996 vs 997
 

Has anyone consciously picked the 996 over the 997? I'm interested in a 996 C4S and quite honestly I think it's better looking than the 997.1 in some ways. I know it's something that is hotly debated - perhaps more so on the 997 forum where it seems there is absolutely no love for the 996. Just curious if anyone considered both and chose 996.

There have been three. Stevie Wonder, and the names of the other two escape me.

Actually, many cases where people have gone back to the 996 over the newer 911 models. These people are looking for a raw "analog" driving experience. IMHO, the 997 is the last of the smaller "analog" feel 911 cars, but go for a lot more money than the 996. Most people that love Porsche performance are not going to give a flip about the shape of the 996 front headlights. They're truly not trying to impress anyone, especially the purists. They are looking for a rear-engined Porsche driving experience that will fit their budget. That's the beauty of the 996. Because people have turned their noses up to the 996, it has made it a valuable option to those that could have never afforded such a car.

Now, the C4S is by far the sexiest of them all with the Turbo wide-body and center reflector. But just make sure you get the engine checked out completely by a well-respected Porsche shop. Nothing will drain your bank account quicker than a German money pit.

There is so much hate in the Porsche World for the lowly 996. Witness the two letters to the editor in Pano this month in response to the positive article last month about the 996.

They do NOT know what they are talking about.

If you want a larger heavier car that feels more detached from the driving experience with more bells, whistles and nannies by all means look at the 997.

Of course I am biased...

996 has a much planer imho better looking minimalist interior. 997.1 interior is just too dated with atrocious NAV. Too many colours and textures.

I could of purchased a 997 but chose a 996.

Read page 72 of the December 2020 Panorama if you have access to it and ignore the 997 forum haters. Each 911 iteration has its +/- and each forum vigorously defends its generation and finds fault with the others. Drive a 996 4s and some 997.1 and 997.2, then make your own decision. I own both a 996.2 and 997.2 4s and the cars are as different as the 996 and 997 forums users are.

Buy the one you like and can afford.

I have a 996 and I bought it because it was the cheapest 911. I think a lot of people won’t admit this... but I don’t care.

That said, I also prefer the 996 interior to the 997. I wish Porsche stuck with the swoopy and curvy 996 style rather than the more angular and “classic” 997 style interior. I think the 996 interior fits with the lines of the car more naturally than any other 911 interior.

Yeah the headlights are kind of goofy, but this doesn’t matter when you’re behind the wheel. The 996 loses on headlights, but I think it has the best ASS of any 911

LOL - did you ask this same question in the 997 forum? I’m sure the responses would be filled with anti-996 comedy.

I think the 996 more closely resembles the classic 911 shape, it looks more like a 911. Somehow the 997 and the following versions appear like flat car with some 911 design cues pasted on.

But design is just one difference, and "better looking" is just one tradeoff that you happened to mention. It would be better to make a list of the differences between them, could be anything that is important to you: interior layout, headlights, engine features, transmission (Tip vs. PDK), price, analog-ness, etc. Try to identify all of the differences and then create a "weighted average" spreadsheet so you can get a better picture of what you are thinking.

They are very similar cars.

The benefit of the 996 is that it’s lighter than the 993/997/991/992 and has been cheaper to acquire. It’s also closer to antique status, won’t depreciate like a 997, and some models have almost no nannies (my 99 only has traction control (which can be disabled) and ABS. More basic interior, slightly less refined, slightly less luxury.

Many 997s come with the larger IMSB, which is a plus.

If you are comparing a 996 and a 997, if they are similar in price and quality, definitely go with the 997. Generally, always buy the newest 911 you can afford, especially one that’s had previous known issues addressed. However, the newer cars are going to be more refined, more isolating, more luxurious, heavier. It was the case that the 996 was too quiet, too isolating, more boring, when compared to the 964 and 993, so this is nothing new. The 991s are like that compared to a 996. I haven’t driven a 992.

The 997 is also going to be faster, more powerful, probably faster around a racetrack, and such is the case for all 911s. The newer models are always more capable than the ones before them. Such has always been the goal of progress, and Porsche is very good about moving the needle, sometimes just a little, but those small improvements are noticed by those who are sensitive enough to detect them.

All of this talk about the 996 vs the 997 reminds me of all of the codswallow given to the notchback 356's years ago. Then it was followed by all the verbal outrage from purists who panned the birth of the 911. Some things never change.....

Lighter is better. There is a Lot o money spent to lose weight. There's a reason. Less is more...

Actually the 996 headlights are also better and Porsche caved to the masses on this so they wouldn't have to endure the whining.

Then, as noted, so is the curvaceous interior.

I had 997.2 C4S and now have a 996.1 C2. The 997 was slightly faster and more powerful. It was a better car overall, but it’s not like feel like I am missing anything in the 996. In some ways I have a stronger bond with my 996. It is a great car in its own right. Looks are subjective, but I disagree with the notion that the 996.2 C4S is the best looking 996. I prefer the original 996.1 headlights, and the rear bumper configuration without the reflector.

Yep.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...4dc6dc1769.jpg