What do you love about the 996?
Discussion
Adam. said:
Fast Bug said:
I really like this
Wow like nothing about that, sorryMismatch of front and rear spoilers, hate Porsche stickers on side and what looks like boxster red interior which is a terrible orangey pink shade of red
Owned for over 20 years now. What has made it last so long in my hands? Forces you to learn and become a better driver. So much to learn peeling layers off a never ending onion. Sense of weight transfer is so playful, love the interior race car feel with cup wheel, so responsive to changes and mods, simple, small and totally under my skin. Can't imagine being without it.
Started off wanting to stay OEM, over the years added MK2 brakes, cup wheel, m&m exhaust, ohlins.
Here in its current guise with Zanzibar wrap and E88s.
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/PL9cLiXD.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/seoSv3Ye" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/seoSv3Ye.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/5f72Z7Ru" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/5f72Z7Ru.jpg)
Started off wanting to stay OEM, over the years added MK2 brakes, cup wheel, m&m exhaust, ohlins.
Here in its current guise with Zanzibar wrap and E88s.
Edited by Singh911 on Sunday 14th March 15:23
What do I love about mine?
- The perfect weight of the controls, especially the steering.
- The gear ratios, which are so wonderful when you use a decent number of revs in each gear.
- The burble from the exhaust when you're just trundling through quiet towns, late at night, with the sound echoing off the buildings. Going through Spa and Malmedy on a warm summer's evening a few years ago with the windows down was just perfect.
Oh and the fact that it's a 911 and it cost less than a base model VW Polo.
All of the above cancel out the comically bargain basement interior and the terrible stereo.
- The perfect weight of the controls, especially the steering.
- The gear ratios, which are so wonderful when you use a decent number of revs in each gear.
- The burble from the exhaust when you're just trundling through quiet towns, late at night, with the sound echoing off the buildings. Going through Spa and Malmedy on a warm summer's evening a few years ago with the windows down was just perfect.
Oh and the fact that it's a 911 and it cost less than a base model VW Polo.
All of the above cancel out the comically bargain basement interior and the terrible stereo.
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.
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.
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.
Yes,yes, my exact feelings too.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.
The only other thing I have noticed that I might add is how both young kids and oldies alike will both turn around to give it a second admiring look. It just appeals to a varied spectrum of people and instantly recognisable.
Still makes me look back after parking up which I wouldn't do for any of my other motors.
sm34uk said:
One thing this thread hasn't had yet, is enough green in it. So I present a whole lot of greenery. I have to replace the mats but have always bought black just to break up the colour a little bit. When I got the car, they were green too!
g7jhp said:
This shape Turbo is peerless in its design. It's so so good. 
I'm obviously biased because this thing was out in my early 20s and I spent a lot of time thinking about it.
996 Turbo in a PTS colour is a wonderful thing. Or Guards Red. Or Speed Yellow. Or Seal Grey. Or Forest Green. Or...
chappardababbar said:
Last comment....the TURBO TWIST!
Is this a hall of fame wheel or what? it's going to get better and better as time goes on.
This is me...
But that isn't "base" though. I totally agree with your base 911 IS 911 concept, and then you go ruin it with the top wheel option! Get those 17"s back on! Is this a hall of fame wheel or what? it's going to get better and better as time goes on.
This is me...
Edited by chappardababbar on Monday 15th March 21:01
Btw, is that Speed or Pastel yellow? More pics please.
chappardababbar said:
Last comment....the TURBO TWIST!
Is this a hall of fame wheel or what? it's going to get better and better as time goes on.
This is me...
I can’t be the only one who doesn’t ‘get’ turbo twists?Is this a hall of fame wheel or what? it's going to get better and better as time goes on.
This is me...
Edited by chappardababbar on Monday 15th March 21:01
But then, I also think the ‘clowns pockets’ on the turbo ruin the looks so what do I know?
RiccardoG said:
chappardababbar said:
Last comment....the TURBO TWIST!
Is this a hall of fame wheel or what? it's going to get better and better as time goes on.
This is me...
But that isn't "base" though. I totally agree with your base 911 IS 911 concept, and then you go ruin it with the top wheel option! Get those 17"s back on! Is this a hall of fame wheel or what? it's going to get better and better as time goes on.
This is me...
Edited by chappardababbar on Monday 15th March 21:01
Btw, is that Speed or Pastel yellow? More pics please.
So yes, now that I've read pages and pages of member ATM and others droning on and on about 17s being better I'm now going to swap 17s. The only reason I haven't done it already is a) I have no more money because I spend it on things I don't need and b) I need to research tyre fitment of OZ allitigerras (can never spell it) in 17 inch, which is not the most exciting task so I haven't got to it. I need to figure out if it will clear the standard brakes and whether if I choose the modify the bra......zzzzzzzz
And before you guys start, the other thing I need to do is swap my clear candle lights for amber litronics. Which I think means modifying litronics with amber film. Yes 2000 MY doesn't have amber as standard but I'm jealous of all of you guys rocking ambers and I don't care.
I'm also angry with myself for knowing that ambers were the coolest thing ever years and years ago, and not backing myself on it - so I'm not in a rush to do it because it's a way of teaching myself a harsh lesson.
Don't think ambers look right on a red or yellow car. They suit all other colours as they contrast well.
Thing I love.
• Driving it cheers me up. If I don't drive it I think about selling it. 1 drive gets rid of those feelings
• It's right in that sweet spot era for usability and driver involvement. Right before cars started doing everything for you, feeling a bit remote and wrapping you in cotton wool. But on the other hand its not running on tiny 1980s tyres with drum brakes and the structural integrity of a kit Kat wrapper (like my other car from 1990)
• It's right in the sweet spot for home spannering. I don't need to plug in a diagnostic computer to reset the CANBUS when I change a bulb nor do I need to worry about trying to hunt down the last man on earth that knows how to balance carbs by ear and talks only in imperial measurements.
• It's affordable. This means a regular wage slave like me can own it. I don't need to worry about its value or what a bit of use might do to that value.
Thing I love.
• Driving it cheers me up. If I don't drive it I think about selling it. 1 drive gets rid of those feelings
• It's right in that sweet spot era for usability and driver involvement. Right before cars started doing everything for you, feeling a bit remote and wrapping you in cotton wool. But on the other hand its not running on tiny 1980s tyres with drum brakes and the structural integrity of a kit Kat wrapper (like my other car from 1990)
• It's right in the sweet spot for home spannering. I don't need to plug in a diagnostic computer to reset the CANBUS when I change a bulb nor do I need to worry about trying to hunt down the last man on earth that knows how to balance carbs by ear and talks only in imperial measurements.
• It's affordable. This means a regular wage slave like me can own it. I don't need to worry about its value or what a bit of use might do to that value.
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.
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