[Skiptomylou37]

So I posted on here not too long ago that I was looking at a few different performance cars and recently have stumbled upon a great opportunity to buy an 07' Porsche 911 4s. I'm trying to get feedback if you have ever owned, driven, or ridden in a 911 4s and what your thoughts are about this particular car. I spoke with someone the other day who has owned multiple 911s and also has a BMW 335(what I currently drive) for a track car and thinks getting the Porsche is a no brainer. I consider myself a BMW guy as 3 of my last 4 cars have been 2 335s and an e90 M3 but I have always had the itch to get a p-car.

[Brosef]

If you can spring for a 2009+, that's a significantly improved car. the 997.1's aren't bad at all though - I owned an '08. I traded it in for my e92M and I liked the M better in almost all respects. it's a great car though.

[8600RPM]

2007 is mk1 and is really quite slow. Mk2 997s is a beast in comparison and faster than an e92 m3. Mk1 is slower.

Find a mk2

[TTG]

As stated above, I would only consider 2009+ cars.

[Skiptomylou37]

Originally Posted by 8600RPM

2007 is mk1 and is really quite slow. Mk2 997s is a beast in comparison and faster than an e92 m3. Mk1 is slower.

Find a mk2

That is interesting. I know the s and 4s 997.1 post similar 0-60 and 1/4 mile times to the e9X M3.

[dmk08]

I would only buy a 2s. AWD is overkill at those power levels.

[Damasconian]

I'm probably in the minority here but brand loyalty isn't always a good thing. There are so many awesome cars out there, limiting your options to one brand cuts off so many fun choices. When asked by friends "should I buy a 911", I 100% of the time answer yes.

Buy that 911. Then try the M2. Wait for the C8 Corvette or see what Audi is doing with the RS line.

Just skip the Cadillac - those suck.

[ynotony]

I bought a 997.1 C2S and it is not slow. The e92 was always compared to the base 911, and the S is easily in the same league. That said, the only reason why I didn't buy the 997.2 C2S at the time was because it was out of budget. If you're not getting a 6-speed you for sure should get the 997.2 because that is when PDK was introduced.

You also just have to test drive them. For me it was a no brainer: the 911 is a lot more exciting to drive. Especially compared to modern BMWs, and my last three cars have all been BMWs. Even if it is only marginally faster/slower than the equivalent M3, there is a lot more to the driving experience. It is small, light, mechanical, and very engaging. Other drivers might not value these things and therefore would prefer an M3 which is an amazing all-rounder.

If you don't require a large coupe or family sedan, the 911 has a lot of appeal.

[Skiptomylou37]

Originally Posted by ynotony

I bought a 997.1 C2S and it is not slow. The e92 was always compared to the base 911, and the S is easily in the same league. That said, the only reason why I didn't buy the 997.2 C2S at the time was because it was out of budget. If you're not getting a 6-speed you for sure should get the 997.2 because that is when PDK was introduced.

You also just have to test drive them. For me it was a no brainer: the 911 is a lot more exciting to drive. Especially compared to modern BMWs, and my last three cars have all been BMWs. Even if it is only marginally faster/slower than the equivalent M3, there is a lot more to the driving experience. It is small, light, mechanical, and very engaging. Other drivers might not value these things and therefore would prefer an M3 which is an amazing all-rounder.

If you don't require a large coupe or family sedan, the 911 has a lot of appeal.

Thanks for the feedback! How has the maintenance been on your 911 so far? I always hear people say Porsches are expensive to maintain but it seems like the 997.1 is pretty bulletproof and when I spoke to the indy euro mechanic that I use, maintenance costs for the 911 are pretty much in line with what it costs to maintain my 335xi. Obviously tires will be more expensive for the 911 since the wheels are staggered.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by dmk08

I would only buy a 2s. AWD is overkill at those power levels.

While I agree that awd is overkill that's not all you get with a C4 vs C2.
The C4 has the wide body which is significantly more attractive IMO.

The "problem" with the 997 to me is the very dated looking interior, it's not dated in a good way as being back to basic simplistic as a 993 or earlier, it's dated in a bad way, the tech and padding is there but it looks old. I'm not sure I'd be able to love that. But for a GT3RS 4.0 I'm sure I'd make an exception

[AllForTheCash]

I did own a 997.2 C2s in the past. I would highly recommend a 997.2 over the 997.1. Mainly because of the Engine upgrade. Not to mention the PCM upgrade. I actually miss my 997.2.

C4S also gives you the wider body. My last two 911 were a C4S, and main reason was the body and look. If you can pull the trigger on a low milage 997.2 C4S for for it. Options to look for include Sport Exhaust, SPASM (lower suspension), Full leather, Sport Chrono, 6MT, etc.

If you need help or more input feel free to PM me. Good luck on the search.
Currently in a GT Silver 991 C4S with lots of "must have" options.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by solstice

While I agree that awd is overkill that's not all you get with a C4 vs C2.
The C4 has the wide body which is significantly more attractive IMO.

The "problem" with the 997 to me is the very dated looking interior, it's not dated in a good way as being back to basic simplistic as a 993 or earlier, it's dated in a bad way, the tech and padding is there but it looks old. I'm not sure I'd be able to love that. But for a GT3RS 4.0 I'm sure I'd make an exception

Isn't it only like 2 inches wider?

[solstice]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Isn't it only like 2 inches wider?

( Supressing the urge for a silly joke )
Don't you think that is a lot for a car's width? It sure is clearly visible to me.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by solstice

( Supressing the urge for a silly joke )
Don't you think that is a lot for a car's width? It sure is clearly visible to me.

It is a decent amount I suppose. If visuals are everything to you I suppose the 4S is where it's at.

Not enough for me to give up the fun of RWD though. I have come to the conclusion recently that fun factor is by far my main target when purchasing a car. I want it to look good, be reliable, and all that crap too but if it's not fun I wont keep it very long. My e92 DCT only lasted 4 months for instance.

Manual and RWD until they pry it out of my hands.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by dmk08

It is a decent amount I suppose. If visuals are everything to you I suppose the 4S is where it's at.

Not enough for me to give up the fun of RWD though. I have come to the conclusion recently that fun factor is by far my main target when purchasing a car. I want it to look good, be reliable, and all that crap too but if it's not fun I wont keep it very long. My e92 DCT only lasted 4 months for instance.

Manual and RWD until they pry it out of my hands.

It's not enough for me either but it's an additional consideration when comparing and selecting. The C4 has some significant advantages to it. The GTS is wide body, NA and RWD. Likely much more $$$ though, not sure where they are in price now.

[ynotony]

Originally Posted by Skiptomylou37

Thanks for the feedback! How has the maintenance been on your 911 so far? I always hear people say Porsches are expensive to maintain but it seems like the 997.1 is pretty bulletproof and when I spoke to the indy euro mechanic that I use, maintenance costs for the 911 are pretty much in line with what it costs to maintain my 335xi. Obviously tires will be more expensive for the 911 since the wheels are staggered.

Porsches are not any more expensive to maintain than M cars, so coming from an M car or even a 335i you will not be surprised.

Anecdotally I have not had a single issue with my car, even the previous owner did nothing beyond standard maintenance. A couple friends and acquaintances with even more mileage on their similar cars also haven't had any problems.

[Damasconian]

I think 997's reputation of being reliable and well built is very well deserved. You rarely hear of major issues with those cars, and I frequently discuss it w/two guys that own them on Sunday mornings. Their Porsche group reports minimal issues and most have spent time on a track.

But my friends are German, so maybe they're lying to me? The last few days of VW news has me thinking.....