Porsche 911 (996) Review

What is the Porsche 911 (996)?

The Porsche 996 is one of the most important cars in Porsche’s modern history. The fifth generation of 911 was launched in 1997, and was the first 911 with a water-cooled flat-six engine and the first clean-sheet 911 redesign since the original model.

For buyers, the 996 is still one of the most accessible routes into 911 ownership. It is quick, usable, compact by modern standards and more analogue than later cars. It was available as Carrera, Carrera 4, Targa, Carrera 4S, Turbo, GT3 and GT2, with coupé and cabriolet body styles.

Its reputation has been complicated by styling criticism and well-known engine issues on some naturally aspirated cars, but a carefully bought 996 can be a superb modern classic. Condition, maintenance history and specialist inspection matter far more than headline mileage.

What are the differences between the Porsche 911 (996) and the Porsche 911 G Series?

The G Series is the older, air-cooled 911 built from 1973 to 1989. The 996 is a much later, water-cooled 911 built from 1997 to 2006. They share the rear-engined 911 layout, but they feel very different.

The G Series is smaller, simpler, more mechanical and more traditional, with classic impact-bumper styling and air-cooled engines. It is more collectable, more expensive and usually more demanding to drive and maintain.

The 996 is faster, safer, more refined and easier to use daily. It has modern suspension, better brakes, stronger ventilation, more comfort and far greater performance for the money. The trade-off is less old-school character and, on Carrera models, specific water-cooled engine concerns such as IMS bearing failure, rear main seal leaks and bore scoring. The G Series is the classic icon; the 996 is the usable modern classic.

When was the Porsche 996 produced?

The Porsche 911 (996) was introduced in 1997 and was built until 2006, with around 175,000 produced during that time, making it one of the most successful 911 generations of its time. 

Mainstream Carrera production ran until 2004, when the 997 replaced it. Some high-performance 996 derivatives, including the Turbo S, GT2 and GT3, continued into 2005 and 2006 depending on market and model year.

The 996 was built in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany. Its development shared components and production thinking with the 986 Boxster, which helped Porsche reduce costs and return to stronger financial health in the late 1990s.

What changes were made to Porsche 996 over the years?

Early Carrera and Carrera 4 models used a 3.4-litre water-cooled flat-six and distinctive “fried egg” headlights. They were available as coupé and cabriolet, with manual or Tiptronic automatic gearboxes.

The range expanded with the 996 GT3 in 1999 and the 996 Turbo in 2000. These used the stronger Mezger-derived engine architecture, which is separate from the standard Carrera M96 engine and does not carry the same IMS reputation.

For 2002, the 996 received a major facelift. Carrera models gained a 3.6-litre engine, revised front styling with Turbo-style headlights, interior updates and improved refinement. The Targa returned with a sliding glass roof, and the wide-bodied Carrera 4S arrived, using Turbo-style bodywork and brakes without the turbocharged engine.

Later highlights included the 40th Anniversary model, GT3 RS, GT2 and Turbo S. Early cars often feel lighter and simpler; facelift cars are more polished and generally more desirable to many buyers.

What do people love about the Porsche 996?

Owners love the 996 because it feels like a proper 911 without the price barrier of earlier air-cooled cars or later GT models. It is compact, fast, communicative and usable. A good Carrera is still light enough to feel engaging, while a Turbo or GT3 delivers serious performance even by modern standards.

The steering is a major strength. The car feels alert and narrow compared with newer 911s, and the driving position, flat-six sound and rear-engined character are all unmistakably Porsche.

Many buyers also appreciate that the 996 has aged into a more honest-looking car. The styling controversy has softened, values are more rational than many older 911s, and parts and specialist support remain strong.

How does the Porsche 911 (996) drive?

The looks and engineering may have been a huge step but the 996 is still, unmistakeably, a 911 to drive. Feel to the surprisingly large steering wheel is light but a lesson in perfectly weighted assistance and feedback, Porsche’s signature attention to detail apparent in the harmonised response in pedals and shifter alike.

Best appreciated in ‘basic’ rear-wheel-drive manual Carrera form, the 996 is refreshingly delicate and light on its feet compared to newer 911s while still modern in feel but with that traditional light-nosed balance. As always the secret is to manage corner entry speed in the first instance, wait for the front axle to bite and then enjoy the rear digging in as you introduce the throttle.

All-wheel-drive Carrera 4s have greater wet weather traction, Turbos more of everything (a lot more) and each their fans but the extra horsepower and rubber arguably just put more distance between you and the fundamental joy of a well-sorted Carrera 2.

What’s good about the Porsche 996?

See above for starters! The 996’s break from 911s of old may have dismayed traditionalists but as a liveable modern classic it’s a perfect blend of practicality, usability and fun, with welcome extra space inside and more conventional controls.

Refined on a cruise, entertaining on a blast and with that ever-present flat-six howl behind you it’s a Porsche you can enjoy with a clean conscience, the vast and knowledgeable community of specialists geared up to support you every step of the way whether you want to keep it stock or enjoy the interchangeability of parts and tuning potential to spice things up.

All things relative it’s still reasonably affordable as well, and while supplies of good ones are drying up and driving prices with them, the ongoing desirability of its 997 successor should – hopefully – keep a ceiling on values.

What’s bad about the Porsche 996?

