1. History
2. Production Numbers
3. Design
4. Model Overview
5. Driving Characteristics
6. Everyday Suitability
7. Trunk
8. Maintenance Costs
9. Engine Arrangement
10. Engine
11. Transmission
12. Chassis
13. Weak Points
14. Driving Pleasure
15. Market Offer
16. Data Sheet
17. Conclusion

The Porsche 911 996 is an iconic sports car model that was produced between 1997 and 2006. It was the sixth generation of the legendary Porsche 911 and marked a significant turning point in the brand’s history.

The development of the 911 996 began in the late 1980s when Porsche wanted to stay true to the classic design of the 911 but at the same time wanted to incorporate more modern technologies and design elements. The result was a new, optimized look with a streamlined design.

A noteworthy feature of the 911 996 was the use of water instead of air for engine cooling. This led to improved performance and reliability, but also sparked controversy among Porsche enthusiasts as it marked the end of the 911’s traditional air-cooled engines. Nevertheless, this change proved to be a milestone for the future of the brand.

The interior of the 911 996 was also revamped and modernized. An improved infotainment system, more comfortable seats, and high-quality materials contributed to a more luxurious driving experience.

In terms of performance, the 911 996 was available in various versions. From the base model Carrera with a 3.4-liter boxer engine to the high-performance GT2 with a 3.6-liter turbo engine, the 911 996 offered a wide range of options to meet different driver’s desires.

The 911 996 was also the first model in the 911 family to be equipped with a standard stability control system (Porsche Stability Management), which contributed to improved driving stability and safety.

The design of the 911 996 sparked much debate among automotive enthusiasts. Some found the new look too modern and too far removed from the traditional lines of the 911, while others welcomed the evolution of the design. Despite the controversial opinions, the 911 996 proved to be a commercial success for Porsche, leading to increased sales and a broader customer base.

Overall, the Porsche 911 996 continued the tradition and reputation of the 911 while introducing new technologies and design elements. It was a milestone in the history of the 911 and paved the way for future generations of the legendary sports car.

The Porsche 911 Type 996 was produced between the years 1997 and 2006. During this period, a total of 175,262 units of the Porsche 911 996 were manufactured.

The designer of the Porsche 911 996 was Harm Lagaay. In designing the 996, Lagaay took inspiration from earlier Porsche models, especially the 911 from the 1960s and 1970s. He aimed to preserve the classic silhouette of the 911 while modernizing it and following a contemporary design language.

The Porsche 911 996 introduced some design features that had previously been used in the Porsche Boxster (986), such as the round headlights and the curved engine hood. This gave the 996 a sportier and more dynamic look compared to its predecessors.

In addition, the 996 utilized a flatter windshield and an overall smoother design to reduce air resistance and improve aerodynamic efficiency. This design feature was continued by later Porsche models.

Overall, one could say that the Porsche 911 996 is a combination of classic elements and modern design language, preserving the character of the 911 while simultaneously representing an evolution.

Model Overview Porsche 911 996:

The Porsche 911 996 was produced from 1997 to 2006 and is considered the fourth generation of the Porsche 911 series. The 996 was introduced as a successor to the Porsche 993 and brought some significant changes with it.

Here’s an overview of the different variants of the Porsche 911 996:

1. Porsche 911 Carrera (1997-2004):

• Base model with a 3.4-liter six-cylinder boxer engine
• Power output of 296 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque
• Available with manual or automatic transmission

2. Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (1998-2004):

• All-wheel-drive variant of the Carrera model
• Offers improved traction and stability on different road surfaces
• Otherwise similar performance data as the Carrera model

3. Porsche 911 Turbo (2000-2005):

• High-performance variant of the 911 with a 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine
• Twin-turbocharging for a power output of 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque
• All-wheel drive for optimal traction
• Faster acceleration and higher top speed compared to the other models

4. Porsche 911 GT3 (1999-2005):

• Sporty model focusing on racetrack performance
• Uses a 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine with 360 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque
• Lightweight construction and aerodynamic improvements for better driving dynamics
• Manual transmission and rear-wheel drive for an intense driving experience

5. Porsche 911 GT2 (2002-2005):

• High-performance variant of the 911 GT3 with stronger engine output
• 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine with twin-turbocharging
• Impressive power output of 462 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque
• Rear-wheel drive for maximum acceleration

The Porsche 911 model 996 has excellent performance and offers an exciting driving experience. With its powerful engine and precise steering, it is a true sports car. The acceleration is impressive, especially in the higher-performance models like the 911 Turbo.

