What's the Best First Porsche 911?

[@tserzz]

Both great cars. But I got bored of my new 997 S it was too much like a new Mondeo I use to drive and they were good, comfortable long distance cars. In some respects similar to the 997. But It just lacked the more raw Porsche 996 analogue panzer feel. Thus I was drawn to the 996, I think it's the best of the old and new in one and a good long distance all weather capable car. I like its unique style, the lights look more ground hugging and racey. The interior is more old Porsche and raw. It would be difficult to part with. A very good fair video on both 911s but like always its horses for courses.

[@computerhelpcc]

996.1 first year cable throttle has just enough torque to excite, however, after that you’d want 996.2 at first glance as extra 25 ft lb torque is discernable. Drove a 2006 manual cab base like my 99 and was hoping to detect superior driving experience…. nope. Car and Driver and everyday driver said better but I somehow could not find 5% improvement per driving. Now the doors were more solid, looked better , but for the drive in canyons, nope.

[@gregspark9845]

I've had both 996.2 C2 manual, and now 997.1 C2 manual. the 997 is every bit as good a drive as the 996 was, has a better gearshift, and pedal position much better for heel/toe. I feel more at one with the 997, although the 996 was also a really good analogue drive. If your C2S was a 997.2 it would explain your feelings about the car as it is quieter and more refined - I much prefer the 997.1, especially the sound of the M96, despite the potential issues which I've earlier addressed here. The interior in the 997 is far superior to the 996 in terms of quality, fit and finish.

[@mperformance3502]

996 has crap interior and headlights

[@shughes911]

I wanted to ask you two questions. On my 05 997 that I bought 1yr ago I am trying to figure out if my 997 has a sport exhaust. I don’t have the exhaust button but I do have a sport button. The 996 comes with a list under the hood. What about the 997? Also what is the long red thing in the trunk? I just noticed it is missing in mine. Thx

[@gregspark9845]

@@shughes911 The Sport button is for the Sport Chrono - you should have the stopwatch fitted in the centre of the dash? All it does in a manual car is change the throttle mapping making it feel more responsive. I'm not sure if it changes the shift points and held revs in a Tiptronic, but I think it does. The exhaust button is there if the car has a Porsche Sport Exhaust (PSE). You clarly don't. There are. much cheaper options out there. I have a Milltek Exhaust which sounds fabulous! The "long red thing" is a safety triangle.

[@paulcfyeung]

The 997 still looks so good, has hardly dated in my eyes!

[@danrook5757]

Sounds like my sugar mama

[@jonathans6087]

@@danrook5757lolllllll

[@BABY3438]

the 996 is a great car,still very old skool to drive but modern enough to daily and roadtrip with i love it.

[@andrewgiblin3468]

I love my 996.2, I've had it 11 years now and it still sells for 30% over what I paid for it!! Virtually, trouble free other than normal maintenance.

[@MacBookAir-cu4fb]

I think the 996 is the absolute perfect 911 as a first 911! I drove passenger in an old 911 Carrera RS ('75 or so) as a child, drove a 964 Targa, 2 different 996 Targas, a 991.2 Carrera and a 992 Carrera. ALL of these have some things that feel the same throughout all the cars! And what’s so intriguing with the 996 is, that it still feels like the earlier cars (of course not air cooled but still classic-Porsche-Like feeling) while still being modern with comfort features you won’t want to miss nowadays. Also the interior of the 996 is a bit more like the classic Porsches but still much higher quality than the actual classic Porsches. 996 for me!

[@DrTimWhatleyDDS]

I like the 996.1 headlights. A bit less torque but it’s a real driver’s car. Great review.

[@craigdedini9908]

It’s the best.

[@damonblackburn5634]

Think your joking but not certain 😂

[@williamruthrauff9600]

@@damonblackburn5634 100% not joking. Nobody complained about the headlights on the GT1, only after they were put on the Boxster. The 996.2 headlights, however, were ugly.

[@jermainerobinson7098]

Great video l love the way you was very honest about the 996 even though you own one great review very professional and interesting it was like the golden years of top gear before it went shit 😂😂keep the videos coming 👏🏽👊🏽👍🏽💯🥂

[@rhettcorcoran2879]

What an excellent review, even though I am biased, I have a 997.2 C2, they are both good cars as they are 911s!

[@CarGurusUK]

Glad you enjoyed it, they really are great cars to drive.

