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YOUR RESEARCHVariocam plus big difference?
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Test drove a number of cars
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Before finally selecting my C4S I test drove a number of cars from �99 up to �03.
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Hi everyone,
I've had a couple of 911s in the past ( 1999 C2, 1996 C4S) and I'm thinking of buying a 996 again. I want to buy a used one this time as I want to track this car and want more of a "beater". My 1999 in all my track days and DEs as well as 17k miles of road usage never gave me one headache but before I buy another car I would like your input on the following. Speaking to a friend of mine who knows a lot more than I about 911s, he felt that the 2002 and newer cars were significantly better because of variocam plus. What is the general concensus out there? is it worth it to spend a lot more money to get a 2002 or newer car or look for a 1999/2000 and forget about variocam plus? Is the difference in low end torque significant or not? thanks,
Fred
Fred,
The vario cam plus in addition to a engine displacement increase to 3.6 L resulted in more lower end torque. You can feel the difference as the 3.4 L engine needs to be rev'd to get similar performance. There were other improvements in 2002 to include new body work that helped differentiate the car from the Boxster as well reduce aerodynamic lift and improve engine cooling. The body was also made stiffer. This helps explain the price difference. In my opinion, I would opt for a 02 996 over an early edition. Have fun in your car search.
Before finally selecting my C4S I test drove a number of cars from �99 up to �03. I can say that I definitely noticed the extra power available in the low rev band on the �02 and later models.
If you are not in a hurry I would go to a local dealer and take a few for a spin to decide for yourself how much it is worth.
Barry
thanks for the replys, I've been searching the archives and found some more info on the subject. It sure sounds like the 2002 and newer cars are much more desirable but I'll see what I can find.
Fred
Fred,
Also be advised that based on some dyno results the 3.6 engines have 50 more horsepower at the wheels than the 3.4s. Click on this link to go to a thread that discusses those dyno results:
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-forum/146045-at-the-wheels-dyno-results-for-stock-996-s.html
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