ZuffenZeus

I think Webster's "simple definition" of Sardonic fits Quadcammer:

FRUNKenstein

The '99 996 is simply a far superior car to the 993 series. Even Porsche agrees. It's a fact.

Please sir, can I have some more?

5CHN3LL

That's not Oliver...THIS is Oliver!

spruden

OP - here are some thoughts that haven't been shared as you debate moving to the 996 from your 993.

• Interior ergonomics (notice I didn't say material quality) are step up in the 996 - gauges are easy to spot, switch gear is within reach, AC & heat controls are simplified, especially in a track setting - it's designed for speed and focus
• Pedal spacing is obviously completely different, not only are they hinged from the top now, but heel toeing requires some new muscle memory (for example)
• Unless you want driver aids - find a low optioned 996, no PSM, no TC, etc... It will feel different and also very familiar to your 993
• Oil changes and routine maintenance is simplified - you have the luxury of having items in logical locations and not being slammed in wherever they will fit
• Shifter feel is totally different - there's something about the G50 transmission and mechanical linkage that the 996 just doesn't have - you'll miss it
• The increased torque and power is noticeable in the 996 - a basic narrow body C2 feels a bit more nimble than every 993 that I've driven
• You'll miss the sound of the doors shutting on the 993
• Just like a mandatory top end rebuild on your 993 (in CA at least), certain engine items will pop-up (IMSB, etc...) just plan for them and know that they are usually less expensive to do than what you'll experience in the 993 world
• Lastly, I recommend looking for a basic NB 996 - don't immediately disregard a mostly vinyl interior, especially in black - they age very, very well and will look like new way beyond what most leather filled interiors will as a ton of 996 buyers haven't kept the leather in great shape over the years

Slakker

^^ At least someone around here is articulately factual. (I'll have to give it a shot sometime and see what it feels like.)

Quadcammer

Mostly correct, with the exception of the supposedly mandatory top end.

Oh, and I'm not sure the interiors hold up well. That soft touch plastic, particularly in the center console area, get destroyed very easily.

ZuffenZeus

* The Porsche (Becker sourced) CDR series stereos are known to go completely silent or lose their codes for no reason at all.

* If you remove the seats and turn on the car's power, you'll get an Airbag light that can only be turned off via a diagnostic unit like the Durametric.

* If you let a 996 sit in armed mode with no working keyfobs and the battery goes dead, it will cost you a small fortune to fix

* The 996 loves milkshakes

* The all leather option is a must, but the rubberized paint on the console and seat backs are a joke!

* The Porsche silver horn crest is the holy grail

* The convertible tops work most of time

* The immobilizer is under the seat but is prone to water damage on the cabriolets

* The electronic frunk release is prone to failure and even a simple dead battery can make your life a living hell.

* The Porsche 996 loves Mobil 1 oil only, because there's a sticker under the rear hood to prove it.

* The Porsche 996 uses only pink coolant, if you go with a different color, the engine will have to be shipped to Stuttgart, German and personally flushed by one of the Porsche or Piëch family members .

* The 996 should be driven like it's stolen. Why? Because that the Porsche tradition and they have been robbing us at every turn for more than 60 years.

all for now!

alpine003

I once heard if you replace a certain portion of your airbox on a 996 with a orange Gillete cap, it can give you a really sporty sound and make you think your're faster and also save your wallet on having to upgrade the exhaust. There must be some merit to it since there are tons of pages on the subject matter.

spruden

Ha! Don't do it - we can't all become boring like me

Woodman71

Doesn't the '99 have mechanical linkage?

alpine003

Poster was probably getting mixed up with the 915 transmissions which had cable clutch. The G50 transmissions came with hydraulic clutch system unless you half-retroffited a G50 unit into an older car and didn't do the hydro conversion.

TheMystro

I had a very clean 993 C2 for a few years as well as many other air cooled 911's over the years. I can easily recommend a well optioned 996 as a step up in every way. As mentioned, the "full leather" is a must in the 996/997 and a major upgrade over any air cooled interior. You won't hear the "ping" when closing the doors on a 996/997 but they have a quality feel less the "ping". The 996 was the start of Porsche learning to fleece their customers with options so there are a lot of them and gives the 996 a diverse level of car. Not so good for a bare bones base model but great for a loaded up top model. This is why you can find so many opinions on the 996/997 interiors.

spruden

Without getting into the weeds - the 993/G50 shift linkage is completely different than the cables on the 996. Even without the RS or Golden Rod, the 993 feels completely different than a 996. My advice for the PO is that he'll likely miss that feeling when moving to the 996.

Not saying one is "better or worse" just different and I'd bet most 993 drivers would feel a standard 996 shifter is not a step forward.

air993

I have enjoyed reading all the replies. Keep 'em coming. I knew the 996 vs 99X would bring up a lot of different views and enjoy hearing the strong and weak points of each car. Is the shifter feel in the 996 turbo the same as a NA 996? I have a friend near me who has a car that I can drive. I love the solid feel the 993 has but it is sounding like I need to find a 996 here to drive before I make the jump. I can't imagine that it feels any less special than my 97 coupe.
Lucas

DTMiller

It's a 911, it will be really fun to drive and no one without a car forum login will know the difference between your current car and a 996. The rest is just bull**** to make people feel better/worse about themselves/others.