Five Ways A £25,000 Porsche 996 C4S is Better Than The New 992 GT3 (And One It Really Isn't)

In today's video I drive the old Porsche GB 996 press car - a stunning yellow example of the fabled 911 and a member of the family rapidly gaining in favour.
I discuss five reasons this is much better than the new GT3 I've spent the week with, and one reason it isn't
#996 #Carrera4S #GT3
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[@KingReza]

Porsche 996 C4S are great, I have owned mine now for over 2 years now, but I have used big $ on my car. All work done at Porsche Classic center, rebuild engine to 3.9L, AOS, IMS, RMS every possible upgrade to engine, radiators +++ Suspension to öhlins + every bushings + balljoints. Full Kline exhaust system, upgraded interior with hardback sport seats, new OEM red seat belts, Porsche PCCM, repaint brake calipers, all brake line new + brake disc + pads +++ I was considering to buy new Porsche 992, but I think its cooler to own 996 C4S I love the look of this car :) Cant understand why people dont like the headlights + the rear of C4S are very nice. + newer Porsche looks too big

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Sorry, but for the asking price the 996 is not that great. Terrible interior ergonomics. Too cramped inside. Your leg hits the dash, the door sill is too high for your elbow to rest on. The center console is a mess. The shifter is too far forward, no decent cupholders. Back seats are useless. Drivers seat is not comfortable enough. The car is too expensive to fix and it does not drive all that great. If it were half the price it would be great, but it's not. The juice ain't worth the squeeze.

[@KingReza]

@@bigmacdaddy1234 what type of Porsche do you drive?

[@Carrera-gp9od]

@@KingReza I agree with no e of this guys points apart from the lack of cup holders . However , When I’m buying a 20 year old sports car cup holders are not a high priority 😂

[@mh230483]

Have you done a video of your 3.9 with the Kline exhaust? I have a 3.9 and am trying to decide on exhaust.

[@KingReza]

@@mh230483 No not done video, also my exhaust system is inconel :) The sound is insane

[@pf6797]

Buying a low mileage one owner 986S, a Boxster, when prices were absolutely bottomed out in 2016 continues to be my biggest car coup. I have got to have some of those sport technic wheels.

[@rovanek9457]

Change the airbox and throttlehouse of the 996 or of a Cayman get big horsepower jump .and take out the snorkel if you like sound.boxster rule mid engine

[@Tential1]

I'm sad I didn't get one... It was extremely affordable, but I thought it would keep depreciating... But yall youtubers ruined it, lolololol

[@detonator2112]

The rear reflector makes it actually look like the traditional Porsche. Air cooled cars all have it and that's a big part of their appeal. This version is the best looking 996 hands down. Air cooled prices are already out of reach from most car enthusiasts but the 996 prices are ridiculously low. These are seriously undervalued. Amazing sports car bargains.

[@blairwilliams136]

Your 100 percent correct about the rear reflector, its reminiscent of the air cooler cars and that's why I love it so much. The 1996 in this spec is simply beautiful.

[@detonator2112]

@@blairwilliams136 996 4S rear is absolute perfection. Only 993 has better looking rear end ... that fat ass... (especially the widebody S-model) but this is much nicer than any of the newer versions (997, 991 and 992). I want one so much.

[@alexthejew420]

@@detonator2112 “that phat ass”, aye but you do be spitting rn 😭😭 i own a 1999 996 4, in time im gonna bring it into the new age and keep it forever

[@themadhatter444]

This car was done by Friends Green Porsche for the customer. Anyone thinking the bill is excessive needs to watch the video, or all of their videos, to see why customers choose them to service cars like this. The work performed was obviously done to meticulous perfection and, as a result, the owner will enjoy many stress-free miles. The work included the PCCM, exhaust bits, interior package, etc. Not just a "mechanical refresh." If I were in Europe they'd be doing mine too. Great video as always, Jay. Spot on closing remarks.

[@chrisogrady28]

"So from that point on I realised that I really was, a Porsche person" *currently owns 3 Ferraris and 0 Porsches* 😂

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I didn't say I was very good at it, and I do own one Porsche! The 968

[@cadizsurfer7305]

@@JayEmmOnCars How do you like your 968?!

