996 C4S or 997.1 C2S??
Discussion
I dont want this to turn into a IMS/Bore Scoring discussion, already taken them into consideration and although in the back of my mind im not going to let it decide what car to get.
Im in Afghanistan until Oct, and although the internet here is very slow it doesnt stop me looking at the 2 cars i have now finally deicded on. My original choice did involve a Cayman but having a new Boxster for a few days, i really miss the rear seats...not for pesky kids i hasten to add!
So its down to these 2 cars...
996 C4S:
I want it because it looks good, love the rear end and it sounds good. I also have had 4 wheel drive sports cars which i do like and am used to its handling characteristics.
997 C2S:
I want it because its newer and interior is "more" modern.
Now a couple of questions for those who know...
1. We all know a C4S sounds awesome with some form of PSE/aftermarket exhaust but does the C2S sound good with them. I ask as when you look over the forums everyone rates the C4S sound, but not as much C2S or have i missed it.
2. I have noticed that C4S/C2S with Tip does have slower acceleration times...is it noticeable in real world driving. Im going more towards Tip (budget wont stretch to a C2S PDK) as my other half will drive it more now im due to leave the Army and the car wont be hiding in barracks over the week period!
3. Servicing costs...i know the C4S shares some Turbo components but with the C2S being newer, are they both comparable? I know they still attract £40-50k car repair/service bills but is one more expensive than other.
Im looking at getting it from one of the well known reputable indie dealers so i dont have a problem the standard of what im getting but may still do a PPI. Im sure the well known ones are whiter than white, but having been stung by another so called reputable dealer on a different marque and my AA Gold Star Warranty not paying out on a £1200 gearbox repair bill i dont want to go through 6 months out here to pay for my purchase only to not enjoy the experience 1 month down the road!
Im in Afghanistan until Oct, and although the internet here is very slow it doesnt stop me looking at the 2 cars i have now finally deicded on. My original choice did involve a Cayman but having a new Boxster for a few days, i really miss the rear seats...not for pesky kids i hasten to add!
So its down to these 2 cars...
996 C4S:
I want it because it looks good, love the rear end and it sounds good. I also have had 4 wheel drive sports cars which i do like and am used to its handling characteristics.
997 C2S:
I want it because its newer and interior is "more" modern.
Now a couple of questions for those who know...
1. We all know a C4S sounds awesome with some form of PSE/aftermarket exhaust but does the C2S sound good with them. I ask as when you look over the forums everyone rates the C4S sound, but not as much C2S or have i missed it.
2. I have noticed that C4S/C2S with Tip does have slower acceleration times...is it noticeable in real world driving. Im going more towards Tip (budget wont stretch to a C2S PDK) as my other half will drive it more now im due to leave the Army and the car wont be hiding in barracks over the week period!
3. Servicing costs...i know the C4S shares some Turbo components but with the C2S being newer, are they both comparable? I know they still attract £40-50k car repair/service bills but is one more expensive than other.
Im looking at getting it from one of the well known reputable indie dealers so i dont have a problem the standard of what im getting but may still do a PPI. Im sure the well known ones are whiter than white, but having been stung by another so called reputable dealer on a different marque and my AA Gold Star Warranty not paying out on a £1200 gearbox repair bill i dont want to go through 6 months out here to pay for my purchase only to not enjoy the experience 1 month down the road!
I've just bought a 996 C4S. I looked at 997 C2 but thought, as I work away from home, mainly overseas, that the 996 would be a safer investment. Mine has PSE, and possibly (still to check as I'm offshore right now) different cats, and it sounds bloody amazing!! But, you touched on the 997 being more modern, and this is where I'm struggling! I've just gone form a 2008 E92 M3 with evety extra, to a 2002 996 C4S. I'm really missing a lot of the toys I had, like Bluetooth (can't fit this easily/cheaply to the 996 as it's got fibre optic Bose upgrade), auto lights, headlamp assist, auto wipers, comfort access, great sat nav, ipod connectivity, MP3 ability via CD player, ambient lighting blah blah blah!! The list goes on! But the sooner I get my head round the fact I'm not losing the same money with the 996 that I was with the M3 then the better.
If it's modern you want, get the 997, character, looks and investment potential (maybe??), get a 996 C4S, purely my opinion!
If it's modern you want, get the 997, character, looks and investment potential (maybe??), get a 996 C4S, purely my opinion!
I have to say i dont worry too much about toys. Ive had a Subaru Impreza which you are lucky to have aircon and my soon to be ex-present Audi A3 3.2, well it has a trip computer and heated seats but thats it. To be honest, i just want aircon and a decent stereo. But i can happily live with a 996 interior with its useless PCM2 screen. I dont expect i can make a decision until i look around a car and i actually sit in C4S or C2S and think, "this is it"!
