The 996 may actually be my favorite 911 generation. It’s the gen I grew up with. So many memories of NFS: Porsche Unleashed with that yellow 911 turbo on the cover. And who could forget the opening scene of gone in 60 sec when they steal that silver 996 out of the Porsche dealer. It’s a classic now
The 996 always gets a bad rap due to the IMS issue, so it was good to watch a video that puts the model in a good light. Well done, I'm glad I found you. Cheers Peter
Great video! Nice comparison between the Gen1-2. We really love our 996TT. I think I prefer the interior over the 997 - just feels more organic. The light... after a week you don't notice them. Just get the few bits sorted like the IMS (probably needs a clutch anyway) and you are golden. Great car, great sound and one of the best bargains. Franny
like so many others i went from hating this model to having it as my dream car :S I want a basic first gen 996, with the yolk lights and no IMS change, and I want it for a steal.
Good job mate. Another benefit of the first gen car was that you could buy it with a genuine LSD. I have this option in my car. The first series also had the much more reliable dual row IMS bearing, although admittedly can suffer from cracked cylinders in high milers. Interesting side note, the very first cars were also built on the same line at the same time as the last 993's. My car was built in December 1997.
Thanks for the feedback and of course the additional info! The 996.1 I drove had the LSD, made it a proper driver's car (manual, coupe too of course). They are so underrated. I didn't want to mention IMS/RMS/ cracked liners in this vid as of course there's enough of that elsewhere on the net but you are indeed correct re: early dual row cars. Enjoy your 911, you've a real piece of history there!
I always found the 996 to be very awkward, but when you see a 996 C4S on the road today, it does have real presence. Great video, thanks for the insight.
Oh, and for me, classic Porsche style, the cars actually get better looking as they get older, the 996 is finally in its element. I mean, even the original Cayenne is almost starting to look good
I purchased a 2001 996 and I am having a blast driving it! I also have a 86 911 that takes up space in my shop and I love them both. Carreras are the best sports car hands down!!! Around Seattle out!
Just bought a 2000 C2 last July. Had a 944 that I traded in on a 2008 A4 in 2011 which I really like and still own. Spent last summer driving old favorite back roads and discovering new ones in CA, UT, CO, NV, NM and AZ, what a fun car! Put 8K miles on her on 3 months and she never missed a beat. Can't see how you can get more bang for your buck if you want a solid, quick road car.
Wow, that comment has made my day! Thank you so much for the kind words, it makes all the time editing these videos over my weekends completely worth it. Much appreciated!
Nice video. I recently purchased a 996 after searching the market for over a year. I ended up choosing a 2000 996.1 C2 coupe with only 30K miles and full leather interior. I prefer the headlights and, like you, the motor's rev range of the 996.1.
Great to hear you've got into a good, low mileage example - you can look forward to plenty of fun times ahead as the numbers on that odometer increase!
Very fair assessment of the 996 Gen1, the freedom from stability management, traction control and the cable throttle makes a real difference. It also means you wont have to shell out mega money for PSM parts as they start to fail as all the shock absorbers have floating hydraulic platforms.
You and Alex spoke about the differences between the C4S and the C2 but what about the C4 and the C2 both narrow bodied are differences the same as stated here
There's a 55kg(ish) weight penalty between C2-C4, and the C4 is quicker to understeer than a C2, though with a good geo you won't really feel this on the road unless you are seriously pushing. I hope that helps!
Their time has come now. I‘m looking for one currently and the prices have creeped up rather quick in the last few years. In Germany its almost impossible to get one with a clean title for under 20.000€. Absolutely mad prices compared to the last few years
1999 996 in USA is also cable-throttle and no traction control. If you value acceleration in 1st gear, get the manual. Auto/tiptronic cannot compete even when put into its first gear. Once you are going back and forth on curvy roads in 2nd and 3rd gear, auto is just as much fun as the manual. Always get a pre purchase inspection, and replace the IMS with LN Engineering part before you become one of the unfortunate 1% to 8% that fail. It really happens even to well serviced cars.
