As an owner of a 99, I'm biased to the .1, but they're both brilliant. Great vid as always. Also, a couple differences you missed: -Cable throttle cars (MY 99) have a dual-row IMS bearing instead of a single row (1/5 the failure rate) -The .1 interior plastics are nicer (rubber coated instead of painted) -Hollow-spoke 18" wheels on the .1 weigh less than the 17" wheels (though the standard solid spokes are heavier) -US suspension is different (ie USA M029 =/= euro M029, etc) -M030 isn't actually firmer than M029, just lower (all use the same Bilstein B4s) -There are some interior colors only offered in 1999 like Space Gray -The mufflers of the .2 and .1 are interchangeable parts (not identical, but compatible), however the exhaust tips are not -The .2 has a slightly higher drag coefficient -The .1 tiptronic is slightly slower than the .2 tiptronic -The tiptronic cars require you to drop the engine to change the IMS while the manual cars do not -The 993 LSD was only used on MY 99, 2000 onward did not offer an LSD for Carreras or Carrera 4s -MY 99 cars are more susceptible to rust, notably in the door latch areas on the chassis
That’s obviously wrong. You can go very wrong even with the most sorted 996. Trust me. I’ve owned two 996 4s as first owner and had major engine failures at 28.000km on the first and 62.000km on the second one. Both used as daily drivers with approximal 12-14.000km/year and recommended service intervals at Porsche. So I think the 996 is a nice car, looks great, drives smoothly but unfortunately ist always a gamble and I’d recommend to always choose a turbo or gt3. Still have my third 996 (Turbo x50 manual) with now almost 300.000 and no issues at all except the normal wear. Great car.
Gen 2 cars looks classier imo. Those small tweaks give it the edge both externally, internally, and in the drive. You never mentioned the changes to the IMS which were allegedly less reliable in the Gen 2 cars. That was a fun watch. 👌
Thanks for the entertaining video Lee. Gen 1 wins it for me with the beautifully symmetrical "fried-egg" shape headlamps over the confused shape of the Gen 2 ones.
I love my 01 Gen1! I think 01 lights without all that amber of the 99’s look much sleeker and more like the 917 race car that they were derived from. Also the Gen1 had dual row IMS compared to single row of the Gen2. Those had a very low failure rate. All that said you can’t go wrong with either. All of these will double in price in 20 yrs. Specially the well maintained low mileage ones. Get one while you can and take care of it!
dang the 996 aged so well. and as beautiful as the 991/992 variants are; they feel sterile and computerized. the 996 still has that basic feel and it's much smaller in dimensions compared to the newer versions. which translates to a better driving feel.
Original owner 1999 996. Nov 99 build. G1 fan but respect G2.. Was not aware of exposed cable under the rug! One "Pro" to manual handle released trunk is if you lose power you still have access to the battery easily. Wish I had that glove box! Excellent review thanks.
I'm in the .1 camp, because that was the best car that came up for sale. I've always thought that moving the digital speedo away from the center dial was a step backwards in the 2nd generation
I agree I just got my gen 2 the other day. Was in the mountain yesterday and I'm used to the digital in the middle on my Boxster. Kind of a pain in the ass to look over to the left.
I have a Gen 2 with 175k on clock. Was a motorway car for first owner 150k - 8 years now in my ownership . Great car and drive , I regularly service myself and love the quality build and engineering . Love your videos !
Great video Lee. Having owned my gen 2 for nearly 6 years it still delivers on every occasion it's used. Manual, C2 with 17" wheels and a Dansk Sports exhaust fitted 2 years ago... Keep up the good work.
Cheers John! Great to hear your 996 is on 17s, I've a new found respect for the smaller wheels after this test. I prefer the look of the 18s but the feel of the 17s, and feel is most important when behind the wheel.
Nicely put together video breaking down the 996 in general, not just the difference between Gen 1 and 2. Nothing cheesey or irritating about your format too. Crazy to think these cars will be "classics" before too long.
I own a 996.1 MY99 with aftermarket GT3 Aero kit and I did not change the head lights nor tail lights, love the amber! I live in the States more specifically SoCal and you don't see very many .1 variants anymore. Thanks for posting!
Another great in-depth video Lee. I do believe the .2 headlights cleaned up the fried egg look. I got my 04 C4S cabriolet 2 years ago with about 104,000 from the original owner. It now has 127,000 miles and it’s still running strong with the original IMS. Living in Southern California, it’s so much fun. Almost forgot to add, it’s a 6 speed manual with full leather pkg. All the best
Yes. I remember your review of your CS4. I was sad to see you sell that car, but I also like you little Irish ☘️. Congratulations on you other videos too. You are definitely moving up. All the best!
Great video as ever Lee! Really enjoyed that! Out of interest was the 996.2 ever offered with the “Aerokit” option as frequently fitted to the 996.1 (Like mine)? I don’t recall ever seeing any 996.2s with factory GT3 body kits and one of the things I adore about mine is the “Baby GT3” look.
the Aerokit was a popular option for Gen1 cars, and for good reason - they look bloody awesome. GT3.2 Aerokit was offered for the Gen2 I believe, though it didn't have much of a take-up, for reasons unknown?
I tend to agree with you on the M030 being a bit too firm for the road. It might sound a bit feeble but sometimes it makes journey’s a bit tiring with the bump thumping all the time, especially with the poor surface conditions. Great all round cars though and how anyone can knock them I will never fathom. Great video Lee👍
Great video, thanks for the work. Been loving my gen 1 with aero kit from factory. I added the ROW M030 (In US) and 3 spoke steering wheel. Arctic Silver. Had it for 17.5 years. Had to replace the engine after first 6 months (after I owned it, bought 7/2003) at about 60k miles, main bearings failed (3rd party warranty covered it). Since then it has been wonderful, 163.5k miles. 3200 US LBS. Also added 2001 mufflers, modified with better air flow. No longer sounds like a sewing machine. Birthday 6/98.
