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The main reason I bought a 996 is because the design (both interior and exterior) is so damn cool, and it's becoming more classic over time. Considering their incredible value, it's a no-brainer.
The 997 is a gorgeous car, don't get me wrong. But it tends to have that "modern but retro" attempt at styling like the Ford thunderbird or the new VW beetle. Almost too obvious of an attempt to go back in time and capture the retro flavour. In contrast, the 996 was a bold new futuristic design for its time, and has gradually become more of an authentic classic car.
I think most people would buy a 991 over a 997 if they could afford it. But a 997 over a 996? Not for me - this was exactly the car I wanted and am proud to own. I've had newer Porsches, and also currently have a 993, so I could buy whatever generation I truly want. This is it.
There's also something fun about pulling up in a pristinely preserved example of an older car, which is more unique and surprising, than showing up in a clean 997. There are simply fewer 996s on the road that have been maintained in such nice condition.
well said and gorgeous car! I like the wingless aero look
Definitely helps that you have a 40A car that should no doubt do better than a 997 in the long-term. What a gorgeous example and the stance is just perfect. Bravo!
3 years ago, I looked at 991 Base & 997S models. I ended up buying a 996 Anniversary Edition on a whim. I could have afforded any of the options. Though, the 996 price point vs the others did make it easier to justify it as a 3rd car.
Buying the 996 is one of the best decisions I've made. I've gone on countless mountain runs with the local PCA, entered concours events and met some great people who are excited to talk about Porsche's. Every once in a while I get the snide 996 comment, but it's usually from some curmudgeon who's opinion I could care less about. I just smile and say, "I love the headlights". Surprisingly, most people are excited to talk about the car.
Every time I go on a club drive, there is always a variety of cars. From Boxsters to air-cooled 911's up to $200k GT3's. Not one person on those drives has any more fun than the other. That's what is so great about these cars, they all are meant to be driven and enjoyed regardless of price tag. Personally I feel some of the newer 911's are a bit too much car to really enjoy on the road. The 996 is a great balance of fun and being able to fully push your car on the streets without brazenly abusing the law.
Am I ever tempted by a newer model? Yes, but then I go on a drive and the thought quickly vanishes. To quote Doug DeMuro, I like the "Quirks and features" of the car. The headlights, the interior, the engine etc. these are all positives to me. I've even changed some non-believer air-cooled guys' minds after a single drive. Most of the immediate comments go along the lines of "Wow, your car is so much faster than mine" and "you could easily daily this" lol.
996.1 may be missing the creature comforts of a 997 or younger iteration but the analog feel without the electronic nannies and lighter weight combined
with similar power now to a 997 S, is just sublime.
Certainly my forever car.
Rather than steal this thread, I feel like someone should start a thread called "Why the 996 is the perfect platform to play with...show us your projects" or something like that... I know there are some amazing projects out there. I would certainly love to contribute. It should start with peterp's weight chart...to me its the cornerstone for the discussion....
Rather than steal this thread, I feel like someone should start a thread called "Why the 996 is the perfect platform to play with...show us your projects" or something like that... I know there are some amazing projects out there. I would certainly love to contribute. It should start with peterp's weight chart...to me its the cornerstone for the discussion....
Lowpue, couldn't agree more. Peterp, thanks for the weight chart. Speaks volumes on many levels. It's all about putting things into perspective about the 996 or any other car, isn't it...
That's exactly what my 99 looked like when I bought it. It had the base 17 inch twists with the original "fried egg" headlights. I still run the fried eggs when I track it. I have purchased a couple of sets of OE 18 inch wheels, Sport Design and 996.2 GT3.
Last edited by Splitting Atoms; 03-02-2021 at 10:46 AM.
I too love the unassuming look of a 996 on 17" wheels.
The 17" turbo twists on the Mk1 Porsche 996 just fit perfectly. I'm not sure if it's the curves of the front and rear bumpers, but those wheels just look right for the car.
Rather than steal this thread, I feel like someone should start a thread called "Why the 996 is the perfect platform to play with...show us your projects" or something like that... I know there are some amazing projects out there. I would certainly love to contribute. It should start with peterp's weight chart...to me its the cornerstone for the discussion....
I agree. I get it that most people are not comfortable with producing video, but photographs are easy these days with iPhones. I would love to see more DiY project threads. That's the way I've learned to do a lot of jobs on these cars.
Rather than steal this thread, I feel like someone should start a thread called "Why the 996 is the perfect platform to play with...show us your projects" or something like that... I know there are some amazing projects out there. I would certainly love to contribute. It should start with peterp's weight chart...to me its the cornerstone for the discussion....
When talking weight, I'd be curious where the builds from @zbomb and @RyanH. end up. They're different and the same all together and I'm sure they will be tipping well below the above posted weights. Sub 2900lbs is not unimaginable. That's some decent power to weight.
With a base model low option '99, replacing the heavy mufflers and cats and swapping on some my02 5 spoke wheels would already get you below the 2900lbs easy. And that is just scratching the surface.
I'm sure they will be tipping well below the above posted weights. Sub 2900lbs is not unimaginable. That's some decent power to weight.
Mine is estimated at 2811 lbs right now (dry). I have about another 130 lbs identified in a spreadsheet including a sunroof delete, duck tail, LiPo battery, etc... But those are all going to be higher priced items to do.
03-01-2021, 03:59 PM