The looks get better with age and the driving experience is brilliant but there’s no escaping the 996 will always be the ugly duckling of the 911 lineage. That swoopy ‘90s interior hasn’t dated so well either, and the quality of some of the fixtures and fittings is undeniably cheaper than what came before and followed.

Affordability is a double-edged sword as well, and while desirability is increasing many cars will have been through the hands of multiple owners more interested in ticking the Porsche ownership box than proper maintenance. You’ll have to wade through a lot of Tiptronics, Targas and cabrios to find the kind of 996 you’d really want to own as well, and accept the promise of a ‘cheap’ 911 becomes more fleeting as you hone your selection.

Some well-documented mechanical foibles like the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing and scored cylinder bores will always cast a shadow over the 996 as well, even if most surviving cars will, by now, have had them addressed.

How much does it cost to insure a Porsche 911 (996)?

There is no reliable single figure for the price of Porsche 996 insurance, since the premium you pay will be affected by a whole host of different factors like your driving experience and history, the value and condition of your 996, and what you’ll be using it for.

Still, Goodwood Classic Solutions offer specialist classic Porsche insurance from just £115 per year, with the option to add agreed value cover to increase the protection on your investment.

A garaged limited-mileage Carrera on a classic policy may be relatively affordable; a modified Turbo, GT3 or daily-used car will normally cost more. Goodwood Classic Solutions covers Porsche models from the 356 to the 911.

How do the condition, modifications and how a Porsche 996 is used affect insurance premiums?

Condition affects both value and risk. A low-mileage, documented Carrera 4S, Turbo or GT3 may need a higher agreed value than an average Carrera, while poor history or corrosion can make the car harder to assess.

Modifications should be declared when you take out your policy, to avoid any issues later on if you do ever need to make a claim. Sensible suspension, brake or exhaust upgrades may be acceptable, but engine tuning, turbo upgrades, track preparation, roll cages or non-standard bodywork can increase premiums or reduce insurer choice. Modification cover is available at Goodwood Classic Solutions, which helps ensure that your 996 is properly covered, even if it’s had some upgrades or changes made from the original spec.

Use matters just as much, as leisure use, secure garaging and careful ownership can help bring your costs down, especially with a limited mileage discount. Commuting, street parking, business use, track days, European touring or high annual mileage may require specific cover and can increase the premium. The policy should match the car’s real use.

Is specialist insurance a good idea for the Porsche 911 (996)?

Yes, especially for a well-kept Carrera 4S, Turbo, GT3, GT2, Anniversary model or low-mileage Carrera. Specialist insurance can offer agreed value, limited mileage options, salvage retention and access to suitable repairers. That matters on a 996 because specification, condition and history strongly affect value.

If you’re looking to get proper vehicle insurance from a trusted specialist, then Goodwood Classic Solutions are here to help. Call our team of experts on 01243 913 333 to discuss your options, or get a quote online now. 

How easy is it to get hold of parts for the Porsche 911 (996)?

Parts support is very good. Porsche Classic lists more than 13,500 original and spare parts for the 996, and there is strong independent specialist and aftermarket support. Service items, suspension parts, brakes, trim and cooling components are readily available. GT, Turbo and rare-option parts can be significantly more expensive.

Who is Porsche 911 (996) recommended for?

The 996 is great for anyone who want a usable, fast and comparatively attainable 911. It suits enthusiasts who value driving feel, compact size and Porsche engineering but do not want air-cooled prices.

It is not ideal for buyers who want risk-free cheap motoring. A low purchase price can be misleading if the car needs engine, suspension, cooling or brake work. The best 996 is a carefully inspected, well-maintained car bought with a realistic maintenance budget.

What are the most popular specifications for Porsche 996?

The Carrera 2 manual coupé is popular with purists because it is rear-wheel drive, relatively light and simple. The Carrera 4S is highly sought after for its wide-body Turbo styling, all-wheel drive and strong road presence. The Turbo is a favourite with buyers wanting huge performance and the more robust Mezger-based engine.

The GT3 is the collector and track-day choice, especially in well-kept manual form. Cabriolets and Tiptronics can be good value, but usually attract less enthusiast demand than manual coupés.

For most buyers, the best 996 is not necessarily the rarest. It is the car with the best history, the cleanest inspection and the fewest unanswered mechanical questions.

Which model of 996 to choose?

Money no object it would have to be a GT3 or GT3 RS for the thrilling blend of howling race engine, sharper handling and track-based cred, or a GT2 for rarity and the sheer intimidation factor. Turbos, meanwhile, offer a very different flavour of performance that appeals for the still formidable thrust, all-weather usability and more in the way of creature comforts and luxury. Though it comes at extra cost and complexity.

Carrera 4s have their fans, the Turbo-bodied C4S with its signature full-width rear lights especially popular. Cabrios, Targas and Tiptronics offer an affordable entry point to 911 ownership, though running costs will be the same so it may prove a false economy. Leading, inexorably, to the purest and most desirable 996 of the lot – a base-spec Carrera 2 with a manual gearbox.

Our money? It would be on one of the earliest 3.4s, with the original orange indicators and cable throttle, though any rear-driven stickshift coupe would do nicely.

Specifications – 996 Carrera 2 Coupe

3.4-litre six-cylinder petrol

300PS (221kW) @ 6,800rpm

350Nm (258lb ft) @ 4,600rpm

Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

1,320kg

5.2 seconds

174mph

1998-2005 (all variants)