@@9WERKSTV it’s a Y-reg first registered in UK 23 March 2000, and got my CoC last week to apply for ULEZ exception, has two dates written in German on it: 13 March 2000 but also has another date, which I assume is the complete build date of 16 December 1999.
I’ve had a gen 1 c2 and gen 2 C4s and would opt for the gen 1. It was a purer drive and felt so sprightly. But why not get the even more reliable turbo which is only slightly more expensive. I’ve been running an 02 for four years and it has been impeccable with none of the reliability concerns.
Terrific comparison, Lee! If you have the opportunity, I would love to see a comparison between the 997.1 and the 996 gen 2. I have the 997 and am always a bit confused as to what were the changes. I know the M96.05 engine is improved in the IMS department, but would like to learn the other real differences. Thanks!
I always saw the 997.1 as a 996.2 with a classic body kit. Everything from engine, gearbox and suspension and tones of other parts are the same or interchangeable.
... Basically the 997.1 is a 996.2 on which the guys at Porsche swapped head & rear lights, bumpers & dashboard inside ... specially the 3.6. As for IMS, Porsche kept it unchanged from the 996.2 until about mid 2005 for M.Y. 2006.
Just got a 2002 C4S and it is everything I could ask. So much fun, especially on curves. Warning sign says take the curve at 30, just double that. Also have a Aston DB9. It’s more of a grand cruiser, lots of power straight line. The Porsche excels in the rally
Great video Lee, totally agree they really are riding the crest of a wave.... so much so Ive just picked up a Gen II car...... Coming from a two fold 997.2 pdk ownership.... I am really enjoying the manual 996 and the much more analog experience! Learned a lot tonight cheers ;-) Might even upgrade the PCM soon
100 is the first one I purchased for my intro to the 911 world and I have several other ones now but the 996 has stayed in my personal favourites and kept it as I don't have millions I have to sell them to get the next one but I couldn't find it in me to get rid of the 996 and it was just over 20k and I am very sure it was a massive drop of 5k to 15k the dealer offering to me and I will be honest I told him to F off because you have to ask yourself why you are looking to sell a property sports car for 15k no no no I have been victim of lack of knowledge and lost before she was put back in garage with the cost issues that I was facing with the new to me 997 I put it on finance and the fact they have both had a price rise for the opportunity I sold the second one to get 993 and the 996 to be in the garage still in a very hi standard and the value of the car is more than I paid for it happy days 😀
Don't forget that the Targa was the first Porsche 911 with a rear hatch! The rear glass on the 996 opens up, contrast to the 993 Targa, which had a similar moving glass roof, but without the rear hatch. Really practical too, you can fit two large moving boxes on the folded rear seats. As for the Gen2 front: the fenders are actually not only the same as the Turbo size-wise, the standard road cars had ones made out of a different (heavier/cheaper) material, but you can't get them anymore from Porsche as a replacement. Only the turbo fenders (which fit, but cost 2x the money). With the Gen1, finding a replacement fender is easy, since they share them with the Boxster (which never got the updated look, and had the old fender design through all of its lifetime).
Great video, been wanting this! But I understand you had mentioned that they reach their numbers at similar RPM. But does the 3.4 have a lower or higher redline than the 3.6? Where do they both end at?
How does the M030 suspension compare to Lil Irish? I’m trying to decide between KW V3 and M030. My car currently has the original suspension (M030) and I want to do a refresh. Thank you for any feedback you can give and for another great video!
I find M030 too crashy for the public road, which is only exacerbated when you consider most of these are over 20 years old and tired. KW V3s are also firm on UK roads in their factory setting, however it's easy to dial them back for daily driving like I have done to get a nice balance, and I can firm things up again for track days, so I view the KWs have a wider scope in terms of practicality v performance.
Great videos you make! I got a gen 2 since a few weeks back. A C2, no PSM or sunroof. Only a CD-player which I can use my old CD collection again! Without a Porsche for 10 years, got a Cayman S then. So all good now 😊 I love the torque of the engine, and I agree the interior does feel better than gen1. I also think the gearbox feels tighter in gen 2. I an keeping it original BUT will install a Ohlins Road n track kit to refresh my suspension. Lovely car and bargain of the century for sure!
Lee, have you done a similar comparison between the gt3 996.1 vs .2 ? I haven’t seen it if so and would love to have your impressions of them side by side. The .1 still isn’t available here in the States, but it will be in 3 more years.
That's a great idea for a video, thanks for suggesting. Looks like the.1 GT3 is set for another boost in values then when it's applicable for the States in three years!
Is there is a difference between the two cars with the IMS shaft bearing? I understand the 996.1 has the single row as opposed to the dual row shaft bearing? Or is it the other way around? Anyway, which 996 has less likely to have an engine breakdown due to IMS issues? I have the Gen 1, I wished I'd known about the Gen 2.
I love my 2000 gen 1 - silver with black Techart turbo Fuchs style rims, 6 speed, black interior, duck tail, modded exhaust, a few engine mods, xenon lights, white dials, IMS done, and is an RS tribute race car. Just give me a windy road and get outta my way!!! It's got an old school vibe and I can also take the kids to school, I take it to Laguna Seca for some track time or autocross, drive it to work taking the "long way" and I just love it!!!! As much as I am a huge fan of the 70's and 80's 911/930 turbos, my next Porsche will be a modern GT3...now talk about insane!
Good review, but basic traction control on gen I was an optional extra. So a key difference to me between the generations is no electronic driving system except ABS as standard on gen I and electronic Porsche Management control, electronic gas pedal, more digital stuff on the dashboard on gen II. Generation I is lighter, more narrow and is more analog/mechanical than all the 911s after it. To me, that is what appealing about the first generation of 996, I could care less about headlights design.