Well aware that I’m close to a year late with this but a white, fully stock 3.4 996 is pretty much my dream car. A lovely guards red model just sold recently as well. Great video!
Good vid, i just bought a 1998 carrera last week, and it is a minter. Upgraded plenum and k&n stainless bypass exhaust, remapped to 330 bhp , ims/ rms done and a lot more. It is a lovely thing 👍
Indeed, going to buy some semi solid engine mounts this morning for it, just to tighten it up a bit.It is a lovely thing..It has only took me till the age of 46 to get one!lol...long time saving.
Brilliant video Lee - agree with everything that was said. You can see the rise in quality in the interior between the Gen I and Gen II cars - love the look of our 4'S' however I would say my previous 996.2 Carrera offered the slightly sweeter drive overall and felt more sprightly.
Some early 99 cars had the throttle cable too, the eGas first came on the M96.02 (+M620) engine which was used in the Carrera 4 in 1999 (2000 on the rest), it was needed to run the new PSM (Porsche Stability Management) which tied together traction control, stability control, active brake differential and anti lock braking for the first time rather than them being separate systems, PSM can be turned off on the 996.1 thankfully (ABS and ABD stay on) if you want to fly solo. Unless you exceed over 6 degrees of slip angle whilst on the brakes then it will kick back in and save you, but it won't stop you doing big arse slides or even spinning it out on power, which is what people want when they switch off the PSM.
You just described it like it is, nicely un-bias. I love my 2000 996.1 / C4, yes I bought it because the aircooled prices got there before me, but now in hindsight the 996 is a better car for me.I have done 30,000 miles, it is now on 115,000 is still smooth and alive and I adore it. The drive and the noise is fantastic. When the engine finally dies, that is fine as I will rebuild it ready for the next 100,000 miles. One tip I would say... here in the uk, watch those brake pipes, they do corrode quite badly! Incidentally I do not find that 4wd is an issue on the steering, the way I understand it, it only feeds in when necessary otherwise it behave like a 2 WD, I guess I have just got used to it if there is an issue.
Hi Lee, really enjoyed that! Have to point out a small error though! The 996.1 3.4 cable model does in fact span both '98 and '99. The (early) '99 cars have smoked lenses instead of ambers but still retained a cable throttle :) Keep up the good work!
Also quick minor correction the later Gen 1 have the electric boot/trunk release. Much to my displeasure when the actuator failed and my picnic was in the front at a Porsche meet. Had really nice sausage rolls in there too ;-) For info there is a manual secret release which most 996 owners know. Great happy birthday video!
Thanks for the additional info, I'd love to know which exact year the switch to electric boot release was. I've had to use the manual decklid release before on a 996, didn't know anything about it before a quick internet search!
Hi, at the time of this video, you indicated that these two (C2.1 & C4S) had their own pros/cons vs each other. But I see that you have now gone from the C4S to the C2.1. Having owned both now, which do you prefer?
Very interesting, well done video. Great comparative info , great camera work and editing. Thanks. I enjoy my 2001 996 Cabrio immensely and I agree with you across the board.....
Would like more videos on the gen 1 cars. Would like to know about care, upkeep and quirks. The white is great but can you find a yellow or orange one? Great work🙂
Really good video, well produced and great commentary. I've recently acquired my first 911, '03 C2 manual and agree with most of your comments. There were quite a few more mechanical mods moving to the 996.2, such as upgrade to Variocam Plus and different exhaust. Find it hard to agree that a car that has less power and torque coming in higher up the rev range is better to drive than one with a better range and more torque and more power, although I do also have a JDM DC2 Integra Type R with B18CR, so I do understand the joy of belting to the redline all the time! :). I for one, am pleased that so many have bagged the 996, because the bagging doesn't change the car and it's still (for now at least) an amazing performance bargain. Keep up the good work please. PS: did my IMSB (LNE), water pump and new flywheel as soon as I got my car which had done 39,000mi. Peace of mind...
