Hello,

As a true MB enthusiast I am having a tough call to step out of MB and trying something new! I am planning to get a preowned 03 CL55 or 03 911 C4S. As much I love MB, I must respect the look and performance of Porsche. What are your thoughts??

 

Get the Porsche C4S (996) its amazing car, Wide and looks like a turbo

 

get the CLS 55 , better than the 996 , if it was a carrera 4S 997 , then my answer would be different... CLS 55 is a great car , 996 is just outdated , and the 4s isn't a real turbo , you can name it a wanna be turbo , without turbo

 

sports car vs luxury car ...decide what you want first

996 is fantastic all round sports car -4s has sports exhaust ...yummy

 

Thanks for all your inputs, looks like I am more towards 911 C4S, rear engine and AWD. handling must be superb!!

Thanks

 

I have looked extensively at both cars. I think you are much better off with a 997 than a 996 even if its not a C4 but a C2, not an S but a standard model. There were VAST improvements made to the 997, and anyone that really knows Porsche will tell you what an improvement the new car is. I strongly urge you to consider a 997 even if its a basic model.

As far as that versus the CL55, the CL is a GREAT deal now. An 03 CL represents a tremendous bargain right now because it has taken its biggest hit already and you can find some clean used ones if you really look.

But what it comes down to is what kind of roads you drive on, how much you drive the car, and whether this is your primary car or a weekend car. Whether you carry more than one person often or not. The CL is a great compromise having more luxury than 99% of other cars and 80% better overall performance than others.

The Porsche has 97% better performance but I would rate is luxury as mid-pack at best. Its a harsh ride, is a bit on the loud side, and really has almost no room inside.

If you want a car to have fun in for a quick blast, get the 911. If you really are going to drive it a lot and go through traffic, hot or really cold weather, if you want comfort where you get out and you are refreshed rather than tired, I vote for the CL all the way. You have to decide on the primary purpose of your car.

On the aesthetic end its really personal choice but I do not find the 996 to be particulary beautiful or rare. The exterior to me is OK but the interior needs big time help. I understand its a "classic" and certainly it gets many nods because car magazines regularly drool over Porsche anything but those guys don't live in the real world. They drive a car around a track and report.

The CL is still a more exclusive car than a 911. I have mentioned this before, I ask many comments from non-car people. Because I already know what car people think. The CL always gets the comment of "classy"... honestly last comment I got from a woman about a 911 was "overdone VW". I was shocked... But thats the conservative Northeast where I live, not L.A., and the women I talk to are late 20's early 30's and not 21.

I think guys that know cars and read magazines like enthusiasts on this forum have vastly different perceptions of automobiles than the average public. Most people I run into have never even seen a CL. When I say "CL" they think "CLK"... A 911 in comparison has been around so long most people will not be able to tell a 997 from a 993. Actually my girlfriend's comment at the Porsche dealer regarding a 997S I drove was "it looks like an 80's mid life crises car to me". I was shocked at that comment too.

So these are just some opinions nothing else, I am sure some will look at it totally differently. But do consider what the purpose of your car is first before you make that decision.

Good luck.

 

Don't forget BANK VAULT fit and finish and build quality. A 911 is as reliable as a wood burning stove. Or an Energizer Bunny. You should consider (if you can find one) a 993 Turbo. Def a CLASSIC, and the last air-cooled 911 ever. Not sure what your price range is though.....I think a 993 Turbo is still going to cost you damn near 80k for a mint one.

Just my $0.02!

 

C4S with no hesitation!

 

C4S all the way. It has the body kit of the Carrera Turbo, without the silly rear spoiler. Post pics!!

 

Silly rear spoiler?? I'm insulted! Have you seen TechArt's CF GT2 spoilers?????

 

This thread hits tooooo close to home for me. I owned a 1998 C4S and now have a 2001 CL55. Wow...tough decision. I still Love my grown up "go-cart" (C4S), but must say the CL has been an absolute pleasure. AMG2GO hit the mark when he said to think about your driving habbits and what you REALLY want in a car. The C4S was amazing! Handled like a beast and got a LOT of attention. The CL55, again handling not to be compared, but still outstanding and the raw power of the MB is far greater... in my humble, previous Porsche owner experience....

Think about what you want in the car. I had to let go of mine so I could enjoy the company of my son on those Sunday drives.... along with a 34 year back that got tired of getting out of a "race car"...don't get me wrong...LOVED every minute, but for obvious reasons, I'd go with the AMG!

Last note to consider is the look of the 996....again in my opionion...YUCK..if it's a Porsche for you, go with the 997 if at all possible!

Hard to go wrong with your options! Good Luck...ENJOY!

 

If you say 997, not a doubt, 997.
But if it is a exiting 996, well, we have plenty of these opportunities.
I would take the best timing to own and taste what is a CL55 AMG and it is not even replaced yet!
Honestly, these days, only 997s make me turn head.
If you have a CL55, all Benz lovers will turn head.
Go for the CL55 if the price is good.
It is the ownership that counts!

 

You're not the first... funny you ask I got rid my CL55 two years ago for C4S and will never go back. C4S is an amazing vehicle... I've added a few extras on mine... H&R springs, 19" champion 3pc, sport exhaust, GT2 style front bumper and rear wing.

 

Porsche Carrera 4S all the way. The exhaust is so nice and it has a very nice tone as well. Handling and power are going to be flawless, even without the turbo.

 

'03 CL55 is way more car then '03 C4S,period.
Different level of luxury,performance and refinement,CL would eat the 996 alive, anywhere but a tight ,short track.

 

I am surprised this thread is still alive!! Now both 03 models are about the same price. It seems the C4S hold up it's value much better???

 

C4S for sure,.

it has the wide body look without the turbo....

993 turbo,..,., CLASSIC, .I would love to buy one if I can find it too... its very hard to come by these days... (however,, air-cooled porsche engine normally don't go over 800k without a major rebuild!!! !!!!)

as far as C4s goes.. its very solid

 

C4S but make sure its a manual shift, then heel and toe for downshifts with the windows open and enjoy that noise. Its the difference between travelling fast and Driving!