The driving characteristics of the 911 996 are very balanced. Thanks to its rear-engine layout, it offers good weight distribution that contributes to an excellent road holding. The steering is direct and responds quickly, giving the driver plenty of feedback and allowing for precise steering.

The 911 996 is agile and maneuverable, making it a pleasure both on winding country roads and on the racetrack. The road holding is stable and well controllable, conveying a high level of confidence and safety.

However, some critics have complained that the 996 is somewhat less driver-oriented compared to its predecessors and does not quite offer the same emotional driving experience. Also, the brakes have sometimes been rated as a bit weak.

Overall, the driving characteristics of the Porsche 911 996 offer an impressive driving experience with excellent performance and balanced handling. It’s a sports car that’s fun to drive both on the road and on the racetrack.

The Porsche 911 (996) is a sports car that delivers good performance both on the racetrack and in everyday life. However, it’s important to note that the 911 is still a high-performance vehicle and has some limitations when it comes to everyday use.

Firstly, the Porsche 911 (996) is a two-seater, meaning the interior offers limited space. This can cause issues if you want to transport a lot of luggage or passengers. The trunk is also quite small, making larger items difficult to store.

The 911 (996) also has a sporty suspension which, while it provides a sporty driving experience, can also lead to a somewhat uncomfortable ride in everyday traffic. It’s not necessarily the best car for long commuting distances or poor road conditions.

Another aspect to consider is the fuel consumption. The 911 (996) has a powerful engine and therefore can have higher consumption than other vehicles. This can lead to higher operating costs.

Despite these limitations, the Porsche 911 (996) offers some advantages in everyday use. The vehicle has good driving performance and precise handling, which makes driving on winding roads or highways a pleasure. It also has good braking performance and is therefore safe and reliable.

Overall, it can be said that while the Porsche 911 (996) is usable in everyday life, due to its sporty characteristics and some limitations, it is better suited for drivers who focus on driving pleasure and performance and are willing to accept the compromises in everyday use. It’s recommended to take a test drive before purchasing and consider individual needs and requirements.

The trunk of the Porsche 911 (996) has a capacity of about 100 liters. This is not particularly large compared to other vehicles, but the Porsche 911 is designed more as a sports car with a focus on performance and driving pleasure, so the emphasis is not on a large trunk.

The costs for maintenance, insurance, and general upkeep of a Porsche 911 (Model 996) can vary depending on various factors. Here are some average estimates for these costs:

1. Maintenance: Porsche vehicles typically require regular maintenance and inspections to ensure their performance and reliability. Maintenance costs can vary depending on the workshop and the extent of the work performed. For a Porsche 911 996, the annual maintenance costs could range between 800€ and 1500€.

2. Insurance: The insurance costs for a Porsche 911 996 can be somewhat higher due to the high value and associated repair costs. However, the exact costs depend on individual factors such as age, gender, driving experience, place of residence, and insurance company. An annual insurance premium of 1500€ to 2500€ is possible, but it can also be more expensive depending on individual circumstances.

3. General upkeep costs: General upkeep costs include expenses such as fuel, tires, brakes, oil changes, windshield wipers, etc. Since the Porsche 911 996 is a high-quality sports car model, the costs for spare parts and services can be somewhat higher than for conventional vehicles. However, the exact costs vary depending on driving behavior and individual use of the vehicle. A rough estimate for general upkeep costs could range between 1500€ and 3000€ per year.

It’s important to note that these are just rough estimates and the actual costs can vary depending on individual circumstances. It’s advisable to inquire about specific costs with an insurance company and a Porsche dealer or workshop to get accurate information.

The Porsche 911 (996) was the first model in the 911 series with a water-cooled engine. Regarding the engine and transmission layout, there are a few different options, depending on the model variant. Here are the most common configurations:

1. Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive (standard): Most models of the 911 (996) were equipped with a rear engine, located behind the rear axle. The power transmission was to the rear wheels.

2. All-wheel drive (4WD or “Carrera 4”): Some versions of the 911 (996) were equipped with all-wheel drive. The engine power was distributed to all four wheels to improve traction and handling. These models usually carried the “Carrera 4” designation.