[@rosschurchouse2794]

I have a 2002 996 C4S and it’s a tip not a manual 😱 And I love it! It feels tight, fast enough, comfortable, and is still a car I walk away front and look back at. I’ve ridden in the 997 and while it’s a little nicer inside it didn’t feel as connected - but horses for courses but all Porsches are good - there is no substitute 😀

[@9jfd1]

I have an 03 c2 Cab tiptronic and daily drive, well these days post covid 3 trips to the city and back. It is extremely reliable. The ZF trany is proven, simplistic just flush fluid every 4 years or so. Owned a 2011 panamera first gen PDK before and the lag was the same with the 996 tip. Ofcourse PDK on the 992 is way faster but if you know the lag it's easy to anticipate it. I dont track my 996 so dont really care about that anyway. Flat 6 roof down M96 engine is special every ride is an event for me!!!!

[@SignalCorps1]

I’m glad you guys said that. I’m getting ready to buy my first Porsche and I’ve narrowed it down to two cars that are similarly priced, similarly serviced, and no accidents. One is a 997.1 C4S 6MT and the other is a 997.1 Turbo trip. I love the experience of the 6MT, but the raw acceleration of the turbo, even with the trip, is quite frankly shocking. I need to make my decision in the next 24 hours, and even though the Turbo has another 25,000 miles, I think I just did. I’ll be a Tripper soon.

[@anthonystevens8683]

A great comparison Chris. I love most of the 911 cars but unfortunately not a purchase for me (age, health, I'm falling apart). I really do appreciate them though even though it's from afar. That engineering and history is legendary. Would I like one? Yes! But it would be an ornament and these cars should be driven. Thanks for sharing, I've Learnt a fair bit from this video.

[@YumboYack2521]

I hope you get better, don’t give up

[@shuckydarns710]

You only live once. Get a Porsche while you can!! You won’t regret it!

[@yongkim777]

My first Porsche was a 1977, 911S. Just sold it a while back and bought a 2001 Carerra 4 that was a garage queen! Love it!

[@CarGurusUK]

Very nice!

[@rnt45t1]

Looking to buy a 996.2 sometime in the next year. Feel confident I can find a decent one for my $30,000 budget. I absolutely love the "turn of the century" 2000s styling, as I was 12 in 1999. The Porsche 996 was the "new" one when I was a kid! Looking in America, willing to fly out and drive it back.

[@jackielo2898]

thanks for the comparison and review. no comment about the back ? 996's back end was the last in it's line to have maintained a decent sweeping down profile that looks super classy.

[@johnnavarro3188]

996 all day long, just remember it was designed in the 90's and when compared to vehicles from that era it's far superior. It really is a classic! I absolutely love my 996.2 Carrera 4 which even after 3 years it never fails to make you feel special and give you that buzz! 🦆🦆🍳

[@DavidBlalock-n1k]

With all due respect, this isn’t really a serious question. By every objective measure (e.g, power, handling, creature comforts, etc), the 997, especially the 997.2 models, are better than the 996, which was far more mass produced, and suffered from a faulty IMS. 997.1 had its bore score problems, but on balance is still better than the 996. I owned a 2001 996 and loved it, but I now own a 2011 997.2 and love it more-it’s easily the better car. Having said that, 996s are much more affordable and are a great value for a great car.

[@mike9053]

I jumped at the opportunity to purchase a 997.1 cabriolet C2 S with 120k on it, use it as my daily driver, absolutely love it, it had full history and was in great condition, it was the more modern look that swayed me ! Great review on both though ! 👏

[@ChateauJuice]

How’s it holding up?

[@tu_alum5619]

Thanks for the review - good overall comparisons. One additional difference is that your 996 (at least the C2) would have provision for a spare tire, something generally not found on later models. This may be important to some, not so much for others.

[@BluCat86]

Can confirm the C4 also has a space saver spare.