Thanks for the kind words! Great to read you've acquired a 996.2 C2, and thanks for the added information regards the Variocam Plus and louder exhaust. Regards which is the better engine, I really rate the 3.4-litre engine for similar reasons as to why you enjoy VTEC, though a 911 is a far more subtle than the all or nothing nature of VTEC (my bro has an AP2 S2K so fully appreciate that technology!). Good move with IMS etc, I did the same including LWF on my previous 996. I still recommend changing the oil every 5-6k on the 996 as you can check for any metal deposits which may indicate imminent engine issues. For a few litres of fuel and a little labour it's a worthwhile job. Enjoy that 911!
I do like the 996 and almost bought one but for £15k you can buy a car just as good, if not better and that’s its baby brother the Cayman S Funnily it’s another Porsche! 😜
That Nine Eleven Guy thanks! We are so lucky that Porsche exists, you don’t have to be rich to enjoy one of these incredible cars, from a 944 onwards unlike other manufacturers 😀 And buy wisely and you will never loose money 😜
Great revisit- check this Tiff Needell old Topgrear review- ruclips.net/video/JLdim51NZoA/видео.html brings a contemporary slant to where things where relative to 993- lighter faster cheaper- the engine was winning ‘engine of the year accolades’ back in the day - never had a problem with my 3.2 Boxster motor ( didn’t even burn any oil in 50k miles)- do prefer the 997 lights though! Slim body 996.2 in slate grey wins my vote!
When I look at that front arse of the 996 Carrera I see the Pixar film Cars. That arse face is soft, weak, submissive and comical like the cartoon character in Cars. Great engine, great mechanics but damned ugly front bottom. And for this you see why it will never hold it's own against other 911 generations pre and post. That is fact!
The 996 may actually be my favorite 911 generation. It’s the gen I grew up with. So many memories of NFS: Porsche Unleashed with that yellow 911 turbo on the cover. And who could forget the opening scene of gone in 60 sec when they steal that silver 996 out of the Porsche dealer. It’s a classic now
Yes, John! Great throwbacks in there! I recall NFS Porsche Challege, not sure if it was the same game or not on PS1?!
The 996 always gets a bad rap due to the IMS issue, so it was good to watch a video that puts the model in a good light. Well done, I'm glad I found you. Cheers Peter
Check this out:
ruclips.net/video/7Hc1W826NqQ/видео.html
Great 996..MK1 is now a classic..and headlight is great in the 2017...very nice car...
Great video! Nice comparison between the Gen1-2. We really love our 996TT. I think I prefer the interior over the 997 - just feels more organic. The light... after a week you don't notice them. Just get the few bits sorted like the IMS (probably needs a clutch anyway) and you are golden. Great car, great sound and one of the best bargains. Franny
Thanks for the feedback and glad you're enjoying your 996TT.
Clip length 9:11 nice one!
like so many others i went from hating this model to having it as my dream car :S
I want a basic first gen 996, with the yolk lights and no IMS change, and I want it for a steal.
The GT1 headlights look great on the 996
Good job mate. Another benefit of the first gen car was that you could buy it with a genuine LSD. I have this option in my car. The first series also had the much more reliable dual row IMS bearing, although admittedly can suffer from cracked cylinders in high milers. Interesting side note, the very first cars were also built on the same line at the same time as the last 993's. My car was built in December 1997.
Thanks for the feedback and of course the additional info! The 996.1 I drove had the LSD, made it a proper driver's car (manual, coupe too of course). They are so underrated. I didn't want to mention IMS/RMS/ cracked liners in this vid as of course there's enough of that elsewhere on the net but you are indeed correct re: early dual row cars. Enjoy your 911, you've a real piece of history there!
I always found the 996 to be very awkward, but when you see a 996 C4S on the road today, it does have real presence. Great video, thanks for the insight.