[@inksand]

Scratched a very big itch last year and obtained a 996 40 Jahre. Appreciate all comments about C4S and the 996 in general. The ‘I don’t like the 996 because of…’ brigade are just going to miss out on the greatest sports car bargain of our times. My 40 Jahre: not silly money, looks fantastic but, big but, with X51, LSD and M030 is a fabulous drive. Just fabulous - especially on UK ‘B’roads. Also, it’s my daily driver.

[@318iSpoons]

Great to see the 996 get some appreciation! I have a Turbo: bulletproof engine, bonkers fast but civilised at regular speeds. Thoroughly recommend one, or any 996 in good condition👍

[@ineedthatcar7169]

Miss my Midnight blue 996 C4S - brilliant car.

[@rosschurchouse2794]

this was the one i was waiting for .....Cracking Video for Easter. I have a C4S silver over black and many owners of pre and post 996's have said to me that its the only one of the 996 era they would own. Everyone seems to like the C4S. I think its because most people see it from the back and its the best rear 3/4 of any Porsche - hands down.

[@BRAINFxck10]

Nah.. best Porsche rear 3/4 is the 993 Turbo

[@conorhughes4910]

For those watching from outside the uk. Dont be too discouraged if you find a version you like with m030. I will agree that the suspension is too harsh but that is more an indictment of road quality in the uk. It would be perfect for Spain for instance. Oh...also consider installing the 997.2 gt3rs gearshift (not the ssk). It made a world of difference to mine and is a 1:1 replacement; easy install)

[@jasongammon2767]

My C4 is on mo030 and I agree it’s rather to firm at low speeds but works really well once the pace increases 👍🏼

[@EvoraGT430]

M030 is only harsh if it's knackered.

[@DriverGuy23]

“Car Obsessed, flamboyant, fat man”, this is one of the reasons I enjoy watching you videos so much. You make fun of yourself and don’t care what other think. More power to you Sir! Keep up the great work, enjoying the videos.

[@alexadelaide]

The 996 was the current Porsche when I was a teenager, so I’ll always consider it the blueprint 911. Glad to hear it finally getting some love!

[@tserzz]

The 996 a great drivers Porsche all weather long distance sports tank. Love the sleek racing style take lights over the Cod eyes. Go the raw analogue 996. A Pinky Lai artform Icon !

[@mriamilne]

Great vid. Thank you. The 996 is a great car and for some the ONLY affordable 911.

[@deep6thisdeep6this92]

does this guy have a twin? because he's putting out more videos than about 20 other automobile channels i'm subscribed to, combined! if not, bravo!, if so, bravo! bravo!

[@kevincockburn7805]

He is doing this like a real job, he is clearly taking it very seriously.

[@rudik5496]

Great review: real world. Very easy for journalists that don’t buy or live with a GT3 to say that it’s miles better in engine and sound.

[@racekar80]

I was going to sell my 997.1 S because they command so much right now, but I have reconsidered and are now in the process of refurbishment and improvement instead. I think these older, non electronic, Porsche’s will be the cars to own in the future.

[@matviyk3066]

For sure. I think any Porsche in manual especially will just never stop being wanted. Even the massive 992

[@geraint8989]

A pretty good measure of whether a car is beautiful is whether one had a Bburago scale model in one’s bedroom as a schoolboy - and my silver 996 was between the F40 and the E-Type.

[@oscarzt1652]

i do like the way this 996 sounds

[@CarsofGlasgow]

That 996 C4S really suits that yellow paint job

[@ahemgee9542]

Just traded my R129 SL500 for one of these , manual in Arctic silver. Absolutely stunning drive, perfect combo of analogue, involving drive whilst being practical and comfy enough to use regularly.

[@jamesstaggs4160]

I'm a Porsche person as well. My dad had a 924 way back in the 80s and while other kids loved the Countach or the Testarossa, I always preferred the whale tail and wide hips of the 930. My love for the brand only increased as I learned more about cars and the fact that Ferraris are fragile things, Lambos aren't always the best driving experience, but you could actually use Porsches and they were generally user friendly cars, save for my favorite 930 and it's snap oversteer. Porsches tend to be more understated as well. They're still beautiful cars, but pulling up in a Diablo or a Gallardo is an event. Driving a 430 or a 355 and you'll have plenty of attention on the road. That's ok sometimes but I'd rather not always be the center of attention when driving.

[@williammorris3334]

I learned to drive in my moms 924 back in 1981. Finally got my own Porsche last year, a 981 Boxster S, my dream car, everything I hoped Porsche ownership would be!