[@jazzdrumguy5044]

I can afford to own any one of them, but my first (and only so far!) is a 2000 996 Carrera six speed in silver with black Fuchs style Techart rims, duck tail and upgraded exhaust (and other street legal engine tweaks!). To drive through the forested back roads or roar through the canyons with the sunroof open and windows down is exhilarating every time. Driving the winding coastal roads down to Big Sur in the early mornings or doing midnight runs on the freeway a la Magnus Walker makes you feel alive! Having the engine in your right hand and shifting from 2nd to 3rd at 4K+ RPM is insane and from 3rd to 4th, it's just a rocket! Sure, you are not going to beat somebody off the line, but that's not what it's about (back in the day, every red light was a drag strip in my '88 Mustang GT). My buddy has a 2013 911 turbo with PDK and he even prefers mine (as sick as his car is with the launch control!) especially with the 6 speed. It truly feels like and sounds like a vintage 911. And I even take it out to Laguna Seca for some track time, and I also drop the kids off at school, so it's the perfect car for me. Having grown up in the late 70's and early 80's and dreamt about the 930 turbo as my ultimate 911, I "settled" for the 996 for now as the best of both worlds. It's customized to make it super fun and it's my RS tribute car. My dream job as a kid was to be a 911 engineer because of the lines of the back half of the 911, and the 996 keeps those lines and that sexy shape and the duck tail is a bonus...no regrets here!!! Pedal to the metal, baby......

[@qikqbn77]

Nice quality review and I enjoyed hearing your thoughts. Having owned many Porsches of this era, I agree with your thoughts. I would chose the 997 every time based on the looks alone and interior. I still own a 997 C4S for over 13 years now and no plans on selling it along with some other P-cars I have. It still check all the excitement boxes for me. With that said, I think the 996 is a great car and I am happy to see the love it is getting now after so many years of being judged poorly based on it's headlights and a few mechanical issues. I see journalists even coming around and admitting it is a better car to drive than even the holy grail air-cooled 993's. I have not been swayed yet by the newer 991 992 generation 911s. I think I prefer simpler times, less gadgets and more mechanical/analog feelings while driving.

[@MorningNapalm]

I agree with most of your comments comparing the two, but personally I find the 997 just a little dull, a little large, a little heavy, a little too rounded, and much prefer the smaller, more aggressive look of the 996, and the more pure driving experience, especially of the early 996.1 cars. Fantastic car.

[@ksteak27]

Admittedly, I am a 996.2 owner, but I love the headlights. I'm solidly in the 996 corner. Last great analog 911.

[@gregspark9845]

There are no analogue differences between the 996.2 and the 997.1 (Ive owned the 996,now have a 997.1 C2 6sp),so by your criteria, the "last great analogue 911" crown rests with the 997.1 😊👍👑

[@ksteak27]

@@gregspark9845 I'll allow it! Do you find the 997 preferable to the 996? I've not had the chance to drive a 997 yet.

[@gregspark9845]

@@ksteak27 the steering in the 996 is a little better, more road surface feel. I think Porsche wanted a tad more refinement in the 997,and yes, it is a more refined car. That detracts a little from the rawness of the 996. But overall the 997 still wraps itself around you with feel and feedback superb, the gear shift and pedal position better (manual) making heel/toe rev matched shifting a much better experience. The interior is a big improvement, having a much better fit and finish, especially the column stalks, although those aircon buttons in the 997 are a weak point. 997 better? Definitely, but the margin is small, and a good 996 won't disappoint.

[@skybluescaff]

I don’t know why, but I like the headlights in the 986 but not the 996. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Birmingham_racing]

Only driven a 997.1 4s absolutely loved it for the sound alone

[@hugohugo2832]

I had £35k. Having owned two 996s I was intent on getting a 997.2. The dealer had a 996 Turbo for £5k less. I couldn’t resist it and don’t regret it. More reliable than my previous 996s.

[@YumboYack2521]

I’d have chosen the mezger as well. Great choice

[@-DC-]

997 Everytime!!

[@TheDjcarlos67]

Excellent video. I bought a 996 Targa tonight and I couldn’t be happier 👊🏻😎

[@stevenconway8388]

My first was a 997.2 C4S and I love it more than anything else

[@NoRegertsHere]

The best first Porsche is the one you can afford. They’re beautiful

[@danrook5757]

Well said benny

[@alessandrogetilli2831]

I prefer the 996, more classic and more analog. The interior also has more charm. I never understood the criticisms of the headlights

[@robertseitz2407]

The headlights weren't the loved round headlights, but instead it had these fried egg design for the headlights and that's why a lot of Porsche purists have been annoyed of

[@gregspark9845]

"more analog"? In what respect between 996.2 and 997.1? I've had 996.2 and now 997.1,the analog differences are zero! The 996.1 has a cable throttle as the only analog difference. Interior in 997.1 far better quality and fit. The column stalks on 996.2 are flimsy and feel like they're going to break!

