996 vs 997

[M3333]

Sorry if this has been asked before but the search function returned little results.

Currently have an e46 m3 but keep spending too much time lurking in the classifieds for a nice 911. Not in a huge hurry but if i see one that really grabs me then i will probably go for it...

Basically i have been looking at the 996 and 997.

The 996 styling does not put me off, i like it, and although the interior looks a little dated i can cope with it, we already have a 3.2s boxster and its a nice place to be

Early 997's seem to be hovering around the early to mid 20 grand mark now and seem staggering value for money.

So, my question to anybody that has owned both.

I can get a decent 996 C4 for about £10-£13k.

I can get an early 997 for about £22-25k.

Does the 997 really offer that much more for the extra cost? A good low mileage looked after 996 seems pretty depreciation proof at the moment? Whats the catch?

What are peoples opinions on the Tiptronic boxes? I will need to try one but have not ruled it out..

Any help appreciated.

[Terminator X]

997 looks way better imho, C2S pretty darn perfect. Doubtful that it's £10k better looking though.

[clarkey979]

If you can find a good one a 996 c4 is amazing value for money...

[Thom987]

If you can afford the extra £££s, get the 997.

[nsm3]

If you are looking for a discernible "step up" in performance from the E46 M3, go for the 7C2S - that's the route I took. My pal had a 6C4S at the time and it felt similar to the BM (power delivery not handling), whereas the 7 gave a little bit extra?

[LordHaveMurci]

nsm3 said:

If you are looking for a discernible "step up" in performance from the E46 M3, go for the 7C2S - that's the route I took. My pal had a 6C4S at the time and it felt similar to the BM (power delivery not handling), whereas the 7 gave a little bit extra?

The 4S is about 150kg heavier than the C2 & has the same 320bhp IIRC, a 996 C2 will almost certainly be, and feel, quicker.

[Helicopter123]

Thom987 said:

If you can afford the extra £££s, get the 997.

+1

[M3333]

Ok, thanks for the replies.

I need to go and try both cars.

This will not be used everyday and will be a weekend car doing 3-5k a year. I can stretch to a 997 but think the 996 may be 95% as good, cost roughly half and wont depreciate as much.

But granted the 997 looks a lot nicer in and out.

Thanks for the C4 advice, being new to the Porsche fold i assumed the 4 would be better, again i need to go and drive a few.

If only this was closer i would be along today.. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200748046879?ssPageName=...

[Tydeides]

Personally I'd go for the 997. Running costs are going to be similar, your looking at a few grand a year, so the £10k difference really isn't that much. Plus the 997 is a nicer place to sit in.

[anonymous-user]

A more interesting choice would be between an early 997 for £22-25k and an early 996 turbo for £22-25k.

[KGB1]

I went from E46 to 996 and after 2 years to 997.

Without doubt I would always take the 997, main thing for me is that front end feels much more planted in fast corners or on bumpy roads.

As well as looking better, interior etc. etc.

[barriejames]

Dont discount the 996? I was in same boathad the money for either but knowing I would not use it much saved around 15k and got a nice c2 facelift cab i will get a 997 when the drop another 10k ie about three years