[@mikemagoomcgrady]

Great points in there, I’m doing the same with my 997, bringing it back to life and enhancing where I can. Videos like this inspire me when I’m skint and loosing faith! Hopefully I’ll get you in it when it’s done.

[@francobanzini665]

I had a 996 C4S in Polar silver with metropole blue leather interior and completely agree it had a great rear. I had no issues with the car over many years and miles use and like so many cars I’ve had I wish I had kept it - but I’d need a large car park for them all.

[@suzukitaka4470]

I bought a 996.1 with the same exact color a year ago - interior and exterior. Love the combo and it’s an awesome car.

[@richardprice7763]

My favourite 996! Love the bigger rear lights on these and the Turbo style body...

[@paulowen9736]

FGP video on this very car was good, detailed the extensive work carried out to bring it up to an exceptional example

[@paulchurchouse4585]

9964S - There is no substitute. Pure automotive art.

[@nickgreen2497]

Nice vid, James. My 981 Cayman is roughly half the age of this but I’m starting to see some big bills, too. Not £18k, admittedly, but definitely chunky enough to remind me it’s a Porsche. Will always happen sooner or later I guess.

[@themadhatter444]

Prospective 981 buyer here! Like what? I've always heard that they're very stout cars.

[@nickgreen2497]

@@themadhatter444 They are stout, don’t get me wrong. Mine’s done 72000 miles and things are starting to wear out, that’s all. Standard servicing is reasonable but Porsche bits aren’t cheap. Buy well and maintain regularly and you’ll be fine 👍

[@themadhatter444]

@@nickgreen2497 Thank you!

[@fjaydn]

I just replaced EVERY SINGLE supension arm on my 996, I went with Meyle parts und did all the work myself, ended up paying 1000€. Also did a complete brake job all around new discs and pads, that was like 400€ for brembo parts. So if this is your second or third car and you have basic understanding of mechanical work, it is really not that expensive to maintain these cars. If the engine goes thats another story of course.

[@cornishrider]

Agreed fantastic colour

[@pb7870]

Saw one fly past me that looked just like this the other day and it still looks timeless

[@stuupoo]

Really want a 996 C4S or Turbo , the price has rocketed so much I’m the last couple of years. Not sure I can bring myself to part with that much cash now.

[@danarmstrongmusic]

Yes, I've got a C4 996. Granted, I'm trying to move on to something else, but after nearly 10 years of enjoyment (and a Hartech rebuild), I've loved the thing :) Won't be my last Porsche either.

[@siri1802]

Am so excited watching this… sold my e46 m3 and am picking up my ‘04 c4s this Saturday coming!😊

[@MrBollabollabolla]

Bought my Speed Yellow 996 about a week after watching this. An absolutely fantastic car!

[@geoffclarke3796]

Looks great in yellow. I had a speed yellow 996.1 GT3 for 12 years. Those seats imo are up there with best seats ever put in a road car.

[@lewishurst7363]

They're not original seats.

[@carolinacars739]

5:55 "Speed Yellow" adds 10mph to your speed when getting pulled over...

[@39PSIOnTheDaily]

My good man, I have been subscribed to you for quite awhile, and I just want to say that if EVO or Carfection doesn't pick you up soon, I'm going to be really upset. You deserve all the success coming your way!

[@MadelnMachines]

Looks great in the speed yellow. Sounds fantastic too. I wouldn't be willing to spend the best part of £15-20k bringing it up to standard though.

[@Ash-pv7mk]

Great video Jay and very honest (as usual) pointing out worts and all without rise coloured glasses. The bit at the end when you said what you'd really like in a 911 if you could spec it - I bought a 964 C4 Manual about 15yrs ago which had been Supercharged. It was great....the power delivery was unique, in a good way. Don't have the car any longer though. It was featured in a 911/Porsche World magazine article when the one of previous owners told the story of the tuning journey. Well known guys in Warrington did the job - Ninemeister.

[@eze8970]

Thanks J, enjoyed that!

[@rob5521]

I own both a Touring ( 991 ) and a 996 C4S , both superb. But 996 so much easier to have fun in.

