Your First Porsche 911? 996 C4S vs 997.2 C2 Compared

If you're looking to buy your first 911, and you don't want to fork out £90k for a new one - you're probably considering something like one of these two. Similarly in many ways but with some crucial differences, I compare my 2004 996 C4S with this 2009 997.2 Carrera and see which is worth your cash.

#Porsche #996 #997

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[johnwhodat]

The best first 911 is whatever you can afford.

[Engineerboy]

I love my 996 Turbo and will never sell it. The interior being older doesn't bother me at all ... heck I'm old so we get on just fine :)

[joesmalley]

A useful comparison, but no one has seemed to mention the unique sound of the 996 C4S. It is unmistakeable, a raspy howl which is unlike any other 911. It’s so distinctive. For me it’s something that sets the 996 C4S and the 997 apart

[alduncan]

I love these reviews, they remind me of top gear reviews when TG was a car programme.

[shadow]

I like the sexiness of the 996 C4S, plus the egg lights make it unique and the red strip in the back is simply gorgeous. I like cars that are unique and that's the C4S!

[jdolger]

Very good video and it reflects a dilemma that I suspect many Porsche lovers encounter. I daily drive a 997.2 C4S after having owned a 996.2 C4S for many years. The 997 will slaughter the 996 in the straight line speed department and the cabin is a nicer place to be in. That being said, the road feel of the 996 is soooo much better than the 997, and in the twisties the 996 is every bit as capable as the 997. In addition, even with Porsche Sport Exhaust, I can barely hear the motor in the 997 - it's just a little bit too refined. In my opinion the 996 just gives you more steering feedback, more mechanical noise from the engine, more vibration in the seat that tells you what the car is doing. Even though it is a hated generation of 911 it is a very good car and actually quite stunning in person. A good condition low mileage 996 C4S can be had in the mid to low $30K range while a similar mileage 997.2 will cost you $60K at a minimum. For the money, the 996 is just a much better value. After driving the 997 for a year, I still miss my 996 everyday.

[grecopena]

Well done. I got a 2004 c4s cab with 100k miles last year from a one owner dealer serviced, 6 speed manual, 19" turbo wheels. Passed a detailed PPI with flying colors. Runs strong. It's my daily driver now with 120, 000 miles! Still checking the original IMS like a hawk, but so far it's fine. Get oil analysis every old change.

[DrJRK]

My first 911 was a 1972 911T Targa. Second was a 1983SC. I'm driving a '99 996 now daily. Absolutely love it! I've also had a 924 Turbo, 924S, 2 914s (70 and 73), and a Boxster. The 996 is my favorite. It's basically the perfect car IMO.

[jonathanbircumshaw]

My 1st was the 996 c4s and in my opinion was the best looking I love the red reflector along the back.

[chrisogrady]

The base 997 is a painfully beautiful car, my favourite looking 911 ever

[pierric]

My first Porsche was and is a beautiful 996 Gt3 MK2 Clubsport. With a few mods it is bloody brilliant !

[pavelprunner]

Hey JayEmm, just bought a manual 997.2 and watched this video again. I cannot agree with you more. Love the car. Great to listen to your opinions and reviews. Btw, lately, you are covering my dream garage with the Viper, manual R8, etc... Good job man and thanks. :)

[JayDutton]

Great review, I love my 996 C4s. I've had it nearly two years and only changed the oil and done the brakes. The previous owner did the IMS, clutch, etc. I love that I can get in and drive it like a modern car and has all the essentials like good AC, solid safety features, and reliability. I added Apple Carplay head which was a huge upgrade. I feel the speed is fast enough to satisfy me and the sounds and experience it delivers puts a grin on my face every time. I agree the 997 is better over all car but bang for buck of the 996 C4S can't be beat. I also love the rear end of mine, I wouldn't trade for a 997. I could possibly see myself stepping up to 991 someday but my C4S scratches that itch until then.

[RobBoothAutomotive]

I love these comparative-style reviews, harks back to the M3 vs RS4 video that originally drew me to your channel!

[TheDemonThorn]

when the 996 is well kept i personally think it looks more sporty and aggressive than its 997 counter part.

[laowhy]

This was excellent. Thank you for being so thorough.

[brianmessemer]

Very nice review and discussion, I enjoyed it. Cool that you have 2 contrasting cars in the garage, I hope you keep them both for a while at least.

[BarryRudge]

I purchased my 2003 Porsche 996 Cabriolet with manual 6 speed gar box in August 2023. It was a low mileage example with the garage purchased from having just had the IMS done together with some other issues at the same time. Given a copy of the invoice to prove. Because of the low mileage it wasn't cheap but listening to prices you give on here I haven't overpaid for it. The low mileage showed up in the fact the only wear at all shown was on the drivers seat and that is very little. I put a new set of tyres o it because of the age of the tyres already on the car and that improved handling tremendously. Am I pleased with my purchase, absolutely.

[ionicausage]

Not a fan of Porsche but I like the way this guy reviews and was entertaining so keep up the great work!!

[robertwilliams-ggzq]

Great comparison and review, really enjoyed it.