Porsche 996: Which One Looks the Best?
Rennlisters hold a real-life beauty contest as we debate the merits of every Porsche 996 style.
Unlike most every other car on the planet, the 911 has remained mostly evolutionary in terms of design progress. For decades. That’s an impressive feat that also makes Porsche’s legendary sports car perhaps the most recognizable on the planet. And while there isn’t such a thing as an unattractive 911, the Porsche 996 typically ranks near the bottom of the list in terms of style points among enthusiasts.
Of course, we here at Rennlist love everything 911. But much how we judge and rank every other generation and iteration, we’ve got our favorites as well. Which got Rennlister Argon_ wondering – which Porsche 996 stands above the rest in terms of sheer beauty?
“I’m curious as to what the community thinks about this. My $.02 is that the .1 Carrera is the best looking. It’s not beautiful, none of the 996s are. The .1 is kind of cute though.”
This simple query, as you might imagine, set off a rather lengthy debate. Beginning with Porsche 996 owner 5CHN3LL.
“I can’t argue with you that the .1 is the best looking. I will argue that the 996 can be beautiful. I think mine mostly pulls off menacing in a DeNiro in Angel Heart way. For a car that looks very neutral in the ‘standard’ configuration (silver cab, black over black), the aero 996 (both factory and aftermarket) can look amazing if not overdone.
OR it’s a black Volkswagen that, in Philadelphia, is worth fifty bucks. All I know is that I enjoy driving it even more than staring at it when it’s clean.”
But many others prefer the Carrera 4S in particular. Maybe it’s the Turbo-esque looks?
“The C4S IMO,” votes jb1007.
“996tt, then Mk I Aerokit, then C4S, then 40th AE, then any 996 variant in Guards Red,” says kcattorney.
Or maybe it’s that car’s, uh, fine looking backside?
“996.2 C4S is not only the best looking 996, but has the nicest *** Porsche ever made,” adds IkoIko911.
And yet, the OP (and many others) prefer the headlights of the .1 over the .2.
“The .2 headlights ruin the look for me. Compared to the .1 headlights, which are off-putting at first glance and become endearing later.”
The headlights on both are still a source of ire for many. But they do kind of grow on you.
“I have a 40th and previously owned an 02 C4S,” says e90steve. “C4S is easily the best looking 996 out there (also easily the slowest). Then I would say GT3. Next best is a toss up between the Turbo and 40th depending on your fancy. Headlight situation is what it is, although both .1 and .2 headlights have grown on me over the years.”
But if you can’t look past the headlights, you can always change the look with a set of custom covers, as TexSquirrel did.
“I’m really happy with the look of my 2002 996 with Andrew’s covers.”
Plenty of folks like the lines of the MK1 GT3. And when you throw in a Kayne reference to make your point, we can’t really argue.
“Imma let you finish,” quips twitchett. “But the MK1 GT3 was the best looking 996 of all time.”
Others are a little more conflicted on the matter, especially lowpue. Except he actually did something about it!
“So my view is really a combination. I really like different elements of the MK1 and MK2. Love the front of the MK1 but hate the rear of MK1. MK2 rear is really nice. However, I like the taco better than the flat top. Also, I love the MK2 GT3 wheels. The Mk1 aero also has softer features for the chin and the rockers, which I also like. So as a result my car has become kind of a Frankenstein because I took what I think is the best of the best.
In addition, the problem with the 996 is that it is underpowered as well. So some of you have seen that I am putting a 997 3.8-liter engine in as we speak. So while it is about taste, it is one of my favorite cars now that I have made it just right (for me).”
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from this little exercise, it’s that everyone has their own unique taste when it comes to the Porsche 996. And we’re curious to find out what you think. So head over here and tell us what your favorite flavor of 996 is!
