I have been looking to get a 996 and see that there are two different steering wheels. I see some cars with a somewhat symmetrical three spoke steering wheel and some with a square four spoke steering wheel. Why are there different styles and what option(s) drive the difference. I think I am partial to the three spoke wheel but I wouldn't let that be the deciding factor in the car I choose.

 

The 3 spoke wheel weighs less due to having fewer spokes and is considered a performance upgrade.

I don't know the option code number for the 3 spoke wheel, but on my car's window sticker, it's listed as "three spoke steering wheel" - right there with 6-speed manual transmission, metallic paint, sport alloy wheels, etc.

 

The 4 spoke wheels came on the early 996's and the 3 spoke was added in the later models. The three spoke is a little fatter and looks much nicer IMHO, but functionally they both turn the car just fine....

 

3 spoke was an option on the 996, than standard MY02 and up.

 

I have seen '99 996s with 3 spoke wheels so it must have been an option on the early models as well.

 

The 4 spoke is the more traditional style

 

The 4 spoke is a skinnier wheel...the 3 spoke not only looks better(IMO), but because it is fatter, it just feels better when gripping and driving. I bought mine on Rennlist and personally thing it is one of those upgrades that really improves the Porsche 'feel'.

 

There are also different versions of the three-spoke. There's a standard version as well as a sport version.

Here's the sport wheel, followed by the standard wheel. I think it's just cosmetic.

 

These are your Options, Scroll down http://www.e-partssales.com/miva//me..._Code=996knobs

 

I had that 3 spoke steering wheel in my 986S. It felt better than the standard steering wheel currently in my 997 C2.

 

I have the 3 spoke. I bought my '01 C4 about a month ago. The cars is a lot of fun. However, one thing I will say, is the wheel is too skinny and spindly. I have an M3 and that is a nice beefy wheel. Anybody take theirs to an upholstery shop and have it recovered so that it is fatter?

Schwabische Auto / 01 C4 Coupe / 08 BMW ///M3 E93

 

This is what you need then, i have it and its great.... http://www.e-partssales.com/miva/mer..._Code=996knobs

 

I too have the sport 3 spoke with the 'fatter' wheel and I agree it just feels skinnier compared to the sport wheel on my BMW. The steering wheel also grips differently on the BMW - it's 'stickier' leather feel where your hands grip the wheel. And of course the 20 way adjustable sports seats on my BMW are something to behold :-)

Now if only I could get that type of seats and steering wheel feel into my Porsche.....But then maybe that doesn't make a it 911 anymore ?

 

AS VAN LISTED THE 3 SPOKE IS/WAS AN OPTION IN THE EARLY 996'S. MY 99 HAD THE STANDARD 4 SPOKE LAYOUT UNTIL I SWAPED IT OUT FOR A MOMO TRACK SET-UP. IN THE END IT ALL COMES DOWN TO YOUR TASTE. I USED THE STOCK 4 SPOKE FOR THE FIRST 2 YEARS OF OWNING THE CAR AND FOUND IT TO WORK BOTH ON THE STREET AND TRACK. IF YOU ARE JUST LOOKING TO UPDATE THE CAR TO THE MY02 SPECIFICATIONS THEN DROP IN THE 3 SPOKE. OVERALL IT WILL NOT CHANGE YOUR DRIVING EXPERIENCE. JUST THE BLING FACTOR

 

Somebody have a stuck CAPS key?