996 vs 997

Trying to decide between a 2005 C4S conv and a 2006 C2S conv. Is the 997 that much of a better car? Is the C4S worth a few extra bucks? It seems like the engines are exactly the same specs. Other then the obvious body style changes, is there something drastically different? Which one would hold it's value over the next few years? Thanks for any input!

1) Probably depends on your definition of "a few extra bucks". 2) If you're going to be winter driving the car, get the C4S. If you're not, I'd probably get the C2S. 3) The 996 should depreciate more slowly at this point.

I see you're in Boulder Colorado - unless you already have an Audi or Subaru for winter jaunts skiing - go for the C4S - what could be better that opening the top, putting the skis in and going out for a few runs! In the summer of course, the all wheel drive would eat Pikes Peak up!

I actually am down in our Phoenix home right now and spend time in both places. I would not drive either in the winter but have heard that I will think the C4S is front end heavy when compared to my 993 TT. The difference in $ is $4K which I think is pretty small. The 2006 has 8K more miles on it but a year of warranty. The 05 has an exhaust upgrade and the GT3 wheels. They are both very nice cars. I am leaning towards the 06 because of the warranty.

I think the C4S is the outright better looking Porsche, but everything else goes to the 997. Aesthetics play a huge part though... good luck.

Like the rear qtrs of the 996 and the rear end. Like the front lights on the 997. Made an offer on the 996 and we will see if he takes it as the lower miles, I think, really makes a difference when you go to resell. If not, then I will move on the 997. The 997 needs tires and I am not crazy about the crab claw wheels, the 996 has the GT3 wheels and better tires. Figure that will add another $2K for wheels and tires at least.

If I had the money to get a 997 I would buy a 996 and mod the **** out of it

Have you driven them both at some speed? Personally I'm a C2 fan, and I'm sure that S is entertaining, depends what you want....

Get the Newest one you can afford

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That's what i did ... 69K for a "04 C4S cab and 45K (incl. new wheels not yet on) in mods. I am just not able to keep any of my vehicles stock so I always take this into consideration when I buy, however I must be getting old because given the choice now I would have bought the 997 cab, it really is a wonderful machine with great suspension, good handling, great power (particularly the S !!) and will be easier to re-sell since it's a newer model. That said, it really does need 20" wheels and sport exhaust. OK, OK, headers and cats too. Should really be chipped and put high performance cams... carbon fiber interior? TechArt '09 GT 2 "street" front bumper... really do need the side skirts though, can't do that without the matching rear bumper... Uuuuhm ya know what Black TT, maybe just go for the 996... Good luck! Sid.

Sid needs some coffee Easy there big fella It will be alright

[QUOTE=ivangene;7243869] Sid needs some coffee [/QUOTE Sid needs to make more money!!! Somebody help me before I hurt myself

I'd go 997, and if it's a 997S thans it's a 3.8.. ! so engine specs are not the same.

Well it looks like he took my offer on the C4S. Felt the 8K in mileage and 10K in price was just to much to leave on the table. It also had a $6K exhaust upgrade and really did not need anything from the get go. We'll see if it was the right decision down the road when I "upgrade" again. I have been an air cooled guy for awhile and the wife wanted something with more comfort, so I caved. The 35 more HP would have been nice, but with all the speed cameras down here, hardly worth it. Any upgrades really worth adding to the car. Not going to track it. Thanks for all the input, it did help. BTW I did hear from someone that a lot of folks in the upper 1/2 of the US prefer the 4S because it allows them to drive it in winter? Do you agree?

pics of the new car? congrats! c2 is fun in the snow... very agile and confident with good snow tires. though I love the look of the widebody much more

C4S with winter tires is fine in snow, but the winter tires are key. I'd rather drive a C2 with good snow tires in the snow than a C4 with summer tires.

