I don't prefer the 996 because the pedals are hanging instead of the old race car style mounted on the floor (much more elegant and easier to work on). Also I've never heard of anyone tangling their clumsy feet under the old pedals but have heard of an old-time autocrosser crashed his boxster because he got his feet mixed up under the wrong pedal during a Porsche parade autox.

Also, the newer engines say cheaper to produce and not as hardy for racing (dry versus wet sump etc, previously covered ad nauseum)

Interior gauges too flashy and not serious in appearance (separates are more costly again and have the advantage of easier repair if one gauge fails).

The old philosophy was build a street car based on race car experience and success..new philosophy is earn more profit giving them something similar but not proven by racing success. If old philosophy was still being applied we would be getting the GT3 engines in our normal 996's at normal 996 pricing.

Lastly, I don't like the flat-sided look of the 996 nor the egg lights.

Sweet & Awesome looking: 996 Turbo Coupe, TT Cab, GT3, GT2, GT2RS

I've changed my mind about the 996. I'm going to get one and a Cayenne when I can pay cash for them. The 996 is an awesome car in speed and handling - way, way, way better than my upgraded '87 coupe. Its looks grow on you too. I have a Porsche poster on my home office wall titled "Triple Espresso" that has a Boxster S, Cayenne Turbo and 996 that I stare at and drool over every day. If I had the cash now, I'd buy both now but still keep the SC and Carrera. The SC's my go-kart and the Carrera is just too beautiful to behold in Cassis Red.

Trickle-down Porschenomics. I agree and I like it.

all 911's are great :)
but starting with the 964, the car began to change, first it was suspension, then bodywork (993),then the 996 cut the last tie with the original 911 losing the aircooled engine

ahhhh.... I can't help but add my 2 cents. Lord knows this thread isn't long enough already.

My theory is this - everyone identifies with a particular car (make/model/year) for different reasons, but the general trend, is that it is something you can relate to and has emotional ties. For me, the classic 911 will most certainly always be the 74-89 SCs and "Carreras". Why? because when I was 6 years old, that was THE car, and the sight of a stock targa with the 3-spoke steering wheel and fuchs rims will always evoke memories for me.

Same with the 356 model, since that's what my family had as I grew up. Sitting behind the wheel of T-6 just feels like home.

Now, the 996? Great car, say what you while. 20 years from now? I'm sure there will be a crowd complaining about what ever Porsche is "currently" making and claiming that the 996 is the ultimate sports car - and they will have their reasons.

I have nothing against the current line up. I just think that it is getting more difficult to get the same "enjoyment" on todays' street with today's cars.
The 996 limits are so high that make the driving experience dull (at least for me). The 996 will run circle around my Carrera but who cares. I am going to be flamed for this but I have no interest in a GT3 either. Well only if I was loaded and could spend 2 days a week at the track.
There are too many silly drivers and the Police are getting tougher on today's streets.
Mayvbe I should sell the Carrera and get a 911S...

Because they call it a 911 when it isn't. Porsche marketing noticed a lot of people liked the 911 name and they decided to apply it to everything. I'm surprised the Cayenne isn't referred to as a 911 SUV.

If they called it a 996 then I wouldn't get so upset about folks comparing it to the air cooled version. Heck, most 996 owners I meet don't even know what I'm talking about when I call their car a 996.

I've found that exact same thing.

-"what year do you have"
-"2000"
-"oh, you have the 996"
-"no, it's a 911"

hate the owners that know zip about P-cars, hate the Porsche marketing people for misleading the general public.... But hating the car itself?!?