3.4 or 3.6

Hi, already asked whether tip or manual is best and got the opinion that they are both good and that its down to personal choice , Thanks all for you help with that . My next question is which engine is best that is a 3.4 or a 3.6 ? Are early models better or worse than later ones ? C2 better than c4's ? I fully understand that as with all cars there are going to be issues ! I just won't to buy the best I can and keep it , this would be my daily car doing about 10 mile a day until the wk end and then the fun will begin !! Thanks again p.s hope to see some of you guys and girls at Gaydon heritage on Sunday .

I don't really think it is a better/worse thing. There is an argument that an early 3.4, with its dual-row IMS bearing and larger water passageways in the block, may be less likely to have problems than a 3.6. But the 3.6 is a facelifted model, and gives you another 20bhp, and several other refinements on the inside and out. 996 Carrera C2 or C4 is personal preference. Think of it as the difference between additional security of the C4 against the purity of the 911 driving experience of a C2. Both drive systems are equally reliable. There are no definitive answers to your questions, but I hope this helps in the thought process. So much dependson budget and useage, but bear in mind that the youngest of 996s are 8 years old, so condition and maintenance history should be at the top of your list. I wouldn't get too hung up on spec, as they are all great cars, and you will love the experience whatever model you buy.

Thanks for that, pretty much my thoughts and looking to buy one with most of the issues sorted, like you say they are getting on a bit now, good advice is really appreciated . [ ]

Hi Nath Thought I'd share my thoughts as after years of only thinking about it, I got myself a 1998 996 3.4 tiptronic just over a month ago. I've done nearly a thousand miles already. Wish I'd done it a long time ago as it really puts a smile on my face when I start it up and back it out the garage (sports exhaust and aerofoil at the back). Then when I take off down the road life seems good! I strongly suggest you take the plunge and get one whether it is a C2/C4 manual or tiptronic. The older cars do tend to have a lot of mileage so I got one that had a full engine rebuild by Hartech 11,000 miles ago and that included all the IMS problems sorted. In fact with upgrades to the lights (LEDs front and rear), sports exhaust - good fun when you put your foot down (but some may consider it a bit noisy compared to other cars), engine rebuild , new brake discs etc and the seller "eporsch.co.uk" put two new aircon radiators on, the previous owner spent more on it in the last couple of years than I paid for it! Don't reject the idea of an older car but perhaps look for one where someone else has spent the money and sorted the problems out. PS we will be at Gaydon tomorrow Look out for POR 911X

Hi Nath I drive a C4S every day 20mile round trip and Ive had her 14 months now so driven it in every condition even snow. I must say that she has given me miles of fun and everyday I feel great driving her. Reliable, shore footed and fun - what more can you wish for. Take the plunge and vroom on down.

Good to hear these positive thoughts from owners and people who really know (Richard) I have always commented on getting a car with good service history, very well looked after, and it will be a joy to own. I am now an owner of a 98 c4 for 9 years, and still, what a car I love it. Have fun Phil

I have a 1999 996 3.4, she has done 113,000 miles, I use it EVERY day in all weathers, i had the IMS - RMS done when i got her so as not to worry about it, to be honest if you are doing the clutch it is no big deal in money terms.It is a really easy car to live with, they are a bit on the noisy side compared to modern family cars, but so what, if you ar ehandy with a spanner it is a simple car to maintain. Get one, you will lover it, regardless of age and engine

Thanks all for good sound advice the search is on !

Just to back up the 3.4 fan club, mine has just taken 3 of us on a 1200 mile roundtrip to the Nurburgring with a couple of days taking in a bit of Germany & Belgium and of course a couple of Ring Laps!! What a car! Its 13 years old and I've had it for 5 years now and the way it performed over 4 days of hard driving (It's more comfortable than my Ford Focus too!!) has put a smile on my face it will take weeks to erase. Like everyone else says buy the best you can afford, you won't regret it.

Obviosly I'm biased but the 3.6 looks a bit Girly because I always think of Sally Carrera. Whereas the 3.4 makes me think GT1.[ ]

I went throughout the same process 17 months ago, looked at 3.4, 3.6, C2, C4 and found some really good cars and saw some really bad ones! In the end went for a 3.6 C2 in great condition, low mileage, loads of paper work of history plus the spec I wanted. Take your time and I would say get the spec you do want otherwise I think you will not be completely happy. Just back from a week touring Cornwall and use three times a week, no regrets. You will get a feel for the car that suits you. All the best.