Discussion
Hi Folks - Long time lurker and 944 Turbo owner.
Considering adding another Porsche to the garage and have been spending too much time reading about and watching videos of Porsche 928s and 911 996s.
Yes I know they are completely different in terms of drive, comfort etc, looking for opinions of what is the more attractive purchase.
At the moment I'm leaning towards a 911 996 and have been looking at models equipped with the factory Aero package (really love the GT3 look). Pretty sure that I would want a manual (unless someone can convince me why auto would be a good idea) and leaning towards RWD / C2 over a C4 / AWD for the reduced weight / complexity / less things to go wrong.
I hadn't really considered the 928 until recently and remember the first time I saw one in the flesh (actually I heard it first - those V8s sound awesome) was an early 928S in white and it sounded like an american muscle car.
I've always hoped to own a 928 one day but likewise can be said for a 911 - before purchasing my second 944 I tested out a few 70s 911s and in particular a 911T (had a lovely tartan interior). However I'm going to need to save for much longer if I want an aircooled 911 due to the high prices they are fetching currently. Hadn't considered a 996 due to the stigma attached to them but after doing my own research they have grown on me and I can see that it might allow me to scratch the 911 itch.
Looking at the market there are many more 996s for sale than 928s and looking at many of the 928s they either have zillions of owners and poor history or have been left to rot in a garage for 10 years. Engine wise the 928s V8 lump appears to be less fragile than the 996?
Which would you choose and why?
Considering adding another Porsche to the garage and have been spending too much time reading about and watching videos of Porsche 928s and 911 996s.
Yes I know they are completely different in terms of drive, comfort etc, looking for opinions of what is the more attractive purchase.
At the moment I'm leaning towards a 911 996 and have been looking at models equipped with the factory Aero package (really love the GT3 look). Pretty sure that I would want a manual (unless someone can convince me why auto would be a good idea) and leaning towards RWD / C2 over a C4 / AWD for the reduced weight / complexity / less things to go wrong.
I hadn't really considered the 928 until recently and remember the first time I saw one in the flesh (actually I heard it first - those V8s sound awesome) was an early 928S in white and it sounded like an american muscle car.
I've always hoped to own a 928 one day but likewise can be said for a 911 - before purchasing my second 944 I tested out a few 70s 911s and in particular a 911T (had a lovely tartan interior). However I'm going to need to save for much longer if I want an aircooled 911 due to the high prices they are fetching currently. Hadn't considered a 996 due to the stigma attached to them but after doing my own research they have grown on me and I can see that it might allow me to scratch the 911 itch.
Looking at the market there are many more 996s for sale than 928s and looking at many of the 928s they either have zillions of owners and poor history or have been left to rot in a garage for 10 years. Engine wise the 928s V8 lump appears to be less fragile than the 996?
Which would you choose and why?
As you say very different cars.
Have you driven both?
The 928 is an older heavier more complex car.
The 996 is newer, smaller, far more modern and easier to use, but the engine issues are well known.
I'd opt fora a nice early manual 996 C2 coupe with 3.4l engine. Manual, RWD coupes are always sought after, they're a purer drive.
Have you driven both?
The 928 is an older heavier more complex car.
The 996 is newer, smaller, far more modern and easier to use, but the engine issues are well known.
I'd opt fora a nice early manual 996 C2 coupe with 3.4l engine. Manual, RWD coupes are always sought after, they're a purer drive.
Edited by g7jhp on Saturday 8th September 11:58
g7jhp said:
As you say very different cars.
Have you driven both?
The 928 is an older heavier more complex car.
The 996 is newer, smaller, far more modern and easier to use, but the engine issues are well known.
I'd opt fora a nice early manual 996 C2 coupe with 3.4l engine. Manual, RWD coupes are always sought after, they're a purer drive.
I've driven neither unfortunately - getting ready to move house at the moment so as soon as I've moved will start looking in earnest and doing some test drives. Not many dealers near me with 996s or 928s though (Worcester).Have you driven both?
The 928 is an older heavier more complex car.
The 996 is newer, smaller, far more modern and easier to use, but the engine issues are well known.
