Ok 996'ers what do you say to this question.

This question might be biased, but I have been seriously looking at a 997 as a weekend vehicle, and will mod slowly over time, BUT will keep it for at least 5 to 7 years. I was at the local dealer and drove the 997 (not an S), came back and parked it next to a 04 996C2, and other than the quick noticeable differences, they were pretty well the same car. Except, the low mileage 996 was at least $25K lower. I am familiar with all the quirks and RMS issues, but why should I spend more on 997 than the 996, especially if I am going to keep it for awhile, and sorry 997's it's not dramatically different (cosmetics aside)? I drove both back to back, and thoroughly tested each. Reading the new promotional brochure on the 997 (the big thick one), one would think it's the greatest vehicle of all time. I have owned a 993, so the cosmetics of the 997 should appeal, but again side by side it looked pretty close to the same and when I drove it (sure the shift throw is shorter), it did not make sense to pay the extra. No, I can't really spring for the "S" as the budget is pretty tight. Any of you guys driven both? And do you feel the same? My guess the 997's owners will have a totally different opinion, due to resale and this and that..Etc, but very interested of your opinions, as I am sure most of you have tested the 997 just for the curiosity factor I guess the thing with Porsche is they figured out how to get fierce brand loyalty, so much that each model version has it's addicted drivers. Sorry for the long rant, and for those who made it this far, thanks. Rob

If you are going to keep it for that long, don't worry about the resale. I bought an end of model year 996. I like it b/c it has no PSM or PASM ... less to break down, and no sport chrono needed to punch it. I like the 996 interior better, and everything I read at the time said the 997 was basically a face lift.

I'm looking at getting my first p-car and have done the same back and forth comparos between 996 and 997. I'm also planning on keeping it a long time. IMHO, 997's have a better interior and more 911 retro appeal with their exterior styling. Drove a 997 S with sport chrono and I found the ride quite hard with those lovely 19"s...argh Toronto streets! Tried a 2002 and a 2004 C4s and absolutely loved those. Great blend of poise and performance. I know some people find the steering in the C4S' a little heavy, but I kinda liked it; I guess that comes from being a long time Benz driver. Liked the '02 targa too, but I wasn't crazy about the poor visibility out back with the roof open. My head still turns whenever I see ANY 996. It's a car that looks even better in the flesh and a design that will stay timeless too. I'm going to go with an '02 or '03 996, better value and the pricing on the new 997 is crazy here in Canada. Question remains: do I buy locally or import from the US and potentially save 20K with our ever strengthening dollar?

Those Carerra S's can definately get up there.. I saw one cab priced at $108,000 at the dealer, and it didn't even have most of the options, such as the $5000 full wood option, etc.. Add 7-9% sales tax, reg, gas guzzler tax and you are looking at a $120,000+ out the door car.. For that price, for half the price, i'd rather think a nice used 01 TT... or a nice 02-C4S for half the price would be a better buy if budget is a concern..

I have an '03 C4S and see no reason from PAG to get a 997 at this time. It is a facelift, a minor one at that.

I bought my 40th late last July after pondering the soon to be released 997 and its minor changes. Why? Better value, more ponies than the base 997 carrera, I love the looks over the timid retro style of the 997 (its not a 993 by any stretch) and I must be the only one on the planet who thinks the 997 interior is cheap and plasticky-Buick looking. The 996 is a classic design that contrary to what you hear often here will definitely be a lasting statement from Porsche. Right now, the value of the late model 996s is incredible. BTW, they have essentially the same motor so you cant dance away from those issues.

Unless you're thinking of a Carrera S (particularly if you get the 381 hp Powerkit option) the base 997 without PASM isn't that dramatic an improvement over the 2002+ 996 IMO. If you can spring for a Powerkit Carrera S with the ceramic brakes, that would be felony fun.

Here's a different take.. I assume from your ID that you already have a 993. If I were in your position I might do nothing and wait a year and see what plans Porsche has for the future of the 911. I know it's tough to hold back that itchy feeling tho. If you had to I'd go with the depreciated 996.

Don, sold the 993 for real good dollar's (95 C4, 40K miles, Sports Seat, mint and factory stock) for $52K US. What sucks in Canada as pongobaz states is an 997S is worth between $112 and $124 USD less taxes. I know one fellow who ordered his "S" with a little of everything and it cost him $124 USD, again less taxes. By the time you bring a US car across, pay border costs ..etc, your pretty well at the same level. Lots of previous posts on that one. C4S/914-6 - the 40th Ann. is a stunning vehicle! The dealer still has one here going for $112K USD. It's kinda of funny, as they have it in the front of the lot, but removed the 911 badge, as they figured it would not last. Apparently it's about $400 USD to buy from Porsche. Rob

Rob, That's great resale on your 993, congrats on that one. Well preserved 993 cars IMHO will retain very high. The 996 is my preferred driver though. You might want to search used 40th cars- I see them practically new for mid to high $60s on line. That's an incredible amount of loaded car for the $$. That's funny about the 911 badge, youre worrying me.

Rob, for the money you can't beat the 40th...

If you are a serious tracker, then the 996 is the better car since PSM was an option (which you should avoid).

I don't even think Porsche should have ever released the Carrera. They should have only Come out with the Carrera S and made it the Carrera. Then come out with the S as with the 4 and 4S added the widebody and sold it with the 380 hp Power upgrade package and ceramic brakes. I would go with the 996 or go with the Cayman rather then a regular 997 Carrera

It is my opinion Porsche will kill the basic 911 in the near future and only issue C4S and higher variants (for more $.) The Cayman/Boxster is a better handler in need of HP. I've had both (996/Boxster)and I'm going back to a Boxster/Cayman when they breach 300 hp with a warranty.(I know I can get a modified Boxster now but I'm loving my '04 996 C4 Cab for the next couple of years, my figure by 2008-09 they will have their marketing strategy inline with my predictions.)

My choice if I were you: 1. 996, better value, get one that's loaded as options are expensive but worth little in resale. 2. 996 TT, nicely optioned and killer performance, excellent value, but may depreciate more 3. 997S, custom order what you want but more $$. 4. 997, why spend more? Would only buy base if you can't spring for S or get deep discount off MSRP to get close to a used 996 price

I'm with you. The 987/997 are nice, but the 986/996 offer more value. I'm sitting where I am now until Porsche decides to offer a Boxster/Cayman with more deserving HP, say 325+. It would take that or a TT or one of the GT* cars to be different enough in my eyes. Ruf has a 3.8L 987, but I don't think I'd bite due to price, and I'd want a coupe at that point. Maybe by the end of the decade?

If you can't spring for the S... keep the 996