What do you love about the 996?

[carrottop]

sundayjumper said:

Snap ! Mar '99 C2. On the start line yesterday:

[JMo22]

I swapped my 997.1 Carrera 2S Manual for a 996.1 GT3 earlier this year.

Not an apples for apples comparison but honestly prefer almost everything about the 996 but main things would be:
Narrower so more suited to UK A/B roads and you have some scope to place within a lane rather than just follow the road.
Interior is far more driver focussed with less buttons, better placement of the buttons that are there, no sat nav screen, etc.
Cable throttle so doesn't feel artificial like the fly-by-wire on the 997, which seemed to be jumps in Sports mode on the Sports Chrono package. This with pedal positioning seems makes rev matching easier.
The ride oddly seems better even though a GT3 vs Carrera S. Maybe PASM to blame in 997 as ride seemed quite busy and I feel all these suspension and engine modes is an excuse for lazy engineering as you don't need to find a perfect compromise. Only speed bumps, ramps an issue is GT3 given it doesn't have any front lift mechanism.

Things I prefer from 997:
The gear shift is sweeter but looking to put a 997.2 GT3 shift mechanism on the 996 as this reportedly improves things significantly.

[ATM]

JMo22 said:

Maybe PASM to blame in 997 as ride seemed quite busy

Possibly down to the heavy 19 inch wheels and heavier tyres and the stiffer side walls.

[Fastlane]

JMo22 said:

Zanzibar Red GT3 - absolutely lovely!

[ForzaGilles]

JMo22 said:

The gear shift is sweeter but looking to put a 997.2 GT3 shift mechanism on the 996 as this reportedly improves things significantly.

I fitted one of these to my 996.1 C2, makes a big difference. Shorter throw, but not too short, and a more positive shift. It's not heavy either. A really worthwhile mod.

[LordHaveMurci]

Fastlane said:

Zanzibar Red - absolutely lovely!

Is there a better colour for a 996?

[Fastlane]

LordHaveMurci said:

Is there a better colour for a 996?

Not to me! First saw a Zanzibar GT3 in the flesh at Goodwood Breakfast meeting back in 2007 and thought wow!

I can't afford a GT3, so when I saw a aero kitted C4 in Zanzibar I had to buy it.

Edited by Fastlane on Saturday 23 September 21:25

[sundayjumper]

ForzaGilles said:

JMo22 said:

The gear shift is sweeter but looking to put a 997.2 GT3 shift mechanism on the 996 as this reportedly improves things significantly.

I fitted one of these to my 996.1 C2, makes a big difference. Shorter throw, but not too short, and a more positive shift. It's not heavy either. A really worthwhile mod.

Best source / price for these ? Was planning on ordering some more bits from Gert soon anyway...

[DavidJJ]

Couple of links for standard & GT3;

https://www.suncoastparts.com/product/997SCU.html?...

http://en.9xx-parts.com/category/502/gear-shifting

I was going to get it done next month on mine but aircon leak out of nowhere and a weeping damper has put it on hold for now(!)

[JMo22]

Thanks guys. It is a lovely car and rare too. Zanzibar changes a lot depending upon the light conditions as it's a gold metallic flake.

ATM - fair point. The 19" wheels probably didn't help the ride but think there is more to it than that though in the way the car handles compressions and so on. Looks like you've had more similar 997s and 996s - how do you think they compare?

[ATM]

JMo22 said:

Thanks guys. It is a lovely car and rare too. Zanzibar changes a lot depending upon the light conditions as it's a gold metallic flake.

ATM - fair point. The 19" wheels probably didn't help the ride but think there is more to it than that though in the way the car handles compressions and so on. Looks like you've had more similar 997s and 996s - how do you think they compare?

Can't really remember my 997 if I'm honest as it was 12 years ago. I want another now so i can give the 2 a thorough comparison.

[Fastlane]

sundayjumper said:

Best source / price for these ? Was planning on ordering some more bits from Gert soon anyway...

I have the GT3 shifter on mine - OPC will be the best option but ask for a Porsche Club members' 10% discount. I think most dealers will give it to you without proof. They are £250 less the 10%.

[Filibuster]

We missed it'a birthday, which was last month ago September 5 1997 according to Classic Driver.

And it's a big one!! So Happy 20th Birthday Porsche 996










edit
because I can't read...

Edited by Filibuster on Friday 6th October 13:35

[PTT]

It's October now, so missed it by a month

[Filibuster]

PTT said:

It's October now, so missed it by a month

I don't know why I make such a huge mess with months lately... Half my emails I keep writing down the wrong month and now this...

Nevertheless, and all that...

[tjdixon911]

I've just read through this whole thread and it's great to see a lot of love for the 996.

I've been finding myself looking in the classifieds most nights at 911's, mainly 996's and really keen on the C4S, it's got to be one of the best looking 996's but I do wonder if a C2 would be a better (more rewarding?) car... I've dreamt of owning a 911 for nearly 30 years now, I feel now is the time, before it's too late!

Just need to sell the Boxster first...

[LordHaveMurci]

tjdixon911 said:

I've just read through this whole thread and it's great to see a lot of love for the 996.

I've been finding myself looking in the classifieds most nights at 911's, mainly 996's and really keen on the C4S, it's got to be one of the best looking 996's but I do wonder if a C2 would be a better (more rewarding?) car... I've dreamt of owning a 911 for nearly 30 years now, I feel now is the time, before it's too late!

Just need to sell the Boxster first...

Lot's of praise for both, as a C2 owner the C4S is definitely the best looking! Downside is, they are a lot more expensive now, is the premium worth it for you?

Lot's of people will say there is very little between a base C4 & a C2, buy the best of either example, I've never driven a C4 so have no valid opinion.

[tjdixon911]

LordHaveMurci said:

Lot's of praise for both, as a C2 owner the C4S is definitely the best looking! Downside is, they are a lot more expensive now, is the premium worth it for you?

Lot's of people will say there is very little between a base C4 & a C2, buy the best of either example, I've never driven a C4 so have no valid opinion.

I'm not sure, agreed there is quite a premium, from a buying point of view a base C2 / 4 is better in that it would give a bit in reserve for some tweaks / maintenance maybe... and a decent one can be had for potentially less than maybe a poor C4S...

How does the 996 compare to the Boxster on cabin size? Is it exactly the same or is there a bit more space? Do the seats go back that little bit more, I find the boxster (with sports seats) can feel a little cramped at 6ft...

[edh]

tjdixon911 said:

I'm not sure, agreed there is quite a premium, from a buying point of view a base C2 / 4 is better in that it would give a bit in reserve for some tweaks / maintenance maybe... and a decent one can be had for potentially less than maybe a poor C4S...

How does the 996 compare to the Boxster on cabin size? Is it exactly the same or is there a bit more space? Do the seats go back that little bit more, I find the boxster (with sports seats) can feel a little cramped at 6ft...

There's definitely more room for taller drivers in a 996.

[sundayjumper]

tjdixon911 said:

...I find the boxster (with sports seats) can feel a little cramped at 6ft...

6'4" here and fit into my 996 OK, but I did need to change the steering wheel to give my knees a bit more space. I always have that problem with cars though; it obviously depends on your own proportions. I seem to have weird legs.