996 vs 997 interiors: a controversial take

The received wisdom is that the 996 interior is/was one of the weak points of the car, and the 997’s was ‘much improved’. However, I have a slightly controversial opinion. If the 996 was the first ever 911, you’d look at the interior and think it was superb, both from a design and ergonomical perspective. Yes elements of the central stack are slightly 90s (which you can’t blame it for), but the swoops, curves and shapes throughout (particularly the doors) mimic the curves the 911 is famous for on the outside. The design language of the interior is a cohesive extension of that famous language of the exterior. Yes, it’s a departure from the way the early cars were styled inside, but they came from an era where things like dashboard panels were straight because they were easier to make. So when the 997 returns to *that* design language inside everyone gets excited - apart from me, who sits in a 997 and thinks it’s a little, dare I say, plain? And even slightly less of that other (awful) p word - premium. So there we have it. I’m out in the open, screaming to the rooftops that the 996 interior is more cohesive, interesting and premium than that of the 997. Anyone with me on this? Obviously I’ve posted in the 996 sub forum not the 997 one. I’m not a total glutton for punishment

I absolutely get where you're coming from on this. I bought my 996.1 in November last year and really like the styling of the interior, particularly the swoops on the door panels. My previous toy was a 987.2 Boxster which is very linear in design. One thing I will say is that I find the quality of the 996 better than the 987.

... Seats better in the Boxster though!!!!

You touched on the first problem ie it wasn’t the first ever 911 ;-)

The ergonomics are good?! I find it massively unintuitive to use, variable speed wiper is a knob on the dash, cruise control is a head scratcher. Everytime I switch to the 996, it takes me a few miles to work out where the controls are.

Ive had many Porsches from a 1957 Speedster upto a 997.1 which I bought new. I currently have a 996 and agree with the design v 997. To me at least it feels better designed, certainly more interesting with the swoops etc. and I can’t argue with the quality, If you get the full leather interior it defiantly feels premium and the switchgear I think is wearing better then a 997. However I will caveat that by saying the seats in a 996 are awful, one of the first upgraded I did in the 996 was to put 997 seats in.

I agree in general although, like others, I've fitted 997 seats, they don't look so good but they as much more comfortable. To me, the 997 (including the seats) looks dated while the 996 looks subtle and subdued.

The 996 interior may be viewed as 90s and that's simply because it was. It was designed as the interior for the 993 back in the late 80s. Due to spiralling manufacturing costs, Porsche made the decision to pull the design and put something much cheaper in. The 996 interior IMHO is a thing of beauty. It has a proper sports car look. Other example of the time for me was the TVR S: And then along came the 997. Once we've got in to the 21st century, most design flare has been eroded by the marketeers. Instead of a design brief saying - must look cool and sporty, probably says must look like a famous run of the mill production car and also cater for Karens. So what did Porsche do? Mimicked the Ford Mondeo!!

Your all crazy lol

Quotes source post: 2702910

I think I might be lucky - both my 996s have had the sports seats, and my targa has the XSU option so you actually sit at the right height (ie lower!). I’ve not actually tried the comfort seats but it seems that’s where most of the complaints come from?

Quotes source post: 2702925

But at least when they got to the 997 the factory ran out of that Metropole ‘Moody’ Blue leather

The 996 interior also allows you to do a center console delete, which isn't an option on a 997.

As a 'current' TVR owner, former 986 S owner and prospective 996 owner I do really like a 996 interior, but a TVR interior is a very special place to be. BUT, that is largely because it is a hand made, low volume sports car that always had a 'quirky' design ethos that regular manufacturers couldn't and wouldn't emulate because it would be too divisive. TVR made some rather interesting design choices for a lot of things, but when it comes to the Griffith and Chimaera interior, they are sublime. Everything is easy to reach, it is comfortable and is very different to a regular car so feels special. For a long drive, the seating position in my Chimaera is the most comfortable, for me, in any car I have ever driven. However there is probably too much use of carpet, and since the interior can get somewhat toasty, carpet is not the thing you want to keep you cool. The door cards are an utter nightmare to work on and you really need to put in all the Leven stainless stuff to really elevate it above the old Vauxhall Cavalier switch gear. And to take the dash top off you need to be a contortionist. I think interiors in all cars now, much like exteriors have become very samey. They need to appeal to the most people, want to save money on design etc and it leads to things being..well, dull. Older cars in general have more flair, IMO.

I've never felt short changed when sitting in my 996t with extended leather. It also feels solid, I'm always amazed at how few squeaks and rattles it has given the firm ride!

I prefer the 996 interior to the 997.1, but the 997.2 feels like they sorted the interior issues of the 997 and i do like them. But I love the 996 interior, especially with centre console delete. My car has the delete, 3 spoke steering wheel and full leather, and I really like it.