Sorry, I don’t have the answer. I’m actually looking for it. It’s difficult to search for the answer so I figured I’d post up and ask. I’m sure this isn’t the first time it’s been asked, and not likely to be the last.

For me, the early builds which I always associated with the ‘99 Model Year were special to me for the simple fact that they were drive by cable, not wire. They were also the only MY that was available with the 220 option of a factory installed LSD, though I know later on you got one with the 40th AE.

I also recently had a chance to experience a 02 and a 99 on the same day and it was hard to put my finger on it (placebo maybe), but the 99 felt a little ‘tighter’

So, please educate this newbie.

Thanks
-Simon

 

Ony if you own one.
(Mine is a '99 aero car.)

 

I guess “special” can be relative but there is a cool allure to the Amber light cars. I will say I’ve driven both and the .2 does feel faster.

 

 

Special I would say yes I know I’m biased because owning a 6/98 build XAA 6speed in glacier white /space grey interior
here’s why these early cars were built side by side with the last of the 993 and the first water cooled 911 as well as numerous differences between.1 and.2
as well as the lightest water cooled 911 ever and if you have a factory aero car it was as close as a US resident can get to a copy of the 996GT3 since none were imported until .2 cars
rare no special definitely

 

Man a white 996.X is rare in itself.

 

They are all special. You gotta figure out which one you like the best. 996.1 (1997-2001) or 996.2 (2002-2005). Headlights, 3.4 or 3.6, wide body, narrow body, C2, C4, m96, mezger, NA, turbo, coupe, targa or convertible. Not any preferences are right or wrong.

 

I love my 7/98 coupe/148K miles

 

this is what I keep hearing, and that they were hand built. Any proof?

 

All 996's were hand built. The 993, 986, & 996 were all coming down the same production line in the late 90's. When 986 production was moved to Finland and 993 production ceased, the 996 continued on the same assembly line as all all 911's have for decades.

 

YES the “early build” ‘99s are special cars.

And the person who has driven and worked on more 996s than anyone here said so.
According to him the early cars feel tighter with a better build quality.
Unfortunately due to rampant idiocracy he’s no longer on here.

 

Where’s bdronsick when you need him?😏…

 

No, the early builds aren't any better than the later builds. They all have their pluses and minuses. If you want an early build go for it.

If you have no idea what you want, then dont try to fit a square peg in a round hole. Do your research, look at plenty of pictures, see what headlights you like better, study up on the differences of the 3.4 versus 3.6 engine, issues, costs and solutions.

Hey, I have a 996.2 and think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. But it may or may not be the right model for you depending on your preferences. Do your homework, ask lots of questions, take your time.

 

I remember years ago when I bought my first 996- a 01 XAA/M030 car. The enthusiast dealer told me the 99's had crappy interior with plastic dash's. I guess it worked because I bought and enjoyed the hell out of the 01' I had.

Could you get a "full leather" package in 99' (98) that came with a leather dashboard?

--Aaron

 

Our interiors are just a little bit of leather away from resembling the PCA 996 Club. Looks pretty good to me.