Reddog2000

Hi, quick question....I am looking at a 2005 911, and the guy says it's a 996 but it has the new round headlights of the 997. Is that car essentially the same thing as the 997, or are there some other differences.

Thanks much...

ADias

A 996 is quite different, chassis, suspension, tranny.

LlBr

2005 996 had "Mickey Mouse Ears" headlights. Very NOT round.
2005 997 had "round" units.
A dog is not a cat just like a 996 is not a 997.

tpenta

Would be good to include pictures.

I remember once a few years back seeing someone create an aftermarket headlight system for the 996 that converted it to look like the 997. But that's not a 997.

If you send a picture it's very easy to tell from the body panels.

The only 996 that was made in 2005 though was the C4S. So I would maintain a level of suspicion until you get pictures or get more info.

Later,

-T

tcsracing1

DUDE,

Turbos, GT3's and CARRERA 4's (all high end platforms and widebodys) were still 996 "fried egg" headlight cars in 2005 in order to run the old bodies out of production effectively.

in 2005, only the CARRERA 2's were in the new 997 platform with the round headlights. The first of the beautiful 997's.

a friend of mine has a sweet 2005 997 Carrera S. Looks just like a 2009.

the 2005 is great way to get into an affordable 997.

tcsracing1

either the car is a 2005 CARRERA 997 and the seller is mistaken in porsche models, or it is a 2005 factory Widebody or GT3 which would be in fact a 996 but obviously custom converted to a 997 "round headlight" look which is sacreligious.

RollingArt

Agreed, could be a 996 with a remodeled front end.

Check the tire load rating sticker in the drivers door jamb. See if has a 996 or 997 part #. Again, it is possible to change those also, but it's one more thing to look at.

And tail lights. 997 tail lights point up at their most forward edge.

Each model also has it's own distinctive interior. Learn the difference, it's easy.

Sounds like it is a 997. Very strange.



Phil

Steven B

I might check the title for a little more info, or check the VIN at the dealer. On the other hand, just look at the dashboard - pretty apparent differences.......

Reddog2000

Thanks to all for the posts...very helpful. I have also researched all the historic posts on this subject and am getting close to figuring this out whether this car is really a 997.

Question: The VIN# is WPOAA29965S717383. Note the "996" inside the VIN#. I don't know if that means anything or not. I think that's why this guys thinks the car is a 996 with the new round headlights. Visually, this 2005 looks like a 997 to me and the seller seems very legitimate, but he is the second owner.

Can the VIN# straighten out for me whether this 2005 really is a 997?

Thanks!

Reddog2000

And here are some pictures of the car including the interior.

Is it a dog or a cat? ;-)

pongobaz

It's a 997.

dhud

997. The interior pics are of a 997 interior negating the conversion possibility.

CamsPorsche

That's a 997 for sure!

And the guys will tell you its a 997.1 as the latest 997 is a 997.2 with the slight facelift (go see it in the showroom and you'll notice the subtle differences).

mdrums

Standard Carrera 997....not a 996 which is good and not the S version of the Carrera (ie Carrera S).

tcsracing1

that there my friend is a beautiful 997 first year production.