IrishJoker

Hmmmmmm don't know about you but when I bought my Vette is was a $50K car. All cars loose value as soon as you drive em off the show room floor.

Torch FRC

Remember early 996s have that pesky engine failure

Indy

Having driven a 996...they don't feel nearly as fast as a C5. They look great upon close inspection (the detail), but from farther away, they don't really stick out, whereas a Vette will draw way more attention (at least where I live). I was also contemplating getting a 996 (they're fairly cheap) - but decided to go with the C5. I don't like the headlights and Boxster similarities of the 996. The newer 997, on the other hand...

Todd157k

I've had 5 Pcars and 4 vettes. Some of them at the same time. To sum it up...

My Vette is everything I've always wanted in a Porsche.

and yes, I still have a 944S I drive daily too.

JH

Try a little google search on the 996 engine. My, my, my.

The guess of $15,000 for a new engine seems to be a good one today, as it was $13,000 (or 26,000 pounds in the UK) when folks had to have it done in the 99 -- 01 time frame. Some owners are on their third engine. It appears that Porsche was supportive to the initial purchasers, but those who purchased used are in their own pockets for the bucks.

The C5 sounds pretty good to me!

Dominic Toretto

Different strokes for different folks. I like both cars personally but I would not invest in a Porsche 911 unless it was a Turbo or GT2. The Corvette will without a doubt be easier to maintain, repair, drive and enjoy on a much more consistant basis. I prefer the Corvette all around but would like a nice GT2 for the garage also.

-Alex

ctusser

If you get bored with the stock power level which car can you bump up to 500+ hp for around $5,000 and still get nearly 30 highway mpg?

karateboi87

One issue of Automobile Magazine had a comparison test for "factory track car comparison." They had a Doged Viper ACR, Porsche (i forgot the "track package" name), and a Mazda club maita or something. Basically, the factories just changed some stuff to make the car more suitible for tracks, like retuning suspensions and stuff. Their conclusion was the viper was faster than the Porsche. However, the Porsche could be driven daily. The Porsche also costs A LOT more. So in the end it's probably just what you prefer... As a side note, even the Mazda was praised. For $50K, you can enter a FACTORY club race, with a brand new modified MX-5 that is fun to toss around. Sure it was much slower than a Viper in straight line, but that thing could really turn. You could have a lot of fun in it.

But I'm sure these guys are right about maintanence, don't buy a car that you cannot afford to repair. But if you have money, drive everything and see which one you ENJOY the most.

71vetteinva

If a used 996 is in your price range, then I'd stop looking at C5 Corvettes and start looking at a used C6.

I've never driven a Porsche, but I have driven my Dad's C6. It's better in just about every way. Maybe some people don't like the exposed headlights, but honestly, that's such a minor point. The cars look so much the same that people frequently mistaken my C5 for a new Corvette.

The C6 will make a better daily driver, I'm fairly certain. Lower maintenance cost (under warranty), better gas mileage, and more cargo space (hatch back). Cargo volume is 11.7 cubic feet for the 996 and 22 cubic feet for the C6. As a second vehicle, I think many would prefer practical cargo space and no back seat to a car that does both poorly.

Edit: Scratch that, you're looking at as far back as '99. I was looking at 2002 prices for each.

Darkstar87695

NeoZ06

I would do the following...

Make a list of all the wear and tear items on both cars, and get prices on those parts and labor...

Get also a list of the scheduled maintenance items and compare prices for those service parts and labor on both cars...

If you dont mind spending the $100's or possibly $1000's more than maintaining a Corvette, depending on the situation, then go ahead and get the Porsche, but make sure it has warranty...

Porsche makes some sweet cars but owning one is considerably more expensive than a Corvette on pretty much every aspect!

Hope this helps.

ZO6 Lee

I've owned 6 (I think) Porsches - all different models. I enjoyed each one of them at the time but really got tired and annoyed at the maintenance costs. And at some point realized that I was shoehorned into the P cars. I'm 6'-2". I now enjoy the Vettes, have more room inside and love the V8 sound.
Also, if you plan on a few mods to personalize your car, modifying the Vette is going to be way cheaper with more selections.
My 2 cents.

Dominic Toretto

One interesting side note is that their flat six with 3.6 liters develops the same power as the our 5.7L V8 LS1. and their 3.8L flat six gets 385hp from 3.8L. Technology is definitely there.

-Alex

ohmsby

We currently own a modified Z06 and a modified Cayman S and both have certain traits that I respect and enjoy.

If I had to chose one as a toy the Vette would win. If I had to chose one to drive daily the Porch would win.

The Porch is hands down a nicer car but the Vette kicks you in the A$$ and roars to its destination

IMHO they both are nice cars and have their inherent issues as well

my .02

Sully C5

After running against quite a few Porsches at the track, I have seen how well they handle; most Corvettes could not stay with them. However, performance is just a matter of money. For many of the reasons stated in this thread, the Corvette $ for $ is going to be better deal, especially for the lower cost of both maintenance and performance mods. My modded C5 has beaten GT2's at Road Atlanta.

Jacks02

I sold both at dealerships back then -- buy the Vette. (I did)

Potterydan

In my opinion you could get much "more" car for $25k if you go with a vette. An early 996 in the $25k price range is going to have more miles, more daily use, and more wear than a $25k Corvette. You might take a look on the forum under C5s for sale and make note of how many low mile cars there are priced in the mid to upper $20s. I have driven a few late madel Porsches and the flat-6s sound amazing...but nothing compares to a nice V8. Drive them both and buy one. Remember, if you don't end up liking it you can sell it!