[@shaunleecollins778]

997.1 Carrera S with a Hartech 4.3L conversion, 6 pot front caliper swaps, 350mm rears and the bigger 4 pot calipers. You can purchase carbon ceramic aftermarket rotors that are far cheaper but just as good if not better quality so pop in some Pagid RS pads to match 👌🏻 I'd lower it by 25mm (in total not in addition) with some Eibach springs and keeps PASM dampers. Weld the PSE flaps open (lol sorry I just can't help myself!). Would consider the aftermarket "pepperpot" 19" alloys as they look superb on 997's. But I do have the 19" Carrera Sport multi-spokes optional wheels that were selected on the build sheet. Those rear 305's have monumental grip! Even the 295's on my winter wheels do too! Defies the laws of physics! So these are a couple of things I'd consider to do but it's a 1 owner, built to order car with an outstanding selection of options selected when the first owner was kitting his car out. I got it at 27k miles @ just under 12 years old. So it was brand new. Kept in a heated garage it's entire life. Immaculate history for both servicing and maintenance. Scoped once a year too. Great content as per, keep up the good work chap. 👏

[@JoJoJoker]

It’s nice to find a 911 with plenty of the thoughtful options. There’s a big difference between a mostly basic silver/black & an interesting paint/leather combo with no blank buttons.

[@kevinburk1670]

something about that color makes the 996 look goood

[@stephenauty2402]

I don't know what it is about the Turbo engine you don't like sir, I mean it's a twin turbo'd Mezger unit and they're incredible, torque from low down is so strong and when it hits 4k they just take off and rev out super quick, but you can also drive it very gently and it's very compliant and smooth. It's an amazing engine in a wonderful car , I think you should drive another , mine is an 05 manual with 9k miles and I live in the Scottish Borders , you're welcome to come and give it a shot.

[@WatchFascination]

Good review. I had a C4s with the X51 Carrera power pack and that is prob the ultimate non GT3 N/A 996. Dog ownership meant moving it on but I would have another. One thing I noticed is that the yellow car in your video does seem to smoke out of the left bank of cylinders (right exhaust) and the exhaust tailpipe was oily. Constructive comment to the owner - Deffo worth checking this NOW!

[@skiierhugh]

Indication of bore scoring 😢

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

Best modern Porsche by far is that c4s however for me personally a c2s is the one 👌👌

[@paulbellas8797]

I like the original headlights much more. They pay honest tribute to the gt1. The second gen are sharp and look forced into the design

[@arryc3947]

Agreed. The .2 headlights look almost like they conceded to the 'must have round headlights' brigade but not the penny pinching accountants that said it must all be in one easy to fit light unit.

[@paulbellas8797]

@@arryc3947 Exactly. I think they made a change to make them look different to appease the grouches but not necessarily to make the design more pleasing to the eye. The sharp corner looks forced...

[@detonator2112]

I'm a 996 fan. Great car. But let's face it the 996 headlights are one of the biggest f*ckups in the entire car history.

[@paulbellas8797]

@@detonator2112 at the time I didn’t think it was a fuckup. We bought one in 1999and still own and drive it. We just saw it as the evolution of the Porsche 911. It won multiple car of the year awards when it was released, and saved the car company. It wasn’t until years later that people were moaning about it. Also, it sold mor copies than the previous two generations combined so apparently people didn’t think it was such a big fuckup. TBH if the kept the old form and just stuck ina water cooled engine I would have liked that too. The new ones seam all hyper carish and gt like. I’ll take my 300hp go cart.

[@detonator2112]

@@paulbellas8797 Yes I've drived many 996's. I love the car. Not to take anything away from it. It's still more analog and actually very small car compared to 991 and 992, which aren't real 911's anymore. They are amazing cars technically but they're so big that there's very little of the original 911 feel left. I still think the headlights are a f*ckup hehe. But I'm willing to forgive a lot of things for those prices. You can buy three or four 996's for the price of one air cooled well sorted car. That's nuts. Cheers.

[@bigword3744]

Litera driving my dream car, speed yellow 996 c4s. Oter one is 991 gt3 touring.

[@Challengetheroad]

My first ever Porsche c4s - need to get back in one again soon!

[@abagley2334]

Seems like all the comparison pros of the 996 would be even more applicable for the 997.2 vs 992. 996 is a good car, but imo it’s become more popular, and prices have risen, is a lot to do with the price gap that existed between the 996 and 997, that just the fact the 996 was the most affordable to get into during the Porsche boom in the last 2 years. Also, I went to Cranfield Uni! (Saw the sign on the roundabout).