[@alessandrogetilli2831]

Less filtered; the interior quality of the 997 is better; but they are gloomy (in my honest opinion). I had a 996 turbo my 2003, still regret@@gregspark9845

[@maxmeier532]

@@gregspark9845 As you said, early 996 had cable throttle. That's more analogue by definition. Plus, the interior, while some say it was shitty, is more focussed on driving rather than drinking coffee while driving in the 997. That is the point of the 997, having a nicer interior (which imo doesnt look nicer from today's perspective).

[@craighughes3495]

The 996 interior has that “toyota” feel to it, with good reason, they designed it. However compared with the 993 it is a massive upgrade and not horrible by any metric, especially compared to other cars of its era.

[@leeevernden]

I would agree with the conclusion for those 2 cars, but to be honest a 996.1 is a little lighter and a little more analogue still compared with a facelift 996, but still usable everyday so the early 996 would get my vote every time for being the sweet spot between the 993 and the modern 911s.

[@PaulLukeBonenfant]

Agreed

[@2702simmo]

Agreed I have a 98 996

[@rivaterrier]

997 AWD cars are widebody, Carrera S is narrow, 4S is wide.

[@Inazuma68]

I bought myself a 996.2 GT3 Clubsport. An all time greatest 👌

[@gregspark9845]

Totally different to these two. Mezger engine, and utterly desirable compared to non-GT. Especially CS!

[@ZebraActual]

My first Porsche was a 914-6 as a soldier in Hawaii in the early 80's and i loved it! Wish i never sold it.

[@jackandblaze5956]

Here's a tip for you. One of my first jobs as a 20 yr-old taking a break from college was working on Porsches and other German cars, but mostly Porsches. I worked on a lot of 911's but fell in love with those cheap little 914's, they were just so much fun to drive and also to work on! My favorite one was a 914-S that I got to do a lot of maintenance on and drive (hard) a lot because the owner was super picky about it's performance at the limits & trying to get it dialed in just right. Fast forward to today,,, I had not been in or worked on a Porsche in years but had a lapse of reason two months ago and bought an 886 (Gen 1) Boxster. OmG, driving that car brought back strong memories of the 914 days, but it really hit me the strongest when I was underneath the car tinkering on it. After a couple of minutes, everything looked familiar. I felt like I was 20 yrs old again. The Gen 1 Boxster shares exactly the same front end as the 996. Mine, a 2000, has the "fried egg" headlights, which I wasn't crazy about at first but they've grown on me, & now I really like the look. Remember how some 914 owners "shaved" the front fenders down to make the profile look more pointy like a 924, but now the original design actually looks better? It's kinda like that. I could change the headlights, but now I don't want to. The 886 is just old enough to feel vintage, it's light enough to feel like a 914, and it handles like a really good 914. I guarantee if you drive one of those you will feel young again. At times, you might even forget that you're not in your old 914-6. And the little 2.7 liter flat six is very sweet. You can fall in love all over again - believe it!

[@shughes911]

Man great review on these two great 911s. I own a 05 997 but I really wanted the 996! It feels smaller and tighter when you drive it! Can you do a 06and quarter mile rave between the two? That would be so cool

[@Tazz-7375]

Porsche 911 996 is a good car but the 997 is way better and looks good even by todays standard, but it doesn't make me not buy the 996 as it still is the cheapest way into a 911 ownership of a very prestigious marquee

[@lvervoortify]

Excellent review. I appreciate you recommend the 997 despite you own a 996 :-) Honest feedback

[@lash9400]

I’m obsessed with the 911 having driven a 1986 G series Carrera and a 2006 997 Carrera cab. Would love to get one but the prices are still out of reach. What a fantastic review of both generations.

[@castel32]

I found myself making this very decision before watching this video. I had an incredible 996.2 in the most amazing shape that could be found, I had a 997.1 and 997.2. Finally the 997.2 was not properly cared so I ruled it out, the 996.2 after agreeing to send me more pictures on the few little scratches it had, he said he would not sell it anymore at the price point after realizing what an awesome car he had and took the ad down. I welcomed the news because maybe it was a generational thing, but I truly desired more the 997. One of the things that was making me want the 996.2 was the more retro-feel. Pretty much the same dials in an "older" box that was closer to those 993s of my childhood. It was like: I am still buying the awesome essence inside the "controversial box" that I like as well. So finally 997.1 Let's see if my it passes the Pre purchase inspection and then I just have to go get it. Thanks for the video.

