Porsche 911 (996)

The 996 was the first completely new 911: a new body, a new interior and a new water-cooled flat-six with four valves per cylinder. It was developed alongside the Boxster and shared that car's front structure, doors and much of its interior, an economy that helped rescue Porsche's finances in the 1990s. The integrated headlamps were not universally liked and were redesigned in 2001.

The Carrera started with a 3.4-litre engine and 300 PS, growing to 3.6 litres and 320 PS for the 2002 model year. It was lighter than the 993, stiffer and faster, with noticeably more cabin space.

The Turbo, GT3 and GT2 did not use the Carrera's engine. They had a dry-sump flat-six derived from Porsche's racing engines and commonly called the Mezger engine after its designer, Hans Mezger. The GT3, launched in 1999, began a line of track-focused 911s that continues today.

Variants

Variant	Years	Notes
Carrera / Carrera 4 (3.4)	1997–2001	300 PS.
Carrera / Carrera 4 / 4S (3.6)	2001–2005	320 PS; 4S with the Turbo's wide body and brakes.
Turbo / Turbo S	2000–2005	420 PS, 450 PS as the Turbo S; four-wheel drive.
GT3 / GT3 RS	1999–2005	360 PS, later 381 PS; RS in 2003.
GT2	2001–2005	Rear-drive turbo, 462 PS, later 483 PS.

On a road trip

The 996 is the least expensive way into a 911 and one of the best to drive a long way. It is comfortable, reasonably narrow, light by modern standards and has hydraulic steering with real feel. A Carrera 4 or a Turbo makes a very capable all-weather touring car. Buy on condition and history, and the known engine issues below need not put you off.