Every 911 generation ranked
03-18-2023, 09:08 PM
#16
Rennlist Member
People really got spicy about that list, but mostly it was just something totally subjective for fun. I mean, it IS Jalopnik after all. Nothing is that serious, haha.
I love my 996 to death, but if the chance for a 997.2 S in a similar spec to my 996 came up, I'd do it in a heartbeat.
I love my 996 to death, but if the chance for a 997.2 S in a similar spec to my 996 came up, I'd do it in a heartbeat.
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03-18-2023, 10:17 PM
#17
Racer
When I was in the market, I was considering the 996.2 C4S and the 997.1 C4S. I didn't want the Turbo; I just don't like the lines as much and I really didn't need the power after selling my 615 bhp 970.1 Pano.
I had budget for either the 996 or 997 but in the end, the goofy headlights and the more "vintage-feeling" interior of the 996.2 won my heart. I could certainly live with and enjoy the 997; it's a great car for sure. But the 996 is more special to me precisely BECAUSE it's reviled by many self-appointed "purists."
I had budget for either the 996 or 997 but in the end, the goofy headlights and the more "vintage-feeling" interior of the 996.2 won my heart. I could certainly live with and enjoy the 997; it's a great car for sure. But the 996 is more special to me precisely BECAUSE it's reviled by many self-appointed "purists."
03-18-2023, 10:26 PM
#18
Rennlist Member
For sure but I think like most cars the newer stuff will be more affordable one day and I still think I will prefer the 996 eras of cars. My current stable is all cars from that era, 04 MINI, 99 911, and 03 Cobra. In the past I've owned a 2000 Camaro SS, 2001 Mustang GT, 2002 BMW M3, 2004 R32, 2001 Audi S4, 2005 Jetta GLI. Probably more I am forgetting at this point so I am bit biased lol.
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motoo344 (03-19-2023)
03-19-2023, 01:01 PM
#19
Rennlist Member
Yea you knew you would get flamed no matter what order you put the 911's in..lol ...I think that was the whole purpose was to raise some blood pressure....
I would take any year model 911 as long as it was in good working order, that said you couldn't chase me down and pay me to take a 928..( sorry Tom Cruise..lol )
I would take any year model 911 as long as it was in good working order, that said you couldn't chase me down and pay me to take a 928..( sorry Tom Cruise..lol )
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03-19-2023, 10:32 PM
#20
Rennlist Member
I agree... the 996 is just such a departure from the rest with the aero headlights, the pedals that swivel at the top .It still has the highest quality materials and engineering of Porsche ( although some missed the mark and need re-engineered) ....It set the stage for the cars that followed..
That's what drew me to it in the first place....The improved Aero was big ...and I knew the design issues could be fixed, but was glad they were there to make it affordable for me...
That's what drew me to it in the first place....The improved Aero was big ...and I knew the design issues could be fixed, but was glad they were there to make it affordable for me...
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Lady Silver (03-20-2023),
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03-20-2023, 07:17 AM
#21
Rennlist Member
Any model line departure from a previous style that is radical enough will generate discord among fans. If the 992 had followed the 993 people would be griping that it wasn't a 911 no matter how good the performance. Even the 993 was too radical for some.
03-20-2023, 11:07 AM
#22
Rennlist Member
I understand the headlight hate.
If I was spending $73K+ for a 911 in 1998 I wouldn’t be happy that it looks identical to a $40K Boxster from the front.
That was a huge mistake.
Removing the amber and then switching to the Turbo headlights in 2002 wasn’t enough to correct the problem.
The switch back to round headlights for the 997 immediately made the 996 look outdated.
And not in a good way.
If I was spending $73K+ for a 911 in 1998 I wouldn’t be happy that it looks identical to a $40K Boxster from the front.
That was a huge mistake.
Removing the amber and then switching to the Turbo headlights in 2002 wasn’t enough to correct the problem.
The switch back to round headlights for the 997 immediately made the 996 look outdated.
And not in a good way.
03-20-2023, 11:32 AM
#23
I understand the headlight hate.
If I was spending $73K+ for a 911 in 1998 I wouldn’t be happy that it looks identical to a $40K Boxster from the front.
That was a huge mistake.