[@rongreen8485]

I really enjoy my 99 Carrera 46k miles on it when I bought it $20k 3 years ago.

[@wesleycarusos8225]

Great video. I love seeing both of the cars on the road and I'll have to tell you the 996 looks good. I just bought one and I actually don't mind the lights and I like the interior better. It's a little more old school. So I'm very happy with my decision I got a beautiful O2 C2 six-speed with 81k miles. This definitely reinforces my decision

[@johnnyboy1586]

It's only the front lights I don't like on the 996,the side profile and rear end is beautiful

[@RayMelville]

Well done. Excellent comparison. For a few hundred dollars you can upgrade the 996 gear shift to that of the 997.

[@jeremylockey3220]

Great review! It's the 997 for me. Just on looks alone.

[@MrPijussss]

Great to watch. But the carrera s is not wider, only the 4 wheel drive cars were

[@kempez]

Thanks for this. I'd been looking at getting a 911 for a while and I was weighing up the 996 or 997 as the 2 options. The 997 for me just looks more like a 911 and that combined with the interior quality, the higher reliability of the later 997's (despite similar engines), plus the more modern feel of the car in general gave me my choice. I picked up a base model Carrera and I don't regret it at all. Beautiful car.

[@I999-g2s]

“Just listen to this thing” yep, sounds like a rattle-box, albeit with a lovely snarl from the exhaust. My 30k mile 997 has similar rattles, if not quite so pronounced.

[@9jfd1]

996 looks more goofy and closer to the 993. I mean goofy in a good way. If you delete the gen 2 headlights, the headlight trim line looks almost identical to the 993 by covering with plastic panel prefaced pelican parts has it but from a far looks like a 997 if you also upgrade the tail lights. My mechanic mistakenly thought I own a 997 when really it's a 2003 Cab C2 996. This raised questions from people asking why modify a 996 to make it a 997 when you like a 996 in the first place. My answer is I have the best elements of both worlds. Exterior 997 and M96 engine sounds so raw and am in harmony with it!

[@ShamileII]

Great video and greetings from Florida One thing both cars share is a $10k engine rebuild from bore scoring. Only the 99 996 is immune.

[@saymyname218]

I know someone who has owned a few 911s and he said always go for the 3.6 engine. He said that he had a lot of problems with the 3.8.

[@chrisbennett812]

Thanks for sharing your insights. I have owned a 924S and a 944. Both were fun and were great entry level Porsches for their day. I am a few years away from retirement so the window of opportunity to get a 911 is closing. Trying to decide if I should get a cabriolet or a coupe. Both have their own appeal. The market is not exactly awash with great deals for either one. It may come down to finding the best deal and living with whatever compromises come with it. Cheers!

[@peterbush1595]

2001 996.1 Carrera new to my garage. It still has that light lovable tactile 911 driveability but technically brought to a more modern spec. I love that 3.4, it just says go all the way to 7300 rpm and that flat 6 growl to boot

[@kenpettiford103]

Hi I’m new to your feed but I own a 2007 Boxster and have had it 15 years now and I’ve often thought about going to a Carrera S in a 997 from my 897 but my car is just so much fun it just always puts a smile on my face. What you think of the older 896 and 897 Boxster?

[@Harley-ir4er]

Thanks for the video - I liked that Porsche went back to the Round lights in the 2004 997 - I have the convertible version in 2005 S model and look forward to taking out for that once a week drive

[@vandalorianvandalorian4769]

I bought a 2001 996 Carrera new. Loved it. Traded it for a 2001 996 Turbo. Loved it even more!

[@paulkearney4565]

A great positive review, thank you..

[@Ardentautosports]

I’ve owned both models and this review is very accurate.

[@museachina]

996.1 is the one you want to get. More reliable, cheaper maintenance. I had both and sold 997 necause of potential covid.

[@BubbaSmurft]

That's silly; cars don't get Covid.

[@konliner9286]

@@BubbaSmurft I think he meant income problem

[@BEYSeamaster1]

I like fried eggs, but not on a car. 😂 Definitely 997. Thanks a lot for the comparison.

