What do you love about the 996?
Discussion
Harris_I said:
chappardababbar said:
Everything has been covered but I still feel the need to say my bit. Why is that?
There are a few levels here....
Level 1: I believe the 911 is a timeless and iconic piece of engineering and design. The format is really interesting and makes the car unique and special relative to most other cars on the road. It's exceptionally well packaged, great usability, great visibility.
Level 2: I believe the 996 is peak 911, for my needs. Everyone has a different (classic vs usable vs feels vs looks) balance that they want. There is no right answer, but for me pre-996 lacks the galvanised body that helps me sleep better at night, and post 996 loses sound, feel, deftness, and style. 996 = goldilocks 911.
Level 3: I believe the base 911, IS the 911. Therefore the base 996 is the best 911, and by extension, one of the best cars ever made. The 911 is its true form, is a useable, daily-able, practical, relatively achievable, fun, sports car.
Level 4, and this is where I'm going to lose you if I haven't already. For me the base 996 teaches me something about life. The hardest part about owning a carrera, is yearning for both GT3 and Turbo versions of the car. It's actually an exercise in self awareness, confidence, and control. In being true to what I believe and living it. I love that about it. I have to constantly remind myself what it is, and what it isn't and not try to change it by giving in to my constantly changing wants and needs.
Level 5: For me to really bond with a car, it needs to have a heart. There is a coldness about the GT3, and a brutishness about the the Turbo. The carrera is pure charm, and heart, and personality. Eager to please, fun, easy going, and elegant.
I am currently a little bit obsessed by the 996. I have a base carrera and I'm quite in love with it. One day I'd love to add a Turbo, and a GT3. When I imagine that scenario in my mind, I always walk towards the carrera first, and it's a good feeling.
This was all great until "coldness about the GT3". Probably the most engaging, multi-layered driver's car of all time....There are a few levels here....
Level 1: I believe the 911 is a timeless and iconic piece of engineering and design. The format is really interesting and makes the car unique and special relative to most other cars on the road. It's exceptionally well packaged, great usability, great visibility.
Level 2: I believe the 996 is peak 911, for my needs. Everyone has a different (classic vs usable vs feels vs looks) balance that they want. There is no right answer, but for me pre-996 lacks the galvanised body that helps me sleep better at night, and post 996 loses sound, feel, deftness, and style. 996 = goldilocks 911.
Level 3: I believe the base 911, IS the 911. Therefore the base 996 is the best 911, and by extension, one of the best cars ever made. The 911 is its true form, is a useable, daily-able, practical, relatively achievable, fun, sports car.
Level 4, and this is where I'm going to lose you if I haven't already. For me the base 996 teaches me something about life. The hardest part about owning a carrera, is yearning for both GT3 and Turbo versions of the car. It's actually an exercise in self awareness, confidence, and control. In being true to what I believe and living it. I love that about it. I have to constantly remind myself what it is, and what it isn't and not try to change it by giving in to my constantly changing wants and needs.
Level 5: For me to really bond with a car, it needs to have a heart. There is a coldness about the GT3, and a brutishness about the the Turbo. The carrera is pure charm, and heart, and personality. Eager to please, fun, easy going, and elegant.
I am currently a little bit obsessed by the 996. I have a base carrera and I'm quite in love with it. One day I'd love to add a Turbo, and a GT3. When I imagine that scenario in my mind, I always walk towards the carrera first, and it's a good feeling.
I'm saying if they are action heroes, the Turbo is Arnie, the GT3 is Jet Li, and the Carrera is Keanu Reeves.
Love how it feels small and nimble yet roomy enough inside.
How you can leave it on thee street an not worry as it's completely understated.
Go to the spa with your wife.
Have a blast at the track.
And the noise! putting x-pipe cats has made it so sweet, and the sound keeps getting better.
How you can leave it on thee street an not worry as it's completely understated.
Go to the spa with your wife.
Have a blast at the track.
And the noise! putting x-pipe cats has made it so sweet, and the sound keeps getting better.
Edited by james.a.c.911 on Friday 25th June 10:55
ATM said:
I like the simple shape of the early standard car. It's quiet and subtle and isn't trying too hard. Small wheels are now becoming massively popular on retro cars like this. OK that's not true but it will be if everyone copies me.
Looks great. (I may have a bit of bias though?)Can the headlight discolouration be easily polished out?
