Porsche 911 Turbo: 2002 vs 2003 vs 2004 ?
 

Is there any site that any of the P-car mavens know of that would provide good guidance on the merits and differences of the 996 for various model years? When did the styling changes occur? 2004 or 2005? Is there a particular "vintage" where it all got nicely tied together? Any years that have higher tinker factors than others?

fln8tive,

You can't go wrong asking your questions on a site like Rennlist.
www.rennlist.com

Now don't quote me on this, but I think the biggest difference if any at all, was the addition of the X50 option. I believe the option was about $17K and added a good deal of HP and some tuning mods.

A lot of people argue though, they could have gone aftermarket and done similiar mods for much less (but with no warranty)..

Other than that, I don't really think they made any changes in the car from year to year. But again, please don't quote me because I am not a expert on 996 models.

B

I don't think there were any styling changes on the 996 Turbo. The styling changes happened this year on the 2007 997.

Or maybe they did some tail light switch or something insignificant. But I can't think off hand of any styling changes on the 996.

And in terms of "vintage" your going to have to be careful about that. Now, I know this will probably start a flame war and I apologize in advance, but for the most part, the 996 was not a very well received car in the P-car community of enthusiasts. (Which actually may make it very valuable in 50 years, lol.)
But by today's standards, the currently sought after 911's are the 993 body style, those are the vintage cars. (And of course the older models which is a given)

As amazing as the performance is on the 996, many people thought them to be a bit "soul-less".. And Porsche is said to have brought back the soul on the 997 models (which I personally agree with.) - They drive like a Japanese sports car, not like a German sports car.
However, the 993 Turbo is not a great everyday car and the 997 Turbo is both expensive and hard to get right now and will take a huge depreciation to the first owner. So the 996 will probably be a good value.

B

I've been looking at 2002-2004's with the X50 package. Haven't driven one yet, but the performance stat's are impressive.

great cars, pretty bulletproof. there were no significant changes to it throughout the years. The X50 pckg is great but why pay more when you can go to EVOMS or GIAC and get the same amount of power? Good luck with the search. :thumbup:

BTW, beside rennlist, you can also surf 6speedonline for a lot of Pcar related info.

6speedonline. for sure.

but short answer: the current 997 Turbo is the 6th generation 911 Turbo. the previous was the 996 Turbo, which came out -- i believe -- in 2000. To my knowledge, no changes during the 996 Turbo years except, as abovementioned, the X50 package. The new 997 TT is the car currently, arguably, the best all-around daily driver supercar.

Had a 2002 996, Carrera. Agree with B-line that it was not well rec'd
with the purists. But the turbo more than made up for that with its power.
New headlights then were a big complaint. I thought they looked
great! Can't go wrong with a turbo. FWIW.:thumbup:

Ah, FL8...
Ya'll's ship musta come in!
Go get one: it would provide
considerable impetus for me to
come "north" and help you polish the
beast this "winter season"!
GL,mD

(green with envy at all the new, fine
rides the Gang is getting lately...)

6speedonline.com is a great site. Matter of fact, it is owned and operated by a guy I went to High School with named Darren.
- Just a heads up though, if you sign on to Rennlist, you can post and ask questions immediately.
- With 6speedonline, you need to be accepted as a member before you can post questions. That usually takes about a week or so.

B

Just visited 6speedonline. Great site, thanks. Goal is to get clear on all the model numbers and start tracking market values...you can't negotiate if you're a noob. I'm curious what $70K gets a shrewd shopper.

Confusing...Is a 2002-2004 996 TT the same as a GT2?

mD: One youngish parent with a stroke makes for frequent trips to the ol' folks home. No Porsches in Resident Parking there. Cain't take it wiff me.