Older 996 vs Newer model

[RumbleTumble]

Maybe you guys can help me out. Currently have a Boxster S which I love except for sometimes wishing it had just a bit more go I was thinking of a change, and was toying with the idea of changing to a 996 Cab (extra seats be useful - about to become a dad). I dont really want to spend tons more, are the newer 996s much better than an early (say 1999) one? Have any of ou 996 drivers switched from a BoxsterS ? Wish you hadnt ? be really grateful for your views and what you think I should pay for one. Cheers.

[grant3]

I think the Boxter S is a hard act to follow, it is a great car, but I know what you mean about wanting extra grunt.
The main change with the 996 was in 2001 with the introduction of the facelift, but prices are still high, so your idea of looking at 99 yr cab. is probably a good one, should be able to get one in the high £36-8k's with decent spec. & mileage.
I say the most important thing is for you to test drive a 996 & see what you think, if you are hooked then we can all input about specifications etc.
If you have done the Chimera thing already, perhaps best not go back there, as it's never as good second time around !!!

[toppstuff]

I am in a similar position, having a 996 C4.

I think it would be worth taking a look at a Tamora/ T350Targa as well.

They are a very different drive than a Chimaera.

[rumbletumble]

Great Idea ! Am testing botha Tamora and a 996 this weekend Still wondering what the mechanical/performance difference is (if any) between newer and older 996s

>> Edited by rumbletumble on Thursday 12th February 18:36

[johnny senna]

I'm no expert here, but the older 996's have 300 BHP and the newer face-lift ones have 320 BHP. John Barker in Evo reckons the old ones are a bit sharper due to slightly sharper steering. It has to be said, the lights on the face-lift one look nicer, ie Turbo-like.
I have a Boxster S as well, and besides the slight lack of go (I'd agree with you there) and the plastic rear screen on my 2001 car, it is spot on. It is a problem knowing where to go next.
I reckon I'll end up with a 996 Turbo in 18-24 months when they get to the low 50K mark. There are a couple around for 65K now, and the OPC prices start at 67K. The problem is, it isn't convertibe....you need 100K to get one of those, no cheapy second hand ones yet.
So couldn't you hang on for a bit and get a Turbo when they start to get nearer the bottom of their depreciation curve as I plan to do?

[rumbletumble]

Yeah but like you said the convertibles are going to be expensive for quite a while, and I cant not have a soft top Maybe I'll go over to the 'dark side' and get the TVR.......

[peterpeter]

toppstuff said:

I am in a similar position, having a 996 C4. I think it would be worth taking a look at a Tamora/ T350Targa as well. They are a very different drive than a Chimaera.

I had a look at those cars close up on track days.
Have to say, I am disappointed with the build quality, even on these latest models.
At some point I would love a TVR. at the moment though, it seems like a step back.

[JamieBeeston]

Pre 2001 had non clear indicator lenses, and old style headlights (2001+ took the Turbos Ones)
No Cup Holder in Center Console
No Glove box
Most had no Side Airbags
Manually operated Boot and Bonnet (which cant be operated without door being open) 2001+ had microswitches instead.
Post 2001 Boot can be opened by Remote Fob
Post 2001 320 bhp 3.6l over the 300 bhp 3.4 l
3.6 supposedly alot more versatile accross the range.
2001+ had new OnBoardComputer with nice DotMatrix style pictures for Fuel and Seatbelt.
pre 2001 clock 12hr only, no option for 24hr.
iirc the pre2001 has a manual holder under the steering wheel, which was dropped on the post 2001.

Thats about all I noticed between the 2 I had.

[rumbletumble]

Thanks for your input guys, I drove a 996 Cab yesterday and really enjoyed it. Im just not sure if there is enough extra to justify the difference in price. The car I drove was a 1999 V and they wanted about 47k for it which I thought was a bit steep.
Still going to look at TVR before I decide though......

[peterpeter]

Newer car was 4 and a half stars in evo
older car was 5.

[wryka]

Good thread rumble tumble. I'm also in the same position, I took my Boxster S for it's first service today and took along the girlie as well. We had to pass all the gleaming new cars to get to the service desk (clever move all you OPC's) and the girlie said " I like that car find out how much it is " It only turned out to be the Turbo Convertible! Well her interest is as good permission to go and have a serious test drive with a view to buy, but is it really worth that jump from my current porker ? If there are any lucky people who have made the jump it would be interesting to hear.

[clubsport]

peterpeter said:

Newer car was 4 and a half stars in evo older car was 5.

Behave...go and drive them,,,,you have to consider that these guys get very excited about Impreza's and now the amazing Mini Cooper S ???? Also when they first drove the 996 in 1997 it was a true 5 star car compared to it's peers.The facelift is up against evo7 to 360 for example in terms of dynamics, neither of which existed when the 996 first appeared.
Having driven many and owned a few the facelift is a much better drive than the previous model. I have mates who still drive water pumper pork, both have moved to facelift and they agree that the newer model is the way forward.
We only spend our money on them rather than write for a magazine.
I have seen a 51 reg facelift C2 for £46k in recent weeks for sale...but a 99/00 V plater is easily worth that as it has the extra 1/2 a star!

[JamieBeeston]

oooh i forgot the most important difference

pre 2001 had silver faded porsche crest on keyfob.
post had lovely gold Crest on fob

also, think the tri spoke gold crested steering wheel came along too