Which is better, Porsche 996 or 997?
In most cases, the 997 is the quicker car, especially the 997. PDK. The Carrera S in the 997 is noticeably faster than the equivalent 996 model, and the Turbo variants are in a different league altogether. By the time the 997 arrived, Porsche had ironed out most of these issues, and the later 997. DFI completely sidestepped the IMS problem. On the road, the 997 feels like the more developed package. It’s quicker, more responsive, and the suspension has a degree of sophistication that the 996 lacks.While the 991 doesn’t cut this out completely in the slightest and is arguably a far better driver than any of the 911s before it – especially in terms of accuracy, control and speed distribution – we do “miss” the raw, heavier and firmer experience of the 997 when we jump in a 991; the 997 feels more like the classic .The 993 is historically significant, much more traditionally styled and generally better built with nicer materials. The 996 is handsome in its own way, and it’s a better driving 911 thanks to the characteristics of its regularly-shat-upon-on-the-internet M96 engine and improved gear shift.The Porsche 996 was a new design developed by Pinky Lai under Porsche design chief Harm Lagaay from 1992 to 2006; it was the first 911 that was completely redesigned, and carried over little from its predecessor as Porsche wanted the design team to design a 911 for the next millennium.Carrera 4 Cabriolet For anybody trying to get into the absolute cheapest 911 there is, the 996 generation is where it’s at. With it, the 911 went into the new millennium having abandoned air-cooled engines, which turned off some purists.
How much is a Porsche 996 worth?
GT2 / Clubsport – Highly desirable, with well-maintained examples selling for £92,750 and Clubsport versions exceeding €132,000. GT3 RS – The most sought-after 996 variant, with recent sales reaching €175,000 for a 44,000km example and over $294,500 in North America for a low-mileage car. With its distinctive design, exceptional driving experience, and increasing market interest, the 996 is well on its way to becoming a future classic. As more enthusiasts recognise its potential, now is the perfect time to invest in and care for this once-underdog of the 911 family.The 992 generation carries the powerful wheel arches and signature sloping rear pillar that have made the 911 instantly-recognizable worldwide. Some slight updates include revised door handles and rounded door seams.For anybody trying to get into the absolute cheapest 911 there is, the 996 generation is where it’s at. With it, the 911 went into the new millennium having abandoned air-cooled engines, which turned off some purists.The 997 generation has been steadily climbing in value, with both the 997. The 997.According to leading Porsche specialists, the 996 is slowly starting to gain appreciation among collectors. Low-mileage, well-maintained examples, especially those with desirable specifications or rare variants like the GT3 and Turbo, are already experiencing a rise in value.
Is a Porsche 996 reliable?
Yes, You Should Buy a 911 996 Other than some well-known issues, the 996 is a very solid car. Yes, the 996 is increasingly recognised as a future classic. As the first water-cooled 911, it holds historical significance, and its value appreciation in recent years suggests continued collector interest. Read more on that [here].Once criticised for its design and water-cooled engine, the 996 is now a cult classic. You’d have to be perverse to declare the old car was better…” Not our words, clearly, but those of evo in its January 1999 Car of the Year issue.As the 996 gains recognition as a future classic, maintaining its condition becomes increasingly important. Whether you own a 996 or are considering purchasing one, ensuring that it is well-maintained and equipped with quality parts is crucial to preserving its value and performance.Take a look at the YT/IG generation of car enthusiasts. When they are tired of M3s and M4s, they sell and buy a 996.Most of the data disclosed suggests less than 10% had real mechanical issues or failures of any kind. However, longer term ownership points to inherent design issues with the engine that need to be considered. Other than that, the 996 is extremely solid and almost as raw a Porsche as the older air-cooled models.
What is the rarest Porsche 996?
GT3 RS The rarest 996 is the 911 GT3 RS, with just 682 cars having left the factory. Which One Should You Buy? If you want the most analog, raw 911 experience and are prepared to invest in preventative maintenance, the 997. But if your priority is reliability, modern driving tech, and better performance out of the box, the 997.Ultimately, it comes down to what you want from your 911. Do you crave rawness and a connection to the road? Go for the 996. If you’re after something more refined, with fewer worries about reliability, the 997 is your answer.The Driving Experience: 991 vs. When it comes to driving, comparing the 991 and 992 is a bit like splitting hairs. Both are unmistakably 911 in their feel, but the 992 is sharper, faster, and more forgiving at the limit, thanks to its myriad of technological wizardry.Yes, You Should Buy a 911 996 Other than some well-known issues, the 996 is a very solid car.The 996 can easily be a sensible daily driver as long as it gets a good regular run and not just very short journeys, you will need to start with a good one though and even then you can never be sure a potentially big bill isn’t just around the corner but that’s true of any car.
What is the weakness of the Porsche 996?
The Intermediate Shaft (IMS) bearing in the 996 has been known to fail prematurely, leading to serious engine damage and costly repairs. Poor design is the primary cause of IMS bearing failure. Instead of being lubricated by engine oil, the bearing relied on internally contained grease. Failure of the IMS bearing often leads to total engine failure, which is one of the worst possible events for any car owner to experience – not to mention it is extremely costly. So this IMS bearing upgrade is absolutely crucial if you plan on going out for a Porsche 996, or have recently picked one up.The Porsche IMS bearing problem years are from 1997 to 2005, with the M96 or M97 engine in these models being particularly susceptible. The single-row bearing used from model year 2000 through 2005 is of the greatest concern.Porsche replaced the M96/M97 engine with the 2009 model year with the MA1/9A1 engine which eliminated an ims shaft from the design completely, so no worry there.Considering the costs for an engine rebuild start between $15,000 and $20,000 and replacement can easily be double that, $1500-3000 to replace the IMS bearing in your Porsche Boxster or Porsche 911 996 model is a sound investment.