I've had a mk1 996, mk1 986 mk2 996 and mk2 986. They look similar but the mk1's feel much older, I feel a mk2 feels closer to a 997 mk1 than a 996 mk1, after all the 997 mk1 is essentially a 996 mk2 with a body kit and some interior changes, the engine suspension and steering are only revisionary changed. The lack of cup holders, older horseshoe and a few parts like the boot release makes the mk1 car feel it's age a lot more where the mk2 feels almost modern and with a PCCM+ is on par with a basic modern car in terms of comfort and technology. In the end I decided mk2's are the way not go, partially because I have a C4S which only existed as a mk2 but also the tech makes it a fine daily, Bose, heated seats, navigation on the instrument cluster, auto dimming mirrors, cruise control, doesn't sound much with todays cars offering so many gadgets but makes up all the essentials you need. My final recommendation would be first, obviously drive both and find what you enjoy but I think the mk1's make better occasional cars, you can take them out for the weekend and get a real old school driving experience without having the crazy prices of going air cooled. The mk2's I think make better sports cars that you could drive any day, sure take it out on the weekend but perfectly comfortable to commute to work in
Great video! I picked up a 40 Jahre just a little under a month ago and can't stop driving it! Definitely one of the best ever dare I say and more compliant as well.
Great vid as ever Lee. I’m in the model year 99.1 camp after refurbishment of this barn find. I agree with you on the external styling preferences of the .2 with the .1 lights. I’m on PSE, so has the howl the one on the test doesn’t have for me 👍🏼 engine rebuild for me and full suspension overhaul including B6’s and H&R’s. Very happy with the outcome 😉👌🏼
So I have the 996.2 I've done the Aero kit but I used the taco tail. And I've done the suspension pretty close to the m030 except I use the H&R lowering springs instead of the m030 springs I also did the resonator delete which I highly recommend. You can actually feel the difference. In my opinion the car looks and drives wonderful. Can't imagine that I would want anything more maybe a GT3 LOL
Thanks for the videos lee. Especially the interviews with Pinky. Wondering if there are stats on exteroir colour options. Seems like most are grey or silver? any idea how many blue, vs red, green etc?
Great video, thanks for educating us! Those "fried egg" headlight design that receives so much negative criticism actually can be found on Porsche's 911 GT1 race car of that era...like them or not, they are - typical, bespoke Porsche engineering - purposeful and part of its racing heritage. The lights found their way onto both the Boxster and 911. My personal vote would be single round lamps - but I would not unequivocally rule out either gen of 996 for those alone. These cars drive beautifully, make that great flat-6 noise and quite honestly, outperform previous generations in many ways/metrics. I like the older air-cooled cars, the 996 era, 92/94/96 series, the Boxster, the 997+ cars...they are all Porsches. Buy what you like and enjoy and have fun in a well-engineered, delightful motorcar.
Another great video Lee. Thanks! I thought the point with the cable throttle was it has a more direct feel, or do you disagree? Unoffical Tag Question Count: Wasn't it? 2 Hasn't it? 1 Isn't there? 1 Isn't it? 4 Doesn't it? 2 Do you? 1 Don't we? 1 Does it? 1 Shall we? 2 Didn't I? 1 Don't they? 1 Total 17 Not bad! ;-)
My pleasure! Cable throttle allegedly gives a more direct pedal feel but I'm hard pressed to notice it in the real world. The acid test would be 996.1 throttle cable v e-gas to test apples for apples. Love the question count!! It was only 17, wasn't it?! Seriously though, my presentation style is quite conversational (I pretend I'm talking to nerdy mates as the thought of presenting to 'TH-cam' is quite daunting), so naturally a few questions, sometimes rhetorical, will occur… won't they?
Such a good video. Many thanks. Currently I can’t afford a 911 but I will be able to in the future. Up to £30,000. After watching hours of video the conclusion seems to be condition over anything else. Dream for me would be a 996 gen 2 with factor aero kit or a 996 4S, potentially a 997 S. that being said I’d get whatever car was the best condition for £30,000.
Cool vid I learnt loads . I’m 10 months into ownership of my 98 gen 1 with Hartech 3.7!upgrade. I love the motor so much although it’s got jobs that need doing urgently abs the cost of upkeep is making me consider whether to keep or shift on
Even if the design of the 996.2 headlights is very similar to the Turbo ones, there is a rather big difference. The crome trim that is underneath clear plastic cover is completley flat on the turbo/gt2 headlight, but has a ribbed shape in the facelifted carreras/gt3. I dont know why but so it is :)
I have owned a 90' 928s4 89' 928s4 95' 993 C2 97 Boxster and now a 00' 996 C2... and my contribution is this...Porsche didn't make a bad Porsche, I find the problems are some of the owners that happen to run across these innovations with unrealistic expectations or plain ignorance. It is usually the buyer/owner who throws a monkey wrench into the milkshake. If you happen to purchase one, keep in mind to commit your very best for your experience and for the next guy who may purchase yours...a collective allegiance to these cars will lessen the horror stories and actual cost...GREAT VIDEO WITH NEW INFORMATION MATE, LOVE IT!!! if your not sure where im coming from on this look up the real reasons the 928s4 went to shit thus flooding the market with very mechanically poor cars with a ton of un-needed isues... cheers, happy hunting and if you get the opportunity to purchase a 996? treat her with care😘
Just sold a 6spd gen 2 997 Carrera due to lack of garage space. A double just isn’t enough. Seeing this I suddenly felt compelled to go out find a pristine manual 996.2 C2 with M030, full leather, PSE and sport seats... Damn! What I need is a bigger garage🤔
My 996.1 with a moderate H&S bypass is one of, if not the best sounding car I've ever heard. I've been fortunate enough to drive lots of high end cars, Aston, Ferrari, Lamborghini, the new GT3 and GT4, and objectively the little 996 still sounds better to me 😎 The moving of the dials on the gen2 was a negative in my opinion, gen1 had it just right. Would love a cup holder and glove box though.
You seemed to imply that Gen 2 left the factory with MO30 sports suspension? I paid to have MO30 fitted to my '02 Gen 2 and it was definitely not there before. Lovely write-up, lovely cars. Thank you.