I'd opt fora a nice early manual 996 C2 coupe with 3.4l engine. Manual, RWD coupes are always sought after, they're a purer drive.
Edited by g7jhp on Saturday 8th September 11:58
I've owned a 951 and still have a 928 S4. The 951 is a sports car. Light, nimble and quick. The 928S4 is a GT car, especially with an automatic. It's heavy and not that quick. I would compare it more to a Mercedes SL. While I've never driven a 996, I know them to be quick and light footed so if you're looking for that experience, the 996 is the one to go with.
Quite apart from the very different dynamics, I would advise you to only consider a 928 if you enjoy and feel competent doing most of your own work on your cars, and have a reasonably well-equipped garage.
Just being realistic and not knocking 928s. I challenge you to find a bigger 928 fan than me, and I love my S4!
Not far from you in Stratford, so if you ever want to chat in more detail about "the German Corvette" that would be a pleasure.
Just being realistic and not knocking 928s. I challenge you to find a bigger 928 fan than me, and I love my S4!
Not far from you in Stratford, so if you ever want to chat in more detail about "the German Corvette" that would be a pleasure.
I have an early 996 3.4 c2 Manuel with areo kit and love it, never really considered a 928 (have owned a 944 before) never really appealed always considered them more of a gt car than sports car. I think the risk of engine issues on a 996 is prob no worse than the risks of general large bills on a 928.
I’ve been running a 996 for 12 months now. Just completed 10k miles.
To drive.. brilliant.
To own.. brilliant.
To summarise.. can’t believe everyone doesn’t want one. I love it! (I’m and ex 964, Evora and E92 M3 owner). 996 is a modern classic in the purest sense. I use mine everyday.
Only issues in 10k have been a dodgy indicator stalk and alternator. Total cost for both issues £800.
I’d defo go 996 because they drive really well and don’t depreciate much.
To drive.. brilliant.
To own.. brilliant.
To summarise.. can’t believe everyone doesn’t want one. I love it! (I’m and ex 964, Evora and E92 M3 owner). 996 is a modern classic in the purest sense. I use mine everyday.
Only issues in 10k have been a dodgy indicator stalk and alternator. Total cost for both issues £800.
I’d defo go 996 because they drive really well and don’t depreciate much.
Edited by BK911 on Saturday 8th September 23:10
I’ve had both and a 944 Turbo SE before that.
The 928 was not the car I had always dreamed it would be, it is far more Grand Tourer than sports car.
I believe all or almost all UK S4’s are automatic and it is a slow old time automatic, slow to shift and clunky in it’s change. The car is also heavy and not particularly fast accelerating. By today’s standards it’s merely brisk although still capable of a big top end. It is an old car based on an older platform, it is very complex for it’s day and as such potentially ruinous if you have issues, engine, electrical or other.
The 996 is far more comparable with your 944, it is a real sports car with touring comforts. They are of course old now but still feel very modern. Properly fast with great handling and decent brakes. Some complain about the dated plasticy interior but I personally think it’s ageing well and spec’ed well it’s not plasticky, it’s quality.
If you want a decent, fast, great handling sports car with modern day usability then a 996 is for you.
If you want a classic on the drive way with an horrendous 80’s interior, something to tinker with constantly, doesn’t really cut it in the modern world but looks great then maybe you do want a 928.
I’m glad I owned a 928, it was an experience for 18months but my 996C4S is a better car on every level. I’ve owned it for nearly 5 years already and with it’s recent engine rebuild it is now a keeper.
The 928 was not the car I had always dreamed it would be, it is far more Grand Tourer than sports car.
I believe all or almost all UK S4’s are automatic and it is a slow old time automatic, slow to shift and clunky in it’s change. The car is also heavy and not particularly fast accelerating. By today’s standards it’s merely brisk although still capable of a big top end. It is an old car based on an older platform, it is very complex for it’s day and as such potentially ruinous if you have issues, engine, electrical or other.