3. Turbo models (Turbo or “Turbo 4WD”): The turbo models of the 911 (996) had a turbocharger, which increased the engine’s power. These models were always equipped with all-wheel drive and usually carried the “Turbo” or “Turbo 4WD” designation.

Regarding transmissions, the 911 (996) came standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. However, there was also an option for an automatic transmission, referred to as “Tiptronic.”

It’s important to note that there were various model variants and features within the production period of the 911 (996). Therefore, the exact engine and transmission layout can vary depending on the specific model.

The Porsche 911 996 used several different engines. Here are some of the most notable:

1. 3.4-Liter flat-six engine: This engine was used in the Carrera and Carrera 4 models. It produced about 296 horsepower and enabled acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5.2 seconds.
2. 3.6-Liter flat-six engine: This engine was used in the Carrera 4S, Targa, and Turbo models. It offered a power output of approximately 320 to 420 horsepower, depending on the variant. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h ranged between 4.8 and 4.2 seconds.
3. 3.6-Liter turbocharged flat-six engine: This engine was used in the GT2 model and produced around 476 horsepower. It enabled acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds.
4. 3.6-Liter flat-six engine with permanent magnet synchronous motor: This hybrid engine was used in the 911 GT3 R Hybrid model. It combined a conventional gasoline engine with an electric motor, providing a total power output of around 480 horsepower.

It’s important to note that the engines can slightly vary depending on the production year and specifications of the Porsche 911 996.

The Porsche 911 996 models came equipped with two different types of transmissions: a manual transmission and an automatic transmission.

The manual transmission was a 6-speed manual, where the driver had to manually change gears. This transmission allowed for a sportier driving experience and a direct connection between the driver and the car.

The automatic transmission was a 5-speed automatic, also known as “Tiptronic”. With this transmission, the driver could choose to shift automatically or manually change gears using paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Various suspension systems were used in the Porsche 911 996, depending on the chosen trim line and optional upgrades. Essentially, there were two main suspension options to choose from.

The standard suspension, also known as “PASM” (Porsche Active Suspension Management), had a traditional spring-damper configuration with a manual adjustment of the damper hardness. This suspension offered a balanced combination of comfort and sporty performance.

For drivers seeking an even sportier driving experience, the optional sport suspension was available. This suspension provided a firmer ride and even better vehicle control for a sportier drive. It was also lower, which led to improved handling and reduced body roll.

In addition to these two suspensions, there were also optional upgrades such as the “Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake” (PCCB), which offered increased braking performance and better heat dissipation, and the “Porsche Stability Management” (PSM), which ensured improved stability and traction in various driving situations.

It’s important to note that the availability of the different suspensions and upgrades can vary depending on the year of manufacture, equipment package, and specific options. It is recommended to check the exact details for the desired model year and chosen configuration with the Porsche dealer or in the vehicle documentation.

The Porsche 911 996, is undoubtedly a classic in the automotive industry. However, there are some weaknesses that can occur with this model.

One of the most well-known weaknesses involves the IMS bearing (Intermediate Shaft Bearing). The IMS bearing is located on the crankshaft and can be susceptible to failures in some engines of the 996 series. This can lead to engine damage and requires a costly repair. When buying a used 996, it’s recommended to pay attention to whether the IMS bearing has already been replaced or if it corresponds to the newer, improved versions.

Another issue that can occur with some 996 models is the Type-64 error. This error affects the odometer display in the instrument cluster. The display can fail or display incorrect values. This can be a problem as it affects the traceability of the vehicle and can lead to difficulties in sales or maintenance. It’s recommended to carefully check the vehicle’s mileage and, if necessary, repair or replace the instrument cluster.

Another concern involves radiator weaknesses in some 996 models. Over time, the radiators can leak or crack. This can lead to overheating issues and requires a repair or replacement of the cooling system. It’s advised to regularly check the cooling system and perform maintenance as needed.

Finally, the paint on some 996 models can be sensitive and can easily show scratches or stone chips. This can be particularly the case with older vehicles, as the paint quality can deteriorate over time. It’s recommended to regularly maintain the vehicle and, if necessary, refurbish the paint.

It’s important to note that not all Porsche 911 996 models are affected by these weaknesses. Many vehicles have never experienced these issues, or they have already been addressed. However, it is advisable to conduct a thorough inspection before purchasing a used 996 and carefully check the condition of the vehicle.

