[earlyapex]

The 997 is an overall better car than the 996. The interior is better. The shifter is better. The suspension is improved. The M96/97 motor still had issues with leaks that were lumped under the RMS issue. This did not go away until Porsche did a complete engine redesign with the current direct injection motor.

The X51 Power Kit is NOT a few mods. The X51 M96 motors have extensive modifications that you cannot cheaply replicate. I had a 04-40th Anniversary 996 that came with the X51 option as standard equipment. This is a great motor!

I would buy the car that excites you the most when you look at it and when you drive it. I would buy the one with the best maintenance history. A low milage car is not necessarily a healthy care. Cars need to be driven.