Another perspective: How many computers do you need in your Porsche?


For me the bottom line is this:
For a street car, the 997 is better. Period. For most folks, that's all that matters.
For track junkies, the 996 makes a good case for itself: cheaper, simpler, lighter, easier to do suspension/safety mods on, availability of non-PSM and non-sunroof cars in the marketplace, etc. Yes, the 3.8L in the 997S has more juice, but at the track something gets lost behind the curtain of PASM, PSM and the extra 200 lbs of weight.

Looks are just looks, and I'd say a good 996 can hold its own...

 

Only 996 anyone should consider is a 996 GT3! You can get those under 50 easily... and then that is compelling! 996 Carrera... no way!

 

On balance I suppose I'd prefer a 997 to my 996, but *only* for style points and *only* one with an S motor.

Considering that I paid $26.5 for my 2002 with a fresh motor last year the gap is $20K, and frankly that's GT3 money and *so* not worth it.

Style wise - each car has their unflattering angles. Perhaps the 996 has a few more. My unadorned 996.2 with PSS9 and BBS/Porsche Sport Classic II track wheels looks good to my eye.

Interior wise - I removed my centre console and it's now a proper bare bones old school interior. The television screen in the dash of the 997 is one of the main reasons I prefer my 996 interior. Some of us still drive Porsches because they are (were) sports cars with racing heritage. The ability to watch cartoons on saturday morning is not part of that heritage IIRC

And finally, to the 997 guy(s) that refuse(s) to acknowlege 996 owners - Thanks! Saves me having to meet you and realize once again that Porsches tend to attract douchebags.

 

sorry, to offend...

996 = FAIL

I saw a 993, 996 and 997 parked in a row... it looked like 2 hot chicks and a grenade...

99-01 lights are horrible... a bit of an improvement on the MKII, but still bothersome, especially that metal oval disk (washer?)...

I can't get over the interior of the 996. I'd prefer a honda accord interior. what's with the platic "CD holder" type things...

I think the rear spoiler on the 996 looks like someone installed it inside out...

I really wanted a 996 C4S, as I loved the front and rear bumpers. Almost bought one, in fact. But after sitting in a 996, and then trying a 997, I quickly realized the 997 was the car for me. I could have purchased a low mile 996 C4S for $43K, a low mile 996 C2 for $29K, but ended up spending an additional $20K for a low mile 997 C2S. I couldn't be happier with my decision and would do it over again no question.

 

Couple good things about the 996. The original 99 can still outrun todays 6speed Boxster S. That's pretty good. And as I recall, the mags all had to conclude that althought not as pretty it was a better can the the outgoing 993. The 99 was less computerized and lighter than today's 997. It did fail, though, because Porsche decided it better dress the new 911 up like a 993. It would have been interesting to see where the 996 would have evolved had Porsche not stepped back in time with the looks of the 997. I guess the problem was that it was named 911. Had they named it differently maybe they would have moved the engine forward, and evolved the 993 separately? OR is that the Cayman?

 

OT.. nice pic but whoever did the background blurring forgot about the reflections!

 

The first 911 I drove was a 996. The interior was pretty bad - greasy plastic and shiny black carpet - but it sure was fun to drive. I would never put down someone's 996 but after you drive the 997 there really is no comparison, the 997 wins hands down, inside and out.

If you're looking to spend $45-55K on a used sports car, an '06 C2/C2S is the way to go for sure!

 

If I was building a dedicated track car I'd absolutely consider a 996. For something I drove daily I don't think I could look past the cosmetics.

 

At least my 996 doesn't look like a skinny Volkwagen from the front view. You guys are way too full of yourselves!!
Pete

 

It's just a different set of values Pete. Style over substance and all that, nothing new.

Fact is when these part-timers are done with their cars they will be *great* deals for the next wave of *real* enthusiasts.

The 997 is as good as a 996, and even I agree it's better looking, but at this point in time the $ delta is not worth it to those of us who aren't willing to pay the premium for the latest thing.

I recently drove a 3.6 litre 997 back to back with my 996. They were the same car except the 997 interior was more luxurious.

That damned television screen sticks in my craw though, and there's no way to get rid of it.

Let's stop trolling these guys' forum. They'll be happier just sticking to their own type.

Now where's that menu which changes the colour of the instrument light again? What, there is no such feature? I demand Porsche address this pressing issue!

 

So true - but your egglights are just weird!

 

I couldn't image trading my '02 for a 997. It's just not a large enough leap forward in my opinion. The models prior to the new DFI motor are in many ways a 996 Mk III (new interior and exterior with a very mild rework of the engine and chassis).

Did Porsche make some improvements? Absolutely, but you'll pay quite a bit more for them now and you'll get some added weight in the process.



The 997 "S" did get a nice power bump, but if you really want an upgrade I'd go for the DFI version.

 

Really? I guess being faster on the straight, faster on the track, better slalom, better brakes, better exhaust tone, better balance doesn't count as substance, right?

997 is a HUGE improvement over 996, even you admit it somewhat, but try to focus mostly on the looks to hide how much you LOVE to own a 997!

I however agree, if one wants to build a track purpse car, and wants to strip the car, do suspension, brakes, etc... 996 is a good starting points for the price, as you can fix most of its performance issues (but not the headlights!) .

 

Forgive me for being shallow, but the one big thing to me that always made the 996 a non-starter for me was the sound. Lifeless. Even the normal 997 sounds lifeless. At least the PSE has made the water boxers sound more like my old air cooled 911S and 911 turbo.

 

Not necessarily...I bought my 06 997 in December from Champion for $40k with 28k miles and no stories with it.