The 996 is far more comparable with your 944, it is a real sports car with touring comforts. They are of course old now but still feel very modern. Properly fast with great handling and decent brakes. Some complain about the dated plasticy interior but I personally think it’s ageing well and spec’ed well it’s not plasticky, it’s quality.
If you want a decent, fast, great handling sports car with modern day usability then a 996 is for you.
If you want a classic on the drive way with an horrendous 80’s interior, something to tinker with constantly, doesn’t really cut it in the modern world but looks great then maybe you do want a 928.
I’m glad I owned a 928, it was an experience for 18months but my 996C4S is a better car on every level. I’ve owned it for nearly 5 years already and with it’s recent engine rebuild it is now a keeper.
Edited by Roberty on Sunday 9th September 00:19
Edited by Roberty on Sunday 9th September 00:21
I have a 996 Mk1 GT3 CS, a 928 GTS 5-spd, another 928 GTS 5-spd race car, 928 S4 5-spd and a 944 Turbo Cup. Out of this lot the 928 GTS 5-spd is easily the best car. The 996 is great, but it was build to a budget at a time when Porsche was struggling to survive. I cannot help but laugh when 996 owners slagg off the 928 interior. The 996 feels cheap and s
t, because it is cheap and st. Everything is held by clips and crap vinyl. To be fair, I do like the actual 996 design, but the acres of cheap plastic/vinyl in my GT3 make me long for the full leather of the 928.
As for driving - they are two very distinct platforms. If you want a 928 - do yourself a favour and test drive a sorted manual. Once rolling, it is actually quicker than a standard 996 up to GT/TT models. It also looks better, but that’s subjective of course.
Final word of warning - if you drive a 928 and like it enough to buy it - be prepared to do the work yourself. They are old cars with issues and hardly anyone these days works on them away from a number of trusted specialists. As for the 996 - as long as you have Hartech on speed-dial you should be OK.
t, because it is cheap and st. Everything is held by clips and crap vinyl. To be fair, I do like the actual 996 design, but the acres of cheap plastic/vinyl in my GT3 make me long for the full leather of the 928. As for driving - they are two very distinct platforms. If you want a 928 - do yourself a favour and test drive a sorted manual. Once rolling, it is actually quicker than a standard 996 up to GT/TT models. It also looks better, but that’s subjective of course.
Final word of warning - if you drive a 928 and like it enough to buy it - be prepared to do the work yourself. They are old cars with issues and hardly anyone these days works on them away from a number of trusted specialists. As for the 996 - as long as you have Hartech on speed-dial you should be OK.
I’ve never driven a 928 but would love too. All models look amazing to me. I will get an early simple clean unmodified one at some point.
But the 996 feels like a modern sports car. Handles like a modern sports car. And had at least 300hp. They pull like a steam train.
Plus the 996 is right at the bottom of the market right now. Don’t listen to all the naysayers.
People on forums don’t like the lights on the early ones - but you know what, when you realise they are styled after the GT1 race cars you begin to like them a lot more.
The lines are clean and simple. They are light and have a mechanical feel - something sports car lovers value.
Take a punt, get a 996 and it might climb in value.
Air cooled Porsche’s are great... but when compared to the dynamics and power of a 996 they show their age.
But the 996 feels like a modern sports car. Handles like a modern sports car. And had at least 300hp. They pull like a steam train.
Plus the 996 is right at the bottom of the market right now. Don’t listen to all the naysayers.
People on forums don’t like the lights on the early ones - but you know what, when you realise they are styled after the GT1 race cars you begin to like them a lot more.
The lines are clean and simple. They are light and have a mechanical feel - something sports car lovers value.
Take a punt, get a 996 and it might climb in value.
Air cooled Porsche’s are great... but when compared to the dynamics and power of a 996 they show their age.
Cheburator mk2 said:
I cannot help but laugh when 996 owners slagg off the 928 interior. The 996 feels cheap and st, because it is cheap and st. Everything is held by clips and crap vinyl. To be fair, I do like the actual 996 design, but the acres of cheap plastic/vinyl in my GT3 make me long for the full leather of the 928.