I've read a few things where people criticise the interior but I like the simplicity of it.
Fast Bug said:
A GT3 is definately Bruce Lee, such an amazing car to drive 
question: have you driven both the mk1 and mk2 996 gt3?I definitely prefer the looks of the earlier car, and they seem to be either the same or a bit pricier than the mk2s on sale. I've driven neither, so am interested to know which is better.
Andreas Preuninger says the 996.2 GT3 is a much better car. Says everything was improved and the engines are developing more power than is claimed.
However...
I suspect that his opinion has something to do with the fact the 996.1 is the only GT3 car that he did not oversee the development of as he joined Porsche in 2000.
However...
I suspect that his opinion has something to do with the fact the 996.1 is the only GT3 car that he did not oversee the development of as he joined Porsche in 2000.
EarlOfHazard said:
Fast Bug said:
A GT3 is definately Bruce Lee, such an amazing car to drive
question: have you driven both the mk1 and mk2 996 gt3?I definitely prefer the looks of the earlier car, and they seem to be either the same or a bit pricier than the mk2s on sale. I've driven neither, so am interested to know which is better.
And yet the Mk1 is always going to be the one commanding a premium. It’s the closest road going watercooled Porsche to the real race car you can buy ever. It’s the first GT3. Period. It’s also the rarest GT3 too. Last but not least, it’s more mild mannered on the road vs the 996.2 It also looks a lot more coherent design wise.
As for performance - a K400 996.1 is as quick if not slightly quicker than a Mk2. Both CS, both standard gearing. The 996.1 was on 101k miles, the 996.2 was on 17k. The Mk2 brakes fit the Mk1 and the standard suspension needs swapping if you are going to track the car...
Anyway, any 996 is a lovely car which is ageing beautifully like a fine bottle of Riesling...
As for performance - a K400 996.1 is as quick if not slightly quicker than a Mk2. Both CS, both standard gearing. The 996.1 was on 101k miles, the 996.2 was on 17k. The Mk2 brakes fit the Mk1 and the standard suspension needs swapping if you are going to track the car...
Anyway, any 996 is a lovely car which is ageing beautifully like a fine bottle of Riesling...
Where are 996 turbo manual prices just now? I sold mine four years ago and the dealer still has not found a buyer yet. My car was midnight blue and mint. It has 67k miles and full history. The dealer has had it advertised at £50k. I would buy it back but it has not sold so I would not give anywhere near £50k for it.
Cheburator mk2 said:
And yet the Mk1 is always going to be the one commanding a premium. It’s the closest road going watercooled Porsche to the real race car you can buy ever. It’s the first GT3. Period. It’s also the rarest GT3 too. Last but not least, it’s more mild mannered on the road vs the 996.2 It also looks a lot more coherent design wise.
As for performance - a K400 996.1 is as quick if not slightly quicker than a Mk2. Both CS, both standard gearing. The 996.1 was on 101k miles, the 996.2 was on 17k. The Mk2 brakes fit the Mk1 and the standard suspension needs swapping if you are going to track the car...
Anyway, any 996 is a lovely car which is ageing beautifully like a fine bottle of Riesling...
Head, nail, on, hit As for performance - a K400 996.1 is as quick if not slightly quicker than a Mk2. Both CS, both standard gearing. The 996.1 was on 101k miles, the 996.2 was on 17k. The Mk2 brakes fit the Mk1 and the standard suspension needs swapping if you are going to track the car...
Anyway, any 996 is a lovely car which is ageing beautifully like a fine bottle of Riesling...
chappardababbar said:
Everything has been covered but I still feel the need to say my bit. Why is that?
There are a few levels here....
Level 1: I believe the 911 is a timeless and iconic piece of engineering and design. The format is really interesting and makes the car unique and special relative to most other cars on the road. It's exceptionally well packaged, great usability, great visibility.
Level 2: I believe the 996 is peak 911, for my needs. Everyone has a different (classic vs usable vs feels vs looks) balance that they want. There is no right answer, but for me pre-996 lacks the galvanised body that helps me sleep better at night, and post 996 loses sound, feel, deftness, and style. 996 = goldilocks 911.
Level 3: I believe the base 911, IS the 911. Therefore the base 996 is the best 911, and by extension, one of the best cars ever made. The 911 is its true form, is a useable, daily-able, practical, relatively achievable, fun, sports car.
