fiftyfive

I'm the happy owner of an '84 Euro and an '86 930. Last week I drove an '00 996 and was impressed to the point of thinking about a 996--the old cars are staying though.

For my needs and budget, an '00-'01 would be fine, the 3.4 had plenty of power for me. Big '02 changes were 3.6, stiffer structure, front/rear styling, glove compartment. What changes did I miss? If this has been covered ad nauseum in other links, just point me there.

Thanks

marlinspike

You missed cupholders. I think that covers all of the changes. Also, the 18" wheels introduced in 2002 were a new design that were even lighter than the pre-02 17" wheels.

Ray S

The '02-'04's got
- 20 extra hp (24 more than the '99)
- more torque at a lower rpm (thanks to VarioCam Plus)
- Better aerodynamics (20% less front lift and 40% less rear lift)
- 20% stiffer chassis
- improved interior
- improved oiling (revised pan and baffles for better high g performance)
- improved engine cooling (the newer cars run cooler as a result)
- better fuel economy (1 mpg, but with $3 gas every bit helps)
- improved suspension (reinforced strut towers, revised springs, shocks, bushings, and sway bars).
- revised exhaust (better sound)
- 55 lb weight gain over the '99-'01 cars

However, they are also selling for quite a bit more than the '99-'01's. Get the latest model you can afford, but there is nothing wrong with the earlier cars.

AndyK

I love my pre-facelift headlights, and interior!

My only complaint is that when I see a Boxster coming, and wave, thinking it's a fellow 996 owner, the result is usually a snub - because most Boxster owners are already saving for their next car - a MB CLK.

Otherwise, love the headlights!

M Fig

And depreciating faster...

MikeBat

I resent that . It just isn't true. The "problem" that 911 owners have for any other model is getting so tired.

God knows I would have gotten a 911 if only the prices in Canada were not at least 17% higher when new, and 25% more when used.

In the meanwhile, I will enjoy the flat six, great handling and top down experience, which is like the best purgatory ever concieved.

AndyK

I did say "most" Boxster owners. And I didn't say I regret waving to a "lame Boxster". To me, coming from a 944, a Porsche is a Porsche--I'm not a 911 snob (yet)! I just don't think most Boxster owners are enthusiasts, that's all.

MikeBat

in my opinion that is the direct equivalent of " I think all <fill in blank> are <fill in derogatory expression>, except you, ofcourse."

hey, I will just let it go.

AndyK

OK, I take it back. All Boxster owners that I have come across ARE enthusiasts, and DO wave or flash their lights when I do.

rountreed

Isn't the Boxster a chick car? JOKE!

wrljet

Yes.

MikeBat

Enjoy yourselves.

AndyK

At least I didn't say the Boxster was a chick's car!

rroobbcc

I hate to keep this thread off target, but my first P-car was a '99 Boxster and I loved it. Eventually I will add another Boxster to the stable as I think it is the most attractive of the Porsche convertibles (I actually prefer the 986 styling over the 987s). That said, I have also observed that perhaps only 1 (always a male) in 20 Boxster owners will acknowledge any type of greeting from another P-car on the road. I also have assumed that most (usually women) are not enthusiasts, they just bought the car because it was "cute". The numbers are also disappointing for 996/997 owners. Perhaps 1 in 4 will give any acknowledgement. The aircooled crowd is a different story. When I am out in my 964 I get acknowledgement from the other aircooled cars 3 out of 4 times. However, if I am in my 996 it is less than when in the 964. BTW, I will confess to never having greeted, flashed, or otherwise attempted to communicate with anyone in a Cayenne. I don't know why.

AndyK

Maybe because no Porsche enthusiast in their right mind would buy one?