Complaint about 996

The front of the 996 looks a lot like the Boxter. Considering the Huge price gap, this bothers me.

Your purpose of the post then would be.........

[quote]Originally posted by AI: <strong>The front of the 996 looks a lot like the Boxter. Considering the Huge price gap, this bothers me.</strong><hr></blockquote> Two options: buy a 996 with aero kit or get a 2002 with the Turbo look headlights. Neither can be mistaken for a Boxster.

I put light covers on mine to make it look more like an older 911.

The simple solution is not to buy either a Boxster or 996. Also, your post serves no useful purpose in my opinion.....in fact it bothers me! Berkley '00 Millennium C4

AI, If you dont like it keep it to yourself. I dont even know what kinda porsche you drive but please.

Luckily, this is primarily a posuer problem which is primarily attributable to low self-esteem. Those of us whose self-worth isn't tied to the material objects we own, can pretty quickly get over the similarly in frontal design in the pre-02 cars. However, individuals with low self-esteem would be well advised to pump themselves up in another manner since few will be able to tell they spent $20 to $30k more for their car than the bottom line model. Then again, many others will know you spent 1/2 what the GT2 costs and $50k less than the turbo. So, a status seeking, poseur will probably want to shop another marque for their self-esteem fix.

AI: It seems that we have a lot of "TOURISTS".. <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> around this board...

AI, Your complaint has been voiced by many. Porsche listened. The 2002 996 has the Turbo headlights. The C4S has the Turbo front. The similarity did/does bother me. Admit it, y'all. One of the reasons we buy the Porsche is to be better than the next guy. Good old American one-upmanship. Although the Boxster is an excellent car, you'd want to look different if you spent an additional 40K on a 996. Even if the only time a 996 would be mistaken for a Boxster is in the rearview mirror. I don't know if I am a tourist, but if I was an American looking at the Mona Lisa, I believe I would be allowed to say she looks like she was constipated in the bathroom .

Wow, did I hit a nerve here. This was an observation. I am researching getting a Porsche and which one 993 or 996. Leaning toward the 996, but this point bothered me. I didn't factor in the Aero Kit, or that there are new headlights on the C4. I in no way posted this with a malicious intent.

All '02 996 have the 'turbo' headlights. Even if they didn't, it wouldn't bother me. The older 996 look identical to the Boxster only from one of an infinite number of viewing angles. Whether you get a 996 or 993 is highly personal. Me, I wanted the warrantee, lesser maintenance, and I fit better in the 996 than the 993. (6' 2", 195 lbs)

Yeah Big complaint. I don't know why. It doesn't bother me. The BOX(S)TER is a very capable car and lots prefer it. Only "status" people really care about the similar looks.993 vs. 996 I had both I prefer the 996 some like the 993's more "visceral" feel. Drive both to make your decision. <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" /> <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Actually prior to purchasing my '99 996 I was looking into the boxster and I liked the way it looked and what stopped from purchasing the boxster was one it's a 2 seater and I find it impractical especially I have a wife and daughter and I'm a golfer so I needed a place to put my golf bags in and room for one of my golf buddies. The similar front doesn't bother me at all because I liked the boxster too. Regards. Mike

Mike/996flt, Dude you got room for the wife, kids, and a golf bag(btw what handi?). I think your car is alot bigger then mine. I know it is lot faster then my stock.

"I in no way posted this with a malicious intent." Sorry for the harshness of my reply. You're new and we've had our share of flamming trolls. Again, sorry I put you in that camp. Also, I didn't know you were looking at both the 993 and the 996. Cab or coupe? If cab, there is no choice at all - get the 996 (i'll give reasons if you are looking at the cab). If you can afford it, get the 996. If coupe, then it's a diff story. I'd probably still pick the 996, but the diff are less stark between the 993 and 996 coupe than between the 993 and 996 cab. Obviously the warranty is longer on the 996, required maintenance is less, it's faster, it's stiffer (both body and chassis) which improves ride while also improving handling, and it's power comes on 1k earlier in the RPM range (2k earlier on 2002s w/ got a 3.6L upgrade over 2001 3.4Ls) than the 993.