I have a 996C4S with S/e and its true, they do sound the nuts!
I wouldn't however dismiss the 997.
Having said that, i've driven a couple of 997's, and preferred the way mine drove. It was probably rose tinted specs, but I found the steering a bit better on mine, i like the interior looks, and prefer the outside of the older car, including the hated headlamps.
At the time, it would also have been over £10k to change.
Nowadays the prices are very close!
The C4S shares the brakes, rads/condensers and suspension components with the turbo, and as such parts are a fair bit more.
I wouldn't however dismiss the 997.
Having said that, i've driven a couple of 997's, and preferred the way mine drove. It was probably rose tinted specs, but I found the steering a bit better on mine, i like the interior looks, and prefer the outside of the older car, including the hated headlamps.
At the time, it would also have been over £10k to change.
Nowadays the prices are very close!
The C4S shares the brakes, rads/condensers and suspension components with the turbo, and as such parts are a fair bit more.
Had a similar toss up 18 months ago and went for a 997, loved them both but the styling (esp the front) and slightly more modern interior of the 7 was what won it.
18 months on and I'm certainly happy with that call but in that time I think the advantage has shifted to the 996 C4S which is starting to look like a modern classic, seeme to be holding its value better and is rarer (in my neck of the woods 997s of all varieties are a fairly regular occurrence) and that rear…my goodness!
These puppies are never going to be cheap to run, I put aside a couple of K a year in a ‘just in case’ fund. Buying from a good dealer (911V, RSJ etc) with a warranty will lessen the pain and cost, as will getting it serviced by a good indy.
Never driven a tip, but in terms of performance carnt see it making much difference atall in real world driving –i.e both quick!
Drive them both then follow your heart!
18 months on and I'm certainly happy with that call but in that time I think the advantage has shifted to the 996 C4S which is starting to look like a modern classic, seeme to be holding its value better and is rarer (in my neck of the woods 997s of all varieties are a fairly regular occurrence) and that rear…my goodness!
These puppies are never going to be cheap to run, I put aside a couple of K a year in a ‘just in case’ fund. Buying from a good dealer (911V, RSJ etc) with a warranty will lessen the pain and cost, as will getting it serviced by a good indy.
Never driven a tip, but in terms of performance carnt see it making much difference atall in real world driving –i.e both quick!
Drive them both then follow your heart!
I know exactly what you mean about buying a 997. Its mans common thinking that buy something newer etc compared to of old. But like you say, the shape of a 996, especially from the rear is retty awesome. Speaking of common though, my next door neighbour has a 996 C4S so it wouldnt be exactly unique on the estate! And sad as it is, i keep thinking because of that reason a 997 would be better but thats just pure snobbery! Im fairly happy with servicing costs, fully understand you dont get that performance on the cheap.
I know there are driving gods that will say its manual or nothing but i do have to take into consideration my missus. She has put up with me going on about a new Porsche for last few years and now sitting in the UK to finish my final 6 monthtour, she liked the "auto" aspect of the Boxster we hired so im willing to placate her.
I know there are driving gods that will say its manual or nothing but i do have to take into consideration my missus. She has put up with me going on about a new Porsche for last few years and now sitting in the UK to finish my final 6 monthtour, she liked the "auto" aspect of the Boxster we hired so im willing to placate her.
I looked at swapping my 996 C4S for a 997 a few months back, but to be honest I couldn't really see the point in spending the extra when I still really like the look and feel of the car I already own. I know what you mean about the interior, its dated but its still a nice place to be. Personally i think I'll wait a bit until the 997 turbo drops into my price range before I upgrade the C4S. Whichever you choose I'd definitely seek out one with PSE
Barry Ashcroft said:
I went through exactly the same dilemma as you. I've had my 996C4S now for about 8 months and love it. Ok it's older and not as moden inside as a 997 but it is way more special in terms of looks and the arse looks awesome
I went 986 to 997. I can't agree that a c4s is way more special in terms of looks.tuscman said:
Thought a couple of pics may tempt you !
1st pic - It looks great2nd pic - It looks bad
3rd pic - It looks great
4th Pic - It looks bad
Such a shame the 996 looks horrible from the front because the rear end it beautiful on the C4S.
My choice would be the 997 C2S. Firstly, I love RWD but secondly (and this is the deal breaker for me) I just couldn't live with that front end on the 996. Of course what you really should be getting is a Cayman S.
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