porsche951

Not trying to start a turf war between the air vs. water cooled guys. I understand the air cooled cars are more "visceral". I'm also acutely aware that air cooled values are going thru the roof. We're ALL 911 fans. It's just that there are 2 types of us. One type is the guy whos 911 is his 3rd or even 4th car. Likely driven more sparingly probably air cooled and maybe appreciating in value. Then the second type is more like me, I have two cars but my 911 is my daily driver 8 months of the year. I'm racking up miles and my car(in my lifetime) will only depreciate in value. For me a water cooled 996 makes more cense. I realize the hard edges and razor sharp steering response the air cooled guys love have been mellowed a bit in newer generations. But overall the water cooled cars are superior cars. Bellbottoms were cool once as were floral shirts, but I don't plan on wearing them again. I'd love to have ANY other generation in my garage as my 3rd car. It's just not in my budget.

washington dc porsche

The next argument will be hybrid vs all motor 911's. Currently we are at PDK vs manual.

fpena944

This same argument has been happening since 1998 when the 996 was introduced in Europe. Can't change the minds of those who already have them made up.

Funny thing is it often just an internet argument. Have yet to have ANY Porsche enthusiast have anything but praise for my car as I have for his.

Also if we go further back in time the same arguments were said when transitioning from the 356 to the 911.

Imo000

Air cooled = Carburetor
Water cooled = EFI

This is my way of explaining the difference in technology.

Sneaky Pete

That's what i like about you..........no gray

sandersd

The only air cooled I would care to own is a 964 RSR. In my opinion it is the most beautiful Porsche EVER built!

sfv_rider

From now on, as long as the "911" continues in production, it will be water cooled. There's no changing that.

I appreciate the aircooled models that make up the company's history. They're a fine legacy.

I like the 996 for many reasons - acquisition cost compared to other 911s, that they are more "daily drivers" than the aircooled 911s, and the smooth body shape compared to the recent aircooled models.

To each their own. Buy what you like, and cherish it. Enjoy it for what it is, and don't succumb to foolish regret. A week's doubts and misgivings are erased with a brief drive.

onewhippedpuppy

Both are fantastic in their own way. To write off the air-cooled cars not only makes you exactly like those who bash the 996, but also eliminates some pretty awesome cars from your wish list. My old '88 Targa was a bit much for a daily driver, but I drove it anyway in all weather. With a built 3.2, MAF conversion, B&B 2-out, heavier torsion bars/sways/custom Bilsteins, HRE wheels with RE11s, etc it was unmatched for experience.

redridge

Ive been spending alot of time with the aircooled world lately and one thing I know (specifically pre 1989 911).... Porsche will never again build another car that is not engineered around safety regulations, technology, eco fuel consumption, electronic aids, noise restriction etc.... "Bellbottom" cars were made specifically for the driver only. Porsche will never have that open drawing board they had then, and fewer people will experience the sole pleasure of driving a car engineered around them.... I finally drew a conclusion that driving fast without feel is pointless.

Lots of aircooled blah, blah.... yup. Love to both worlds.

Capt. Obvious

I love both for different reasons.

The water-cooled 911s are better cars, but the air-cooled 911s are better Porsches.

Capt. Obvious

This air vs. water debate is just starting up in the Harley world now. The purists can not fathom how Harley could possibly be making the move to water cooling and think it's horrible. Yet, the new bikes make more power, run cooler, and get better fuel mileage. Sometimes you have to move out of your comfort zone to make progress.

The Harley VRSC (V-Rod) was the first water-cooled bike ever introduced by H-D (fun fact: Porsche designed the engine for Harley) and it has never been particularly popular with the Harley faithful. I've ridden a few though and they are absolute ROCKETSHIPS compared to any of my air cooled bikes.

Imo000

Nope. Porsche developed it to make it last as a street bike engine. HD had this engine in their race bikes.

Capt. Obvious

You're right, I should have been more specific: it was the first water-cooled motor in a production bike by H-D.

Seeeu911

+996. Both 87 911 I've owned were fantastic cars. Teaching my son to power slide drift in a 911 was better than doing it myself
Needing to wear a suit in hot Fla summers forced me to a 996. A 996, to my delight ! I discovered was a wonderful, refined, faster better handling bone stock Porsche than my tweaked Carreras.
If I could... I'd have one each in my garrage. Both awesome just different.

Seeeu911

Wow