[@sidewayssam]

You are more than welcome to drive my 996 turbo anytime you want.

[@ahemgee9542]

The only reason an M96 will not feel alive up top in the rev range is if tha Vario cam system is faulty. If functional they all make peak power at 6800 rpm,and given that it rev limit is circa 7300 , you do get the best performance ( and pleasure/ by revving it out). They do not feel weak up top up at all. But yes it does have great torque between 2500-4500 rpm too.

[@simonshaffer]

Does any other car guy put out so much top quality content?

[@legaltechinnovations1594]

Jonny Smith!!! The Late Brake Show (in case it is not in your feed)

[@beauchamphuberville1355]

As a fried egg lover a 996 is devine.

[@badusername4]

The front of this is perfection

[@nm69427]

I' getting the feeling that even if you reviewed a lawnmower, it would be a "great review". I appreciate your sense of humor and wit with the detailed eye on the subject at hand. At this pace, hitting another 100K subscribers should not be a problem.

[@mistertomglover]

Probably the best intro on a KZbin video ever!

[@peterkirton4580]

I did the Palmer Sport day 11 years ago when it was hosted by Martin Brundle. Brilliant day

[@PaulLukeBonenfant]

That’s a beautiful car. I really want to drive a C4S eventually to compare to my early C2, hopefully I’ll get to soon!

[@65strad]

Similar trans ro my 2014 Passat with tiptronic? Bought new, has 166,213 miles. Most reliable car Ive owed in my 66 years. ZERO squeaks or rattles still

[@christopherlastname7638]

That 996 is beautiful i love the options!

[@CGCTV]

Sounds like that specialist saw him coming. there was absolutely no need to spend £18k at all. A full Hartech rebuild is cheaper than that.

[@Carsaddiction]

3rd Favorite? I guess no.1 car fatman would be Clarkson? PS: Thanks for introducing Roastr, great app!

[@heimatliebe116]

We love you the way you are, JayEmm!

[@theantler3625]

And if you can't quite stretch to one of these, the 986.2 S is the most criminally underrated bargain at the moment.

[@Quattro_Joe]

As far as value goes these C4S are a great buy in the uk. They look awesome and have all the power you need from a daily driver. Not so much here in Ireland. You won’t get near one for £25000 unfortunately

[@luked4587]

No they're not good value, their prices have gone up a lot in the past 2 years because they are considered one of the best looking 911s ever made and are becoming collectable given their age. You can get a 997 Carrera S for £25k which is a better car in every single way.

[@Quattro_Joe]

@@luked4587 I’ve never driven a 997 but a few friends have driven them and have liked them but I think I’d still go with the 996 for my money. BTW the argument is irrelevant where I’m from you won’t get near a 997 for 996 money there easy a €30000 difference. (Turbo exempt from that). Different market over here really. I’d like to drive a 997 and see for myself someday.

[@paulneath7626]

There is video of this car being prepared on utube, it was a very extensive list

[@norwegianzound]

Saw a nice job on a black one where the parking light on the fried egg headlamp was covered with black wrap. Made it look like a more modern model.

[@SteveDull]

They have just got too big and lard arsed. Wider is better for the 'stance' apparently. Always loved the 'narrow body' Ruf turbo myself!

[@brianiswrong]

My dream Porsche A 928 S4 , but converted to an EV with plad running gear. I get to enjoy the shape and interior,and Mr musk allows me to drive it every day for the next 30 years as a daily 👍

[@gabrielcaramet3238]

The 996 is my favorite gen 911 and wow that intro was hilarious 😂 now to answer my favorite Porsche is not a 911 not a gt4rs but a panamera sporturismo

[@PapaG603]

Luv my 05 4s with x51..its was the 1st Porsche i acquired..im not a yellow fan but its griwing on me a lil

[@TheTerrier]

For me, that CSR snakebite 997.2 would be the one...but put the radio back in it 👍

[@danjo911]

996 C4S was always a favourite. Mostly because it looked right. Unfortunately it’s relatively heavy vs the 2wd car and obviously lacks the turbos grunt. It always was a bit of a marketing exercise I thought. I’d have a 996 C2 over this all day long. Porsche are, always have been, pretty good at having a 911 for everyone’s needs though.

