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In period, the shape of the headlights did not bother me, but I did not love the overall shape of the 996 body. I also did not like that it shared the headlights, and really a lot of the front end, with the Boxster -- not an elitist concern, I just thought it was really corner cutting on Porsche's part and I thought it was phenomenally stupid to do that (but they sold a lot of 996's and Boxsters, so I guess I was wrong).
Today, I like the 996 headlights a lot. The 996 was a modern car relative to everything that preceded it and the modern light style couldn't be more appropriate to my eyes. If I had the opportunity to change the 996 lights, I would not change them at all. I do prefer the 996.1 lights over the 996.2 -- in my mind, you either go "all in" on modern look or you don't do it at all -- so I prefer .1 "all in" look over the slight compromise in the .2. I still don't love the looks of the body from certain angles. It's still a great looking car, but not quite as great a body shape as the other 911 models in my opinion. I suspect they let the wind tunnel have a bit too much say in 996 styling, but that's just a guess.
As far as driving is concerned, if you like lightweight sports cars, I think the 996 in the purest 2wd/6-speed/coupe form is the best driving of all 911's. My all-time favorite has always been the late 60's early 70's 911e coupes, but I feel the 996 is very close to replicating the light feel of those early 911e's (but with a ton more power and a ton more creature comforts).
I’ve always thought the headlights on the 997, and more so the 991, are too darned big. They make the car look bug-eyed, especially when viewed straight on from a low angle.
I was going to comment about the headlights, but the more important question is whether or not you are going to turn on those Holiday lights at night or wait until after Thanksgiving. I’m all for beating the cold and all that. Sure, test them to make sure they work too.
Perhaps its just the "eye of the beholder" syndrome since I have a 1999 C2, but I prefer the looks of the original "fried egg" style look of the 996.1 over the 996.2 headlamps.
With that said, there's a good chance I'll end up with a 996 turbo one of these days if the prices stay stagnant. :-)
I’ve always liked them too. And it’s why the 986.1 is still my favorite Boxster. Best of all? The “Roundies” have devalued them to the point of making them the most economical Porsches to buy.
I do feel this is a great point (GT1). 'Fried egg lights' to me comes across as a term someone who's worried about what others are thinking down at the country club would employ rather than someone understanding the engineering behind their use and the pedigree. Surely the 996.1 lights would be better called '((1-2 finish at Le Mans) 911) GT1 lights'.
Porsche Museum captures it well in their recent post:
The original 996/986 headlights with the orange/yellow yolks are the best. The second version was just a response to the dislike of the first ones. I always liked them but now even more because that's how to tell the early 996/986's.
one of the best features of the 996, I'm glad these cars are affordable
Soon as I saw this picture back in the day, I had to have a 996.2. So I got one. Love those unique headlights. Only shared by the 996.2 m96s and 996 mezgers including (Turbo, 2nd gen GT3, GT3RS, CUP, RSR).
Soon as I saw this picture back in the day, I had to have a 996.2. So I got one. Love those unique headlights. Only shared by the 996.2 m96s and 996 mezgers including (Turbo, 2nd gen GT3, GT3RS, CUP, RSR).
11-07-2018, 09:44 PM
post ieps://https://imgur.com/0favshYimgur.com/0favshY
