80's 911 Owner - Question about 996

I'm the happy owner of an '84 Euro and an '86 930. Last week I drove an '00 996 and was impressed to the point of thinking about a 996--the old cars are staying though. For my needs and budget, an '00-'01 would be fine, the 3.4 had plenty of power for me. Big '02 changes were 3.6, stiffer structure, front/rear styling, glove compartment. What changes did I miss? If this has been covered ad nauseum in other links, just point me there. Thanks

You missed cupholders. I think that covers all of the changes. Also, the 18" wheels introduced in 2002 were a new design that were even lighter than the pre-02 17" wheels.

The '02-'04's got - 20 extra hp (24 more than the '99) - more torque at a lower rpm (thanks to VarioCam Plus) - Better aerodynamics (20% less front lift and 40% less rear lift) - 20% stiffer chassis - improved interior - improved oiling (revised pan and baffles for better high g performance) - improved engine cooling (the newer cars run cooler as a result) - better fuel economy (1 mpg, but with $3 gas every bit helps) - improved suspension (reinforced strut towers, revised springs, shocks, bushings, and sway bars). - revised exhaust (better sound) - 55 lb weight gain over the '99-'01 cars However, they are also selling for quite a bit more than the '99-'01's. Get the latest model you can afford, but there is nothing wrong with the earlier cars.

I love my pre-facelift headlights, and interior! My only complaint is that when I see a Boxster coming, and wave, thinking it's a fellow 996 owner, the result is usually a snub - because most Boxster owners are already saving for their next car - a MB CLK. Otherwise, love the headlights!

And depreciating faster...

I resent that . It just isn't true. The "problem" that 911 owners have for any other model is getting so tired. God knows I would have gotten a 911 if only the prices in Canada were not at least 17% higher when new, and 25% more when used. In the meanwhile, I will enjoy the flat six, great handling and top down experience, which is like the best purgatory ever concieved.

I did say "most" Boxster owners. And I didn't say I regret waving to a "lame Boxster". To me, coming from a 944, a Porsche is a Porsche--I'm not a 911 snob (yet)! I just don't think most Boxster owners are enthusiasts, that's all.

in my opinion that is the direct equivalent of " I think all < fill in blank > are < fill in derogatory expression >, except you, ofcourse." hey, I will just let it go.

OK, I take it back. All Boxster owners that I have come across ARE enthusiasts, and DO wave or flash their lights when I do.

Isn't the Boxster a chick car? JOKE!

Yes.

Enjoy yourselves.

At least I didn't say the Boxster was a chick's car!

I hate to keep this thread off target, but my first P-car was a '99 Boxster and I loved it. Eventually I will add another Boxster to the stable as I think it is the most attractive of the Porsche convertibles (I actually prefer the 986 styling over the 987s). That said, I have also observed that perhaps only 1 (always a male) in 20 Boxster owners will acknowledge any type of greeting from another P-car on the road. I also have assumed that most (usually women) are not enthusiasts, they just bought the car because it was "cute". The numbers are also disappointing for 996/997 owners. Perhaps 1 in 4 will give any acknowledgement. The aircooled crowd is a different story. When I am out in my 964 I get acknowledgement from the other aircooled cars 3 out of 4 times. However, if I am in my 996 it is less than when in the 964. BTW, I will confess to never having greeted, flashed, or otherwise attempted to communicate with anyone in a Cayenne. I don't know why.

Maybe because no Porsche enthusiast in their right mind would buy one?

I was in my 911 behind a Cayenne on a twisty hilly road one day, and that guy was pushing it! So not all of them are carrying rich soccer moms on the cell phone. Bill

I'll dare to make the blanket statement that MOST Cayenne drivers are not Porsche enthusiasts, and I would guess 70% are rich wives of Porsche enthusiasts!

Man you are full of Boxster love today. You get smoked at the track by one or something....

No, that was an anti-Cayenne rant!

I don't know where you are seeing that. The Mk II is always going to sell for more than the Mk I. Tomorrow and 20 years from tomorrow. Do you disagree? After all they have significant improvments and also several sources have reported that they are less likely to experience RMS leaks or engine problems.

Ohhhhh...I've got a Cayenne S loaner right now. It's a heck of a truck but it's not really my cup o tea. The V8 sounds good though and it's got some get up an go.

Totally true. But what he said was that they were depreciating faster... the rate of depreciation for a >02 is greater than for a 98-01. Probably true, for now. Depreciation isn't linear for any car, and the biggest hit is in the first years. Doubt you'd argue that.