Looking for opinions. A 997 is almost $10K more than a 996, worth it (side from the look) and if it is, is it worth waiting for a 997S?

 

NMI
(need more info)

 

Why? It`s simple.
`09 997.2 C2S PDK + SC, of course!

 

well said

 

it's work 20k to me to have the 997 over the 996 based on interior alone.

 

997S hands down!

 

My picks, depending on what criteria is important to you:

Performance: 997S if money allows.

Reliability: 997S or 997 (MY06 or newer). Keep in mind 997 (MY05) or 996 may be more prone to RMS / IMS issues.

Interior design: 997 all the way.

Exterior design: 997 all the way.

 

Stretch for the 997. It's worth it. S is great but I have a non-S and it's still awesome. Much better classic Porsche look and interior. Plus much more exclusive since old 996s are now cheaper than a new Camry.

 

Second that. After all my work on my C2 I drove stock C2S - well, it is very close match now. Acceleration in on par now but braking distance is still longer, and will remain so - I am not going to shell out on 2 brembo sets this year. May be later, but not now. Point is - using any 997 base you can build up a supercar of your dream, just give it some time.

If you are not into making ECU re-flash - get C2 with sport chrono to have that 'sport' button - it really improves throttle response. Or you`ll have to shell out on Softronic to get it permanently on which is in combination with other efects - pretty awesome.

 

Depends entirely upon your budget and what kind of driving you do. If you are very limited on budget and want a daily driver, the 997S is going to be a real budget stretcher. I would keep in mind though that I really think the 997 will hold much better value than the 996 just because of the improvements. The 996, with its front matching the Boxster and interior that looks very dated has a hard time in comparison to the 997. As proposed, the non S may get you into the 997 for reasonable money and it would be very enjoyable. Just to pass on the info - the S comes with the extra horsepower, 996 TT brakes, bi xenons and PASM included. Oh, and 19" wheels and 295 rear tires, and the sportier exhaust. Might be a couple other tid bits. On the used market, it is definitely worth the money. You would blow well more than the $5k or so price difference turning a non S into an S - and then the resale value will still remain a non S. All that said, the non S is 90% of the fun and you get into a 911.

 

With one correction - price diff between used CPO C2 and C2S is in area of $10-15K, not $5K.

And for $15K you can put supercharger on C2 that renders C2S out of the picture altogether.

 

Go drive cars and it will be easy to decide. I suggest driving a 997 C2 then 996 then 997C2S. If you're happy in the 996 after driving a 997 then it may be "enough" for you. If after the 996 you drive a 997C2S and realize you wouldn't be happy in the 996 then you'll have you're answer.

Personally I can't get over the fried eggs on the front of a 996 and couldn't find a really nice 993 Carrera 2S for a reasonable price.

Good Luck!

I think you should post the same question in the 996 forum. The differences of opinion would be interesting.

 

The 997 is the most successful 911 ever. Not a coincidence. 996 was a great car but controversy ovr headlights and dashboard looks will get the value to drop faster than even the previous 993 or 964.
You would need to drive 997 and 997S back to back to notice any difference. Personally I chose 997 because I will never track and it seemed the extra torque came above 4k rpm, and extra hp above 5k rpm, which I seldom exceed. I don't want PASM because I think the less electronic the better and the 997 is low enough! I did stretch my budget to 4WD though because I thought that would make a difference more than the S. Hope this helps.

 

[QUOTE=Flying Cat;2526938]My picks, depending on what criteria is important to you:

Performance: 997S if money allows.

Reliability: 997S or 997 (MY06 or newer). Keep in mind 997 (MY05) or 996 may be more prone to RMS / IMS issues.


What is a RMS/IMS issue?

 

Thanks to all for the thoughtful replies. Very amusing about the pirce of a camery and a 996... that's exactly how I got into the find a 911 trip. I am convinced now I would not be happy with a plain 996. However, I am now thinking about a C4S, maybe, but still the headlight/interior issues). This will be my DD, but the new question is plain 997 or 996 C4S? My budget tops out at $40K, although I would be more comfortable around $35K. I understand the advantages of an S and wouldn't turn one down if priced right, I may wind up with a plain 997. Thanks for the very very helpful replies! Any suggestions about the 996 C4S vs. a palin 997?