996/997

[Hilux2400]

I have a late model 996 and have never seen a 996 and 997 side by side, or end to end. However, today it happened. One was parked just 3 cars down from me.

I was surprised to see the difference in the side view. The 996 has some elegantly fluted panels on the door and front wing, whereas the 997 is just flat. The door especially, which is just a big slab. Must be a cost cutting job.

I think I'll stick with the 996 as it also has an oil dipstick.

H

[csmith319]

I'll take the cost cutting on a door panel to develop a more powerful engine, vastly better interior, better overall looks and more advanced chassis technology.

I like the 996 design and I can some nice design purity in it, but the 997 had a much more purposeful stance and fits the evolution of the shape better.

[6C4GTS]

csmith319 said:

better overall looks

Only for the cab - which is a great improvement!

[csmith319]

6C4GTS said:

Only for the cab - which is a great improvement!

I struggle with the look of most 911 cabs to be honest, it's a shake that was never designed to have to roof taken off and it shows!!!

[roofrack996]

I think the 996 is the purer design and although there is something "odd" about the original lights I think they are still better resolved than the 997 ones, which are just dull.

There is a theme running through the 996 (inside and out) that is far better resolved than the 997 (which just seems to have taken the path of least resistance in it's design).

[Helicopter123]

csmith319 said:

I'll take the cost cutting on a door panel to develop a more powerful engine, vastly better interior, better overall looks and more advanced chassis technology.

+1

997 a huge leap forwards in many areas.

Most getting into a 997 come from a 996 and rave about the more modern car.

[Slobberchops]

Prefer the 997 but I would rather have my 996 and keep the extra £10k+ in the bank rather than upgrade. For a weekend car it is not worth the difference.

[P1ato]

The 996 has got to be one of the best used buys out there at the moment. It's the model that redefined the 911, yet is still unique and special. The 997 improves the overall package in my eyes.

[csmith319]

Helicopter123 said:

+1

997 a huge leap forwards in many areas.

Most getting into a 997 come from a 996 and rave about the more modern car.

Would also add that they did it without losing much or any interaction / feel... For the market it competed in it was pretty raw, even if not compared to older cars.

[Davel]

Went from a manual 996 C4S to a 997 C4 PDK Cab, with a few cars in between.

I much prefer the 997 personally.