Because it was mass built, the 996 has a more affordable appearance than earlier Porsche 911s. Additionally, not everyone likes the appearance, and many prospective customers are turned off by what they perceive to be engine problems.
The fact that so many 996s were built is the main factor in why they have remained so affordable for so long.
Prices have been kept relatively low as a result of this, in addition to style that is not to everyone’s taste and the web horror stories about the engines’ lifetime.
In This Article...
Why is the 996 priced so low?
Why then is the 996 such a good deal? The first is the appearance (we’ll discuss numbers 2 and 3 below). Porsche enthusiasts despise the 996 generation’s “runny egg” headlights. It’s up to you to decide if it’s for you. In any case, they undoubtedly distinguished the 996. Although Porsche receives criticism for making the 911 look the similar every year, the 996 is easily recognizable.
The engine comes next. The 996 Porsche 911 was the first-ever water-cooled Porsche when it made its debut in 1999. People detested it. In all honesty, it’s a little bit overdone. Without modification, priceless air-cooled Porsche 911s sometimes overheat, but the 996 introduced a number of contemporary features such useable air conditioning and storage that help make this car a superb daily driver.
Why is the Porsche 996 best?
The First 911 With Water Cooling The inclusion of water cooling was the main change made by the 996. This had a number of benefits, one of which was that the 996 could generate more power from a lower displacement. Older cars utilized a 3.4-liter M96 flat-six engine with 296 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque (350 Nm)
What distinguishes a Porsche 911 from a 996?
The 911 model that German automaker Porsche produced from 1997 to 2006 is known internally as the Porsche 996. The 997 took its place in 2004; however, the fast Turbo S, GT2 and GT3 models continued to be produced until 2006. With the first completely new chassis base since the original 911 and a new water-cooled engine, the 996 had little in common with its predecessor. Technically speaking, aside from the general layout, it represented a significant departure from the original automobile.
The front suspension, certain interior components, and the engine—all of which were expanded for the 996—were all shared with its entry-level brother, the roadster-only Boxster, which was released around the same time. The multi-link rear suspension, however, was adapted from the 993 that came before it. Porsche at the time was having financial difficulties, therefore the main reason for doing this was to save development expenses. A 30% cost reduction in the development of the car was the outcome of this decision.
The most notable departure from the traditional 911 series was the 996’s water-cooled engine, which took the place of the air-cooled engine at launch. The changeover became essential due to ever stricter emissions and noise rules, environmental concerns, increased expectations for refinement, and the requirement for a high-performance engine with four valves per cylinder. A fully new chassis with a slimmer body and a more sloped windscreen, a redesigned interior, and new “fried egg”-shaped headlamps in place of the former “bug eye” headlamps are among the other significant modifications. [Reference needed]
Will the Porsche 996 go down in history?
The Porsche 911 from the 996 generation has held up well over time and is currently one of the greatest deals available on the used market.
Few automobiles have a more distinctive profile and timeless design than the Porsche 911. The mechanical setup and design have little altered since the vehicle’s introduction in 1963. However, several pretty major changes were introduced with the 1998 debut of the 996 generation automobile. Porsche did annoy some of its devoted client base, whether it was with the revised looks or the water-cooled engine.
Despite this, the vehicle played a significant role in the introduction of some significant improvements to the 911 lineup. The 996 generation greatly increased the range and added a number of additional varieties. Notable examples include the initial GT3, which was offered as part of the 996.1 range, and the GT2, which was offered as a 996.2 vehicle.
The 996 was introduced almost 24 years ago, and today, it is regarded as a modern classic. Let’s look at why it is an excellent choice for someone looking for a sports car from that era.
What number of Porsche 996 Turbos were produced?
- a manual estimated to have been built in fewer than 60 examples for the UK market.
- a single one of the 1563 Turbo S models.
- maintained without consideration to price
The 996 model is a fantastic car that symbolizes the beginning of the water-cooled 911 and is swift, dependable, well-made, and fast. The most recognizable of the several models available is, of course, the Turbo. This is true supercar territory, with four-wheel drive and a 3.6-liter, intercooled engine from the 1998 Le Mans-winning GT-1 vehicle that produces 420 horsepower and accelerates to 60 mph in little under four seconds. The 996 was regarded as a more laid-back and practical 911, but in Turbo form, the driver would have the best of both worlds: a plush leather interior with all the creature comforts in addition to the potential to let loose and hit a top speed of 190 mph. The Turbo’s power output was increased to 444 bhp in 2002 with the X50 package, which included larger K24 turbochargers and intercoolers, a new ECU, and quad-pipe exhaust. However, Porsche later developed the Turbo S model, which was available as either a coupe or a cabriolet. A 996 turbo with the X50 option, the Turbo S also had a PCCB, a 6-disc CD changer, and aluminum-faced gauges. There were 1563 996 Turbo S vehicles produced in total (coupe and cabriolet included) in the world. As a result, there are extremely few of this model available.
