I went over to Valley Motors in MD last Saturday to check out a used 997. Interestingly enough they had it parked next to a 996. All I can say is that the widebody 997 really adds a muscular look to the car. Although I love the lines of the 996, I must admit that it looked kind of puny next to the 997. I think my next Porsche has to be a widebody.

 

That large rear end sure is sexy. (Women look better that way too IMO).

 

LOL True, but not too wide. At least not on the ladies.

 

I agree the 997 wide body is a big step forward versus the base 996 "bathtub" shape and the interior is also light years ahead of the 996 series. However, I still think the 996 wide bodies look way more aggressive, and modern, versus the 997's when looking at the front ends of both cars. The 996 "fried egg" head lamps look much better than the 997 "VW Beetle-esque" units. In my opinion, the 997 would look much more aggressive with the Boxster's headlights. Additionally, the front valence on the 997 needs a more aggressive treatment.

 

agree with the front valence, but that will probably be addressed in the turbo and gt3/.....i do like the 997 head lights better, vs the fried egg...just a matter of personal taste.....some like choc, some like vanilla

 

Appearances aside, I've owned two 996's and now have a 997S cab and I can say that the 997 is a significantly better car than the 996 in terms of response, handling, and interior fit and finish.

 

The 996 looks like the box that the 997 came in...

 

Speed: You meanits better in EVERY regard (don't forget looks)

Jack

 

Yes I do.

 

<The 996 "fried egg" head lamps look much better than the 997 "VW Beetle-esque" units.>

The key to the 997's beauty is the return of 993'ish styling. The round headlights are the key to making that happen, and I think the prettiest and single most important change in the 911.

 

To each his own, but 996s interiors and those headlamps...urghh. Couldn't wait for the 997!

 

the round headlights are a step backwards.... I was expecting headlights from a lemans GT1 to show up... oh well.

 

Yeah, me too. My first impression of the headlights was that it was a deliberate retro look... I was expecting them to be similar in design concept to the Carrera GT's - little cylindrical spot lights inside a larger oval housing. I've gotten used to them now of course.

 

The 997, looks like a paper fold out of a 993. Looks odd to me. Sorry guys the car is just too big to pull off 993 lines.

But don't worry nothing that an Aerokit can't fix.

 

I think the 996 headlights were a mistake. Porsche seems to agree.