Yes, for the early (996.1) headlights, I can see this. Do you agree for the 996.2 though?

 

The base models, yes. The C4 and up, no.

 

I like the 996.2 way better, though the interior is not great. I like the simplicity of the 993 and the new polished look of the 997 interior.

 

The problem with any 996 (IMO) is that they already look dated. The 996 was conceived during a time where Porsche was trying to cut cost, so they shared headlights and interior bits from the boxter, which I think looks horrible and is pretty cheap.

Sure you can have a 911 for a fraction of the cost of a new model, but it will never be something to really look at. There is a reason why ANY 996 model does not hold their values compared to other 911's.

 

I'll take a 03-04 C4S or Turbo any day. No, it'll never have the sex appeal as the 993 or the 997; but she's still a great car and nice 911.

While we're at it, the 964 wasnt exactly the most sexy looking 911 varient either. (minus of course the Turbo, and RS versions.)

 

keep in mind that time period (late 90's thru early 2000's) was a HUGE time of change for ALL German automakers.

The 996, while it'll never be a 997, had to come to be. It helped Porsche become who they are today.

 

for looks, i think a 996 turbo looks better than a 997. not liking a car for its *headlights* <insert Allen Iverson "practice" voice here>. interior is cheap unless it's all carbon'd & leather'd out - then i think it looks better than a 997 too.

997 from a design POV is just too busy imo. to each their own.

- chuck

 

Great point!

It's interesting to see the comments so far and my reason for asking was simple curiousity. Seems like lately, the 996 is rarely mentioned, especially in this section. So I thought it (the 996) has become "forgotten".

P.S. I've owned my 996.1 for several years now and still enjoy it! Is it my favorite in my collection, no, but it's still a great car to drive.

 

^ Most of the Porsche guys are going for the latest and greatest, plus with all the new models coming out lately thats been the topic of conversation.

 

Although the 996 isn't the prettiest 911, I still for some reason have an extreme desire for a 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo in Meteor Grey with black interior. Maybe because for the price back then, it was THE ultimate sportscar. Now there are so many other options, but no matter what nothing can substitute Porsche.

The interior is horrible, but I love the exterior of every 996. Every 996 that isn't modded that is. Exterior mods ruin the 996, as well as after market wheels. Actually, after market wheels ruin every Porsche.