My (subjective, and little bit controversial) oppinion on 911 lineup. Few times Porsches newer model was a step back: 993 to 996.1, 991.2 to 992, and maybe 991.1 to 991.2. I guess 996 had to happen in order to finally get to, in my oppinion, best 911 generations 997.2 and 991.
Controversial indeed! The 996 will always have its detractors but the 996 was quicker, faster, lighter, more powerful, more economical, and sold in far more numbers than the 993… so I'd have to disagree that the 996 was a step back over the 993. However, thanks for commenting and getting involved, I appreciate it.
I had to sell mine as I changed jobs ,I couldn’t bring myself to put massive miles on the car I really miss it already , if things change job wise I can see me getting another one People go on about reliability , mine was the oldest car I’ve ever had , it was also the most reliable! Brilliant cars 👍🏻
I love the looks of the 996.1. Best looking 911 since the long bonnet cars, in my opinion. Conversely, I can't stand the 996.2/turbo headlights and I'm not a big fan of the chiselled facelift bumper design either. They uglified the 986.2 in the same way, but mercifully kept the beautiful original headlights, albeit in de-ambered form, which makes little difference to me. The only reason the ugly 996.2/turbo headlights exist is snobbery and the marketing execs who pandered to it. Perhaps the best of both worlds is a 2001 or 2002 MY 996.1 e-gas car, with an OBC, PSM and extended leather interior? Alternatively, I wonder if a 996.2 can be back-dated to look like a 996.1, but retain the advantages of the torquier engine, stiffer chassis, wider track and glovebox.
@@9WERKSTV I hope nobody takes this the wrong way, but I have found your video to be even more informative than the feature article in this month's Total 911!
My 2002 986 S had it’s popper fail, real pain and expensive. I rather like the cable releases on my 99 996. I did not know about the rear footwell check for the cable, I just look at the TB and it is kind of obvious.
I appreciate the fact that the length of the video is 2x 9:11 = 18:22. Well done.
You are bang on, excellent spot sir.
@@9WERKSTV 5tpt⅚
Wow. I love it.
As an owner of a 99, I'm biased to the .1, but they're both brilliant. Great vid as always.
Also, a couple differences you missed:
-Cable throttle cars (MY 99) have a dual-row IMS bearing instead of a single row (1/5 the failure rate)
-The .1 interior plastics are nicer (rubber coated instead of painted)
-Hollow-spoke 18" wheels on the .1 weigh less than the 17" wheels (though the standard solid spokes are heavier)
-US suspension is different (ie USA M029 =/= euro M029, etc)
-M030 isn't actually firmer than M029, just lower (all use the same Bilstein B4s)
-There are some interior colors only offered in 1999 like Space Gray
-The mufflers of the .2 and .1 are interchangeable parts (not identical, but compatible), however the exhaust tips are not
-The .2 has a slightly higher drag coefficient
-The .1 tiptronic is slightly slower than the .2 tiptronic
-The tiptronic cars require you to drop the engine to change the IMS while the manual cars do not
-The 993 LSD was only used on MY 99, 2000 onward did not offer an LSD for Carreras or Carrera 4s
-MY 99 cars are more susceptible to rust, notably in the door latch areas on the chassis
the 996.1 got the cable throttle, no traction control for some and very very few with psm... The last analog 911, enough for be the winner!
Additionally gen 1 had a better IMS (dual raw) bearing, paint and piston skirts coating , due to eu environmental directives after 2000
Eh it’s worse in near on every way.
@@ESKATEUK clownshoe post
Having a speed yellow 6-speed ‘99, I’m on team Gen 1, but you can’t go wrong with any sorted 996.
Bang on! Nice 996 too!
Me too a speed yellow 6-speed '00 cabriolet C2
That’s obviously wrong. You can go very wrong even with the most sorted 996. Trust me. I’ve owned two 996 4s as first owner and had major engine failures at 28.000km on the first and 62.000km on the second one. Both used as daily drivers with approximal
12-14.000km/year and recommended service intervals at Porsche. So I think the 996 is a nice car, looks great, drives smoothly but unfortunately ist always a gamble and I’d recommend to always choose a turbo or gt3. Still have my third 996 (Turbo x50 manual) with now almost 300.000 and no issues at all except the normal wear. Great car.
@@noandrewhereThe Carrera 4 S is the worst 996 in terms of reability… Horrible
Gen 2 cars looks classier imo. Those small tweaks give it the edge both externally, internally, and in the drive. You never mentioned the changes to the IMS which were allegedly less reliable in the Gen 2 cars. That was a fun watch. 👌
So gen1 is more reliable?
You can always tell a Porsche geek by the involutary grins as they go thru the gears. Never wears off.
Nice writeup, Gen II looks lovely, the 4S still totally the business even today.
Thanks for the entertaining video Lee. Gen 1 wins it for me with the beautifully symmetrical "fried-egg" shape headlamps over the confused shape of the Gen 2 ones.
Thanks for the feedback! I'd take Gen2 build quality with Gen1 engine, with Gen2 bumpers but Gen1 lights in an ideal world.
@@9WERKSTV Why would you prefer gen 1 engine instead gen 2 one? Thanks!
I love my 01 Gen1! I think 01 lights without all that amber of the 99’s look much sleeker and more like the 917 race car that they were derived from. Also the Gen1 had dual row IMS compared to single row of the Gen2. Those had a very low failure rate.
All that said you can’t go wrong with either. All of these will double in price in 20 yrs. Specially the well maintained low mileage ones. Get one while you can and take care of it!
I consider myself a very knowledgeable and proud 996 owner, but I learned a number of things from this video.
Well done!
Thanks John!
dang the 996 aged so well. and as beautiful as the 991/992 variants are; they feel sterile and computerized. the 996 still has that basic feel and it's much smaller in dimensions compared to the newer versions. which translates to a better driving feel.
Original owner 1999 996. Nov 99 build. G1 fan but respect G2.. Was not aware of exposed cable under the rug! One "Pro" to manual handle released trunk is if you lose power you still have access to the battery easily. Wish I had that glove box! Excellent review thanks.