[@chrisreadman4282]

Main difference I see between the two is the driving position is fair abit more adjustable in the 997 oppose to the 996. Interior is definitely updated and more money spent there. The rest underneath is pretty much the same

[@robertseitz2407]

The 996 came in the hard times of Porsche as they were struggling financially in the 90s with their kind of poor sales on the 993 and their very limited models, so the interior is of course made from cheaper, but still high quality materials and they only got better financially after they came out with the Cayenne in 2001-2003 i think

[@robertseitz2407]

And as the Cayenne began to sell better than the 996, because people started with the SUV vibe and then Porsche had more money to spend for the next generation, which is this 997.1 in the video

[@jf9601]

I’ve just had this exact choice; 2003 996 C2 and 2007 997 base carriers like the one in this film. Both absolutely great cars with a difference in price of £5k. I really couldn’t decide so it came down t8 the fact that the 997 had 1 owner from new, the 996 9 loving owners. The 997 it was then, but only by whisker.

[@craighughes3495]

I test drove both and loved them equally so went with a 996.2 and saved twenty grand, Ive daily driven it for three years with only a few very minor issues. I don’t regret this decision at all, theyre so much fun to drive i never cared at all about the toyota interior or weird headlights

[@hauptstadtgoere]

thanks for your comparison, that helps me a bit. i'm just in the situation to decide if i buy a 996 or a 997. i already have a boxster s 986. only your steering wheels are in both cars on the wrong side ;-). greetings from berlin / germany. thumbs up for your effort.

[@andaswewindondowntheroad]

A great side by side comparison of two modern classics as now endorsed by Porsche. 996 was an important step in 911 evolution but unfortunately can't overlook the brace of fried eggs! My first and current Porsche is a 997.2 S in Meteor Grey. So far I've spent around £7k replacing worn components done by an OPC but that was expected and factored in the buying price. Now looks and drives like it did when rolling of the Stuttgart production line 14 years ago. Only buy one of these if you can afford to maintain it ideally by an OPC or Porsche specialist otherwise the value will plummet. Also prefer to retain the OEM look by avoiding non-Porsche aftermarket bling as highly subjective and potentially cause issues when selling.

[@LOGOASSASSIN]

Great assessment I agree. I also think the exterior design detailing and interior of the 997 is far superior.

[@stretcherg]

I went to the British Grand Prix in 2003 and saw the race from the BRDC Pagoda. The car park was full of road cars owned by BRDC club members. Largely former or lower formula racing drivers. Nearly every single car was a 996 also a couple of air cooled 911’s. This has to say something, doesn’t it?

[@guser7137]

The best one is the one you can comfortably afford. Had a 996 C4S followed by a 997.2 C2S. The later model is certainly better by any measure. The 996 did cost me rather a lot on maintenance, however the 997.2 had no issues even when being driven to nearly same mileage.

[@flat6croc]

if you're familiar with both, whichever you buy, you'll occasionally wish you had the other. It's classic pros and cons. Both do / offer certain things that the other can't match.

[@thorstenhoffmann5586]

Thanks for this usefull review!

[@fstap]

Just got a 991.1 Carrera S a week ago as my first 911. Am i missing out not getting a 996 or a 997 first?

[@blocheadz]

Chris, where is that T-Shirt from!!!! I need one.

[@biffbifford402]

Had a manual 996 C4 but sold it after a few years because I never bonded with it. It was slow, expensive, and not particularly pretty. Plus, always in the back of my head was the chance of the engine grenading, as it happened all too often to these cars.

[@danrook5757]

Bought my First 997.1 , NOw i know why its called the widow maker, my wife tells me to drive IT hard And fast. Shes just sooooo wonderful

[@shughes911]

I bought a 05 997! However I prefer the 996! It’s more narrow, rides better and just screams ! So I do love the look of the 997 though. I just couldn’t strike the deal I wanted on a 996! Don’t by Inot the ima, bore scoring crap! My mechanic had sent one in 30yrs! Just make sure the major service were done!!

[@MrFrancisHilton]

Great video. Thank you.

[@CarGurusUK]

Glad you liked it!

[@user-ys4xh6qv9h]

Great review!

[@firstlast-yn4qg]

dark trim tape to complete the fried egg headlight elipse and separate from the running light would help

[@seshelbow336]

I had the 996 or 997 dilemma 10 years ago…although at that time a 996t was the price of a 997. Went with the 996t, but always wished for a 997t

[@996Revival]

I’m obviously biased, however… I’ve never had a look at these in the same color and next to each other. The 996 STILL looks so much better, to me. Somehow, it seems more well put together; especially the front bumper. I’d never noticed that, before.

[@hondablack1]

is the 997 S wider bodied. I thought it was just the 4S?

