Need help...Which year?

Hi all, I am currently looking for a '00 - '01 S.Y. C2 I have driven a '99 so I know what the 3.4 is like, my question is what are your impressions of the 3.6? Which has less inherent probs. Which has a more linear powerband? Which is more responsive? Also If I decide to go with the 3.6 should I get an '01 or '02? Any differences? Thanks for all your help guys, Terrance

I was in the same boat a year ago. My research led me to get a 02 or newer if you can swing it. There were a lot of upgrades to the car moter suspension etc. Call you local Porsche dealer and get some advice from the service guys or mananger.

I have an 02 and am quite happy with it. There were like Neil said some changes; most notable to me was the aerodynamics at higher speeds. A friend has an 01 and at speeds over 100mph his car starts to feel rather floaty( track driving). At these speeds and higher my car feels as though it hunkers down and is well planted, very stable. The engine differences are 3.4l vs 3.6.Power is a bit up on 02 and newer, noticable but no overwhelming. I feel strongly about the stability of the car on the track if this is your leaning. These are my opinions and are very subjective.I try to provide an unbiased account. I think you will be quite happy with either automobile. Good luck in your search.

From the sales '02 brochure: ...headlight system derived from the 911 Turbo. More discreet is the careful reshaping of the front and rear fenders, bumpers and air dam. The result is 25% less lift in the front and 40% less lift at the rear for improved high speed stability.... Reinforcements to the body structure have resulted in a 25% increase in torsional rigidity for crisper response and enhanced agility. The standard 17" wheels weigh almost eight pounds less than the previous design, while the optional 18" wheels are lighter by over 24 pounds. The front air ducts have been reshaped to increase the flow of cooling air to the radiators by 15%" You also get 20 more HP, a glove box, better cup holders and a glass rear window in the cab. I test drove a number of cars and spent a few $$ more for an '02. You could definitely tell the difference when you drive them back to back.

not only is the 3.6 higher in HP but, more importanly, it is higher in torque. higher hp you will feel in the top end but more torque you will feel everywhere else, especially in regular driving conditions. with regards to headlamp styling, '02 looking better than pre '02, that's debatable. the '02 restyle was to cater to whiney porsche enthusiasts whining that the headlights came from the boxster. if you like newer looking, get the '02. if you like classic styling get pre '02. [flamesuit on ] if you get pre '02 then find one with full leather option. it makes a huge difference in interior quality. the 3.6s have RMS issues just like 3.4s. the early 3.4s have had engine block porosity problems leading to oil-coolant intermix. i think by the time the 3.6 came along the problem was solved. most importantly, buy the latest model you can afford.

There is nothing wrong with a '99-01 3.4 996. There were some problems with early boxster engine porosity, I am not aware of similar issues with the 3.4. These cars are 4-6 years old now so you would think any problems would have already occurred. My 3.4 996 has been very reliable and the car feels very planted at 140+ on the track, I think the RoW M030 helps greatly in this regard. The advantage of the 3.6 is more torque which you can feel coming off the corners on a tight road course. The 3.6 also has Varioram Plus and better breathing heads due to increased valve sizes. Both engines have a very linear powerband and are actually quite reliable. But, both engines have the same integrated dry sump and predisposed to potential oil starvation in certain racing situations, both are prone to RMS issues. Like Carlos said, get the newest Porsche you can. The '02-on also have a real glove box too.

Another vote for the 02+. The glove box, rear glass and more HP will help hold its value vs an 01-. My friend had an 01 and I have an 03, there was a significant difference in build quality.

rear glass? ya talkin about a cab? does your friend have full leather option? it makes a huge difference.

Rear glass for the cab, he didn't specify... My friend did not have the full leather, I agree it makes a lot of difference for the aesthetics, but doesn't change the build quality.

It looks like the general consenus is to go with the '02 (Or newer) What packages should I get ( Full Leather was mentioned and how can I tell) I NEED the Crest on the steering wheel so what package is that and finally should I search for a factory Aero or buy aftermarket? What are the differences? Somebody in here has the exact car I am looking for I will try to find a link. Thanks again guys! But he seats need to be stitched in yellow also.

That's a Tiptronic, still the exact car?

HAHAHA GOOD EYE...and no...MUST be 6sp.!

If you want to track a lot a 99 is a good option due to slightly lower weight and optional LSD on C2s due to traction control instead of PSM. I believe the only 3.6L 996 you can get with LSD and PSM is the 40th anniversary. The interior is definitely nicer on the 02+ and 20 extra HP is always a benefit. As far as must have options I would get full leather, PSE, sport suspension, and one of the upgraded stereo packages. Good luck in your search!

What is PSE?

Porsche Selective Ego. Gotta have it

lol, good one. Porsche Sport Exhaust. factory installed it has a cutout switch to make it quiet. can be wired/plumed if not factory equipped but i don't think it's worth the effort, especially for coupes.

How can you tell by looking?

PSE - Porsche Sport Exhaust. Its easy to add if the car doesn't have it but it will cost you $1500 + install so its nice to find a car that already has it.

Your pictures above are a 99-01 with the factory Aerokit option. Works for me.