mickfluff

993's are beautiful we all know this but the interior was a bit behind the times in its later years (97, 98 etc...) ..... the 996 Interior was a leap ahead and then the 997 interior dates the 996 IMO greatly.... 998 soon will be hear and curious if our 997's will look as dated as I feel the interiors of 996' looks in comparison. Thoughts? We know it well, but guess I am curious on when.... did not happen when 997.2 was released and hoping it does not happen when the 998 comes out....

(yes aware some love the simple 993 interior, as do I in a feel good simple interior look on a classic car like a 993)

russo

I agree, each generation has vastly improved their interiors; however, all generation cars drive well so its some consolation.

Chris from Cali

It's bound to happen. It's a matter of whether you like the style or not. I think the 997 interior is more cohesive than the 996, but the classic 911s (original ones) still look good. They all go through the period where they are the "old 911" and eventually move into the "classic 911" realm. FWIW, I love 964s...

Russo above is correct - they all drive well, so you know that's going to be a constant.

Alan Smithee

IMO, the 996 interior (and exterior) was a step backwards from the 993 in terms of both design and quality.

The 997 was definitely an improvement in quality, with the overall dash shape designed to be a step backwards past the 996 to the 993. However, the PCM console was a mess with the 997.1; slightly improved with the 997.2. IMO there is still room for improvement regarding function without resorting to iDrive, etc.

And there is room for improvement regarding quality as well. I had plenty of squeaks and rattles well before I sold mine after 4 years, colored trim plastics don't match, and overall the interior feels acceptable in a $50k Boxster, but rather cheap in an $80k Carrera.

As to future design, the Panamera interior should provide a glimpse...

larrytrk

If you are so worried about dated features, just lease, and be done with it every few years!

sharmat

IMO the 993 interior is somewhat plain by today's standard but that is partly what make makes it so great. As it is a focused drivers car and there is nothing in the interior or on the dash that doesnt belong there. The 997 interior is a step up from the 996 as it it more pleasing to the eye (for most people) but it is still truly a bit too "busy" esp with the PCM screen and button and all. However the 997 is a bit more of a luxo-cruiser compared to the 993 and 996. So that is the trade off I guess. I suppose it might get 'dated' but at least it fits well for the times.

Sub

I couldn't stand the 996 interior with its cheap shiny black buttons. 997 is acceptable, but still not worth of the price tag IMO. There is much room for improvement there. In some ways, the 911 really is archaic (namely, interior design and tech features).

am722

Agreed. There isn't a single exterior or interior in Porsche's history that doesn't look classy next to the 996 (yes, even you, Cayenne). I'd be very surprised if the 997 suffers the same fate.

Sadiq

so basically, 996 = bad. 997 = good. what else is new on this board?

Edgy01

If you're a long time 911 driver, you will notice immediately how close to that early 911 interior the 997 tracks. Porsche made the 964 interior very similar to that of the 911SC / Carrera 3.2 cars. Then they did the same with the 993. The 996 came out of the blue. It features a lot of curves and things that were completely unlike the past generations of 911. I never cared for that interior,--I think they gave it to the wrong guy to do the "jewelry" part of the car. Apparently, Porsche AG came to the same conclusion because the 997 looks a lot like the 993 interior. The 996 interior is the odd ball. Based upon these observations, I would conclude that the 991 (not 998 by the way) will have an interior that is much closer to the 997 interior as we know it today.

jcnesq

I still remember going to look at the 996 when it first came out (I had a 993 Targa at the time), and I found the interior design a complete turnoff. I think the 996 is the odd man out in Porsche history. Even though some might say the 997 is a bit busy, I like most things about it. I would worry more that the 998 would move to a busier interior a la the Panamera, which would be a mistake IMHO.

ADias

One does not drive a 911 for its interior.

dD/dt

If they reverse the PDK paddles, the current arrangement will go into history as one of those 'what were they thinking?' things.

Interiors that are really pretentious don't age well. Think Citroen, some BMW's, and a lot of Corvettes. The 997 isn't one of those.

gota911

The 997 interior will look dated with the release of the 991. I believe that to be inevitable.

I find 997 interior to be a dichotomy to the exterior design of the car. The exterior is smooth, curved, and sensuous, while the interior is fraught with a multitude of straight lines and severe angles, which give it busy look. The door panels and door handles are, IMO, a very uninspired design. Fortunately, the materials used in the 997 interior are a marked improvement over the materials used in the 996, which improves the overall appearance of the interior.

v21

I agree on the door interior design. The positioning of the windows buttons is really what annoys me.

Also I think the angular posture of the driver knee area below the sterring wheel and the glove compartment is annoying.