nota_troll

Recently a friend inquired about purchasing my p-car. As a result I've test driven several 996s.

I was curious what my air-cooled brethren think about the 996.

My thoughts are it's a nicer car but not sure if it's worth the extra money. What I found most appealing is the 'civility' of the interior and drive. It's not as tactile as the 993 nor as sexy but it's design has merit.

Anyway. Like I said. Just curious what your impressions are. No big.

Thanks. OH...hope you all had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

mooty

996 is more comfortable and easier to drive than 993. the interior is more modern, not necessarily better. ext. styling is a personal thing. it's not as raw or as musical as 993 even with PSE on the 996. but out of the box, a 996 has better gear ratio, better performance and civility than 993, assuming it's engine/tranny holds up...

GrantG

I sold my 996 and am much happier with the 993 (more fun to own and drive despite lacking a bit of power).

os993

Not for me, even the 2002's and 2003's. They're more modern, faster, more HP, but felt numb to me. My 993 felt outdated after I drove a 996, but it also felt more personal and more funtional - true sports car feel. I love the 993 interior exterior - unfortunately I don't feel the same towards 996's..

I grew up desiring a Porsche 911. 993 is the pinacle of that desire - I don't feel any such feelings toward 996's - not bashing, just stating my own personal opinion. I actually have gotten used to the 996 look and like seeing them around town - I just don't see myself ever driving a 996 - again just my personal opinion.

Bty, I dig 996 drivers and respect them as much as any other Porsche driver.

911

I've driven a few at the Streets of Willow and I really liked the way it handled. It was easier to drive than the 993, IMHO. However, I'd keep my 993 over it anyday.

csertich

Same to you. Hope you and all on the board had a nice holiday.

I drove a 996 cab about sixty miles in one session. At the time, I had a 1996 M3. The 996 drove more like my M3 than my current 993. Both the 996 and the M3 isolated you from the road more than my 993 (my 993 has Tech Art mufflers so it makes noise).

The 996 was nice. Great power, good shifter. I didn't like the gauges except for the digital display of speedo at the bottom of the tach. Steering was good but slightly less feel. It was just too much like my M3 to consider trading up.

IMHO

chuck

seege

The 993 seems like the perfect end of the 911 evolution. The 996 is the beginning of the next generation.

The 996 can grow on you,though. I'm beginning to appreciate them myself.
It all boils down to what you want.

I saw you were bidding on that supercharger on ebay-did you win?

24FPS

a little too censory deprived for my taste. sure it's a smoother heavier "iron" but the bigger 996 feels a bit like a lexus sc 400 to me. not into the boxster dash & other shared int. parts either. -----waiting to see the 997.... but even then... i wanna '97 "tt-s"

ps- also on the esthetic side--- ever notice how the larger 996 makes everyone look like a pin-head? the size relationship is much more pleasing to the eye with the 993.

nota_troll

seege - nope. May buy the ring and pinion though if I keep my car.

Thank you all for your input. The 993 certainly is more tactile friendly. What I hadn't realized is the 996 is lighter (not by much) than the 993.

Steve 96C4S

I drove one before buying my 993. I loved everything about the inside of that 996. It was faster, had a nicer shifter, loved the digital speedometer, love the staggered gauges, loved the seats and the steering wheel. I just didn't like the exterior! That's why I bought my 993.

To each his own. The 996 is a kick a$$ car - it just wasn't for me.

Steve

RRLOwen

I haven't driven a 996. I think they are sharp looking cars but to me, like a lot of you on this list, they aren't the Porsche I grew up falling in love with all over again every time I saw one.
I guess times change - no more Healeys; no more Cobras (except the replicas)
For me, the 993 has everything a 911 should have and then some!
One last thought - what's with the amazing discounts I am seeing on some 1999 996's?? Like $39,000?? with 50,000 miles? That alone would scare me.

ROwen
95 Aventurine Green 993
02 Crystal Audi A6
02 Silver Highlander Limited

nota_troll

996 Poll

RRLOwen - nice color

Suwipin

Try the 996 GT3... I love how that car drives/handles - right out of the factory

nota_troll

Little out of my league. Maybe in a few years.

FlyYellow

i'll chime in here as well...

the 996 portrays an overly refined car. some may think it to be civil but i think that it is just too refined - to the point where it lost its edge as a world-class sports car. i somehow think of a 996 as the cadillac of porsches. i would go as far to say that it is the evolution of the 928 and not the 993. to me the 993 was a terminal line until they brought out the 996 GT3. now that's a car! That is the first car I'd trade my 993 in for.

Now with all that said there are things I like about the 996 that make me think. things like the pop up roll over protection, not needing the convertible boot because the top folds into the body panel. but those are the only two things i could find that i want on my 993. and sure there are things that i can find on asian cars that i want on my car (i.e. engines that don't leak oil).

Now for the future. The porsche breed knows its core competencies. sure it will stray but just like a rubber band who stretches a bit - it always comes back to its real shape. Porsche will realize this and will move toward a more sports car than a cadallic. i have faith - boy do i hope porsche reads this!!!

Cheers,
Boris