3.6 vs 3.8 997.1
Author
Discussion

ben_ek

Original Poster:

56 posts

240 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
hi,

just trying to figure out which 997.1 is the right car for me and was hoping you could help. my budget is such that i can afford a circa 2008 3.6 c2 or a 2005'ish 3.8 c2s. i seem to remember reading somewhere that the 3.8 is a much better engine - is that the case? if so is it better to go with the older car with the 3.8? the car will be used as a daily driver, and speed is not of the utmost importance to me as i have a little track car, but i do like the more sporty setup that the s offers. i am aware of the ims issue and the upgrade circa 2006, is it worth buying a 2005 3.8s and then getting the ims bearing upgraded -how much would this cost? any advice welcome.

so many questions! sorry about that.

b

RiccardoG

1,759 posts

302 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
A lot of people say that the 3.6 is "sweeter" (whatever that means), personally I think both engines are great, maybe the 3.6 is a bit more free revving.

Are you aware of the other specification differences between the S and non S models? For instance, the larger (red) brakes on the S, the standard Xenon lights, the dual exhaust tips, etc. For me these were more of a decision maker than the actual engine performance.

MrBurns

48 posts

177 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
Hi, own a C2 and have driven a C2S lots (both gen 1s):

C2S - more use able grunt across a wider range, esp low / mid
C2 - feels more nimble, sweet engine that really sings when rev d hard..needs to be worked more tho

By on spec / condition though, I went for a C2 as all the S in my the price range seemed knackered. Not sure re engine, think allot of that is scare mongering, get a warranty if you feel its a worry.

Both great, if you prefer a sportier set up, the 3.8 will probably be the better option, you also get better brakes, PASM, 19s as standard and some other bits n pieces...oh and a big S on the booty..

Good luck with your search.

ben_ek

Original Poster:

56 posts

240 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
thanks for the info - is the reliability of the 3.6 the same as the 3.8 (assuming same year, etc)?

MrBurns

48 posts

177 months

Monday 11th June 2012
quotequote all
ben_ek said:
thanks for the info - is the reliability of the 3.6 the same as the 3.8 (assuming same year, etc)?
think so, my (limited) understanding is that it can happen to any non turbo / GT engine up to the Gen 2 DFI unit....its a pretty rare happening though.

There a fair few threads on here with lots of info so worth a search for more definitive info. Also check out Porsche specialists Hartech who are experts in this area.

Edited by MrBurns on Monday 11th June 23:24