I'm in the .1 camp, because that was the best car that came up for sale. I've always thought that moving the digital speedo away from the center dial was a step backwards in the 2nd generation
Right. The digital speedo should be on the tach. Fixed in the 997. Still, love my 996.2!
I agree I just got my gen 2 the other day. Was in the mountain yesterday and I'm used to the digital in the middle on my Boxster. Kind of a pain in the ass to look over to the left.
What about the elephant in the room about gen1 3.4 less prone to bore scoring?
Only the earlier cars were less prone before the 996s switched to a different cylinder coating.
I have a Gen 2 with 175k on clock.
Was a motorway car for first owner 150k - 8 years now in my ownership .
Great car and drive , I regularly service myself and love the quality build and engineering .
Love your videos !
Enjoyed that, learnt a few things too! V happy with my gen 2. Cheers Lee 👍🏼
My pleasure, Dav! Glad you're enjoying the .2!
Great video Lee. Having owned my gen 2 for nearly 6 years it still delivers on every occasion it's used. Manual, C2 with 17" wheels and a Dansk Sports exhaust fitted 2 years ago...
Keep up the good work.
Cheers John! Great to hear your 996 is on 17s, I've a new found respect for the smaller wheels after this test. I prefer the look of the 18s but the feel of the 17s, and feel is most important when behind the wheel.
what is the name of the wheels on green 996?
Really good video. Very interesting to see the differences back to back between the two. Thanks for taking the time to make it.
Thanks again Amber, always appreciate your kind comments.
Nicely put together video breaking down the 996 in general, not just the difference between Gen 1 and 2. Nothing cheesey or irritating about your format too. Crazy to think these cars will be "classics" before too long.
I was able to get my first Porsche about two months ago. Got a Gen 1 996. Very happy with it.
Spot on, enjoy!
Congrats!!!
I own a 996.1 MY99 with aftermarket GT3 Aero kit and I did not change the head lights nor tail lights, love the amber! I live in the States more specifically SoCal and you don't see very many .1 variants anymore. Thanks for posting!
Awesome, Ron! Enjoy.
Great job showing the strengths and weaknesses of both.
Definitely prefer the.1 but I own an early build (2/98) so I’m a little biased 😁
Thanks Phil! You've a right to be biased, you've put your money where your mouth is.
Brilliant, concise review.
I think the .2 headlights look better on the turbo. The gen 1 is prettier.
Bought the best 996 I could find. It happens to be a late gen 1 C4. Love it. Great video Lee “isn’t it”
👍🏼🏆
Best parameter in which to buy, "isn't it"?!
Sorry the best is mine hehehehee
Never knew about the chassis differences and engine overhaul between the .1 and .2, great video!
Glad you liked it!
Same here
Another great in-depth video Lee. I do believe the .2 headlights cleaned up the fried egg look. I got my 04 C4S cabriolet 2 years ago with about 104,000 from the original owner. It now has 127,000 miles and it’s still running strong with the original IMS. Living in Southern California, it’s so much fun. Almost forgot to add, it’s a 6 speed manual with full leather pkg. All the best
Sounds like a top 996 you have! I'd love exactly the car and spec you have as a cool daily driver. Enjoy!
Yes. I remember your review of your CS4. I was sad to see you sell that car, but I also like you little Irish ☘️. Congratulations on you other videos too. You are definitely moving up. All the best!
Great video as ever Lee! Really enjoyed that! Out of interest was the 996.2 ever offered with the “Aerokit” option as frequently fitted to the 996.1 (Like mine)? I don’t recall ever seeing any 996.2s with factory GT3 body kits and one of the things I adore about mine is the “Baby GT3” look.
the Aerokit was a popular option for Gen1 cars, and for good reason - they look bloody awesome. GT3.2 Aerokit was offered for the Gen2 I believe, though it didn't have much of a take-up, for reasons unknown?
I tend to agree with you on the M030 being a bit too firm for the road. It might sound a bit feeble but sometimes it makes journey’s a bit tiring with the bump thumping all the time, especially with the poor surface conditions. Great all round cars though and how anyone can knock them I will never fathom.
Great video Lee👍
Thanks JB. Yes for Sunday blasts M030 is great, but the reality of enduring it for daily driving is a bit much in my view.
Great video, thanks for the work. Been loving my gen 1 with aero kit from factory. I added the ROW M030 (In US) and 3 spoke steering wheel. Arctic Silver. Had it for 17.5 years. Had to replace the engine after first 6 months (after I owned it, bought 7/2003) at about 60k miles, main bearings failed (3rd party warranty covered it). Since then it has been wonderful, 163.5k miles. 3200 US LBS. Also added 2001 mufflers, modified with better air flow. No longer sounds like a sewing machine. Birthday 6/98.
My 2000 isn’t cable throttle, and has the same large silver decklid/bonnet release handles. I think the switches may have come in 2001 or 2002
Is yours MY2000 or MY2001?
Yes. I believe there are cars with e gas and mechanical boot levers
@@9WERKSTV it’s a Y-reg first registered in UK 23 March 2000, and got my CoC last week to apply for ULEZ exception, has two dates written in German on it: 13 March 2000 but also has another date, which I assume is the complete build date of 16 December 1999.
Mine as well, first registered Aug 2000
Yes, my May 2000 build gen 1 has e-gas and mechanical levers.
I’ve had a gen 1 c2 and gen 2 C4s and would opt for the gen 1. It was a purer drive and felt so sprightly. But why not get the even more reliable turbo which is only slightly more expensive. I’ve been running an 02 for four years and it has been impeccable with none of the reliability concerns.
Terrific comparison, Lee! If you have the opportunity, I would love to see a comparison between the 997.1 and the 996 gen 2. I have the 997 and am always a bit confused as to what were the changes. I know the M96.05 engine is improved in the IMS department, but would like to learn the other real differences. Thanks!
