you can do with either the 3.4 or 3.6 is PROPERLY and REGULARLY service it using the correct synthetic oil, and DO NOT run on low or below the minimum level. Of course you won't know for sure how the car has been maintained but I think it helps buying a car from the more fastidious person. I pay equal attention to seller and the car, and I always buy from someone who has had the car for a number of years. Autocar tested the GT3 Mk1 at launch in 1999. They simply could not achieve a sprint time (0-100Kph) less than they could in a 3.4 Carrera. The sprint time achieved for both was 4.6 seconds. The early 3.4's are the lightest of the bunch, and there are non-PASM ones around with LSD (was an option) and M030 running gear (nice and low but not as firm on the road as the GT3). The later cars are heavier due to interior material quality, and structural changes (to meet with crash test regulations), but the 3.6 capacity engine offsets the additional weight. The C2 is has massive grip, even in the wet. The chassis is setup for understeer - unless you give it a 'boot full' during a turn. The C4 is virtually 2wd too, with only 5% at the front under normal conditions.

Battenobs, I agree with Jason996. I was in your boots - actually I had max £35K to spend, however I was drawn to a good 3.4 because it is lighter, less expensive and the most original 996. I found the 3.6 felt a tad "crisper" but no quicker, probably down to the extra weight which must equate to a passenger. I felt no benefit in driving the C4 and it is slightly slower/heavier than the C2. I drove a £30K low mileage C4 3.6S and whilst they do look very purposeful I failed to grasp the need for harder suspension/wider track & 4WD, or the need to spend £30K!! I am an experienced motorcyclist and enjoy driving a car in which I must utilise the same senses, mindful of surface conditions & traction awareness - which means no PSM (or 4wd?). The other thing which swung the 3.4 but is now largely redundant (for time being) is that being pre April 2001 the car won't be taxed on CO2. IMO no need to spend £20K, chose a cosseted example from the many unsale-able C2 3.4's (budget £15K) and have the best thrill money can buy!!...

Sorry guys, but the 3.6 996 has engine mods to make it more reliable than the 3.4, in terms of catastrophic engine failure. A number of internal components were upgraded and the later the 3.6 the more additions made. The later 996 and 997 are generally much less susceptible (but not immune) from engine failure (subtle changes to intermediate shaft, bearings and linings + other smaller items). The engine version is stamped somewhere on the engine and it's amazing the amount of variations it went through since the engine was first introduced. The 997.2 promises to have an extremely solid engine. From a driving perspective, there's very little difference between the 3.4 and 3.6. Slightly more pull at top end, but extremely negligible. The main differences between the facelift (3.6) and non-facelift (3.4) are cosmetic, ie. matt interior switches, glovebox, Turbo lights, subtle PU difference (I think the differences are highlighted in the FAQ). With cars being so cheap now, I would personally go for a 3.6. As for C4 versus C2, that comes down to driving preference and boot space! The 4WD system takes a lot of the storage space away from the front of the car, but the car is better as an everyday driver (in terms of safety), but in reality, you'll feel little difference. As said originally, buy on condition, that's the overriding factor. Lots of cars and choice around, so take your time.

Condition should be the formost in your mind, after that go for a 3.6. 3.4 owners will tell you that it's no worse than a 3.6 in terms of reliability but I would always go for the latest version I could afford on all luxury goods due to the fact that it's benefited form re-engineering iterations. Designers don't make changes just for the hell of it, they do it because they've experienced problems in the field or need to make improvements. As for 2 or 4 wheel drive, thats down to personal choice. You're much less likely to spin a 4 wheel drive in dicey conditions, that's why I went for a 4S - best car I've ever owned. Good luck with whatever you choose, now's a great time to buy. Ray :lol:

hmmmmmm ok I may be selling mny 3.4 C2 so am I biased ... no don't think so! The 3.4 engine is still as good as the 3.6 it comes down to how its been looked after!! The same as any car .. well just about anything really!! Back to condition condition condition!!

what 996 Go for the best you can afford I bought a 996 4s cab with wide body last year, i have owned boxsters, and this car is without question the best looking and handling car i haver ever driven, it makes me smile every time i drive it . Its that good that if i won the lottery i would not change it, whats more you are in such a fantastic position to buy right now. Be wise and remember to get the best by calling thy seller/dealers bluff, bid them in the balls and dont be intimidated. Get the highest spec you can full leather etc.Like everything desirable it will always be just that and hold its value a little better,good luck.