996 v 997

I am sure this has been asked before, but as I edge ever closer to my first purchase and weigh up all the options, can I get views on the differences between a late model 996 and early 997. And specifically a 996 C4S and 997 C2. And which is the better?

I think you need to drive both. Don't take someone's word for it. Make the decision based on what you want from the car, but please, drive them both first...

I'd agree, you need to drive both to decide. Both quite different cars. The 996 C4S is the more capable car and will IMO have better resale values. The MY04 is also 2 year servicing. 4 wheel drive, Turbo brakes, wide bodied and smaller boot space (due to 4WD system). The 997 C2 has a much better interior, better seats, dash, etc. Both have very similar engines. Personally, I would try and stretch to a C2S, with prices like they are. Cheers, GD

As nice as the C2s is, it is nothing special, and the prices are reflecting this :nooo: The C4s is arguably the best looking 911 and will always demand a good resale price (if that is what you are after). I test drove 996 Turbo's, a 996 GT2, 996 GT3, 996 C4s and a 997 C2s last year when I was in the market for my first 911 :frustrated: I was coming from a CSL so the first one's I drove were the GT2 and GT3. To be honest my budget was £50k back in May last year and the GT2 was way out of my league then but just had to try it I ruled out the GT3 because the ride was just the same as the CSL and this was the reason of stepping out of it. I ruled out the Turbo because, although very quick, it felt a little boring and there was no engine "song" like the CSL had :dont know: I was left with the 997 C2s and the 996 C4s. After driving both back to back at the OPC I really dont get why people have issues with the 996 interior, the ONLY thing I would say is better in the 997 is the indicator stalks! As you can see from my sig I opted for the C4s By far the best everyday car, especially where I live and as I mentioned above, by far the prettiest! If you get an MY54 car you will benefit from the same service intervals as the 997 and IMHO you will see much better residuals in the years to come. I think the 997 (even the gen 1 C4s) look very bland, when they are driving towards you it could be a Boxster for christ sakes! When a 996 C4s is driving towards you, you know it is something special with that gorgeous front, and the arse of it is as good as a supermodels! :floor: With very late MY54 C4s's coming in at the low £30k's with Porsche Warranty I know where I would be sitting............. I'll leave it with you.......................... :?:

apologies for hijacking the thread, how do I know if my car is 2 year servicing? It's a May04 Anniversary model. Cheers Mark

It will be 2 year/12k mile servicing, just check the service record

Thanks for the advice, again. You are right about there being no substitute for getting behind the wheel and trying it for yourself, but tapping into the views of those who have been there and done it is invaluable. What got me wondering was that I had read on here before comments that the 997 was a big step forward in driveability, but no one had been really specific as to why that might be. Also saw an old Top Gear last night on DAVE when Richard Hammond drove a 996 C2 and said he thought it was the best of the range. My budget might stretch to a reasonable 997 (getting closer every day!), but probably not an S at the moment, and since you can now get some nice C4S's for well sub of £30k, that is the way I am leaning. I also think some 53 plate cars are on the 2 year programme, and it all depends on when they were manufactured rather than when they were registered. I am told you can tell by the VIN number, but you'd have to ask OP to be sure. But if you have a non OP warranty presumably you need to get it serviced annually anyway to keep the warranty valid or to be able to renew it?

997 every time for me... 996 C4S is for many the best looking 996 (but not for me I'm afraid) and has so far held its value best of all the 996s. However, the 997 is a much more modern car - inside and out, has the round headlights that almost everyone likes in preference to ANY 996 and is the 'current' chassis (ignoring the subtle changes of the gen2 997). The 996 is probably the least 'loved' model in the entire history of the 911 and a C4S is for many people (not me, obviously) the best of a bad bunch. I also think that the non-S versions of the 997 actually drive better: The power delivery is a bit smoother, and the 18" wheels give a better ride quality for daily use. Having said all that, personally I would try and find a C4 997, as I need a daily driver in all weathers. hth

That's funny you should say that. The first 997 I drove was a non S derivative and I thought it was just me, but I did feel more at home in it for some reason. I felt really confident in it when I test drove it round the twisties. The S is more powerful for sure but there is certainly a little more weighty feel and hesitancy round the bends. For me didn't feel as natural. Wouldn't change the S though. :thumb: (unless it was a 997 GT3 of course)

I've had a 2005 996 C4S and it was great but the new 997 Carrera is the dogs IMO and I prefer the Carrera over the C2S although C2S will keep its money better in the future but the better driver is defo the 3.6 carrera slim body. It's the perfect everyday no nonsense 'green' supercar

997 every time - it's got round headlights.

996 or 997 which is best? There's only one way to find out!.... FIGHT! Hope that helps! :floor:

:hand: :hand: guildford, I didn't need to read your sig to know what car you drive It's clear that in the comparison you absolutely fell in love with the 996 C4S and as Wattie said it is the best 996, however, I would pick my 997 C2S over the 996 C4S every time. :thumb: Pete

No guessing what car you drive then Pete :mrgreen:

You're dead right... :thumb: