996 4s or turbo?

the difference in price between the two is 5-7k in some cases for cars with 30k miles is there a reason to not buy the turbo? i was thinking the 4s but now that i see a few turbos for 45k i am reconsidering when do these turbos start blowing up? is the x50 option better for longevity? sorry new to these cars, i know the B5 S4 turbos were not as good as the RS4 ones for example 😀

Go Turbo if you can. Different motors and the turbo motor is very robust. Good luck with your decision.

Simple version: turbo has mezger race proven engine in terms of reliability the turbo is hands down a more solid car. They don't blow up, that's the c4s that can. i highly suggest you read through threads here and elsewhere. No contest if you are comparing the two, unless you prefer NA engines.

i prefer turbos i just expected the turbo to be much more expensive ... so good news... well,except for the bank account lol

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they are, it's the sub 35k cars that generally have issues that will push em up to 45k once repairs are done. Save your money and expect to pay 40-50k for a well sorted one.

Turbo. It's not even close in terms of reliability or fun.

I have both and I would say buy the Turbo especially if you are saying the difference in price is only 5-7k for cars with 30k miles. I purchased my 2003 Turbo with 34k miles and 2003 C4S with 63K miles, a year later last Sept, and the difference in price was 13k after getting them sorted out. I had to put more money into the C4S initially because I did a major service, clutch, IMS, and two new front tires. Bought the Turbo after the previous owner did the major service so all I spent was 4 new tires, bumper spray, and spray on the driver side back panel because it was keyed.

C4s great car if you get it sorted, especially the IMS. If done its a great car. I was looking turbo but they were 10k more in my region. I love my C4s but will move to turbo down the road.

Turbo. I don't really have any reason, but I like to write turbo. I hear it's better motor, I have no experience at all. Turbo.

Dissenting opinion: Like the C4S. Had the opportunity to buy +/- anything I wanted under 60k (I just won't personally spend more: just my own quirk). I chose to buy a third C4S after two earlier ones, 996 and 993. The turbo is ABSOLUTELY faster and more powerful. Don't let testosterone trump personal experience, however. I've never driven the C4S and thought "Gosh, if only it was faster/more powerful". I find the appearance beautiful. For those who prefer power and don't care about looks: the Turbo. For those who prefer bragging rights: Turbo. For those who worry about the IMS: Turbo. I'm good with my C4S. Give them both a try. Either way, you can't go wrong.

I think the C4S is the best looking 996 that money can buy. That being said, the turbo is a special car. I think you have to decide how to rank your priorities. If you like classic Porsche looks, then buy the C4S. If you love torque, then buy the turbo. There's no wrong answer here....

its kind of a no brainer if you have the money to spend. get the turbo.

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Do they not have the same body style other than the side turbo intakes and front bumper intakes?

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The rear wing is also prominent on the turbo and not on the 4 or 4s

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both are widebody cars. Exterior diff includes side vents, and spoiler. Other wise identical for body. Watch this it it will help. You Tube

Both great cars. I had a '99 C4 with aerokit before the 996tt. I loved that '99. It never felt slow. As much as I loved the '99 C4 aero, I like the turbo better. The 996tt is just . . . more of a good thing. Nothing bad to say about the C4S.

also, i think all turbos came with litronic head lights whereas it was an option on the other models.

Some great responses here--my two cents as a C4S owner-- The C4S is a flat-out wonderful car. I would definitely suggest you give the Turbo a good drive before deciding. One person I know found the Turbo a little too eager to "take off" from time to time (see video above where the car is described as one for those who know how to drive it). He sold it very quickly. It could be a lot of fun to learn how to drive that car....or not. The C4S 320 HP is LOTS OF FUN. The Turbo engine is NOT different from the C4S, except the turbo itself. That means it's heir to IMS issues just the same as any other 996. I don't agree with the video's assessment of the C4S as a fake. That's TV talk. You do get something for the extra money over a straight 911 or a 4--a whole lot of what the Turbo has (without the turbo) including beauty. The headlights aside (they are not TERRIBLE, they're just not great) it's a pretty gorgeous car, and it simply does not look its age. Power, speed and beauty. Good deal.

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The mezger engine in the turbo is a completely different design than the m96...It doesnt even have a dry intermediate main shaft bearing like the m96.

Right you are! Thinking in the wrong direction. C4S engine is the same as all other 996s EXCEPT the Turbo!

C4S. I'm obviously a little biased:

I have been in the market for a 996 turbo for the last 6 months. I have driven 4 different cars at dealerships and private sellers, some with less than 30k miles others with more than 60k...the turbo is absolutely amazing regardless of mileage, its an engineering marvel that will be a collectors car (imo.) However, even though I can afford my pick of 996 turbos in the mid 40k range I found that the 4s provided very similar experiences and gratification at a third of the cost. Yes, the turbo is more powerful, more exhilarating but the 4s checked the same boxes for me - and I actually just purchased a 2002 4s today, with LN IMS retrofit If money is no concern I would go turbo but if you want a car that feels just as solid with very similar emotional quotients I would consider the 4s...with the extra cash you can have the IMS retrofit installed.

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FIFY - "EXCEPT the Turbo, GT2, and GT3"

I've owned both and can say the Turbo is worth every penny more... you will get bored of the 4S if you're looking for a car that will scare you now and again!