Removing the amber and then switching to the Turbo headlights in 2002 wasn’t enough to correct the problem.
The switch back to round headlights for the 997 immediately made the 996 look outdated.
And not in a good way.
If I was spending $73K+ for a 911 in 1998 I wouldn’t be happy that it looks identical to a $40K Boxster from the front.
That was a huge mistake.
Removing the amber and then switching to the Turbo headlights in 2002 wasn’t enough to correct the problem.
The switch back to round headlights for the 997 immediately made the 996 look outdated.
And not in a good way.
03-20-2023, 11:44 AM
#24
Rennlist Member
03-20-2023, 11:48 AM
#25
Rennlist Member
I understand the headlight hate.
If I was spending $73K+ for a 911 in 1998 I wouldn’t be happy that it looks identical to a $40K Boxster from the front.
That was a huge mistake.
Removing the amber and then switching to the Turbo headlights in 2002 wasn’t enough to correct the problem.
The switch back to round headlights for the 997 immediately made the 996 look outdated.
And not in a good way.
If I was spending $73K+ for a 911 in 1998 I wouldn’t be happy that it looks identical to a $40K Boxster from the front.
That was a huge mistake.
Removing the amber and then switching to the Turbo headlights in 2002 wasn’t enough to correct the problem.
The switch back to round headlights for the 997 immediately made the 996 look outdated.
And not in a good way.
The Bug Eye look on all previous models of 911's was just so blamed outdated it was stuck in the 50's-60's.....the Aero look (even though it was used on the Boxster also ) was just so "refreshing"...even with the "slanted round" 0f the 997 it was still Aero looking and to me was an unnecessary apology...lol
03-20-2023, 12:36 PM
#26
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
The "it looks like a Boxster" cohort reeks of some serious insecurity. Buy the car you want.
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dporto (03-20-2023)
03-20-2023, 12:41 PM
#27
Rennlist Member
When the 996 first came out, the headlights weren't the issue, the issue was that it was no longer air cooled. Infact, the Carrera GT helped to confirm the validity of the headlights. Something was right about the 996 because it was the most popular 911 in history up to that point. It was a brand new 911 that was all modern. Faster, lighter, more aero dynamic and more comfortable than previous models.
But as what always happens, the 997 came out with round headlights and the rumor mill and belly aching started. Journalists needed headlines and controversy to be relevant. And it gave us something to beat ourselves up about on RL. The way the 996 was treated as the 997 was being released was very similar to how the 964 was treated as the 993 was being released. We now know how popular the 964 eventually became and it seems to be playing out the same with the 996.
I loved the headlights in 2002 when I bought my 996 and still do today. I didn't want round headlights then and don't want them now. I wouldn't be surprised if the market puts a premium on them over the next 5-10 years because they are different.
But as what always happens, the 997 came out with round headlights and the rumor mill and belly aching started. Journalists needed headlines and controversy to be relevant. And it gave us something to beat ourselves up about on RL. The way the 996 was treated as the 997 was being released was very similar to how the 964 was treated as the 993 was being released. We now know how popular the 964 eventually became and it seems to be playing out the same with the 996.
I loved the headlights in 2002 when I bought my 996 and still do today. I didn't want round headlights then and don't want them now. I wouldn't be surprised if the market puts a premium on them over the next 5-10 years because they are different.
03-20-2023, 01:27 PM
#28
Rennlist Member
But I remember hearing the Boxster comments back in 1998.
Porsche changed them to clear in a single model year for a reason.
Personally I don’t have a problem with the amber headlights.
They’re a large part of the reason why I was able to purchase an early build 996 manual C2 with sport seats, M030 suspension, lsd and 408 hollow spokes with 4 new Michelins from a Porsche dealer in 2020 for $20K.
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brontosaurus (03-20-2023)
03-20-2023, 01:42 PM
#29
Rennlist Member
Don't forget that the Boxster was a HOT car when it first came out. Everybody loved it and everybody wanted one. Nobody complained about the headlights. Everybody loved them because at the time, when the Boxster was launched, the 928, 944 and 968 was fresh on everyones minds and didnt give a different headlight look a second thought.
03-20-2023, 01:59 PM
#30
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
99-01 headlights are the hottest ones to me 