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Thanks for the reply. I have definitely gotten the impression from what I've read that the 996 feels like there is more spiritual separation between you and the road whereas the 993 and before make you feel more connected. With that in mind, I would prefer a car that is less likely to cost me twice the purchase price in maintenance and repairs since it will always feel bitter if I have spent the price of a new 997 just to get my baby out of the shop yet again. I am far enough in time from my '85 911 that I doubt I will feel betrayed by a 996, at any rate. Probably the biggest thing I'd notice would be doing away with the VW-style heater controls on the floor between the seats. (As far as I know, they still put the tachometer in the center and the speedometer off to the side where you can't see it through the steering wheel.)
The bad news is that I don't know how I'll have much opportunity to drive examples of any, much less each of the choices (964 C2, 964 C4, 993 C2, 996 C2, 996 C4; rinse and repeat if I consider Cabriolets as well). That is simply a function of my geography. I'll be in Phoenix around Christmas so that would afford me some opportunities, and in Virginia for Thanksgiving but probably short on time as usual with those visits. Otherwise, I know of only one 911 here in town (I believe it's a 964 but haven't spent much time near it) and the owner would likely let me take it for a spin, depending on which brand of scotch I ply him with. I do know that he had the engine rebuilt and perhaps souped up a bit a couple years back and spent much time talking about the pain that it was to pay someone to do that for him.
The good news is that I do have a friend here who is fairly versed in German mechanical things. He has a project 944 and his hobbies appear to include buying random imports at police auctions and throwing wrenches at them until they are safe for his kids to drive. He'd likely be willing and able to help with any projects I may need to do. I can always throw in a book or trinket for his 944 with any parts I have to order that will require his involvement to install.
Do you know any good pointers to information on how the 996 C4 AWD system works? That might get me started on an idea of how involved it is to maintain. Maybe getting a C2 and just sticking to my truck on the icy days is the way to go.
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