The Porsche 911 996 is a sports car that offers top-class driving pleasure. With its powerful engine and agile suspension, it is a true joy on the road or on the race track. The 3.6-liter boxer engine offers impressive acceleration and a high top speed. The precise steering and balanced driving behavior provide extremely agile handling and optimal road holding.

The driving experience in the Porsche 911 996 is intense and exciting. The sound of the engine is a true delight to the ears and contributes to the driving experience. The precise shifting and the direct response of the engine make driving a pure pleasure.

In addition, the Porsche 911 996 also offers a certain amount of comfort. The interior is well crafted and provides a pleasant atmosphere. The seats offer enough support and are comfortable even on longer drives.

All in all, the Porsche 911 996 offers an impressive driving experience and is ideal for anyone seeking the ultimate in driving pleasure.

Both the coupe and the convertible share many common features, including engines, drivetrains, and interior design. However, there are some differences between the two versions, primarily due to the design and driving experience.

1. Body and Design: The most obvious difference between the 996 coupe and the convertible is the roof. The coupe has a fixed roof, while the convertible has a retractable fabric roof that provides open-air driving pleasure.
2. Weight: The convertible is generally slightly heavier than the coupe, due to the additional mechanisms and reinforcements needed to support the retractable roof.
3. Structure and Driving Dynamics: The coupe might have slightly better structural rigidity, which could translate to a slightly higher driving precision. Convertibles, however, have additional reinforcements to compensate for the lack of structural support from the roof.
4. Price: Convertibles are often more expensive than their coupe counterparts due to their additional equipment and mechanisms.

The Porsche 911 996 is very popular among car enthusiasts due to its classic design and driving performance. The market for the Porsche 911 996 is quite robust, with a wide range of offers in various conditions and equipment variants.

Prices for the Porsche 911 996 vary depending on the age, mileage, condition, and equipment of the vehicle. Generally, older models with higher mileage are cheaper than newer models with lower mileage.

Based on current market analyses, the average price for a Porsche 911 996 ranges between 25,000 and 60,000 euros. However, this is just a rough estimate, and it’s important to check actual listings on the market to get accurate pricing information.

It should be noted that rare special models or well-maintained vehicles with low mileage can fetch a higher price.

It is advisable to carry out a thorough inspection before buying a Porsche 911 996 and to check the vehicle condition, particularly regarding rust and possible mechanical problems. It’s also important to review the maintenance history and service record to ensure that the vehicle has been well-maintained.

Overall, the Porsche 911 996 is a sought-after vehicle on the market, and its prices remain stable. However, it’s advisable to regularly monitor the market and seek expert advice to get the best possible price for the desired model.

The Porsche 911 996 is an iconic sports car model that was produced from 1997 to 2006. The vehicle boasts an impressive combination of performance, style, and handling, making it a popular model among car enthusiasts.

In terms of design, the 911 996 has a modern and distinctive look that sets it apart from predecessor models. With its rounded body and sleek lines, the 996 looks contemporary without losing the classic Porsche style. Some purists may argue that the 996 does not have the same timeless charm as older 911 models, but most people will appreciate the modern design.

Under the hood, the 911 996 offers impressive performance. There are various engine options, ranging from a 3.4-liter six-cylinder boxer engine to a 3.6-liter turbo boxer engine. These engines provide impressive acceleration and a high top speed. The 996 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds, which is impressive for a sports car of this era.

As for handling, the 911 996 is agile and precise thanks to its rear-wheel drive and balanced weight distribution. The steering is direct and responsive, giving the driver a lot of confidence on the road. The 996 also comes with various suspension and brake options, allowing the driver to customize the driving experience.

Another important aspect of the 911 996 is its interior. Porsche knows how to combine luxury and sportiness, and the 996 is no exception. The seats are comfortable and provide good lateral support, while the dashboard and center console are intuitively designed. However, the interior might be somewhat dated compared to later Porsche models.

It’s important to note that the 911 996 can have some technical issues, especially related to engine damage due to the IMS bearing used between 1997 and 2001. However, this problem does not affect all vehicles and can be fixed with regular maintenance and replacement of the bearing.

Overall, the Porsche 911 996 is an impressive sports car model that combines performance, style, and handling. It’s a good choice for car lovers looking for an iconic vehicle that also works well for everyday use. However, potential buyers should keep possible technical problems in mind and perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle before deciding to buy.