[@MorningNapalm]

Wider than the 996.

[@radekw708]

I have the exact same 996 as you, even the rims and interior color :)

[@carrera3959]

I would buy only 996 and 997.1 turbo, with manual transmission

[@SteveGrin]

Price wise wouldn't a 996S be a better matchup with a vanilla 997?

[@wilbertmcmaster8025]

There was no 996S, just a 4S. When you see in descriptions a 996 S tiptronic it's actually a tiptronic S, the reference being to the automatic gearbox.

[@SteveGrin]

@@wilbertmcmaster8025 they skipped the S for the entire 996 run? That's not like Porsche at all.

[@perryeanes2591]

@@SteveGrin yea its kinda weird honestly. They didn’t entirely skipped the s models they just made a 4s and not a 2s which i find kinda strange

[@fundoc48]

@@SteveGrin Look up X51 models

[@chris_sc]

Anyone who complains about the cabin quality of the 996 should step back into an older air-cooled one. The 996 is still a modern car! In my old 911SC, heating and air-conditioning, for instance, were separate systems, and heating was similar to old VWs. That said, the 996 is now already 20 years old, so things break. Unfortunately, stupid stuff breaks, such as window regulators, coolant tank, alternator, ignition lock. These wear with age, not necessarily mileage. For a first Porsche, I think the 996 is great, but most likely you'll find a Tiptronic, rather than a manual. Manual cars are more rare and more expensive. Enthusiasts complain about the Tiptronic, though it's not bad at all. Put it in manual mode, for more engaged driving. The Tiptronic takes a few tenths of a second to shift, so simply anticipate that and shift a bit earlier. Another plus of Tiptronic ... no money shifts. It will not overrev! The best looking one of them all is the Porsche 996 Turbo coupe. Absolutely fantastic looking car. No bad angles. It's also scary fast, yet with 4-wheel drive and traction control it is extremely well behaved.

[@wigs1098]

Totally agree, had 2 aircooled 911s and now a 996.2. The 996 is a modern car and has an interior far superior to the early cars. I have no problems with the interior at all and for me it doesnt matter anyway because its such a huge step up from the earlier cars. Ive got good heating and cooling and a nice stereo, don't really care that it doesn't look like a later car interior, it is how it drives and looks that does it for me.

[@Nickpaintbrush]

My first was a 993 about 20 years ago, I quite like the idea of a Gen 2 997 turbo, never really liked the 996 though

[@mikeb1039]

I read years ago that Porsche called/calls the car Nine-One-One and not Nine-Eleven. Small thing and I've never seen it mentioned elsewhere. But interesting.

[@thewheelieguy]

I think it varies by region, I do know in German that the short name for the 911 is an Elfer where elf is German for 11.

[@justinmckeown9029]

Absolutely loved my 996.1…until the engine blew.

[@Theman26642]

mileage and year?

[@justinmckeown9029]

@@Theman26642 1999 3.4 and blew at 112k miles. Every piece of preventative maintenance had been done, too.

[@Theman26642]

@@justinmckeown9029 assume you didn’t do the LN engineering IMS bearing replacement?

[@justinmckeown9029]

@@Theman26642 previous owner did (part of the reason I went with this car), also had variocam wear pads replaced, water pump, AOS, UOA’s every 6 months. I followed any sort of preventative maintenance guidance from LN or F6I to a fault. Suspected mode of failure is a cracked head, due to intermix when I drained the oil, but still needs a post-Mortem tear down for verification.

[@rickeyuson2731]

Was gonna go with a 997.2 but decided to just save alittle more and go for 991.

[@lionsgarage]

I actually like the front end of this 996 more than the 997.

[@robfrost1]

If you have that money, get a 996 Turbo Tiptronic. Awesome car, bulletproof engine, the gearbox suits the engine perfectly and you know it probably hasn't been used on a track.

[@2702simmo]

Amazing as they are , they are less engaging to drive than a Carrera for me . Ridiculously quick but I far prefer my 98 Carrera

[@gregspark9845]

Yes it's faster by a considerable margin, and that Mezger engine is outstanding! But as a driving experience it doesn't have the throttle response of a naturally aspirated engine, it's heavier, and the steering is less connected due to the weight and torque from those driveshafts to the front wheels. The purist driving 911s are the RWD cars.

