Adding a 996 to the collection

I am a 993 fanatic and love my car dearly but I tested a number of 996's on the weekend and was very impressed! My question: I would like to buy either a 1999 or 2000 996 C2, but does the 3.6 (in the 02) make that much of a difference vs the 3.4? I know 20 more hp and increased torque is great, but does it make enough of a difference to warrant the extra money? Thanks

yes, the power and torque are clearly felt.. Wael

Rob, If you could afford the extra coin to get into an '02, I would strongly encourage it. Also note that the 1995 993 (pre varioram) was rated at 270 hp, and 1996-1998 993 was rated at 282 hp. The 1999 996 (pre exhaust update) was rated at 296 hp, and 2000-2001 was rated at 300 hp. 2002 to present is rated at 320 hp and is a real thrill!

There is also a long list of differences other than hp/torque. Some examples are 25% stiffer chassis, less front/rear lift, bose stereo standard, glovebox, etc. If you do a search, you'll find a lot of threads on the subject outlining the differences. Good luck. Roy

Also, more warranty remaining. This along with the improvements mentioned in other posts is why they are more expensive than 99, 00 and 01's.

I think that the 02 is the best of the bunch because revised stiffer chassis better creature comforts (glovebox, cupholder, rear glass on cab) better looks (headlights, front bumper) last year of analog radio connections, makes adding ipod, etc. easier Stronger engine very good build quality (except for RMS) Spring for an 02, you will be glad you did

it depends on the price delta between a 99/00 and an 02 (could be as much as $20K) personally i can't tell that the '02 is stiffer than my '00. there is slighty more power with the '02, but again, the '02 weighs more and the difference can't readily be felt. in the '02s favor, imo, is better looks more creature comforts and a factory warranty--which is like gold!

Great advice, thanks all. I will post pictures when I get it. Rob

Rob, This doesn't answer any of your questions, but like you I am an avid 993er and am on my third 993. I just added a '99 about 5 weeks ago. I just love it. I've been driving it everywhere. It has an amazingly smooth engine and is very easy to drive in traffic and incredible on the Interstate. I did did a 60,000 mile inspection myself and it was easy as pie to work on. I can't speak to the 3.6 but I can tell you that my 993 has a 3.8l RS motor and the 996 feels a lot faster especially low in the RPM range. I say "get yourself some!" Hank

i was pondering the same question that you've posed here. drove many 01's and was quite happy with them until i took an '02 out for a spin. definitely a world of difference between the two cars and there was no way i could get an '01 knowing how much nicer the '02 was. she's in the garage right now and i can't wait until the morning to take her out for a drive!

I used to have the opinion there wasn't much difference between the 3.4 and 3.6 996s. But, since returning from PDE, where I drove similarly equipped 3.6 cars on the track, the performance difference is notable. The difference is the improved low end torque coming off the turns, the 3.6 just has more grunt, while I know my 3.4 needs to be up a bit higher in the rev band for a good exit. Welcome to the 996 neighborhood, I have noticed a few 993 guys posting lately. Could there be a softening of the traditional hard line ??

Doug, the 993's has got this hypnotic thing going and if there is ever a car that has an "emotional" attachment then the 993 is it. Mind you I am sure like what Hank says all of them are great cars and will do the same, once you own them. When I asked my dealer mechanic (fantastic guy) who is the only person that has worked on my car from new, as to what he thinks of the 996? His comment was: They are all great cars, each different - Just make sure of the history and drive them like they are supposed to be driven! He said the reason why Porsche has the loyalty is that every one of their styles has something special or unique, which makes one proud to own a piece of history. You see this feeling in all the boards on this site. I will take that advice and add some more history to my collection. Rob

How much heavier is the 02 than the previous models and why is it heavier? Doesn't seem like it should be.