Which is correct, and why??

When people say "what kind of car is that?" about my 996, which do I answer, 911 or Carrera? And why two names??

I would say "996"...it gives you the chance to show people that you are a Porsche guy and will lead to more questions about your car If you don't want to use 996, I would use the term 911....Carrera is the "model" kind of like saying you have a Honda Accord EX....you wouldn't tell people you have an "EX", you would tell people you have an Accord.....sorry for the Honda example, it is all I could think of to demonstrate the point

My daughter just refers to it as a squished VW bug when I have the factory trunk lid on.

I would say It's a Porsche 911 Carerra Its sounds good and pronounce Porsche like Porsha, this identifies it properly. 996 is the internal code for the 911 body style during 1999-2006. I wouldn't bother telling them about 996 unless they start asking questions like oh my brothers friend had a 993 is that the same thing. Then I go into explaining the model numbers.

I am asked the same question numerous times by the "ricer" kids. I respond by saying "996" then going into a little history of Porsche. They are always inquisitive in what I have to say and it leaves a good door to talk to them in a personal level instead of having them stereotype me as snobish. I usually reciprocate the intrest in their cars and if anything, promote the importance of driving safe.

but why are ther two names for the car, one of which is not "written" on the car anywhere????

PHP Code: rval_1999 : but why are ther two names for the car , one of which is not "written" on the car anywhere ???? rval: Not entirely true. In my car's case (the 40th Anniversary edition) as well as the Millenium edition, there is no "Carrera" badge on the rear lid. These cars have a "911" badge. So I would agree completely to jumper5836's response.

I removed the "carrera" rear deck lid badge and replaced it with the anniversary "911" badge for two reasons. The chrome badge was more noticeable, and most people have no clue what the carrera means. I just tell them its a 911 , unless you want to get into a lengthy dialog about the history of the car and the Pan American Carrera races for which the car is named after.

OK you think this is a hard question, I roll alot with one of my good ol buddys, and he has a 1996 993 c4s, you should see the perplex look on people faces , when they ask " what kind of cars are those" we both say 911 and the we need to get into the entire history of the 911. Its very funny some times to see some of them just don't get it. Ok back to the question i say its a 911..

"What kind of car" to me connotes what "make"...just tell them its a Porsche which is the make. Model numbers, esp. Porsche model numbers can be confusing to those that aren't familiar with the marque.

Who even has to ask "what kind of car is that?. I swear you could practically take a neanderthal and he would know what a 911 is. Its practically the most easily recognized car in the world. Even if they dont know its a 911 they would almost certainly know its Porsche.

Lets keep them confused 911, Carrera 911, Carrera, 996. It gives me the opportunity to talk about my passion.

Definitely Porsche 911, it's the most powerful word in automotordum!

At generic car shows I'm always amazed at how many people have to bend over and look at the badge on the front to find out what make the car is (I'm not in Ca). And the guys that walk down the isle and point it out as a Porsche seem pretty proud of them selves because they know what it is.

After introducing the 911 in the 60s, that name has become synonymous with Porsche. Although Porsche has introduced other models, the 911 is the only one that many people look at as being a true Porsche.

I just say "triple black C4S cab"...

For all but the people on this or similiar boards, the 996, C2, C4, and S terminology is meaningless. Say "911" unless you get a tt. Then say "Porsche twin turbo" which nobody will confuse with a Cayanne. To me it's kind of like somebody asking about your kids, and going into a long explanation about an ancient divorce, step-children, and half-brothers. "Fine" is the answer they want. I didn't know any thing about 964, 993, 996 etc until I got a 1990C4 and visited this site and had to figure out where I belonged. AS