Every 911 generation ranked
03-20-2023, 02:43 PM
#31
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.
The 964 revolution is probably more due to Singer than any possible superiority to the 993. Owning both the 964 and the 993, I found it puzzling that the 964 has recently obtained such popularity. It's just my opinion, but I think that is also due somewhat to herd mentality. The four-wheel drive on the 964 was very awkward and heavy. The high point for the 964 was the RS America. Even more amazing, the RS was cheaper than the base C2!
03-21-2023, 05:08 AM
#32
You had the 964 C4 and the 993 C2, maybe that explains the difference. I test drove two 993s last year and was quite unimpressed -- liked my 996 C2 a lot more at the time. From several sides I've heard that the 964 is better to drive than the 993, but I've yet to drive one myself to confirm. I think that the 993 gets better with mods, but the two stock ones that I drove were not very engaging.
03-21-2023, 10:05 AM
#33
Rennlist Member
You had the 964 C4 and the 993 C2, maybe that explains the difference. I test drove two 993s last year and was quite unimpressed -- liked my 996 C2 a lot more at the time. From several sides I've heard that the 964 is better to drive than the 993, but I've yet to drive one myself to confirm. I think that the 993 gets better with mods, but the two stock ones that I drove were not very engaging.
Technically, the 993 drives better than the 964, but because the 993 is better behaved with its tail, it lacks the old-world feel of the rear end nervousness when pushed into a corner.
If you want the excitement of the old air-cooled 911s you can probably skip the 993. The 993 still has the hand built quality of its predecessors, but the rear end demon has been dialed out a little more.
In the end it is mostly about what floats your boat. While every model has its set of foibles, they are all "good" cars, each with a unique character.
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GC996 (03-21-2023)
03-21-2023, 01:54 PM
#34
Oh definitely. But it is fun discussing the differences between the generations. 
I went into that 993 test drive fully expecting to really like it and probably buy that car, so it caught me by surprise that I found it a little bit -- boring? I've owned classic cars all my life, now own a 2.2S so it's definitely not the case that I prefer newer cars in general. It was just different than I expected. I once had the chance to drive a 3.2 Clubsport and that car blew me away, it was so mesmerizingly good. I had expected some of that in the 993. Instead, my conclusion was that the 996 is more fun! (Still need to try a GT3 though.)
I went into that 993 test drive fully expecting to really like it and probably buy that car, so it caught me by surprise that I found it a little bit -- boring? I've owned classic cars all my life, now own a 2.2S so it's definitely not the case that I prefer newer cars in general. It was just different than I expected. I once had the chance to drive a 3.2 Clubsport and that car blew me away, it was so mesmerizingly good. I had expected some of that in the 993. Instead, my conclusion was that the 996 is more fun! (Still need to try a GT3 though.)
03-21-2023, 02:02 PM
#35
Rennlist Member
Oh definitely. But it is fun discussing the differences between the generations.
I went into that 993 test drive fully expecting to really like it and probably buy that car, so it caught me by surprise that I found it a little bit -- boring? I've owned classic cars all my life, now own a 2.2S so it's definitely not the case that I prefer newer cars in general. It was just different than I expected. I once had the chance to drive a 3.2 Clubsport and that car blew me away, it was so mesmerizingly good. I had expected some of that in the 993. Instead, my conclusion was that the 996 is more fun! (Still need to try a GT3 though.)
I went into that 993 test drive fully expecting to really like it and probably buy that car, so it caught me by surprise that I found it a little bit -- boring? I've owned classic cars all my life, now own a 2.2S so it's definitely not the case that I prefer newer cars in general. It was just different than I expected. I once had the chance to drive a 3.2 Clubsport and that car blew me away, it was so mesmerizingly good. I had expected some of that in the 993. Instead, my conclusion was that the 996 is more fun! (Still need to try a GT3 though.)
There is a lid for every pot.