996 turbo vs. 997 c4s

They seem to be in the same price range, which would you prefer and why. I need a daily driver. Thanks.

I'd get the turbo...because of the turbo...

997 no doubt

what year is the turbo? if its the 2004... turbo all the way

996 turbo vs. 997 c4s = 997c4s 996 GT3 vs. 997 c4s = 996 GT3

997 C4S

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997 for the cooler headlights and sweeter rear end. Also, you would not be leaving a lot of power on the table. 355 VS 420. The golden rule on this site seems to be "buy the newest you can afford", and it makes a lot of sense. I was just recently drooling over an '06 C4S in Lapis Blue. It was BEAUTIFUL, but scary expensive, for me. Also, it was a cab which did not do anything for me. Take a 997 front, with that rear, and add a cool colour, and you are set.

That's a tough choice but more than likely I'd go 997 C4S, unless you're talking about a 996 Turbo S, then I'd go 996.

Get the Turbo. You can do so much with it. Drive both, and you'll see why Both are heavy lardasses with 4WD, so might as well get the one with more power. Depreciation will happen on both... CPO turbos can be had in the $60ks...

I would think the Turbo would depreciate less over the long run...over the short run as well for that matter... It has already taken a large % hit in depreciation.

I faced this same question 6 months ago. See my sig for my answer, smiling all the way. A few years ago I also chose a 951S over an S2, so for some people only a turbo will do. Drive both and make your own decision, they are both great cars.

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I drove both (well 997S) and it was a no-brainer for me. Besides, 420 is just the start for the power, for an extra $3k to $4k, you'll be putting down around 500BPH and 500lb-ft. Just make sure you get CPO AND as new as you can afford. That said, they are all the same car, basically from 2001-2005 Oh, and you're talking 295lb-ft (C4S) vs 420lb-ft (Turbo), HUGE difference, and for a $2k engine flash, you're looking at 480lb-ft and 480hp!!!

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I'm not sure if you own a 996 already but I would go Turbo, I doubt I'd get a turbo only to later regret it. On the flip side I could see if I never had a 996 or 997 before. In that case I'd probably go for the 997 because I never even thought to want a 993 Turbo when I was shopping for my 996.

I'd go with the turbo, no question about it. History shows that the depreciation won't be as bad, it's got a lot more power (and easy access to more), and let's face it--the turbos are always going to be considered the better/more prestigious cars.

I appreciate everyone's perspectives. This is going to be difficult (but a great problem to have!). I drove a C4S tonight and it was absolutely great. I really like the interior layout and the sheet metal on the 997 better than the 996. But I also know that when I press down on the accelerator of that turbo, it will be break-neck g forces, much moreso than what I felt today. I drove a 951 at the 'fest a few weeks ago and the boost was addictive.

The boost is addictive and Porsches are built well enough that the factory delivered power is only a starting point. The 951 is the only car I've ever owned twice and still love the car. In between my 951S and '89 951, I bought a C4 and really missed the power. The 996TT is like a 951...only delivers more of everything. If you like an S2's throttle response over the 951's you might feel the same about the C4S over the turbo. Although the lagg in a 996TT is almost non-existent compared to a 951, turbo throttle response is different than an NA car. Trying them is half the fun.

Update - I've found a 2004 996 tt with 17k miles in silver/black. Price is 83k it is CPO with additional 3/100 warranty. Also considering a '07 997 c4s - that one is in the 90's. What do you folks use to guage used car pricing for the turbo?

I drove both cars. 996 TT is a very complete car. Security, power and very comfortable. 997 C4S looks very nice and has the new awesome front. But rear view has a 'wrong issue desing' for me: the red strip in 993 C4S/996 C4S might be installed to make it different to other 997 models. But in this post the two options you gave us are not what I need. PASM in sport position is fantastic and not harsh. In standard position you gos supercomfortable. 997 C 2 S has an incredible chassis and you don't need 4WD traction. It would be a best option. Is lighter and closer to former 911 spirit. 997 C4S goes like a railtrain, and the rear tires are oversize for me (305) for a 355 HP... My friend Fernando and me changed our rides yesterday. He has a 996 C4S and the extra 4WD , 295 size rear, and extra weight, makes the car a bit lazy compare to my 996 Carrera, (both with 3.6l as you know) Best thing you can do is testing both cars and drive them till you'd sure what you want. Our 'advise' are only personal opinions.