Thank you!
Oh, and for me, classic Porsche style, the cars actually get better looking as they get older, the 996 is finally in its element. I mean, even the original Cayenne is almost starting to look good
I purchased a 2001 996 and I am having a blast driving it! I also have a 86 911 that takes up space in my shop and I love them both.
Carreras are the best sports car hands down!!! Around Seattle out!
Butch Duncan 2004 996 in Seattle strong 💪
Just bought a 2000 C2 last July. Had a 944 that I traded in on a 2008 A4 in 2011 which I really like and still own. Spent last summer driving old favorite back roads and discovering new ones in CA, UT, CO, NV, NM and AZ, what a fun car! Put 8K miles on her on 3 months and she never missed a beat. Can't see how you can get more bang for your buck if you want a solid, quick road car.
Keep doing what your doing. Love your videos and glad I'm here from the beginning before your channel gets huge.
Wow, that comment has made my day! Thank you so much for the kind words, it makes all the time editing these videos over my weekends completely worth it. Much appreciated!
I love my 996, warts and all.
Nice video. I recently purchased a 996 after searching the market for over a year. I ended up choosing a 2000 996.1 C2 coupe with only 30K miles and full leather interior. I prefer the headlights and, like you, the motor's rev range of the 996.1.
Great to hear you've got into a good, low mileage example - you can look forward to plenty of fun times ahead as the numbers on that odometer increase!
Very fair assessment of the 996 Gen1, the freedom from stability management, traction control and the cable throttle makes a real difference. It also means you wont have to shell out mega money for PSM parts as they start to fail as all the shock absorbers have floating hydraulic platforms.
You and Alex spoke about the differences between the C4S and the C2 but what about the
C4 and the C2 both narrow bodied are differences the same as stated here
There's a 55kg(ish) weight penalty between C2-C4, and the C4 is quicker to understeer than a C2, though with a good geo you won't really feel this on the road unless you are seriously pushing. I hope that helps!
That Nine Eleven Guy
Thanks for your reply .....👌🏾👍🏾👊🏾
Like all unloved 911s these will have their time. If not already.
Their time has come now. I‘m looking for one currently and the prices have creeped up rather quick in the last few years. In Germany its almost impossible to get one with a clean title for under 20.000€. Absolutely mad prices compared to the last few years
Thanks for the great video. Love the backend of that C4S!
1999 996 in USA is also cable-throttle and no traction control. If you value acceleration in 1st gear, get the manual. Auto/tiptronic cannot compete even when put into its first gear. Once you are going back and forth on curvy roads in 2nd and 3rd gear, auto is just as much fun as the manual. Always get a pre purchase inspection, and replace the IMS with LN Engineering part before you become one of the unfortunate 1% to 8% that fail. It really happens even to well serviced cars.
Thanks for the input!
Well aware that I’m close to a year late with this but a white, fully stock 3.4 996 is pretty much my dream car. A lovely guards red model just sold recently as well. Great video!
Thanks! Guards red 996 is rare, and looks awesome. Hope you get your dream car!
we now have this exact car for sale - www.apsleycars.co.uk/used-porsche-911-996-carrera-2/
Good vid, i just bought a 1998 carrera last week, and it is a minter. Upgraded plenum and k&n stainless bypass exhaust, remapped to 330 bhp , ims/ rms done and a lot more. It is a lovely thing 👍
Fantastic! You've a great 911 there by the sounds of it. Perfect for driving hard!
Indeed, going to buy some semi solid engine mounts this morning for it, just to tighten it up a bit.It is a lovely thing..It has only took me till the age of 46 to get one!lol...long time saving.
Brilliant video Lee - agree with everything that was said. You can see the rise in quality in the interior between the Gen I and Gen II cars - love the look of our 4'S' however I would say my previous 996.2 Carrera offered the slightly sweeter drive overall and felt more sprightly.
great vid, love my 996.2 C2
Well done. Love my 02 C4
PSM option from 2000, TC option pre 2000, PSM standard on mk2 I think.My 01 MY has neither TC or PSM
I think you're right, thanks for the clarification.