Thanks, Tom! 996.2 v 997.1 is an awesome shout, I'll make that happen.
I always saw the 997.1 as a 996.2 with a classic body kit. Everything from engine, gearbox and suspension and tones of other parts are the same or interchangeable.
... Basically the 997.1 is a 996.2 on which the guys at Porsche swapped head & rear lights, bumpers & dashboard inside ... specially the 3.6.
As for IMS, Porsche kept it unchanged from the 996.2 until about mid 2005 for M.Y. 2006.
so I have a 2000 C2 , clear indicators, suede header , and egas, but mine still has cable trunk release?
Just got a 2002 C4S and it is everything I could ask. So much fun, especially on curves. Warning sign says take the curve at 30, just double that.
Also have a Aston DB9. It’s more of a grand cruiser, lots of power straight line. The Porsche excels in the rally
Fantastic, Jeff. Agreed on the cornering signage, they are just minimum requirements aren't they?!
Great video Lee, totally agree they really are riding the crest of a wave.... so much so Ive just picked up a Gen II car...... Coming from a two fold 997.2 pdk ownership.... I am really enjoying the manual 996 and the much more analog experience! Learned a lot tonight cheers ;-) Might even upgrade the PCM soon
Great to hear, Duncan! High praise for the 996 if it's sitting alongside a 997.2, that's for sure. Enjoy.
Just got my 996.1 and enjoy your shows, well done comprehensive,
Daily driver of a 2003 C4S and what a wonderful car it is! Love every second in it. Oh and a great video too 😎
Driving a Gen 2 GT3 CS. What a blast 😍
My choice would be the gen 2. Looks better and performs better.
GEN 2 IS WORTH PAYING for the xtras
Hello
The gen 2 and the later gen 1 cars have the single IMS , which is a much bigger risk than the early 996 which has the dual IMS bearing.
100 is the first one I purchased for my intro to the 911 world and I have several other ones now but the 996 has stayed in my personal favourites and kept it as I don't have millions I have to sell them to get the next one but I couldn't find it in me to get rid of the 996 and it was just over 20k and I am very sure it was a massive drop of 5k to 15k the dealer offering to me and I will be honest I told him to F off because you have to ask yourself why you are looking to sell a property sports car for 15k no no no I have been victim of lack of knowledge and lost before she was put back in garage with the cost issues that I was facing with the new to me 997 I put it on finance and the fact they have both had a price rise for the opportunity I sold the second one to get 993 and the 996 to be in the garage still in a very hi standard and the value of the car is more than I paid for it happy days 😀
Not much of a worry in 2024… all the IMS bearings have long since been replaced.
Question: Is the engine hood on 996.1 and 996.2 the same? Will rear wings for example GT3-RS fit the 996.1?
Don't forget that the Targa was the first Porsche 911 with a rear hatch! The rear glass on the 996 opens up, contrast to the 993 Targa, which had a similar moving glass roof, but without the rear hatch. Really practical too, you can fit two large moving boxes on the folded rear seats.
As for the Gen2 front: the fenders are actually not only the same as the Turbo size-wise, the standard road cars had ones made out of a different (heavier/cheaper) material, but you can't get them anymore from Porsche as a replacement. Only the turbo fenders (which fit, but cost 2x the money).
With the Gen1, finding a replacement fender is easy, since they share them with the Boxster (which never got the updated look, and had the old fender design through all of its lifetime).
Great video, been wanting this! But I understand you had mentioned that they reach their numbers at similar RPM. But does the 3.4 have a lower or higher redline than the 3.6? Where do they both end at?
I have a .1 car that has silver instruments instead of black; was that a factory option or did someone modify it?
You know more about the 996 gens than i could ever learn and research. Pretty amazing.
Thanks Karlis!
I’ve got a Cargraphic super sound exhaust on my .2…. It’s truly a magical sound. Great video!
How does the M030 suspension compare to Lil Irish? I’m trying to decide between KW V3 and M030. My car currently has the original suspension (M030) and I want to do a refresh. Thank you for any feedback you can give and for another great video!
Would love to know Lee’s answer to this as well!!
I find M030 too crashy for the public road, which is only exacerbated when you consider most of these are over 20 years old and tired. KW V3s are also firm on UK roads in their factory setting, however it's easy to dial them back for daily driving like I have done to get a nice balance, and I can firm things up again for track days, so I view the KWs have a wider scope in terms of practicality v performance.
My 2000 cabriolet has cable actuated bonnet and frunk releases. Does this mean I have cable throttle as well??
He literally told you how to check this in the video....
Great videos you make! I got a gen 2 since a few weeks back. A C2, no PSM or sunroof. Only a CD-player which I can use my old CD collection again! Without a Porsche for 10 years, got a Cayman S then. So all good now 😊 I love the torque of the engine, and I agree the interior does feel better than gen1. I also think the gearbox feels tighter in gen 2. I an keeping it original BUT will install a Ohlins Road n track kit to refresh my suspension. Lovely car and bargain of the century for sure!
Lee, have you done a similar comparison between the gt3 996.1 vs .2 ? I haven’t seen it if so and would love to have your impressions of them side by side. The .1 still isn’t available here in the States, but it will be in 3 more years.
That's a great idea for a video, thanks for suggesting. Looks like the.1 GT3 is set for another boost in values then when it's applicable for the States in three years!
Really liked the review, nice to see something so detailed and NOT boring. Good reviewer, keep it up
Thank you kindly.
The GT1 headlights look great on the 996
Is there a difference between the gen 1 and gen 2 traction control and ABS ?
Is there is a difference between the two cars with the IMS shaft bearing? I understand the 996.1 has the single row as opposed to the dual row shaft bearing? Or is it the other way around? Anyway, which 996 has less likely to have an engine breakdown due to IMS issues? I have the Gen 1, I wished I'd known about the Gen 2.
