cun65458

I’ve considered the 996 as a starter Porsche, which gives a person a chance to learn the car, and the community, and see if they really want to be part of the organization without spending too much money.

As an owner for 3yrs, I considered “upgrading” to a 996 Turbo. If I was going to upgrade to the next model, I think I’d go past the 997, and get a 991, but not any newer than a ~2013, so I could at least still access the engine bay from above. Prices are coming down on both models, to where if you’re ready to make the jump, a 996 Turbo is about the same $ as a 991 NA.

I’d recommend a 996, then see what you think. Upgrade later, if you want. I’m pretty happy with my 996, and the majority of my maintenance has been elective upgrades.

I don’t have an issue with the lights, they’re unique. It’s easy to always want more hp, more torque, more rounded headlights, etc. It’s natural.

Drive what makes you happy, don’t feel compelled to drop the bank, unless it’s something you’ve planned and saved
for.

Happy motoring.

neilll

If for some reason my 996 were totaled and I were shopping for a replacement; I would be more swayed by options, color, price, and trim than 996 v 997: particularly a later 996.2- I think they look great and the engine is very similar to the 997.1 from what I recall. I’m not so worried about what other people think of my headlights.

Gingerman

I drove a 997, 997s before buying my 2001 C4. Much preferred the lightness of the 996 and the narrow body style. The lightness was the key distinction. Maybe would have picked a C2 instead. Also really prefer the lower bodywork on the 996.1 vs. .2 and 997. That makes me just a little odder among Porsche people. Finally, I think the 996 interiors are aging better as classic cars. The 997 interiors just place the car so firmly in the late 2000’s.

lowpue

Thanks for sharing this....super interesting....i have a 3.6 in my 993 and it feels anemic compared to my 996 even when it had a 3.4...weight was probably part of the reason.

Also, as always...lots of comments on headlights....i absolutely love the gt1 headlights....

GC996

​​​​​​I am firmly with you. Never saw an issue with them and still don't. Neither did all of the owners of the 996. If they did, they wouldnt have bought one. I guess it's easy to complain and jump on the bandwagon about something, especially when you don't have any skin in the game.

GC996

now image the 996 even lighter with GT3 seats, Brembo GT big brake kit, aftermarket exhaust, and upgraded suspension, where you can get the car firmly below 2900 lbs. You have yourself an incredibly nimble car.

Then you get the crazy idea to put some aero on it for downforce, and rebuild the engine with 400 HP to last you 20 more years. Wow!

​​

lowpue

Exactly,. This is where the magic lies in the 996 platform....it's the only car my son wants in his inheritance...i am really surprised this is not talked about more.

996.2

I studied the 996 and 997 before purchase, and the 996 exterior and interior are better looking. The headlights look better than plain 911 ovals. I don't want any driver intervention except anti-lock brakes.

GC996

it really is an incredibly special car.

GC996

Yep!

exduluthian

I had a 996 before my 997. The headlights didn't bother me. The weight, agility, and performance of the 996 were what sold me on the car. I moved to the 997 for three reasons: 1) My tolerance for the uncertainty of the IMS bearing was less than I initially thought. 2) I did not replace the IMS bearing preemptively as I did not like the interior of the car at all; it just seemed cheap. 3) I drove a friend's 997 turbo. Replacing the IMS bearing and a full leather interior would eliminate the primary issues I had with the 996. Also, I did end up with a spun camshaft actuator on the 997, and after fixing that issue along with all the "as long as it's apart" upgrades, I ended up spending a lot more than the cost of an IMS bearing. But I'm still happier with the 997. Moral: buy what you like, as long as it matches your risk tolerance, wallet, and repair budget.

twitchett

And it ought to be talked about more. I never get sick of saying this.. in my opinion, the best way to get into the 911 game is to find a 996 at a decent price point and instantly put it under the knife. Other members here have done this and you will likely never see them start a thread about catastrophic engine failure like so many high mileage and garage queens cars have. Look, you can go buy the 997, which is a great and attractive car, but getting a good one will cost $40k. Bore scoring is still a factor as well as several other issues to keep an eye out for. You will likely never experience these, but they do happen. Now let's assume I spend my $40k budget on a 996...

I just went to BAT and found a 1999 6 speed coupe in blue that I really like for $23,500. (could be cheaper if I was willing to go to '00 or '01) Mileage is quite low at 51k plus BAT brings premium pricing, so I know I could find one closer to $20k. I send the car somewhere to have the engine completely rebuilt with nikisil, upgraded timing chain, IMS solution, and so many other goodies (including new clutch). The place I would go would charge $20k. Now I have a car that has a new life with a significant increase in reliability and performance. Now my light '99, which did a 5 second 0-60, is even faster without any weight increase and runs through the tach faster than the blink of an eye. This is the car I would choose.

dantonio

The main reason I bought a 996 is because the design (both interior and exterior) is so damn cool, and it's becoming more classic over time. Considering their incredible value, it's a no-brainer.

The 997 is a gorgeous car, don't get me wrong. But it tends to have that "modern but retro" attempt at styling like the Ford thunderbird or the new VW beetle. Almost too obvious of an attempt to go back in time and capture the retro flavour. In contrast, the 996 was a bold new futuristic design for its time, and has gradually become more of an authentic classic car.

I think most people would buy a 991 over a 997 if they could afford it. But a 997 over a 996? Not for me - this was exactly the car I wanted and am proud to own. I've had newer Porsches, and also currently have a 993, so I could buy whatever generation I truly want. This is it.

There's also something fun about pulling up in a pristinely preserved example of an older car, which is more unique and surprising, than showing up in a clean 997. There are simply fewer 996s on the road that have been maintained in such nice condition.

Mike Murphy

I bought a 996 because a 997 was about 2X the price. Now, 4 year later, they are much closer in price.

plpete84

@dantonio that stance is dang near perfect! And well said.