Hmmmmm......a legend vs. a Turbo wannabe......seems like an easy decision

Turbo, I just like huge amounts of useless power if you ever want to play (of course with mods). I would drop the front diff, install GT2 wheels, and lower. The C4S is maxxed out in hp unless you supercharge. The 997 interior sure is nice though.

No doubt in my mind....The Turbo is the only way to go, The 997 is a nice car, but its no turbo.....Ask yourself what you want ro do with the car, are you looking to make power and have fun, or are you looking for a car that is a nice cruiser.....good luck and dont forget whatever you go with make sure you get a PPI

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I know myself, so I'm sure that if I was in the 997 and pulled up next to a 996 TT, I would think "I should have got the Turbo." Conversely, if I am in the TT, and pull up next to a newer 997, I would think "I'm glad I got the Turbo." Even after 5 years, I don't think my answer would change. -td

Go for the ultimate P car... The turbo of course...

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True, VERY true, when I pull up to a 997S, I feel like I already won!!

As beautiful as the 997 is, it will never be the performer that the turbo is. Absolutely well said, when pulling alongside a turbo in a beautiful 997, you may still feel somewhat lacking... but when pulling alongisde in a 996 turbo and looking at the 997, you would just say.... go ahead... make my day....

I agree with what most people are posting on this thread, "Turbo" I bought my 996 C4 and I love it but one day I will upgrade to a 996 TT or maybe even a 997 TT. I also own an Audi S4 with the 2.7TT motor that is pretty well modified. The Audi is much faster then my C4 but there are two completely different cars to drive of course. Good luck and what you decide is all that matters because "you" will be driving it

stock for stock a 997 3.8 litre and a turbo are pretty similar in the straight line guys. it's when u start modding u get much greater potential in the turbo, but the lagginess gets worse. my vote remains the same. an aerokitted 997 C4S looks insanely good and has plenty of go.. pair that up with the latest carbon brakes. done. tough decisions, tough life

Take a look at the test results and I have to agree 0-60 times are close but beyond that the 997C4S and 996TT diverge. A simple ECU mod can get a TT close to 500hp, further separating the performance difference and will reduce lag not increase it. Model Specification Source 0-60 mph 0-100 mph 60-100 mph 911 Turbo 3480 lbs, 3.6L Road & Track - 4 , 9.2 , 5.2 415 bhp, 413 lb-ft Nov-00 Carrera 4S US, 3450 lbs, 3.8L Road & Track - 4.1 , 10.5 , 6.4 355 bhp, 295 lb-ft Aug-06

Turbo SMOKES a C4S, besides, the Torque is what REALLY rocks, I test drove the C2S and I'm tellin' ya, it's NIGHT and DAY!!! ...and as ben said, once you start MODDIN' the Turbo for MAD horsepower, it's no comparo. So, A LOT MORE Torque outta the box and WAY more potential.

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That's right! x-50

Two questions: 1. Do both cars have PASM? 2. Are you going to track it? If you are and only one has PASM, I would get the one with PASM or plan to upgrade the suspension on the one without. For me, I would be willing to give up a little horsepower for flatter handling. If you aren't going to track it, the decision comes down to HP (996TT) vs. aethestics and "newness". P.S. Come on arrOgant, the DE is just a few weeks away, and there is still room. :-)

I'm not into wings/aerokits, like the exterior look of the 997 over the 996TT, and I prefer an NA car over a Turbo, but given those choices I'd still go w/a 996TT. - RMS is still an issue with 997, 987. - Much better engine with the 964 derived GT1 block - dry sump - Already taken much of it's depreciation hit - Much more mod-able

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Total BS....NA 997 stands NO chance

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqJSy2iW7Ps This is a vid of a STOCK 997s vs. a STOCK 996 Turbo. The Turbo doesn't walk away, it RUNS!!! GOD I LOVE MY TURBO!!! Enjoy!

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Yup, Turbo all the way.

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I guess you missed the description next to the video that says "the turbo has 550hp" I'd agree the TT is quicker in a straight line. But stock, it will not walk it like that video shows. My 996 has over 100 hp more than my 986 and it would not walk it that badly. The TT only has a 50 hp edge (24 if the 997 has the power kit) and the TT weights more.

Doh, thought it was stock. Anyway, its not too hard OR expensive to get 550+ outta the Turbo, also, the car is made to handle that power. ...and you see what it did to a 997S!!