I love my 2000 gen 1 - silver with black Techart turbo Fuchs style rims, 6 speed, black interior, duck tail, modded exhaust, a few engine mods, xenon lights, white dials, IMS done, and is an RS tribute race car. Just give me a windy road and get outta my way!!! It's got an old school vibe and I can also take the kids to school, I take it to Laguna Seca for some track time or autocross, drive it to work taking the "long way" and I just love it!!!! As much as I am a huge fan of the 70's and 80's 911/930 turbos, my next Porsche will be a modern GT3...now talk about insane!
Good review, but basic traction control on gen I was an optional extra. So a key difference to me between the generations is no electronic driving system except ABS as standard on gen I and electronic Porsche Management control, electronic gas pedal, more digital stuff on the dashboard on gen II. Generation I is lighter, more narrow and is more analog/mechanical than all the 911s after it. To me, that is what appealing about the first generation of 996, I could care less about headlights design.
Top work Lee ,, gen 2 M030 .... cant beat it. IMO. I was talking to Marino Franchitti today & he is seriously thinking about buying a 996 !
Cheers Paul!
Great video. Really starting to get that 911 itch.
I prefer the pre facelift 996 with aero kit look .. pre 2000 had dual row IMS too
I've had a mk1 996, mk1 986 mk2 996 and mk2 986. They look similar but the mk1's feel much older, I feel a mk2 feels closer to a 997 mk1 than a 996 mk1, after all the 997 mk1 is essentially a 996 mk2 with a body kit and some interior changes, the engine suspension and steering are only revisionary changed. The lack of cup holders, older horseshoe and a few parts like the boot release makes the mk1 car feel it's age a lot more where the mk2 feels almost modern and with a PCCM+ is on par with a basic modern car in terms of comfort and technology. In the end I decided mk2's are the way not go, partially because I have a C4S which only existed as a mk2 but also the tech makes it a fine daily, Bose, heated seats, navigation on the instrument cluster, auto dimming mirrors, cruise control, doesn't sound much with todays cars offering so many gadgets but makes up all the essentials you need. My final recommendation would be first, obviously drive both and find what you enjoy but I think the mk1's make better occasional cars, you can take them out for the weekend and get a real old school driving experience without having the crazy prices of going air cooled. The mk2's I think make better sports cars that you could drive any day, sure take it out on the weekend but perfectly comfortable to commute to work in
Nice one Lee. Really hope I can get my hands on one some day...
Fingers and toes crossed for you.
I was lucky enough to have both from new, loved them
Awesome! Which did you prefer?
Thanks for the video! Kinda inspiring me to do one on the 996 too! Great job 👏
Awesome! Thank you!
Great video! I picked up a 40 Jahre just a little under a month ago and can't stop driving it! Definitely one of the best ever dare I say and more compliant as well.
Great vid as ever Lee. I’m in the model year 99.1 camp after refurbishment of this barn find. I agree with you on the external styling preferences of the .2 with the .1 lights. I’m on PSE, so has the howl the one on the test doesn’t have for me 👍🏼 engine rebuild for me and full suspension overhaul including B6’s and H&R’s. Very happy with the outcome 😉👌🏼
So I have the 996.2 I've done the Aero kit but I used the taco tail. And I've done the suspension pretty close to the m030 except I use the H&R lowering springs instead of the m030 springs I also did the resonator delete which I highly recommend. You can actually feel the difference. In my opinion the car looks and drives wonderful. Can't imagine that I would want anything more maybe a GT3 LOL
Thanks for the videos lee. Especially the interviews with Pinky. Wondering if there are stats on exteroir colour options. Seems like most are grey or silver? any idea how many blue, vs red, green etc?
I have a cable 98, love it, the best version is the version you own.
Agreed!
Great informative video. My 996.2 cab has a Kline exhaust. Beautiful sound.
Great vid very informative I have the 996.2 targa in silver just on with stainless mild sports exhaust swap for the inevitable rotten standard ones...
The Targa is so cool...it is in a class on its own with class...😎
Great video, thanks for educating us! Those "fried egg" headlight design that receives so much negative criticism actually can be found on Porsche's 911 GT1 race car of that era...like them or not, they are - typical, bespoke Porsche engineering - purposeful and part of its racing heritage. The lights found their way onto both the Boxster and 911. My personal vote would be single round lamps - but I would not unequivocally rule out either gen of 996 for those alone. These cars drive beautifully, make that great flat-6 noise and quite honestly, outperform previous generations in many ways/metrics. I like the older air-cooled cars, the 996 era, 92/94/96 series, the Boxster, the 997+ cars...they are all Porsches. Buy what you like and enjoy and have fun in a well-engineered, delightful motorcar.
Another great video Lee. Thanks!
I thought the point with the cable throttle was it has a more direct feel, or do you disagree?
Unoffical Tag Question Count:
Wasn't it? 2
Hasn't it? 1
Isn't there? 1
Isn't it? 4
Doesn't it? 2
Do you? 1
Don't we? 1
Does it? 1
Shall we? 2
Didn't I? 1
Don't they? 1
Total 17
Not bad! ;-)
My pleasure! Cable throttle allegedly gives a more direct pedal feel but I'm hard pressed to notice it in the real world. The acid test would be 996.1 throttle cable v e-gas to test apples for apples.
Love the question count!! It was only 17, wasn't it?! Seriously though, my presentation style is quite conversational (I pretend I'm talking to nerdy mates as the thought of presenting to 'TH-cam' is quite daunting), so naturally a few questions, sometimes rhetorical, will occur… won't they?
Well done! 9964S 4Ever!
@1:51 that's just anything but form over function. It's function over form.
Form follows function.
Such a good video. Many thanks. Currently I can’t afford a 911 but I will be able to in the future. Up to £30,000.
After watching hours of video the conclusion seems to be condition over anything else.
Dream for me would be a 996 gen 2 with factor aero kit or a 996 4S, potentially a 997 S.
that being said I’d get whatever car was the best condition for £30,000.