I have not driven both at speed. I have only driven the turbo models to date. That would create another discussion which I am sure has been done! You are right about the engines. Since both are S models, the 997 is the 3.8 vs the 3.6 and therefore 35 more HP. Figured the gap was closed somewhat with the headers/exhaust upgrade. It seems like there is about $10K for each year difference so similiar models with mileage/options the same are about $10K apart starting in 2004 and going through 2008. Mileage seems to be the big player in the formula. Thanks for the discussion, Mike

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Mine's only a C4, but I absolutely agree. It's virtually unstoppable with winter tires installed. Nice choice, BTW--you've actually got a relatively rare car...the elusive '05 C4S. Enjoy!

...Nice problem to have, BTW.

Check out the Porsche Winter Driving School. I think it's in Iceland. All 4s and 4Ss on a track made of snow and ice. The 4S is a great car. You can't go wrong with that choice.

Thanks for all the input. I will let you know what I think when it arrives next Wed. Getting a fluff and buff before the trip!!

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Congrats

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The guys I know up here (Montreal, Toronto, New York) who have a C4S or Turbo don't use it in winter, between the salt, snow mixed with gravel bits, extreme temperature difference between your garage and outside plus people in general driving/sliding around like morons it's not something I would want to expose my C4S to (now if it was in Aspen it would be a different story)! That said, I know a lot of C4S owners use it in the winter because they don't have another choice or because their winters are very mild. Anyway that's my 5 cents, " Just because you can, doesn't mean you should"... Cheers, Sid.

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That's don't want another choice. I had a <1000 mile a year Porsche. Now I get to drive one every day.

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Jon, Good for you! Glad you woke up. Is there something in the water in PA that keeps owners from driving their Porsche? There is another guy in PA that never drove his car. What's his name again? I think it started with a "P".....

I do not plan on driving it in the snow, but if the mood strikes, I will. Now have to look for wheels/tires....Just out of curiosity, are sport seats a desirable option? I have them on my 993 turbo, and really liked them but have heard comments that they are uncomfortable for some people. How about the aero kit? Is that something to add to a C4S and have the cost returned when you sell it?

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Big +1 to that. I actually unloaded one of our cars so that the C4S could get driven more all year round. I personally fail to see the point of opting for AWD if the weather's always dry, but I also never agreed with the whole "RWD is bad for winter" thing either. I had a Lexus IS300 and a BMW 3-series a few years back which were both just fine in the worst of winter. It's all a matter of adjusting your driving style. Besides, what about all those with their $100k + (CAD) Range Rovers, M-B S500s...and Cayennes? They have as much or more money into their cars and are subjecting them to all that winter has to offer. So Sid, if & when you see a Seal Gray C4S driving around with a xxx VSM license plate, that'll be me - very nice ride you have btw.

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Listen guys, when it's nice ( the roads are clean ) like today I have mine for out fore sure!!! But when it snows I take my Benz SUV, not because it's worth less than my C4S or because the Porsche can't handle it (unless there's too much snow then it would turn in to a snowplow) but because I really don't see the enjoyment in driving my C4S when everyone is slipping & sliding and you have to worry about some A-hole bumping into you when they park (which they do!), that will just get me into trouble I love the C4S because of it's handling (which is very different than the C2S) and of course it's looks!!!!! But like I said that's just my take on it, no need to take it personally Jon, if my comment doesn't apply to you there's really no need to defend it. Mtl911sc, I'm sure you took your C4S out today as well, I'll keep an eye out for ya, I'll be the big guy with the big mouth and loud Porsche, you can't miss me! Cheers, Sid.

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Whatever you spend in customizing will be purely for your own enjoyment you'll probably never see a penny back of it when you resell, it may make it easier to sell (versus a stock car) but then again it may not be to everyones taste... I say you live once, so do whatever makes you happy, be it stock or customized you've got yourself a hell of a ride, CONGRATS! Enjoy, Sid.

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Double +1 to that. If my car was as tight as yours Sid, I probably wouldn't subject it to our winters either. Some even say the older 911s are great in the winter, but I just couldn't do it to my old SC. As far as I know she's a virgin & I'd like to keep her that way

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"Tight", I like it !

C4S all winter long. 993TT is a virgin from Arizona. She'd crap if she saw snow under her bumper.