996.1 or 996.2? Help me decide.
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
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Hello RL,
Any discernible reason to choose the .1 or .2 over the other? I do think the headlights on the .2 look better but not so much that I would pass up on a great deal for a .1. I am aware of the IMS bearing being different in the earlier 996s but not too worried about that either with the permanent solutions being available for either model. I don't think there were any other issues other than the IMS, right? I've always been told that the 996 is a great, reliable car when the IMS is taken care of.
So if the headlight design is a non-issue, does it really matter what year?
The goal is a C2 or C2S, manual transmission, coupe. This car will get driven quite a bit and possibly a PCA event here or there as I live just 7 miles from Road Atlanta.
Thank you!
Any discernible reason to choose the .1 or .2 over the other? I do think the headlights on the .2 look better but not so much that I would pass up on a great deal for a .1. I am aware of the IMS bearing being different in the earlier 996s but not too worried about that either with the permanent solutions being available for either model. I don't think there were any other issues other than the IMS, right? I've always been told that the 996 is a great, reliable car when the IMS is taken care of.
So if the headlight design is a non-issue, does it really matter what year?
The goal is a C2 or C2S, manual transmission, coupe. This car will get driven quite a bit and possibly a PCA event here or there as I live just 7 miles from Road Atlanta.
Thank you!
#2
Rennlist Member
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Both are great cars. Do a bit more research, there ARE other differences. I believe things like cup holders, glove box, throttle cable vs. e-throttle (99s had cable). One isn't vastly superior to the other though. My best advice, buy the nicest car you can find and afford that meets your criteria of features.
They didn't make a C2S 996, so if you want the wide body you'll need to find a C4S.
Enjoy the shopping process, its a lot of fun, and not something many people get to do (shop for and buy a 911), so savor it. Make sure to get out and see the cars in person. Internet shopping is great, but you don't get to see details the way you do in person.
They didn't make a C2S 996, so if you want the wide body you'll need to find a C4S.
Enjoy the shopping process, its a lot of fun, and not something many people get to do (shop for and buy a 911), so savor it. Make sure to get out and see the cars in person. Internet shopping is great, but you don't get to see details the way you do in person.
#3
Nordschleife Master
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3.4l - 3.6l and 20 hp difference .2 has quite a bit of updates/improvements over the .1. The main expensive one is that the ,2 gearbox is tougher. .1 is drive by wire, known to rust out and require replacement.
#4
Instructor
Thread Starter
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Both are great cars. Do a bit more research, there ARE other differences. I believe things like cup holders, glove box, throttle cable vs. e-throttle (99s had cable). One isn't vastly superior to the other though. My best advice, buy the nicest car you can find and afford that meets your criteria of features.
They didn't make a C2S 996, so if you want the wide body you'll need to find a C4S.
Enjoy the shopping process, its a lot of fun, and not something many people get to do (shop for and buy a 911), so savor it. Make sure to get out and see the cars in person. Internet shopping is great, but you don't get to see details the way you do in person.
They didn't make a C2S 996, so if you want the wide body you'll need to find a C4S.
Enjoy the shopping process, its a lot of fun, and not something many people get to do (shop for and buy a 911), so savor it. Make sure to get out and see the cars in person. Internet shopping is great, but you don't get to see details the way you do in person.
#5
Instructor
Thread Starter
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That's exactly what I wanted to know! Not too worried about the 20hp but the stronger drive train is a definite plus.
#6
Intermediate
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Kind of goofy but I think the glovebox and cup holders are important. I drive my car a lot (10k miles a year) and having the cup holder is a major convenience. Not having a glovebox would annoy the crap out of me, not that I keep a lot in it but it was just stupid that they didn’t have it from the start.
#7
Instructor
Thread Starter
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Kind of goofy but I think the glovebox and cup holders are important. I drive my car a lot (10k miles a year) and having the cup holder is a major convenience. Not having a glovebox would annoy the crap out of me, not that I keep a lot in it but it was just stupid that they didn’t have it from the start.
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#8
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The ‘99 has a throttle cable. I think that’s what you meant. “Drive by wire” means there is no mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the throttle butterfly - it is controlled by electronic signal via wired connection, hence the name. But only the ‘99 has the throttle cable, as I understand it.
#9
Rennlist Member
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I like the added power and appearance of the .2, many feel like the .1 offers a more pure 911 experience.
If you decide on a .1, there’s a gem currently for sale here on Rennlist, but hurry, doubt it will last long...
https://rennlist.com/forums/market/1120613
If you decide on a .1, there’s a gem currently for sale here on Rennlist, but hurry, doubt it will last long...
https://rennlist.com/forums/market/1120613
#11
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JR's endorsement a plus.
Last edited by jobyt; 01-18-2019 at 04:22 PM. Reason: Correct model information
#12
Rennlist Member
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I think the above should say the "1999 996" has the above features.....but if you have a 99 C4 like I have, it DOES NOT have a throttle cable, it's a throttle by wire, so that is only applicable to the 99 C2's.
#13
Instructor
#14
Drifting
#15
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Inaccurate....2000+ ones could have single row. JR's stated pref was for a 99 or earlier build in manual with a 4-spoke wheel, as I recall.