Cool vid I learnt loads . I’m 10 months into ownership of my 98 gen 1 with Hartech 3.7!upgrade. I love the motor so much although it’s got jobs that need doing urgently abs the cost of upkeep is making me consider whether to keep or shift on
Thanks. Yes it's best to keep on top of 996 maintenance jobs or the bills can get eye-watering.
Tell me bout it luckily previous owner spent £25k in the 2 years before I picked it up 10 mth ago
Even if the design of the 996.2 headlights is very similar to the Turbo ones, there is a rather big difference. The crome trim that is underneath clear plastic cover is completley flat on the turbo/gt2 headlight, but has a ribbed shape in the facelifted carreras/gt3. I dont know why but so it is :)
Awesome content. Clear, passionate … lovely. Il about to get my 996.2. I just can’t wait
Thanks Clément! Enjoy the miles ahead.
I have owned a 90' 928s4 89' 928s4 95' 993 C2 97 Boxster and now a 00' 996 C2...
and my contribution is this...Porsche didn't make a bad Porsche, I find the problems are
some of the owners that happen to run across these innovations with unrealistic expectations
or plain ignorance. It is usually the buyer/owner who throws a monkey wrench into the milkshake.
If you happen to purchase one, keep in mind to commit your very best for your experience
and for the next guy who may purchase yours...a collective allegiance to these cars will lessen
the horror stories and actual cost...GREAT VIDEO WITH NEW INFORMATION MATE, LOVE IT!!!
if your not sure where im coming from on this look up the real reasons the 928s4 went to shit thus
flooding the market with very mechanically poor cars with a ton of un-needed isues...
cheers, happy hunting and if you get the opportunity to purchase a 996? treat her with care😘
Still driving my 2003 911. Love it!
I like their looks, but the oil system that handles up to 0.8 G is an issue, whilst I was able to pull of consistently 1.22G in 944
Well done Sir. 1st 996 I have ever seen in Irish Green, I would buy that car just for the color it is painted.
Thanks Robert!
Dear god what I would do for those grey door cards without the door speaker! Great video brother!!!
Ahahaha! Thanks!
Just sold a 6spd gen 2 997 Carrera due to lack of garage space. A double just isn’t enough. Seeing this I suddenly felt compelled to go out find a pristine manual 996.2 C2 with M030, full leather, PSE and sport seats... Damn! What I need is a bigger garage🤔
Get the bigger garage!
Good to see the guy who purchased the gen 2 is actually driving it!! 8k miles compared to under 1000 for the 3 yrs previous 👊👊👊
My 996.1 with a moderate H&S bypass is one of, if not the best sounding car I've ever heard.
I've been fortunate enough to drive lots of high end cars, Aston, Ferrari, Lamborghini, the new GT3 and GT4, and objectively the little 996 still sounds better to me 😎
The moving of the dials on the gen2 was a negative in my opinion, gen1 had it just right.
Would love a cup holder and glove box though.
Nice review Lee. We'll done and thank you!
My pleasure.
You seemed to imply that Gen 2 left the factory with MO30 sports suspension? I paid to have MO30 fitted to my '02 Gen 2 and it was definitely not there before. Lovely write-up, lovely cars. Thank you.
Thank you. To clarify, M030 was optional, and has for years been sought-after as an option, though I believe it is too harsh for daily driving.
Awesome video, learned a lot from it, thank you Lee!
My pleasure!
Great info, very well put across ! 👏
Thanks Mark.
Iam learning a lot it's a real lifestyle if you get one I got a 9974s with bore score
Ouch, sorry to hear about the bore scoring.
Mate it was the only way I could afford to get a Porsche 911 the engine is out and getting six liners
I have a 2000 996.1 C4 cab and has the levers for the hoods.
I really love the look of the Gen 2 C4S car with the wider rear end and light bar across the back.
What color green is that? Nice
I have a 3/98 Gen 1. Brilliant car and takes modifications really well.
My (subjective, and little bit controversial) oppinion on 911 lineup.
Few times Porsches newer model was a step back: 993 to 996.1, 991.2 to 992, and maybe 991.1 to 991.2.
I guess 996 had to happen in order to finally get to, in my oppinion, best 911 generations 997.2 and 991.
Controversial indeed! The 996 will always have its detractors but the 996 was quicker, faster, lighter, more powerful, more economical, and sold in far more numbers than the 993… so I'd have to disagree that the 996 was a step back over the 993. However, thanks for commenting and getting involved, I appreciate it.
what part of the UK are you from?
Great to see all the tech details. Very much enjoyed. Thank you.
My pleasure.
I had to sell mine as I changed jobs ,I couldn’t bring myself to put massive miles on the car
I really miss it already , if things change job wise I can see me getting another one
People go on about reliability , mine was the oldest car I’ve ever had , it was also the most reliable!
Brilliant cars 👍🏻
Awesome to read your appraisal of the 996, but sad for you that you had to sell it. Fingers crossed life throws another 996 your way soon.
I love the looks of the 996.1. Best looking 911 since the long bonnet cars, in my opinion. Conversely, I can't stand the 996.2/turbo headlights and I'm not a big fan of the chiselled facelift bumper design either. They uglified the 986.2 in the same way, but mercifully kept the beautiful original headlights, albeit in de-ambered form, which makes little difference to me. The only reason the ugly 996.2/turbo headlights exist is snobbery and the marketing execs who pandered to it. Perhaps the best of both worlds is a 2001 or 2002 MY 996.1 e-gas car, with an OBC, PSM and extended leather interior? Alternatively, I wonder if a 996.2 can be back-dated to look like a 996.1, but retain the advantages of the torquier engine, stiffer chassis, wider track and glovebox.
I've always maintained the best 996 has Gen1 motor and lights, with Gen2 build quality and bumpers, but this is subjective of course.
@@9WERKSTV I hope nobody takes this the wrong way, but I have found your video to be even more informative than the feature article in this month's Total 911!
My 2002 986 S had it’s popper fail, real pain and expensive. I rather like the cable releases on my 99 996. I did not know about the rear footwell check for the cable, I just look at the TB and it is kind of obvious.