Level 4, and this is where I'm going to lose you if I haven't already. For me the base 996 teaches me something about life. The hardest part about owning a carrera, is yearning for both GT3 and Turbo versions of the car. It's actually an exercise in self awareness, confidence, and control. In being true to what I believe and living it. I love that about it. I have to constantly remind myself what it is, and what it isn't and not try to change it by giving in to my constantly changing wants and needs.
Level 5: For me to really bond with a car, it needs to have a heart. There is a coldness about the GT3, and a brutishness about the the Turbo. The carrera is pure charm, and heart, and personality. Eager to please, fun, easy going, and elegant.
I am currently a little bit obsessed by the 996. I have a base carrera and I'm quite in love with it. One day I'd love to add a Turbo, and a GT3. When I imagine that scenario in my mind, I always walk towards the carrera first, and it's a good feeling.
Excuse my pedantry but galvanised bodies pre-dated the 996 by two decades There are a few levels here....
Level 1: I believe the 911 is a timeless and iconic piece of engineering and design. The format is really interesting and makes the car unique and special relative to most other cars on the road. It's exceptionally well packaged, great usability, great visibility.
Level 2: I believe the 996 is peak 911, for my needs. Everyone has a different (classic vs usable vs feels vs looks) balance that they want. There is no right answer, but for me pre-996 lacks the galvanised body that helps me sleep better at night, and post 996 loses sound, feel, deftness, and style. 996 = goldilocks 911.
Level 3: I believe the base 911, IS the 911. Therefore the base 996 is the best 911, and by extension, one of the best cars ever made. The 911 is its true form, is a useable, daily-able, practical, relatively achievable, fun, sports car.
Level 4, and this is where I'm going to lose you if I haven't already. For me the base 996 teaches me something about life. The hardest part about owning a carrera, is yearning for both GT3 and Turbo versions of the car. It's actually an exercise in self awareness, confidence, and control. In being true to what I believe and living it. I love that about it. I have to constantly remind myself what it is, and what it isn't and not try to change it by giving in to my constantly changing wants and needs.
Level 5: For me to really bond with a car, it needs to have a heart. There is a coldness about the GT3, and a brutishness about the the Turbo. The carrera is pure charm, and heart, and personality. Eager to please, fun, easy going, and elegant.
I am currently a little bit obsessed by the 996. I have a base carrera and I'm quite in love with it. One day I'd love to add a Turbo, and a GT3. When I imagine that scenario in my mind, I always walk towards the carrera first, and it's a good feeling.
Sadly it doesn't stop the 996, or any other 911, rusting.
Body Galvanizing in Porsche 911
Thyssen steel = steel with Zinc layers on both sides; thickness of the Zinc layers varied from 10 um to 20 um, depending on exposure conditions (Frere, p. 201)
1970 – Galvanized steel (not Thyssen type) used in floor pan and wheel arches (Bob White in Pano V: 142); the “entire platform, including the floor, the longitudinal members, the wheel arches and the seat pans were galvanized.” (Boschen & Barth, p. 124)
1971 models – had galvanized steel in areas particularly exposed to rust (Frere, p. 201)
1972-1973 – Thyssen steel use began (Bob White in Pano V: 142)
1973 – Thyssen steel: rocker panels, inner rocker panels, floor pans, & some other parts (Chuck Stoddard in Pano V: 142)
1975 – Thyssen steel: entire body treated (Bob White & Chuck Stoddard {began in Feb. ’75 production for US cars; earlier for Euro cars – had trouble with paint} in Pano V: 142, 192)
1976 models – had Thyssen steel in entire body except roof (Frere, p. 201)
1977 models – on – had Thyssen steel in entire body (Frere, p. 201); an “important step forward was the use of zinc-coated sheet steel for the manufacture of the entire body structure (except for the coupe’s roof on early production cars). Coated on both sides, this made the structure virtually immune against the formation of rust….” (Boschen & Barth, p. 143)
I bought my C4 manual for the factory fit aerokit & GT3 type split rim alloys & then over the next 3 years I’ve been quietly updating it with various bits & pieces including the most recent addition, an uprated shifter set-up (pictured). I’ve a few friends who won’t even use a non OEM part, although it’s become a project to make it ride/handle/sound better. The minor paintwork issues aren’t my priority as you can’t see them when you’re driving it!!
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