2005 997 or 996?

My price range is 45-55K and I hell bent on a used 02-03 c4s but cshocked to see at 55-60K could actually score a less optioned 997,...... I have other cars so AWD is not a need I have to have but a great option for sure. Curious peoples thoughts and comments on this. I never thought I could afford an 997/05 but starting to see some used in the 55-60K range. I love the wide body of the 996 C4s......do the 997's compete or do the 997's have wide bodies and non wide bodies etc.... I am sorry if this is a terrible question. Have done my research on the 996's but just starting to consider 997's. Any advice would be great on 997's, key options, must haves, etc all keeping in mind it will have to have all options at the $ range I am considering. Love to see a 997 next to a c4S 02+ front and rear if possible? Thanks all.....

I'd go with a 997 because it probably is more 'evolved' than the 996,but I'd be hard pressed to give you specifics other than more hp, newer design and an improved version. Especially if you really don't need another all wheel drive(C4), go with the C2. GL.

Buying the newest you can afford is generally a good rule of thumb.

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+1

The 997 body is just as wide as the 996 widebody and the 997's widebody is even wider then both. The 997 is heavier then the 996 and only 5 hp more then the 996. 0-100 kph the 997 is not any faster and In my opinion is actually slower. Porsche used to post 0-100 or 0-62 mph times and now they post 0-60 times. They do this becuase the 997 is slower then the 996 with only an extra 5 hp it didn't help with the extra lps that it gained. As the 997 GT3 is the best looking out of the 997 range, the 996 C4S is the best looking out of the 996 and it is the only one with the red reflector, a throw back in looks to its predessers the out dated 993's and 964's. If you go with a 997, make sure it's a "S"

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Not quite true... Actually, the 997 C2 and the 997S C2 are the same width front and rear. The wide bodies in the 997 line are the C4, C4S, Targa, Turbo, and GT3 RS The widths in inches are as follows 996 NB 69.5" 996 WB 72" 997 NB 71.18" 997 WB 72.91"

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Your right, I really meant the 997's version of the widebody

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The 997 really is not much wider than the 996. However visually it looks much wider because Porsche narrowed the sills to make the rear wing flares appear much more dramatic (like the 993). The 993 "looks" wide, but the 996 is actually wider.

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and you're still wrong in your post. the 997 carrera S (narrow) isn't as wide as the 996 widebody. i would pass on the 997 carrera. it's only a clear upgrade if you go for the 3.8 engine and that is a wonderful car which i would easily pick over a 996TT. the ideal upgrade is to go for the 997 c4s which is awesome looking with the oem aerokit. i'm a stickler for a nicely optioned 911 so the price goes up from there. i'd want at a minimum pccb, full leather, pse, and cf or body colored interior bits and sport seats with painted backs. it just doesn't stop.

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I just checked 996 NB is 69.7" - 997 NB is 71.2" 996 WB is 72.1" - 997 WB is 72.9"

I went with a lightly optioned narrow body 997. I suggest you do the same.

Honeslty, if you goign to get a 997 Get the C2S not just a C2... More standard Options and much more Power... But then the 996 C4S is one of a kind, nothing in the 997 Line-Up is comparable with Looks and Standard Options... Spcially the Full Leather.... But i fyou buying a Porche get the newest possible, ie the 997 C2S or if have more $$$$ 997 C4S... PS: if i was in teh market to buy a Porsche right now i would have bough tthe 997 C2S...

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No cup holders??? Savage.

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This thinking assumes you value looks and leather over sports car performance. I hope to have some fabricated before I take any long trips.

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lol so your telling me my 996 C4S is not a "Sports Car Performance"? Bro trust me 320 German Horses are more than a hand full for majority of the ppl...

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Jim, That car has the biggest option Porsche offers......a $45k motor

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I should have stated that differently. Different 911s have different strengths and weaknesses. You need to decide what you want in a sports car and then pick the right model. I think you're about $10k light but hopefully I won't know for sure anytime soon.

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ok well i love leather, and if i could have more leather i would... i would even have my carpets in leather and 320 "Performance" Horses is good enough for me...