Some early 99 cars had the throttle cable too, the eGas first came on the M96.02 (+M620) engine which was used in the Carrera 4 in 1999 (2000 on the rest), it was needed to run the new PSM (Porsche Stability Management) which tied together traction control, stability control, active brake differential and anti lock braking for the first time rather than them being separate systems, PSM can be turned off on the 996.1 thankfully (ABS and ABD stay on) if you want to fly solo. Unless you exceed over 6 degrees of slip angle whilst on the brakes then it will kick back in and save you, but it won't stop you doing big arse slides or even spinning it out on power, which is what people want when they switch off the PSM.
Great insight, thank you.
You just described it like it is, nicely un-bias. I love my 2000 996.1 / C4, yes I bought it because the aircooled prices got there before me, but now in hindsight the 996 is a better car for me.I have done 30,000 miles, it is now on 115,000 is still smooth and alive and I adore it. The drive and the noise is fantastic. When the engine finally dies, that is fine as I will rebuild it ready for the next 100,000 miles. One tip I would say... here in the uk, watch those brake pipes, they do corrode quite badly! Incidentally I do not find that 4wd is an issue on the steering, the way I understand it, it only feeds in when necessary otherwise it behave like a 2 WD, I guess I have just got used to it if there is an issue.
Excellent review. I have a 3/98 Carrera 2 and it is genuinely a tactile machine for the road. Best value 911's on the market.
Thanks for the kind comments! Glad you're enjoying your early 996 too.
Great video, I have a 2002 C2 manual with the X51 (extra 20 hp), it would be interesting to compare.
Great to see you've a 911 too, Matthew. X51 Powerkit is an awesome option, rare too. Hope you enjoy it!
enjoyed that, thanks - I have a 2002 C4s, love it. going to give it a little TLC soon as the original owner was a little heavy on her.
Great video, 996 is a great car.
Thank you!
The video length is 9:11 lmao, good video which shows you that the 996 shouldn't be the hated car.
Thanks!
Was that an old school car phone I spotted in there?
Hi Lee, really enjoyed that! Have to point out a small error though! The 996.1 3.4 cable model does in fact span both '98 and '99. The (early) '99 cars have smoked lenses instead of ambers but still retained a cable throttle :) Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the feedback! Have to say I didn't know that, will look into it further but appreciate you pointing it out!
Also quick minor correction the later Gen 1 have the electric boot/trunk release. Much to my displeasure when the actuator failed and my picnic was in the front at a Porsche meet. Had really nice sausage rolls in there too ;-) For info there is a manual secret release which most 996 owners know. Great happy birthday video!
Thanks for the additional info, I'd love to know which exact year the switch to electric boot release was. I've had to use the manual decklid release before on a 996, didn't know anything about it before a quick internet search!
That Nine Eleven Guy Electric release was MY 2001 also with LED interior orientation lights. That's according to PCGB
I agree good review would like to see more like this
Thank you!
Brilliant ...well done
Awesome video- as always!
Hi, at the time of this video, you indicated that these two (C2.1 & C4S) had their own pros/cons vs each other. But I see that you have now gone from the C4S to the C2.1.
Having owned both now, which do you prefer?
Very interesting, well done video. Great comparative info , great camera work and editing. Thanks. I enjoy my 2001 996 Cabrio immensely and I agree with you across the board.....
Thanks very much for the kind comments! Enjoy your Cabrio!
Would like more videos on the gen 1 cars. Would like to know about care, upkeep and quirks. The white is great but can you find a yellow or orange one? Great work🙂
Stand by, there will be more content looking at the 996.1 in the coming weeks and months.