Not all 996 interiors are equal, those specked with full leather such as my C4S are a world apart from the base spec mk1’s. t, because it is cheap and st. Everything is held by clips and crap vinyl. To be fair, I do like the actual 996 design, but the acres of cheap plastic/vinyl in my GT3 make me long for the full leather of the 928. Having had both a 928 S4 and a 996 I can honestly say in my opinion the 996 interior is much nicer place to be.
The 928 may well be acres of leather but the fit again is poor, big dash panel gaps and the aesthetic of a time long past. Big Boiledsweet type dial and push buttons, shag pile carpets on the door. It’s of its time.
The 996 is a far more modern interior and food nd one that was speced right it’s a lovely place to be.
But it’s all subjective really, best the OP try a couple of each for themselves.
Roberty said:
Not all 996 interiors are equal, those specked with full leather such as my C4S are a world apart from the base spec mk1’s.
Having had both a 928 S4 and a 996 I can honestly say in my opinion the 996 interior is much nicer place to be.
The 928 may well be acres of leather but the fit again is poor, big dash panel gaps and the aesthetic of a time long past. Big Boiledsweet type dial and push buttons, shag pile carpets on the door. It’s of its time.
The 996 is a far more modern interior and food nd one that was speced right it’s a lovely place to be.
But it’s all subjective really, best the OP try a couple of each for themselves.
I think you nailed it - a well specced 996 will look good - the essence of the design language is actuallly very good. However, you would also have to trust me that a good and well maintained 928 full leather interior (despite the obvious and unavoidable 70s throwback) is a very nice place to be. Having had both a 928 S4 and a 996 I can honestly say in my opinion the 996 interior is much nicer place to be.
The 928 may well be acres of leather but the fit again is poor, big dash panel gaps and the aesthetic of a time long past. Big Boiledsweet type dial and push buttons, shag pile carpets on the door. It’s of its time.
The 996 is a far more modern interior and food nd one that was speced right it’s a lovely place to be.
But it’s all subjective really, best the OP try a couple of each for themselves.
On a slightly different tangent - the 996 4S is one of the best looking modern 911s ever made, so I guess you are one lucky man. I keep thinking what it would have done for the popularity of the 996 shape if Porsche had dropped a GT3 Mezger in a 4S body... Oh well...
Thanks for all the comments so far guys - definitely leaning towards a 996 - I can forgive the interior because those 911 curves still look great 
And yes I will need to drive both before making the ultimate decision - just noticed a few more 928s went up on classifieds today but all over 40k! - crazy money...
I'm am a bit of a home mechanic as well so can put my hand to most things with the right tools - done a lot of jobs on my 944 turbo over the 10 years I've owned it.
Maybe I will be able to have both at some point - don't want to miss out on a 928 though if the prices go silly.
And yes I will need to drive both before making the ultimate decision - just noticed a few more 928s went up on classifieds today but all over 40k! - crazy money...
I'm am a bit of a home mechanic as well so can put my hand to most things with the right tools - done a lot of jobs on my 944 turbo over the 10 years I've owned it.
Maybe I will be able to have both at some point - don't want to miss out on a 928 though if the prices go silly.
Cheburator mk2 said:
On a slightly different tangent - the 996 4S is one of the best looking modern 911s ever made, so I guess you are one lucky man. I keep thinking what it would have done for the popularity of the 996 shape if Porsche had dropped a GT3 Mezger in a 4S body... Oh well...
Thanks, mine has recently had a full engine rebuild by Hartech and the capacity increased to 3.9 it’s still no Mezger GT3 but it does lift it above the stock 3.6
miles2018 said:
928s are st. Massively expensive to repair, heavy, hopeless MPG and starting to look crap now.
Wow insightful post there t. Massively expensive to repair, heavy, hopeless MPG and starting to look crap now.
If you buy an older Porsche expecting for cheap bills then you are buying the wrong car - 996s and 928s are well over 10 years old now so will be requiring on-going maintenance as does any classic cars.
Who cares about MPG when buying a sports car / weekend car? - sure I care about MPG in my daily driver but not in my weekend / sports car! lol
Looks are subjective - I think the 928 has a timeless and iconic design.
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff