3.4 or 3.6 996??
Discussion
Looking at cars at the moment but have only test driven a MY 2000 996 C2.
Now I'm looking at either a 2001 or 2002 car but was wondering if their is a large performance differntial between the 3.4 and 3.6??
A specialist dealer was telling me that the 3.4 was "by far the inferior car"! Is this really the case?
Now I'm looking at either a 2001 or 2002 car but was wondering if their is a large performance differntial between the 3.4 and 3.6??
A specialist dealer was telling me that the 3.4 was "by far the inferior car"! Is this really the case?
No not really. In strict performance terms they are vey similar.
Where the 3.6 scores over the 3.4 is that its smoother & has a little more mid-range punch, but as stated above on the road it doesn't translate to much difference in performance.
The 3.6 cars not only had the engines tweaked though.
Lots of things were improved ultimately resulting in an all round better drivers car, but "by far the inferior car" is undeserved.
Ro.
>> Edited by roshambo on Friday 5th August 12:00
Where the 3.6 scores over the 3.4 is that its smoother & has a little more mid-range punch, but as stated above on the road it doesn't translate to much difference in performance.
The 3.6 cars not only had the engines tweaked though.
Lots of things were improved ultimately resulting in an all round better drivers car, but "by far the inferior car" is undeserved.
Ro.
>> Edited by roshambo on Friday 5th August 12:00
New engine, new face
Already one of the world’s most significant and widely respected sports cars, the 911 Carrera has recently been the subject of a wide range of enhancements aimed at further cementing its glowing reputation. High on the list of changes is a new engine, which has grown in capacity from 3.4 to 3.6 litre, and features the innovative Porsche VarioCam Plus.
Thanks to the redesigned front, the second generation 996 model series Carrera looks even more powerful and dynamic than ever. A key element of the styling changes is the adoption of the 911 Turbo’s distinctive headlights, although restyled air intakes in the nose also play their part in enhancing the looks of the Carrera. Styling changes to the back of the car include twin oval tailpipes and a bold contour line on the lower-third of the rear bumper assembly.
VarioCam Plus at the heart of the new 3.6-litre engine
The 911 Carrera’s flat-six powerplant has been enlarged in size from 3.4 to 3.6 litre, through an increase in stroke from 78.0mm to 82.8mm. This has helped raise maximum power to 320bhp (235kW) at 6800rpm, while lifting the torque peak to 273lb ft (370Nm) at 4250rpm. Despite these increased outputs throughout the entire engine speed range, average fuel consumption (to EU standards) has fallen by approximately 6 per cent to 25.2mpg (11.1 litres per 100km).
Now standard on all Carrera models is VarioCam Plus, comprising camshaft adjustment on the intake side together with a variable valve-lift function. This variable valve-lift system is made up of two interacting, switchable cup tappets on the intake side of the engine, which are operated by two cam lobes of differing sizes on the intake camshaft. This arrangement harnesses the best dynamic characteristics of what are essentially two different cam set-ups, allowing the optimisation of the engine’s power and torque outputs on the one hand, while on the other improving economy, emissions and refinement.
Enhanced aerodynamics
Porsche aerodynamicists have further improved upon the Carrera’s aerodynamic package. Firstly, they have increased the flow of cooling air through the front of the car by 15 per cent, for even better ventilation of the front wheelarches. The second, and more significant, achievement is a substantial reduction in lift on both the front and rear axles. Front wheel lift has been cut by 25 per cent, from cFA = 0.08 down to cFA = 0.06, while rear wheel lift has been sliced by 40 per cent, from cRA = 0.05 to cRA = 0.03. What makes these improvements all the more remarkable is that they have been achieved without altering the Carrera’s excellent Cd 0.30 drag coefficient.
New light-alloy wheels for even lower weight
Style meets efficiency in the new designs of light-alloy wheels for the revised Carrera. Slender spokes help reduce weight significantly; the standard equipment 10-spoke 17-inch wheels are 9.1 per cent lighter (3.6kg/7.9lb) than the wheels they replace. The difference is even greater with the optional five-spoke 18-inch alloys, which weigh 10.6kg (23.4lb) less than their predecessors, a 21.3 per cent reduction in mass.
On-board computer with an extra-large display
Apart from detail differences, such as the red zone in the rev counter, the new Carreras come with the same instrument cluster as the 911 Turbo. The lower-third of the centrally-positioned rev counter now houses a large digital display area, with space for several types of data to be displayed at one time. In its basic setting, it presents not only the overall and trip mileage, but also additional information from the on-board computer, such as the outside temperature. The driver can select other information to be displayed, such as like average speed, current fuel consumption, and the car’s range with actual fuel in the tank.
Upgraded interior equipment
To complement its enhanced mechanical package, the Carrera now has an even longer list of standard equipment. This includes: partial leather upholstery, automatic air-conditioning, heat-insulating glass, CD/radio, electric windows, electrically-adjustable and heated external rear-view mirrors, central locking, an electronic immobiliser and an alarm system with interior surveillance, a three-spoke steering wheel, a new twin-cup holder fitted beneath the central air vents, and an illuminated, lockable glovebox. The new glovebox is situated below the passenger airbag, and is large enough to accommodate a road atlas.
Already one of the world’s most significant and widely respected sports cars, the 911 Carrera has recently been the subject of a wide range of enhancements aimed at further cementing its glowing reputation. High on the list of changes is a new engine, which has grown in capacity from 3.4 to 3.6 litre, and features the innovative Porsche VarioCam Plus.
Thanks to the redesigned front, the second generation 996 model series Carrera looks even more powerful and dynamic than ever. A key element of the styling changes is the adoption of the 911 Turbo’s distinctive headlights, although restyled air intakes in the nose also play their part in enhancing the looks of the Carrera. Styling changes to the back of the car include twin oval tailpipes and a bold contour line on the lower-third of the rear bumper assembly.
VarioCam Plus at the heart of the new 3.6-litre engine
The 911 Carrera’s flat-six powerplant has been enlarged in size from 3.4 to 3.6 litre, through an increase in stroke from 78.0mm to 82.8mm. This has helped raise maximum power to 320bhp (235kW) at 6800rpm, while lifting the torque peak to 273lb ft (370Nm) at 4250rpm. Despite these increased outputs throughout the entire engine speed range, average fuel consumption (to EU standards) has fallen by approximately 6 per cent to 25.2mpg (11.1 litres per 100km).
Now standard on all Carrera models is VarioCam Plus, comprising camshaft adjustment on the intake side together with a variable valve-lift function. This variable valve-lift system is made up of two interacting, switchable cup tappets on the intake side of the engine, which are operated by two cam lobes of differing sizes on the intake camshaft. This arrangement harnesses the best dynamic characteristics of what are essentially two different cam set-ups, allowing the optimisation of the engine’s power and torque outputs on the one hand, while on the other improving economy, emissions and refinement.
Enhanced aerodynamics
Porsche aerodynamicists have further improved upon the Carrera’s aerodynamic package. Firstly, they have increased the flow of cooling air through the front of the car by 15 per cent, for even better ventilation of the front wheelarches. The second, and more significant, achievement is a substantial reduction in lift on both the front and rear axles. Front wheel lift has been cut by 25 per cent, from cFA = 0.08 down to cFA = 0.06, while rear wheel lift has been sliced by 40 per cent, from cRA = 0.05 to cRA = 0.03. What makes these improvements all the more remarkable is that they have been achieved without altering the Carrera’s excellent Cd 0.30 drag coefficient.
New light-alloy wheels for even lower weight
Style meets efficiency in the new designs of light-alloy wheels for the revised Carrera. Slender spokes help reduce weight significantly; the standard equipment 10-spoke 17-inch wheels are 9.1 per cent lighter (3.6kg/7.9lb) than the wheels they replace. The difference is even greater with the optional five-spoke 18-inch alloys, which weigh 10.6kg (23.4lb) less than their predecessors, a 21.3 per cent reduction in mass.
On-board computer with an extra-large display
Apart from detail differences, such as the red zone in the rev counter, the new Carreras come with the same instrument cluster as the 911 Turbo. The lower-third of the centrally-positioned rev counter now houses a large digital display area, with space for several types of data to be displayed at one time. In its basic setting, it presents not only the overall and trip mileage, but also additional information from the on-board computer, such as the outside temperature. The driver can select other information to be displayed, such as like average speed, current fuel consumption, and the car’s range with actual fuel in the tank.
Upgraded interior equipment
To complement its enhanced mechanical package, the Carrera now has an even longer list of standard equipment. This includes: partial leather upholstery, automatic air-conditioning, heat-insulating glass, CD/radio, electric windows, electrically-adjustable and heated external rear-view mirrors, central locking, an electronic immobiliser and an alarm system with interior surveillance, a three-spoke steering wheel, a new twin-cup holder fitted beneath the central air vents, and an illuminated, lockable glovebox. The new glovebox is situated below the passenger airbag, and is large enough to accommodate a road atlas.
jimbo22 said:
A specialist dealer was telling me that the 3.4 was "by far the inferior car"! Is this really the case?
I've been told the same thing....or at least to try and stay away from the 3.4. The only reason I got was because of a history of a few 3.4's going "boom" and needing new engines.
I'm debating the same issue as there is such a drop in the price between the first year of the 3.6 and the last of the 3.4 which makes it very tempting to buy the 3.4. But, on the other hand, a female stranded on the side of the road because her 3.4 decided to go "boom" isn't a very good idea in my eyes. Especially since the 2001 or older 3.4 would be out of warranty (most likely - dunno) and once saved from being stranded have to buy a new engine...
tuteez said:
The only reason I got was because of a history of a few 3.4's going "boom" and needing new engines.
Assuming this refers to the much debated RMS failure issue, I'm pretty sure that 3.6 cars are just as prone as the 3.4 (even the 997 is prone, just turbos, GT2/GT3 that use a different block and therefore immune). That said, my local specialist says he'd go for a high mileage 3.6 over a low mileage 3.4 any day and people I know who have driven both agree. As for warranty, Porsche will put a warranty on any car up to a certain age (7 years or 10, can't remember off hand) so long as it passes their inspection and maintains OPC servicing. Third party warranties are available cheaper - some are fine, some are junk!
LeeME3 said:
As for warranty, Porsche will put a warranty on any car up to a certain age (7 years or 10, can't remember off hand) so long as it passes their inspection and maintains OPC servicing. Third party warranties are available cheaper - some are fine, some are junk![/quote]
An excellent point brought up - however, will dealers put a warranty on a vehicle bought private? I suppose they would but I'm thinking it would be a high price for the peace of mind...
I'd still take the 3.6 for now
roshambo said:
doesn't matter where you get your car from, they will put a warranty on it, provided it passes & has corrected any defects that they find in their pre-warranty check.
Ro.
would it matter if the service history isnt full OPC, as long as its a full history( ie form specialists )? will they still sell you a warrenty if and when it passes all the checks?
how much would a warrenty set you back?
personally i'm also looking for a 996 at the present. leaning towards a post 2000 3.4 as the price difference between the pre and post facelifts, on the model im looking at, more than compensates for any potential ( and most say unlikely) engine issues, as i didnt find the drive experience significant enough to justify the extra £10k, not to mention the depreciation differences..IMHO..
You would need to check this - my only experience is having a warranty put on a car that I bought private with a full Porsche service history.
I would think it matters not that the car has an independant history, the pre-warranty check is to confirm the cars state of health at that point, but do check.
Ro.
I would think it matters not that the car has an independant history, the pre-warranty check is to confirm the cars state of health at that point, but do check.
Ro.
funinthesun said:
would it matter if the service history isnt full OPC, as long as its a full history( ie form specialists )?
I believe not, in fact I believe this is illegal now.
you can get the pre-warranty check done, get a Porsche warranty and continue to get services done by an independent and provided this is according to manufacturers recommended guidelines it should still be covered
OPC waranty
I have been looking into this after recently buying my 996, OPC will warrant ANY 911 up to 9 years old and with up to 150k on the clock.
if it has been out of the OPC servicing (mine has, last service by a specialist, JZM in hemmel) you have to pay 200 pound to have them check it over, then 700 odd for the 12 month warranty.
With all the stories on here about the 3.4 having engine issues, I will be heading down to OPC notts to get it warranted.
Hope this helps
I have been looking into this after recently buying my 996, OPC will warrant ANY 911 up to 9 years old and with up to 150k on the clock.
if it has been out of the OPC servicing (mine has, last service by a specialist, JZM in hemmel) you have to pay 200 pound to have them check it over, then 700 odd for the 12 month warranty.
With all the stories on here about the 3.4 having engine issues, I will be heading down to OPC notts to get it warranted.
Hope this helps
AdamB and Ducati Gary are correct.
I have (last week) just paid for a porsche warranty and had to have the inspection done.
If the inspection picks anything bad up, you have to pay to correct that first - fortunately mine was all ok. eg if the RMS is weepeing, it would need replacing before they could warranty the car. TBH the inspection is a good thing to have anyway IMHO - they were very through, though did chip my bonnet...grrrrr.
From then on, so long as servicing is maintained according to manufacturers spec (OPC or not) then it's renewable every year so long as it doesn't expire.
It covers the RMS which is nice to know,
I have (last week) just paid for a porsche warranty and had to have the inspection done.
If the inspection picks anything bad up, you have to pay to correct that first - fortunately mine was all ok. eg if the RMS is weepeing, it would need replacing before they could warranty the car. TBH the inspection is a good thing to have anyway IMHO - they were very through, though did chip my bonnet...grrrrr.
From then on, so long as servicing is maintained according to manufacturers spec (OPC or not) then it's renewable every year so long as it doesn't expire.
It covers the RMS which is nice to know,
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