not to malign the 4S, but my choice was made simple when shopping based on several Porsche mechanics. They clearly stated that the Engine in the Turbo is near bulletproof, as staed several times above. It is the decedent of a truly awesome motor.
The non turbos struggle with reliability, and the repair costs can be daunting. I'd go with the turbo even though you'd think the turbo would be more prone to issues...go figure! Love my tuned turbo!

 

I think you would regret not getting the turbo car.

The juice is worth the squeeze in this case.

 

I am with Slider... Turbo all the way....

 

The very same block in my 964 C4! 21 years old and running stronger than ever!

 

I completely agree, just bought a turbo in Feb. Spent 20 minutes talking to reputable Indy Porsche mechanic and his opinion was if buy, get turbo or save my money for a 997. Way better engine for not much more money. Really glad I went for the turbo, smoothest power imaginable.

 

The rear end of the 4S is so nice

 

997 CS which I had for a time is a great car but after about 500 miles I went with a 996tt. Once I started tracking on road course, I began to think that I might have done better staying with the 997 CS.

That said, if between the above, and for similar price today, that might be a tough one. If between a 996 C4S, I would say Turbo all the way.

 

For some reason, the 4s value in California seems to be holding better compare to the turbo. Maybe because they are a little bit more rare in here?

Between those two, I would pick turbo because of better power, better engine and better rear end

I've driven a few 3.4 and 3.6 996 and the power on the TT is at a different level.

Note that my 996tt does give me some issue over time, almost all common problem that will occur on a turbo has happened on my car, bad clutch accumulator, coolant hose fitting fail (just blew off when cruising on freeway at normal speed), spoiler fail, windows microswitch fail, low battery causing airbag light... etc etc.
But nonetheless, a 996tt is still a super car, and it is still very respectable for a car this old to hang with the newer big boy these days.

Besides those "minor" issue, my engine has been rock solid (thanks God) and it perform brilliantly on track. The power delivery and handling put a smile on my face every time I drive it

 

Why does it have to be either of those cars, keep looking for the next few months and I bet you will find somehthing with lower miles and they way you want it optioned up.

And I say go turbo, but that is my preferance, who's to say its yours. Drive them both and see what you like more.

 

Oh yeah, especially on the coupe.

 

Hands Down...TURBO..

 

Call me paranoid but to me the reg 996 and 997.1 have engines just waiting to grenade, not worth getting without a warranty. Too many problems, especially given the 996 turbo gives you so much more power with huge upgrade potential. A 997.2 is a more expensive alternative or a GT3. Neither will give you turbo power, especially if you do a flash and exhaust. Give the turbo PSS10's and you can customize the ride any way you want.

+1 996 turbo vs 997.1 C4S

 

Hi, a newbie too, but I bit the bullet and bought a Turbo. Picked it up Wednesday. From all the research I did, and backed up by everyone else, the Turbo is the way to go. There are great deals to be had. I think the value of the Turbo is brought down by the unrelated issues of the NA versions. This is a value adder for someone in the market for a Turbo. I looked for around a year and found a very nice example with less then 50k miles and under $40k. Not a garage queen, but not abused (IMHO). I was initially surprised when provided with the service records how thin the file was...but after thinking about it, a thicker file would indicate to me the car was in for alot of service. Check the factory service book and make sure it has all the "stamps" Do you own PPI and use your communications skill with the seller. If your spider sense says something isn't right dig further. Google the seller, the vin, the plate. Look for dis-honest history. Be prepared to walk away. Honestly, I think it is a buyers market still. Never considered a 4s due to the IMS and rear main issues. A photo of my new one. Good luck. You will be rewarded with a nice tubo.

 

Don't forget about how cool the side inlets look on the Turbo!

 

Turbo if you dont buy one you will be always wanting.