Really good video, well produced and great commentary. I've recently acquired my first 911, '03 C2 manual and agree with most of your comments. There were quite a few more mechanical mods moving to the 996.2, such as upgrade to Variocam Plus and different exhaust. Find it hard to agree that a car that has less power and torque coming in higher up the rev range is better to drive than one with a better range and more torque and more power, although I do also have a JDM DC2 Integra Type R with B18CR, so I do understand the joy of belting to the redline all the time! :). I for one, am pleased that so many have bagged the 996, because the bagging doesn't change the car and it's still (for now at least) an amazing performance bargain. Keep up the good work please. PS: did my IMSB (LNE), water pump and new flywheel as soon as I got my car which had done 39,000mi. Peace of mind...
Thanks for the kind words! Great to read you've acquired a 996.2 C2, and thanks for the added information regards the Variocam Plus and louder exhaust. Regards which is the better engine, I really rate the 3.4-litre engine for similar reasons as to why you enjoy VTEC, though a 911 is a far more subtle than the all or nothing nature of VTEC (my bro has an AP2 S2K so fully appreciate that technology!). Good move with IMS etc, I did the same including LWF on my previous 996. I still recommend changing the oil every 5-6k on the 996 as you can check for any metal deposits which may indicate imminent engine issues. For a few litres of fuel and a little labour it's a worthwhile job. Enjoy that 911!
Great content!
Thank you!
Great review! Congratulations!
I see what you are saying, I believe the 997.1 is the pure 911. Not great technology but purifies the first 911
997.1 is a great 911 too which sought to improve on the 996's shortcomings.
"all the way round the taco" lol
Great Video!
Great video! Love my 98 Carrera. Great car.
Thanks Verne!
Really love this!!!
Great videos! One caveat, though: you really need to work on the voices sound level, specifically when driving.
Thanks for the feedback!
At 4.40 anyone see a bull on road
I very rarely click the like button. You just earned it.
Thanks indeed!
Quinton TV and the video is 9:11 long... nice.
Full Octane Garage ha! Didn't even notice.
loved that, true aficionados
Thanks for the feedback, Alan!
I have the amber lenses and the throttle cable, but mine is a 1999 C2 coupe?
4:38 random cow just out for a stroll.
well done!
ruffled leather option
Great informative video!
"About to go out of extinction!" Really! Quality use of the english language!
The ironic thing here is 'English' has a capital 'E', John.
99 is also a manual throttle, not e gas
PS. You should see your views quickly rise now, as linked to 996 forum.
That's superb, thanks for sharing - really appreciate it!
Matthew Adby 996 forum?! Do you have a link
$15,000 on a 2008 Cayman S is money better spent.
I do like the 996 and almost bought one but for £15k you can buy a car just as good, if not better and that’s its baby brother the Cayman S
Funnily it’s another Porsche! 😜
Great to see you enjoying your Cayman!
That Nine Eleven Guy thanks!
We are so lucky that Porsche exists, you don’t have to be rich to enjoy one of these incredible cars, from a 944 onwards unlike other manufacturers 😀
And buy wisely and you will never loose money 😜
Completely agree!
That Nine Eleven Guy 👍
The video is 9:11 minuets long
Great revisit- check this Tiff Needell old Topgrear review- ruclips.net/video/JLdim51NZoA/видео.html brings a contemporary slant to where things where relative to 993- lighter faster cheaper- the engine was winning ‘engine of the year accolades’ back in the day - never had a problem with my 3.2 Boxster motor ( didn’t even burn any oil in 50k miles)- do prefer the 997 lights though! Slim body 996.2 in slate grey wins my vote!
Love this! Thanks for sharing.
Just not gonna acknowledge that random cow going down the road there, huh...
I did wave off camera but unfortunately it didn't wave back…
Bore stroke
.
When I look at that front arse of the 996 Carrera I see the Pixar film Cars. That arse face is soft, weak, submissive and comical like the cartoon character in Cars. Great engine, great mechanics but damned ugly front bottom. And for this you see why it will never hold it's own against other 911 generations pre and post. That is fact!
Ahahaha!