Turbo v C4S

Hello all, I'm in the market for a (not so) new DD and am stuck between a 996 Turbo and a 996 C4S. Which model has a longer life span, less problems and is more fun to drive? Thank You.

Turbo. Faster, more power, Metzger motor without the IMS issue to deal with, better resale, and more likely to hold or even gain value.

If I had the budget for myself Turbo would be the way to go.

Turbo for sure.

Hands down turbo for all the above reasons. I just got a c4s b/c turbo was not in the budget right now but then put almost enough money into it that would have put me in turbo range.... save and get turbo, different animals but I don't think theres anyone that given the chance would not trade up to a Turbo.

I was in the same search back in 2014, ended up biting the bullet and going for the Turbo as at that time the price difference was only about $7k for entry. The turbo will most likely do better as they will hold about the same price as you rack up the miles on it and thus potentially be a less costly car over the long term of driving. That being said, it is easy to get sucked into the mod abyss with the turbo making more power which potentially will cost many more thousands than the 4S over the long term.

Turbo all the way.

What's your budget? There is about a $15k spread between a C4S and a 996tt in similar condition.

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Correct. However, the Metzger engine's Achilles' heel are the coolant fittings on the engine. They are glued in with epoxy at the factory and subject to failures (quickly dumping all the coolant). That's much better than dealing with a bad IMS failure. Coolant pipes should be welded or pinned (if not already done on your prospective car). Otherwise, the motor is as bulletproof as anything ever built by Porsche. It is also a true dry sump design. On the flip side, a correctly fixed IMS on a Carrera should be a reliable motor. Lastly, the turbo models tend to hold their value better than the Carreras, with the Turbo S model at the top of the heap. Not only that, they are a hoot to drive, yet civilized.

I think we all aspire to Turbo, only limited by budget, but working towards a Turbo. If Turbo is in your budget, definitely go for it! There is a guy on here with a turbo with 350k miles before major engine repair, and he has over 500k miles now. I think there are a few people in the 300k+ mile club in the Turbo.

Honestly for me the real problem with any turbo car is the sound..... I love naturally aspirated most open exhaust sound. Listen to a GT3 at full song vs. a turbo or even a C2 with good mufflers. I wish I could find a sound clip of the Ruf mufflers for our C2s. I�m leaning towards Tubi because I love the exotic car wail.

As a counter argument to what most people here are saying... I actually prefer the lower power rating of the C4S. You'll be able to use more of the car and arguably have more fun with it than you would the turbo. Plus the C4S has the sexy reflector in the back. Jalopnik and Doug back me up on this too

I think either is a great car, it just comes down to personal preferences. As the 996 design ages, I find I like the more classic look of the C4S over the turbo. The C4S has plenty of power for the street. Regardless, try to find the best example of either you can afford.

I agree on the lower power idea. But on the sound - can�t the turbos still sound good, especially with the cats only and removed mufflers? I remember hearing quite a few turbos sounding pretty decent. Although they are pretty quiet when stock. That said, my stock C2 was way too quiet before I did the fister mod.

Eh, at this point power isn't a factor IMO. Rowing through the gears in a NA 996 will have you well over the legal limit long before you run out of ratios. I feel even my lowly C4s is too fast to enjoy on the daily w/o the potential for local law enforcement to intervene. One of the main reasons I still love driving my e30 -- i can drive the crap out of it and still not get pulled over. Drive both before you buy and let that be your guide. Online opinions are worth what they cost, only you can make the right choice.

I debated between turbo and carrera but my experience of owning e36 M3 which is more or less a 996 of the M3 generations. It is by far the most affordable and fun car I've owned. I have a much faster car but it is hard to appreciate it on the road whereas the M3 can be wrung out without going way too fast. While I think the turbo would be a fast, effortless cruiser that can also become a decent sports car (in stock form) and a perfect daily driver, I felt that a non turbo 996 would be the one to have fun with given its depreciation and aftermarket and community support. I ended up with an 02 C4S with a 3.8 rebuilt engine that also had front drive disconnected. I have a fair amount of work to get it to where I want it to be but it has good bones and it isn't a pristine car that I would be afraid to drive. With that said, I'd love to own a turbo at some point.