[@ahemgee9542]

It's still significantly faster on track or a windy road, thanks to better braking, more grip , wider track and lower centre of gravity.

[@danjo911]

@@ahemgee9542 than a C2 which has the same engine ? It’s not as it’s too heavy and it’s brakes can’t cope on a track, just like the turbo. It may have more wet grip but even then it will understeer far worse than the C2.

[@apexqc04]

Good vid... nice car too. Always fancied a 997 Turbo Tiptronic myself, not sure why, and not sure why tiptronic either. Next in line however is the 996 C4S, but after that my tastes head into the exotic. But really have no emotion over GT3s, any of them, ever.

[@andrewoakley4957]

Ha ha, interesting one there. I was looking for a 996, wanted 2wd,narrow body, tiptronic gen 1, definitely didn't want the troublesome gen2. What did I buy? 😳, 996.2 C4S with a manual box! I have to say that I'd always preferred the gen2 lights but I tried a couple of tiptronic cars and didn't gel with it, saw the C4S with the wide turbo body and manual box. It just looks beautiful and felt good on test drive, used her yesterday and that lovely creamy power and the ease with which you can find your driving licence crying in a corner means that although I initially wished I could afford a turbo, this'll do just fine for me. I admit the 997 is a bit better quality inside but the gen2 is fine for me. Also I've had lots of positive comments from people on its looks, especially with the full width reflector. I bought mine from Williams Crawford and they went through her very thoroughly before collection, so I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them if you do take the leap. 👍😊 phew 😅

[@SP-xd8gs]

I have a 2002 C4S MT and a 2021 992 CS MT - I love my 996 but the 992 is light years better in every way, both great cars

[@Apexjuha]

I watched this vid again and I have something more to say. I have a 996 C2. It is a fantastic car. I think for smiles/miles/cost the best cars since 1980s are 996, MX-5 NA and S2000. However, 996 is not perfect. My critique is here. The gears are too long - like almost in all Porsches. Australian company Albins makes shorter final ratios. The gearbox, two mass flywheel and the clutch assembly are not exactly the best. The gearchange in old Porsches is not very good. You can get better shifter and stiffer engine mounts that will help a lot. However, the two mass flywheel and the G96 box - simply are not the best designs. To go for a lightweight flywheel an 8th bearing mod is really needed to the crank case. I swapped to the Bilstein B16 suspension and Powerflex bushes. Now, I would probably put the PU-bushes only to lower lateral links. I also think the OEM front AR-Bar is too stiff. Coupled with a little bit too much anti-dive at front the pot holes really hit the car. It could use a little longer links all around (a trend since 996). Having said that, I still think it is absolutely magnificient car to drive. The grip level of PS2-era UHP tyres is already in a level way above standard tyres. It is a very reactive car - both by steering and engine response. It is a car where you can and you will learn to use the rear weight for your advantage. It is not a widow maker. It is actually probably the easiest car to drive I have ever driven. The rear weight horror stories are quite out of reality with this one in my experience. If you spin you’ve done something horribly wrong. Last winter was the first winter I had it on the road and I did 550 km, mostly “rally practise” and it turned out so easy. The amazing thing is that if you are in a slide and you give more gas it will rectify it even at big angles. For the snow I ended up disconnecting the front AR-bar entirely and obviously damper settings were at softest at front and almost softest at rear. I lifted the car about 7 mm. My (summer) ride height is -22 mm at front and -25 mm at rear. It was still too low. This car has given me so much joy to my life. I feel so full of gratitude when Im on a curvy B-road with it. Everything else vanishes. Just me, the car as one and the road, sceneries, sensations of acceleration, cornering and braking. But there is definitely something wrong with the odometer because every 25 km commute becomes double, tripple or more and when I get there I feel like no time has passed and I’d like to do it again. I always feel batteries charged when I step out of it. I have P-friends who have 993s, 996 GT3, 991.2 GT3 RS, etc. I doubt anyone of them is really more filled with gratitude and joy than me. To be alone on a beautiful road in a 911. There is something magic about these. No other car has given me the same sensation. I’d love to try a Lotus (Elan, Elise,…) or a Caterham though - something light with high power to weight and with real suspension. That is the recipe for Fahrspass.

