996 911 Carrera vs Carrera 4s

[Tracktimeplz]

Id like some opinions from some of you guys who have experience in one or both of these cars, Im looking at getting one in about 6months, and im currently doing my research. The AWD has me curious, but im not so sure its for me, Id like to know if you think the car truly benefits from it or not.

Ive driven a regular base 996, and found it to have pretty great traction, a nice shifter feel, and good midrange torque. Some have told me that you lose some of that mid-range ooommph with the 4s, and the car's weight gain is noticeable.

Just lookin for some input, thanks in advance!

[mcoupe]

I had a 997 C2s not a 996...very different but if I had to get a 996 I would go for the
C4s. Better looking, wider rear, and turbo look. 4 wheel drive and better brakes (turbo brakes) than C2s. For the little difference in performance if any, C4s all the way.

Another option, 997 C2s are in the mid $40s now!!!! Much better deal if you ask me unless you want a 996.

[Zinhead]

Originally Posted by Tracktimeplz

Id like some opinions from some of you guys who have experience in one or both of these cars, Im looking at getting one in about 6months, and im currently doing my research. The AWD has me curious, but im not so sure its for me, Id like to know if you think the car truly benefits from it or not.

Ive driven a regular base 996, and found it to have pretty great traction, a nice shifter feel, and good midrange torque. Some have told me that you lose some of that mid-range ooommph with the 4s, and the car's weight gain is noticeable.

Just lookin for some input, thanks in advance!

I wouldn't buy a 996 other than a GT3 or turbo. Get a 993 or 997 instead.

[Tpup]

I've owned two 996 C2's and own a 996 Turbo now. I've driven the 4S on the road and on track, it drives like my Turbo with much less power. The 4S feels more "planted" and you do notice the weight in the front of the car. While the C2's are light and nervous in the front, the 4S is rock solid. That being said, I prefer the feel of a C2. I would only buy a 4S for year around driving in the north. I drove my C2 year around in Atlanta and I loved it. My Turbo is 500hp+, the power negates any issues with the weight increase...

If you are planning on tracking the car I would not buy a 996, get a GT3 or Turbo where you have the old block. I would not buy a 997 for track use either, a 993 would be fine imo but I've owned a 993 and a 996, the later is a much better car. The former is better looking.

Good luck.
Roy

[Ol'Racer]

Originally Posted by Tpup

If you are planning on tracking the car I would not buy a 996, get a GT3 or Turbo where you have the old block. I would not buy a 997 for track use either...

Good luck.
Roy

Exactly, have a 997 and some folks have had problems with the intermediate shaft. It's not the same block as the GT3 or Turbo. No probs with mine. A lot has to do with your driving style IMO (heating the oil, etc.); still like the 997 in spite of possible problems with the IS.

The 4S makes sense in a snow or rainy area. Had a turbo and was too frustrating, unless going between states and could romp on it. Sold it after too many traffic tie-ups on the notorious 405 freeway in LA and having cars slam on their brakes to stop in time, behind me. A guy in a pristene 997 ...beautiful dark green...got slammed in the rear, in the slow lane by a lady in a Rover tank...it had the brush guard. She was on a cell phone no less. Made me sick and that decided it for me. Crunching the one I have now is bad enough, but a turbo or GT3... they never seem to be the same after a rear-ender. Ask me how I know...yep, lady in an f'n station wagon got me...not the turbo though.

[Tpup]

Originally Posted by Ol'Racer

Exactly, have a 997 and some folks have had problems with the intermediate shaft. It's not the same block as the GT3 or Turbo. No probs with mine. A lot has to do with your driving style IMO (heating the oil, etc.); still like the 997 in spite of possible problems with the IS.

The 4S makes sense in a snow or rainy area. Had a turbo and was too frustrating, unless going between states and could romp on it. Sold it after too many traffic tie-ups on the notorious 405 freeway in LA and having cars slam on their brakes to stop in time, behind me. A guy in a pristene 972 ...beautiful dark green...got slammed in the rear, in the slow lane by a lady in a Rover tank...it had the brush guard. She was on a cell phone no less. Made me sick and that decided it for me. Crunching the one I have now is bad enough, but a turbo or GT3... they never seem to be the same after a rear-ender. Ask me how I know...yep, lady in an f'n station wagon got me...not the turbo though.

Funny you say that. I bought my Turbo new (2001) and have 5K on it. It's frustrating because there is no place to open it up! It just sits most of the time, the Exige is more fun for point and shoot!

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[Tracktimeplz]

Thanks for the replies! There arent any 911's within 100miles of me for sale, cept a regular 911 cabrio, I really wanna drive a 4s, but they seem to be pretty rare. I plan on moving to the mountains in about 2 years, so the 4s would definitely be of some extra benefit there, precipitation or not.

[RaceCarDriver]

Definitely go for the 996 C4S. i test drove a lot of rear drive 993's, 996's and 997's. To me the 996 C4S was the best of the bunch. You get the sport suspension and brakes from the turbo 996 and of course the beautiful wide body. I live in Northern New Jersey and we get our fair share of snow. With snow tires, the car is awesome in the snow, not to mention rain, ice, etc.

Yes the 997s is a bargin now at $50k (the ones for $45k are beat up with no serivce records) but you can get a perfect 996 C4S for about $35k. Plus I believe it would be easier to sell come resale time, because rear drive 911's are a dime a dozen.

When shopping for an used 911, service records are a must. I'm the second owner, but have all the records from day one. Don't buy one without complete service records. You'll probably pay a little more but it will save you a lot in repairs and effered maintenance.

It's better to buy a higher mileage porsche with service records than a low mileage garage queen that will need a lot of $$$ to run right. I bought mine with higher miles and it's been perfect for the 4 years I've owned it. Runs like brand new and I have 63k miles on it. Most reliable car I've owned and cheap to run if it's been serviced since day one.