Is a 993 a 911? Is a 996?

[motion]

Of course, the pre '90 cars are 911s, but did Porsche ever abandon the name and switch to 993 or 996 as the common name? I'm pretty sure the C2s from 90-94 were always referred to as "911s".

Funny story: I had to go to traffic school today. There was a guy in his 50's with a new 996 Cab. So I start off by saying, "Hey, nice 996" (just to be polite ) He says, "You mean Carrera?" !! Didn't even know it was called a 996. I guess if it says Carrera on the back end.... turns out this is his 2nd Porsche, the first being a Boxster. Then he starts talking about wanting a Porsche Cheyenne . Good grief.

[ZAMIRZ]

On Porsches website there is no mention of 996, all the models are 911.

A 996, 993, 964 are just as much 911s as the pre-90 cars IMHO.

[andrew15]

I concur with Amir - just a continuation of the 911 line.
But I still can't wait for the 'not a 911 if not air cooled' crowd to chime in

Regards,
Andrew M

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I was filling up my 69 E today when I turned around and saw a new car, top down.

"How do you like your Boxster?" I asked, genuinely interested.

The female owner sniffed, "it's a 911, and it's very fast."

That seals it I guess.

[cegerer]

"But I still can't wait for the 'not a 911 if not air cooled' crowd to chime in "

OK, I'll go a step further and say "real 911s" ceased production in 1973 ....... -- Curt

[andrew15]

See Curt? Now you've kicked the hornets nest! When DID the real 911 end?
1968 Last of the short wheelbase?
1971 Last of the dog leg 1st gear (racing heritage)?
1973 End of Pre-impact bumpers?
1988 Last torsion bar suspension?
1998 Last of the air cooled engine?

Any others? I've been working on the RS carpet today and I'm a bit loopy on the fumes and probably forgot some points of contention!

AM

[motion]

1998 without a doubt. And arguably the best one ever made.

[cegerer]

I usually say 1971 due to the 901 gearbox, but I thought I would be civil and extend it to 1973 for tonight .....

[Porsche]

Originally posted by Shaun 84 Targa
I was filling up my 69 E today when I turned around and saw a new car, top down.

"How do you like your Boxster?" I asked, genuinely interested.

The female owner sniffed, "it's a 911, and it's very fast."

That seals it I guess.

LOL!

Even the 89-94 "C2's" had an internal name: 964.

I'd say they are real 911s. The same goes for the later 993s. Not just because they have an aircooled engine, but because the whole package is 911. Looks, interior, sound, feel etc.

The 996 is only a 911 to the Porsche AG marketing department. How should they turn down the brand value of the 911 name. They couldn't. Better to cut back on ideals and make some money I guess. So there you have it; a "911" that doesn't look like a 911.

The 63-98 911s all share the same basic concept. They are different, but true to the ideal. The 996 follows a different concept. It wants to be both a sports car and a Lexus at the same time. Not that it's a bad car or concept, it just isn't a 911.


There you have it. A comment from a fanatic.

[Milu]

Summed up perfectly by Mikkel

[Bobboloo]

I just call them all 356's.

[dotorg]

I'm fairly new to this 911 thing, but a few months into my affair, I think I've gotta say if she's not a little b!tchy, doesn't have great curves, isn't a little loud, a little mean and doesn't feel like she's going to cold clock you at any moment while you're ridin' her, she's not a 911.

996's are very sexy, and I'd love to have one as a daily driver, but its too plush, too refined. I don't need the choice of exotic headliner materials in a sports car. Just gets in the way of the roll cage anyway

[911]

I'd say that for the pure Porsche enthusiasts, WE call a 911 the following:

E, L, S, T, RS, SC, Turbo, Carrera, 964, 993, 996, etc.

The others simply call it a 911.

[Russ in VA]

"I don't care for speed if it comes without drama."

Well said Ed!

Exactly why I never liked my wifes '99 Corvette.