[@andychilds5943]

Thanks for you critique, I agree the front AR bar is too stiff. I am curious what 'To go for a lightweight flywheel an 8th bearing mod is really needed to the crank case." means. What is the bearing mod? The car that I believe is missing off your list is the Elise. A ridiculously fun car for back road blasts.

[@gpzfan5272]

For me, a 911 should be rear wheel drive. It’s more pure and how the originals were.

[@2702simmo]

Totally agree my 996 Carrera manual is a great drivers car

[@Vic-E.]

Back in the 60s no 4WD sports car existed...

[@juryca]

@@Vic-E. it’s AWD not 4WD

[@Vic-E.]

@@juryca neither one existed back then

[@LawrenceNewmanESQ]

I have had a love affair with the 911s since the 1980s. After 30 years of various iterations I'd say my favorite was a 1989 C4. That gear box and car size made it tossable, and the later ones felt more GT luxury. I never thought I'd say it but my vroom vroom shifting days are now behind me. I only romanticize cruising on a beautiful day listening to that engine's cacophony. My last long trips in 911s I felt like I was in a fight and left the car still vibrating and beat up.

[@flyinghedgehog3833]

Press car? Good be a good thing..especially with original carbon buckets.

[@leeshrimpton8105]

Interesting video James.Some comments calling out a rip off..I thought I recognised the car and to watch a video of the work undertaken watch Friends Green Porsche Prep Book Ep26..On KZbin or their website they are 996 and 997 specialists

[@TechnoloG84]

I don’t have the S. But I do have a super clean 02 C4 with about 20k miles. Owned it since 02.

[@AntoniusTyas]

Third? Who were the no. 1 and 2? Mr. Clarkson and May, I presume? Also, something about 996.2 Carrera in Speedgelb is somehow just right. Not the prettiest, but I wouldn't mind being seen in one.

[@QualityClassics]

I am considering a 911 40 Jahre. I already have a 2011 987.2 (6-speed) which I think is a future 'Hall-of-Famer'

[@johngriffiths2881]

Palmer sport days are awesome. Jag was there when I did it.

[@riddledriddler3933]

what the hell did he do for 18k gbp?

[@therepublicofspeed7513]

Im off to Eslöv in Sweden to pick one up, thanks for this review mate👍

[@9jfd1]

I love my 996 C2 Cab tip been 4 years and every trip is so special. Wait till more models become electric with Porsche, 911 being the last but nonetheless 996 will rise higher due to battery cars dampening the vibes....

[@jonathancarr6698]

I had a deposit placed in this exact car and pulled out of the deal. I kick myself often

[@samosasnmimosas2055]

Love it. Loved YOUR 996's exhaust sound even better than the Gundo Hacks I've heard. What is the "RSR mod" you did?? I want it on my c4s :)

[@benpenagonzales6014]

V true re cost of running an older performance car. Munich Legends look after my "good car and drives great" car, and I could easily spend £6k to £8k to get it to their standard. Wonder if the modern classics craze right now has forgotten that

[@FizzyMotors]

@2:04 noticed the unmatching wheel hub covers. the coloured emblem ones are damn expensive, and like to fall off. I get it.

[@niallmcmahon8748]

The "Gundo hack", done properly, is massively more effective than you suggest here, James. I took my car to Haywood Scott and whatever they did transformed it onto a musical instrument. I'm just down the road if you'd like proof...

[@TJC156]

That exhaust does nothing for it. Just sounds chavvy and misses the deep bass of the flat six.

[@tommorgancars5726]

IMS = intermediate shaft bearing (bearing) RMS = rear main seal (not a bearing)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Quite right. *slaps self* NAUGHTY JAMES

[@nightdriver7216]

996 was the future of Porsche when it came out. Unfortunately, many Porsche fans are reactionary. 964 is underrated for this reason too. I think backdating is a crime.

[@Rockit181]

I appreciate the insights JayEmm but please stop telling people that 996s and 986s are good, I liked when they were cheap and this isn't helping

[@Sazuza2]

When I look for 996s for sale I notice that the vest majority on sale is C4S. And it amazes me, because the best carrera you can buy is rear wheel drive.

[@Sazuza2]

unless you buy for posing, of course

[@andrewoakley4957]

It's those curvy hips 😍 did it for me, I thought I wanted 2wd.

[@johnwilliams727]

I think the 986,997,987 may go down as the best drivers cars ever produced.

[@thedrivebygg]

Great video, always like the 993,996 4S