[@rossbethell4187]

Both fantastic cars. 997 isn’t just a refresh, it’s been through the legendary development and production process to move things forward but keep things like the DNA still on point. Purchase price aside I believe it comes down to wether you want a newer or older 911. That sounds obvious I know but if you are someone who really aspires to a brand new 911 or a 991 then the 997 is more in that direction. If you are someone who aspires to impact bumpers and Fuchs wheels, the 996 is your stead. The 996 can be backdated with wheels and ducktails, and exhausts. Even a momo prototipo doesn’t look out of place in a 996. It’s a real drivers classic motorsport homage mobile in waiting but the neighbours will always see it as an “old Porsche”. In the same vein a 1999 boxster can look stale and tired. If you are more interested in your 911 giving the impression of success and wealth, the 997 is the one to have. I’d have either of them and be a very happy boy indeed.

[@steezmonster92]

Wow wonderful comments and summary!

[@cblack1green]

I had a 997 first but I really wanted a Targa so brought a 996 as it was much better buy in my opinion, driving wise not any noticeable difference just my 996 had an expensive upgrade engine build and sounds amazing.

[@YumboYack2521]

Every base Carrera is a great car, a majority of Carrera S owners can’t tell nor need the extra hp and mainly buy an S for the hold of value and resale, myself included.

[@gregspark9845]

More Ss were produced by a considerable margin, for the reason you say - the badge - on the road you'll never be able to detect the slight increase in performance - 0.2s to 60mph quicker LOL. And if your S is a tiptronic then even that's gone...

[@YumboYack2521]

@@gregspark9845 agreed. Hard to tell off the line and even harder to tell when cornering except for the most discerning driver which, let’s admit, is a very small percentage of buyers

[@matpatte]

996 is the pinnacle of the 911. Water cooling, no nannies, manual option, mechanical AWD system, Mezger turbo engine.

[@alexkroeger1]

Everything called out here is also on the 997. Not saying it’s not a great car, but pretty sure this is the only time I’ve heard anybody say the 996 is the pinnacle. Have to say that I find it hard to believe that Porsche’s first foray into water cooling would be the pinnacle of the 911. Could see arguments for the 993, 997, or 992 depending on what matters to yoy

[@maxmeier532]

@@alexkroeger1 Not really. Early 996.1 still had cable throttle, not present in 997. You can argue whether that makes a difference to you, but it's something people can notice and it's gone in the 997. Water cooling while not loved, is technically superior to air cooled. Also helps the interior not smelling like oil. And imho, I like the front lights of the 996.1 and I hate the 996.2/Turbo front lights, and I certainly despise the 997.1 and .2 rear lights. While the 996 interior does seem somewhat cheap, the 997 interior that reminds me mostly of a Cayenne is more suitable for a dentist's wife than a guy just driving a car. Now if we had a slim 996.1 C2 with a Metzger engine...that would be something wouldnt it.

[@JBOsurf]

Its sickening how cheap 911s are in the UK. Absolutely sickening.

[@Markeymagicbus]

Totally agree, i wish i had bought one with me when i moved to Australia

[@lararob4673]

It’s because the steering wheel is in the wrong side 😂

[@verynormalman]

This man loves all Porsche cars, especially his Porsche car. It's hard to believe he is that objective.

[@growrich119]

Having owned a 986 and a 997.1 4S, I would go for the 987.2 or 996 4S now :D

[@dardog7734]

Did you not like the 997 c4s ? Looking at getting one myself

[@christianwagner2849]

@@dardog7734 Well I would rather get a 997.1 C2 or a 997.2 4S. The 997.1 S engine is really a source of problems in my view

[@wesleycarusos8225]

Am I that thinks the 997 interior looks like a Camry? I like the old-school of the 996 interior

[@Theman26642]

Not even a debate. For the price, get a 996. Cheap because most have never driven one. Great driving car.

[@pf6797]

As much as the 997 is praised for its almost homogenized “911ness”, I think it lacks some of the distinct nature of the 996. As much as the 996 (and even in some ways the 986 boxster) definitely feels older it also seems to capture a bit of the 959 in its way of sitting on the road.

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

I own a 1999 911 996 coupe but want a late 70's - 80s air cooled 911.

[@faizahmadali]

The 997 is the better car but the 996 still has it beat on looks. The 996.1 iteration was one of the all best looking Porsches imo and will be hugely valuable one day

[@justaddafan]

They are smaller than the 991 but still, noticeably larger than the 993. So if you like a small car, the older cars are a better fit.