Hey Bloke- surprisingly it all fits cept my golf buddy is strapped atop the roof because my wife refuses to sit in the back and my buddy refuses to sit in the back as well. Oh well he likes the fresh air in his face anyway : ). So what's new with you? Mike

[quote]Cab or coupe? If cab, there is no choice at all - get the 996 (i'll give reasons if you are looking at the cab). I'd probably still pick the 996, but the diff are less stark between the 993 and 996 coupe than between the 993 and 996 cab. <hr></blockquote> I'm interested in your discussion about 993 vs. 996 Cabriolets. Please state the reasoning...thanks

993 cabs require 3 to 5 minutes to put on that stupid boot over the top when down. It's a real PIA. Also, I got real sick of having to slam the doors to get them to close when the top was up. The 996 windows auto drop 1" when you open the door and raise an 1" when you close it. So, this is not an issue on 996 cabs. And of course, the much broader power curve, longer warranty, less service, better handling, better aerodynamics, and better ride reasons cited for 996 over 993 coupes apply to the cab comparison too.

Ben, I have to agree the 996 cab is a much prettier thing then my lowly coupe and the 993 cab. Plus, this is 2002 and not 1980 so why not get a cab that actually works well. To me the 993 cab isnt as nice as the 993 coupe plus I am not a fan of the top hanging out like a VW cab/golf. 996flt, Working on the game and trying to get my handi down for once. But, chances are slim to none. I am suprised that your wife would let anyone else in the car besides her. Also, going to an autocross before a DE.

Enjoy Bloke on the autox and DE event-it's a blast!!! You will find out how superior you can go thru the turns. Amazing adrenaline rush : ). My birthday is coming soon so it be nice if you buy a ROW euro M030 suspension for me : ). Hope my wife does and she has no problem with other people sitting in my car except someone who is female and young if you know what I mean : ). Regards. Mike

996flt, I know the only reason i bought my car is because I attended the porschedriving in atlanta with my good buddy who is no longer with us(911). As for pretty chicks in the car. It just isnt happening that is for sure. Well dude happy b-day and go and get your lower rider kit. (oh my ****).

Oopss missed that blurb on handi-Bloke. I shoot a 8 handi. I use cavity back design titleist dci's black. Hope someone on this post don't drill me for using that versus blades like someone mentioned : ). Mike

Remember the first time you saw a Boxster? I do. I thought it was gorgeous from every angle--including the front. The fact that my 2001 C-4 shares that gorgeous front end, to me, is a good thing. Sorry 2002 owners, but no matter what Porsche says, I think they changed the front end for change's sake to address complaints from people that didn't want their 996s looking like Boxsters. I know, Porsche claims aerodynamics are improved. I'm not convinced. If its all about substance and not form, then Porsche's next move would be to use the new 996 front end on the new Boxsters!!!

I'ts all about pecking order, survival of the fittest, and the food chain. Also, sibling rivalry. It goes like this: The best of anything first goes to the best - the flagship turbo. Once he deigns to share it, it goes to the younger-un, the C4S. The least gets the scraps,the Boxster. When the least finally gets what's been with the best, the best have something new and better. When the Boxster finally gets the Turbo front, the Turbo will have something better. See what you started, AI? I am looking to get blasted for this post. I'm feeling kinda frisky today, got my boxing gloves on.

My 01 996 C4 is at: <a href="http://www.hobbystage.net/porsche/whatever" target="_blank">http://www.hobbystage.net/porsche/whatever</a> But what I REALLY want is a new C4S with the 01 nose and a 300ZX style T-Top. I also have a 78 Targa and miss the abilty of simply popping the top off and still have a GREAT looking car.

That would be nice a C4S targa : ). Regards. Mike

Just found this pic. I thought it was appropriate to the topic. A 2002 Boxster S(?) and a 2002 996 Cab. Enjoy.

Palting - another nice photo! Interestingly it doesn't look like you sit much lower in the Boxster than you do in the cabrio. For some reason I thought the Boxster was significantly lower..

ben in lj 993 Cab or 996 Cab - you a dead right about 996 being more user friendly and cost effective. When upgrading from a 2.5 Boxster, I choose the 996 Cab over 993 Cab for the same reasons as you have pointed out. Palting you do know how to get some great pictures, another stunner. IMO GT3, C4S & Turbo make stronger case for obvious difference to 986. Greg1234 I have changed my mind about 986 S with power upgrade. I am going for an '02 cab. Test-drove one recently and I must admit it 'feels' stronger and was more stable at higher speeds. Cornering felt slightly more assured too. Hard to ignore the differences, I am now looking to upgrade from my '99 C2 Cab to an '02 C2 Cab. Did you find a solution to your 965 issues?

Nice pic Palting, but which is which

Sorry I haven't been back in awhile. I like coupes. Not big on convertibles. Just me. I haven't had a chance to drive a 996 yet.