jaetee

I find it hard to believe that someone could be that opinionated about a car interior...

Other than the missing glove box from the mk1's, I like the 996 interior just fine. I think it's a good fit to the exterior. Interesting comments about how it was originally designed for the 993. To me, that somehow makes for a good "air to water-cooled" transition-era detail that makes the 996 even more special as the torch-bearing water-cooled 911. IMO, these are very special cars that, someday, could easily end up being worth more than 997's. Much like how the original 60's era AC cars are generally worth more than the SC-look cars that lasted into the 80's.

Don't get me wrong, I also like the newer look of the 997 and think it's interior matches the car well, but cannot say I like it any more or less than the 996 guts. It's just newer.

Given a choice from all of the 993/996/997 interior's I've seen, I'd have to say my favorite would be the 996 mk2 interior in full-leather with the burl wood shift **** and three spoke wood-accented steering wheel. Maybe in that dark red or dark caramel/camel color (don't remember the name) like in the 996 Millenium Edition cars).

Trimsarctic996

I read and like most of the Jalopnik writers, I even enjoy most of Tavarish's articles. But goddamn I'm sick of every "auto-journalist" repeating the same crap year after year (runny egg headlights, crappy interior, yada yada) It has been done to death. I'm guessing most of these writers have never been in a 996, let alone driven one. Mine ('99 6mt coupe) puts the biggest smile on my face every single time I get in it. Do I wish I had a 930? Hell yes, but for sub 20K this is by far the best bang for buck. Sorry for the rant, but I was pretty pissed at him yesterday for bringing up the same lazy BS that is written in every article about the 996.


jim

AWDGuy

same headlight and interior comments in every article.

the headlights don't bother me one bit. I find the kits out there that trick you in seeing round headlights are horrible looking.

I have the leather interior and I still find it to be one of the nicest and simplest interiors out there.

the new ones look cheap with all that silver plastic.

Dennis C

You can get the full leather option in the new ones too.

TonyTwoBags

At what point in history did gear heads start acting like interior designers?

"but then I was like, it didn't even have PASM!"

"so the interior - totally needs a makeover to please my aesthetic sensibilities"

"I know the performance is good, but what really gets me going is an updated headlight housing"

mrjonger

For those not familiar with the author, he's really not worth the trouble. On his best days, he omits a lot. Normally, he just's wrong. Not to mention his writing style is just annoying.

I'd say he's only around because he has click bait titles and his controversial style does generate a lot of traffic. I wish Jalopnik would just take the high road and get rid of him. I'm guilty as charged, I just click because I wonder what garbage he's going to write...kind of like getting something stinky on your finger.

rymerc

I test drove a few 997s trying really hard to justify the price difference from the 996.2 I have, and I just couldn't. I did like the 997.2 interior better, but not $20k better. Personally I don't care for 997.1 interior, the finish flakes off the hvac buttons and it looks awful. The performance difference is tiny and the price difference is enormous.

If he actually drove the similar 996 and 997 models back to back, I'd be surprised. Looks like clickbait sensationalism bull**** to me.

Schnell Gelb

997.2 ??
A 20k difference seems huge until you are faced with an engine rebuild for an M96 because of one of the 24+ Modes of Failure. and the total cost of the rebuild is the value of the car -after the rebuild !
Many of these Modes were eliminated in the 9A1 engine. But a few new ones were added -yup, it's a Porsche after all.
Maybe we need a separate thread for the Interior Designer types?

TonyTwoBags

Is this leather grey or black? I can't tell much beyond the fact it's a tiptronic so I don't know how to drive it.

dan_189

I like the 996 interior, works for me. Pleanty of space for stuff it's functional looks good. Easy to replace buts when they get worn, the list goes on.

The only thing I wish the 996 had that the 997 does is the ability to put your speed on the main cluster dial!

mrjonger

Can you please elaborate and maybe post up some references? Thanks.

charlieaf92

Like others have said - it's a difficult read. Very poorly written by someone trying far too hard. I didn't make it through the first paragraph before I had to start skimming to avoid more laborious analogies. It also lacks any original opinion, just recycled rhetoric. The headlights? Really?

That being said, its rubbish. To insinuate that someone would buy a 996 because they can't afford a 997 is just silly. If I were shopping for car in the 60k range I'd certainly choose the Ferrari 360. Period.

Schnell Gelb

Visit Flat 6/Jake Raby for all the details or google M96 Modes of Failure.He as also commented on the M96/9A1 differences..

Volkert

THAT is a beautiful interior. Cannot imagine why anybody would complain about that!!!!

Turbojamie

When I sold my 996 I was 997 turbo shopping before I purchased the R8. I looked at 4 different 997.1 turbo cars all between 60,000 km and 90,000 km. What jumps out at me with the 997 interior most is the wear. My 996 interior was darn near flawless after 120,0000 km with various owners caring for it. The 997 single owner cars switches were all peeling, steering wheels worn, the door bolsters were all scuffed up etc... the wear and tear on a 996 vs 997 interior was pretty significant.

Having said that I did prefer the seats, and the interior in the 997 better it just doesn't stand up well to me.