'01 vs '02 HUGE difference

I have been test driving alot of '01 996's recently because it was more inline with what I wanted to spend but today I drove a 2002. I am floored bt the difference. In fact I had just driven a 2001 then jumped into the 2002 and could not believe the seat of the pants difference between the 2 cars. It starts from the intial turn of the key, the difference in sound that the 3.6 emits compared to the quiet 3.4l(both were stock exhaust,etc). On the road I've always felt the '01 was underwhelming and I found myself bored of it after 5-10 minutes of driving. Well, I can say that the 2002 did not give me that sensation at all, in fact I was thrilled by the sounds and the power available across all RPM's. Its astounding that the two cars drive that differently. On paper you would think its a toss up but after real world experience I must say that I am very impressed by the 2002 and am no longer searching for 2001's. Do you guys feel the same way?

The 02's have a number of improvements over the 01's. I have not driven both so can't speak to driveability, but the 02 has (I believe) and improved suspension, improved engine, improved airodynamics, improved radio, improved cup holder , and a real glove box. Also the headlights were changed to differentiate it from the boxter. I would hold out for an 02 if you could. Blessings KevinJax

Having owned an '01 Cab and now an '02 Coupe, I agree with all of your conclusions. 3.6 NA is the perfect size for the M96, IMHO.

All of the above being said, an '01 with a few mods will likely perform just as well as an '02.

This is sort of bittersweet. Glad that the '02 is significantly better. OTOH ,maybe the same thing will be said when someone drives the 996 and the 997 back to back .

Add to that list a significant increase in chassis stiffness (something on teh order of 20% better torsional rigidity, IIRC)

Agree on the mods... my '01 w/ headers, GIAC ECU, and EVO intake made a big difference in the typr of "feel" you are describing.

Each successive model of Porsche handles/performs better than the previous out of the box. I have found the same thing in the 996 series with a breakpoint at 2002 and then again with the X51 motor option and sport suspension in the later cars. But isnt that great for us that Porsche just keeps getting better.

Always get the newest model you can afford (unless the look has changed too much for you and you prefer an earlier 'look'). Porsches improve all the time.

Try a 3.4 with RoW 030 and an exhaust, it makes a hell of a difference.

Lots of little changes in the '02 that make them far superior to the earlier ones in my opinion: better motor, stiffer chassis, better aero (including more airflow to radiators), turbo-style headlights, lighter wheels, better interior materials, etc. I've had both and the later ones are much better when you factor in all the changes.

Yep, considered the 01 then drove an 02. Ended up with an 03.

I came to the exact same conclusion before I purchased my '02. It is true that the 3.4 can be modded to provide more power. However consider the following. - You can't add VarioCam plus to the 3.4 - The money you spend modding a 3.4 (intake, headers, chip) will cost you a lot of the money you "save" purchasing the older car. - Those same mods can be applied to the 3.6 to increase power. I agree with what others have said buy the newest model you can afford. The 997 is better still.