This unique and collectible 911 is offered in Basalt Black with full black leather trim, which, according to our sources, exhibits very little wear. This rare Turbo S with the X50 engine is one of only 1563 units made, and it is important to note that it is a manual. Fewer than 60 UK manual cars are thought to exist. This vehicle is described as being in exceptional condition and has been maintained to an extremely high standard. It comes with a substantial history file that includes a main dealer service history with 11 manufacturer stamps as well as, more recently, a full major service and health check performed by renowned specialist Nine in March of this year.
As a flagship Turbo S built towards the tail end of the 996 generation, the car is said to drive beautifully and exactly as it should and to come with the X50 option pack as standard equipment. The car can reach 60 mph in four seconds because to the larger turbochargers and intercoolers in this, which, when combined with Porsche’s outstanding stability control, make for an exhilarating and rewarding drive. With a recent comprehensive service and a private owner who has spared no effort to keep his 911 in fantastic form, this magnificent example is an ideal functional modern classic investment that can be fully enjoyed for a small portion of the original cost (just under PS100,000).
Prior to the sale, interested parties should confirm for themselves the description and condition of each lot. Buyers should be aware that each car is being offered “as is/as seen” and is therefore subject to the terms and conditions of the auction. Buyers are recommended to do a personal inspection of the car or hire a mechanic to do it for them. Historics won’t consider disagreements regarding descriptions.
Is buying a Porsche 911 worthwhile?
Must you purchase a pre-owned Porsche 911? The answer is YES if you want a recognizable sports vehicle that is affordable, thrilling to drive, and dependable. The Porsche 996, 997, and 991 are fantastic vehicles for anyone’s budget, whether it is $15,000 or $100,000.
The Porsche 996 is air cooled, right?
Porsche made the audacious decision to quit using air-cooled engines with the introduction of the type 996, the fifth generation of the 911, in 1997. With the new 911, the sports car manufacturer fully redesigned its emblem after 34 years and overcame a number of pressing problems.
Which Porsche is the most trustworthy?
One of the most dependable vehicles in the whole Porsche series, according to PCarwise, is the 911 Carrera. One of the few Porsche models with comparatively few performance and reliability complaints from customers is this one. The Porsche 911 Carrera has consistently received accolades for being the most dependable vehicle the automaker has ever made throughout its long and illustrious history.
What is the price of a 996?
The perfect 996 for you will mostly depend on your usage requirements and budget. Prices can range from $10,000 for a base Carrera Cabrio with a lot of miles in poor condition to $120,000 for a GT3 with very few miles and great condition.
Want a vehicle with greater power but don’t want to spend the money on a Turbo, GT2, or GT3? You might choose the Carrera 4S over the 996. The 320-horsepower Carrera motor and the Turbo’s body and chassis are used to make up the deficit. No, there isn’t a big wing out back, but we promise you’ll still have fun. The 4S raises the cost of a standard Carrera in comparable condition by between $5,000 and $10,000. Strangely, Porsche has never offered this package with rear-wheel drive, so if you want that, you’ll need to search elsewhere in the lineup.
Considering a 996 for use on the tracks? You want a GT2 or GT3, respectively. With powerful brakes, gripping tires, and functional aerodynamics, both cars are built from the ground up to be pushed to the absolute maximum. Despite having less power, we believe the GT3 to be the better option since it offers a more well-rounded package and a more distinctive engine. Naturally, the GT-badged 996s command the highest rates on the used market, with prices ranging from $75,000 to $130,000 depending on the car’s mileage, customizations, and track time.
If you’re a collector, neither GT car will let you down. Although their prices are comparable, it’s important to note that Porsche produced four GT3 vehicles for every GT2 vehicle. Therefore, if rarity appeals to you, we advise choosing the GT2. Additionally, there are two 996s that were produced in limited quantities: a Millennium Edition based on the 2000 Carrera 4 (of which only 911 instances were made) and a 40th Anniversary Edition based on the 2003 Carrera (of which only 1963 examples were made). Although the Millennium car is more uncommon, the 40th Anniversary 911 is the more desirable one (to us, at least), as it came standard with a limited-slip differential, a sharper suspension, and 25 more horsepower than stock.
The Turbo variant is a fantastic value because it hasn’t maintained value as well as its GT-badged brothers. Finding high-mileage vehicles advertised for under $40,000 is not difficult, and you can get a lot of car for the money. A new four-cylinder Supra costs more than a 415-horsepower AWD Porsche 911. Count us in. What’s best? The 996 Turbo’s engine is not susceptible to catastrophic failure in the same way that normally aspirated vehicles from this generation are. (I’ll get to that in a second.)
What qualifies a Porsche as classic?
All vintage automobiles that haven’t been built in standard production for at least ten years are included in the Porsche Classic line.
How is the 996 Turbo?
The 996 Turbo is a sturdy car. Reliable. By contemporary standards, it is still powerful, with 415 horsepower available at 6000 rpm (later models with the X50 pack get 450 hp, thanks to larger turbos). Although the first gear is fairly short, the Turbo really shines in the middle of the gearbox.