996 Turbo: Why the dissin’, Yo?

There was a collection of items:

1) the headlights
2) first water-cooled 911, thus "not a real 911"
3) the IMS bearing problem tainted all the 996s, even the ones where there wasn't a problem. The problem tended to show up when the car was in the used market, and people didn't appreciate paying for an engine rebuild for a design flaw. The Turbo does not have that problem.

996s were cheap for the longest time, and I should have bought one then. They're coming into their own now.

 

It’s all relative. I’d gladly have a 996 Turbo X50 over a contemporary Ferrari 360 or BMW M, for example, based on aesthetics, performance, and running costs. I’m happy to see a well-kept and appreciated 20 year-old Porsche on the road.

But… the interiors are dated and feel vaguely cheap, especially compared to any of the air-cooled 911s or the 997. There are no bad 911s, but given a choice there are other generations and specifications that offer more performance, more “analog” feel, better design, or which hold value better. Much of the antipathy towards the 996 generation is a result of a 60-year history with a lot of legendary cars.



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You've found of the few (relative) bargains of the Porsche world these days. The braintrust here explained the 'why' of the 996 Turbo's being undervalued. As you've experienced, they offer good performance; and if you can find one with the factory Aerokit, I think they look especially good.

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I had a 996 and several 997s.
To me the 997 generation is the one to have in general.

The exception is the 996 Turbo feels so much better because you still can feel the kick in the back when the turbo hits. The 997 Turbo is a better car, but the Turbo kick isn’t there. It’s a seamless boost of power that has no “on/off” feel.

 

I’ve had a lot of Porsches (though maybe not as many as some here, I’ve had and have driven many of the perpetual favs among the Porsche faithful and the motoring press).

I loved my 993. I had a bond with it that I have discussed here before, and I do miss it.

That said…there are few cars I’ve enjoyed as
much as my current 911, an ‘02 996TT. In fact, there is nothing I don’t like about it. Including the headlights and the interior.

I was about 100% sure I wanted a 997TT. Then, it hit me that I’m actually more drawn to the styling of the 996 turbo. So I figured, what the hell? I’ll save some money, and if I hate it I’ll sell and keep looking. I saw a beautiful black ‘02 aerokit for sale not far away, and right as I was looking at it, Zygomatic sent me a link to the same car, right around the corner from him. For those who don’t know, Zygo is responsible for finding my 575, which I also love dearly…so that’s a pretty good sign. A PPI revealed that he was once again striking gold.

When it arrived and I got some seat time, it really occurred to me just how ridiculous it is for someone to so strongly dislike the 996. Granted, the less muscular and very smooth base cars are a little underwhelming next to the sinewy 993, but that doesn’t make it unattractive. That design plumped up a bit for the Turbo model is magic.

The drive is fantastic. I love the mechanical AWD and the rear bias. It’s “there” juuuust enough. It is more modern and daily-able, but since it is only one gen away from its aircooled brethren, it still has a very healthy bit of old school Porsche feel baked in. The hydraulic steering is so nice. The clutch (mine has the GT2 upgrade) is great and makes rev matching such a pleasure. The brakes are very good. It has more grunt than you will ever need (mine does have stage II GIAC, headers, exhaust). It is absolutely DRIPPING with 911-ness.

I told Zygo not long ago, “I want another 993, but I have two garage spaces and it will not be at the expense of the Turbo”. This thing is a keeper. It’s just so freakin’ good.

Admittedly, I have a solid nonconformist streak in me, and the fact that I’m behind the wheel of a car that I love so much that others poopoo (wrongfully) just tickles me. I love a good underdog, and trust me when I say this underdog, in good hands and kept
in proper shape, will kick your butt.

 

If you haven’t seen it plastered about here before, here you go. I just love the look.
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One more…
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I have a 6000 miles Turbo Cabriolet with factory hard top, X50 & load of options. Not cheap. If interested, send me a private message.
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Well, as has been mentioned, remember a lot of that stigma is related to things that do not affect the turbo. So if you can accept the headlights and some coolant, go for it!!

 

Holy Moly that’s fantastic

 

True, anyone who can say no to a black 911 Turbo is probably not a serious car enthusiast. There really aren’t any “bad” 911s. My 964 is a base C2, but I had it out yesterday and despite only having 250 bhp it’s a great drive.

Given a choice between a 993 TT, 964 Turbo 3.3 or 3.6, 930, 997 TT, and a 996 TT, I’d definitely take the 964 3.6, but the reality is it’s hellaciously expensive. The Sultan of Brunei had a nice horizon blue one, but he had a better job than I did. I think a 996 TT is a great choice and yeah, it wears black very well.

Going back to the OP, the base 996 has the issues noted, and they remain the cheapest 911s. That probably keeps the more desired models more affordable — TT, GT3.

Nathan Merz did a good comparison of the 993 to 996. He owns both and is a walking encyclopedia (remember those…) of 911 knowledge. Nathan is also a PCA judge and I met him at the 2023 Parade where he judged the early 911s, including my car:





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A Flachbau 964 is in my short list…but as you say, atrocious price tag. What an awesome car though.

I thoroughly enjoyed that Nathan Merz video; listened to it while running the day it hit. I think he did a really good job of pointing out the ups and downs of both.

 

I mean, c’mon…

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az22/arizona/lots/r0022-1994-porsche-911-turbo-s-flachbau/1189329

 

At least it comes with a window sticker.


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Ha! Yeah…but Lordy what a gorgeous thing!

 

Glad to know I'm not the only one that prefers the 996 Turbo over the 997 Turbo, even looks wise (or especially for me)

 

Dude…I think I could stare at mine all day. I look for opportunities at the gym, lunch, etc. to park it where I can look at it while I’m doing whatever I need to do. I’m sometimes a little tuned out of lunch meetings as a result, haha!

 

I'd really like a black 996 Turbo with gold BBS E88 wheels, GT2 front bumper and wing (+ a bit of extra power).
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I like the turbo twists, but I’m on the lookout for a bronze wheel l like.

 

Thinking about these lights…they’re kinda’ fried eggs on steroids, and I think at night they’d look positively badass!

I do like the originals - they’ll never make another 911 that looks like the 996…but I think these are a pretty cool update that doesn’t attempt to run away from the original look. Unlike some of the rather ridiculous things some have done to hide their 996-ness. Let that freak flag fly, I say!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184907464894?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=jttC3_NbQHG&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=TeIoMq_VQBy&var&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY&fbclid=IwAR3rYfTB0uCQIB0BbOMdt7cu1EXuaw1LKg9Ro852F3twxCB-4OiCz9XvVlw_aem_ARpT9SHFvzLptzW6QkY86CTakkmD1uCV1g9VjEgdz-0d1I29df49otdElJfoYH231xE

 

they look great as long a they have the aerokit and their performance is very good, they feel much smaller than the modern 992 also

 

I have always thought these and the slant nose 911s just look really weird. I much prefer the traditional 911 lines.