Is The 'Hated' 996 Actually The Best Porsche 911?
Does the 996 deserve to be labelled as the 'worst' of the 911s? Doug DeMuro disagrees, and actually reckons it could be considered best of the lot
Whether it’s for the ‘fried egg’ headlights, the (perhaps overstated) immediate shaft bearing failures, the fact its the first 911 Porsche had the audacity to give water cooling, or all of the above, the 996 has many detractors. To some, it’s the worst 911: the low point in a 54 year sports car dynasty.
But does it actually deserve that label? Doug DeMuro disagrees, and actually reckons - for reasons of value, sizing and useable performance - the 996 could actually considered to be the best 911 money can buy.
Agree/disagree? Watch the man’s arguments in the video above and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Comments
Actchually the Beetle is the best Porshe
We like ours
I love this model!The headlights….they’re something..
Interestingly I find here in Canada the ‘Hated’ 996 isn’t that hated. I find a huge price differential between 997.1 and 997.2 for example. (i.e you can get a 2005-2008 911 for $35-$45,000) but a 2009-2011 will quickly jump to $60,000. 2002-2004 911 (996.2) range around $30-$40,000. The 1997-2001 (996.1) do drop off quite a bit but that’s probably also because they had the 3.4L flat six instead of the 3.6. I think for a lot of Porsche fans it’s the IMS more than the looks that hurt the 996.1-997.1 cars. Personally I’d like to pick up either a 996.2 or 997.1 and do the IMS swap and enjoy having a world class sports car for high trim Camry money.
Its probably my favourite
You beauty
NFS Porsche Unleashed, best game from EA
My uncle owns a base model 996, I’ve been in it for many times and I absolutely love the way it drives, the Flat 6, as usual, makes a lovely sound to your satisfaction and I don’t mind its appearance at all even though the 991 is my favorite gen.
I’d rather buy a 986-S Boxster, which is 90% the 996, for even less cash (under £10k). Roof down flat 6 fun. Same brakes, suspension and front end, but arguably better mid engined layout too. That’s why I bought one last year.
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