So I'm going to be an owner of either a 996 or 997 possibly later this year. and have a few "historical questions"

I come from the BMW world and wanted to know if anyone could shed light on why Porsche have basically kept the same shape/chassis of the 911 series for so many years ?

Any reason why they kept the ignition on the left ?

Do they have specific "patents" that prevent other manufacturers from copying them ?

For purists, is it better to own an 996 as a drivers' car vs the 997 ?

I see other car manufactures do complete re-designs, but not Porsche and hope to be a proud owner one day.

Thanks for your time,

sj

 

1. If it ain't broke...

2. From their racing heritage - races started with drivers running to their cars. Left hand ignition allowed them to key with the left hand while getting their right hand on the stick. Another "ain't broke" thing, I guess.

3. Automakers have tons of patents, and often share them for broader safety and benefit from the bragging rights and being magnanimous. Like ABS - I think Daimler Benz had that one.

4. I can't speak to the 997, but to me the 996 is about the limit of technical wizbangery I'd like to see in an "honest" sports car.

Good luck in the hunt!
-V

 

I've heard another story about limiting harness length for ignition and costs but the racing heritage is my bet also. I agree the 996tt is the right mix of old and new school.

 

I remember reading this years ago...

The ignition is on the left.

-V

 

Another story/version for the key on the left is that Ferry Porsche was left handed and preferred the key there. After all he did own the company in the early days.

 

I prefer the 996TT to the 997. While I do prefer the headlights on the 997 - the 996 is a more raw, yet compliant experience.
But it's not like the 996 is stripped down compared to the 997, just less modern creature comforts.

I do like the look of the 996TT steering wheel better than the 997 as well.

If you look at the 993 (version prior to 996) to 996 interior...huge difference. 996 to 997, less so.

Good luck!

 

Now that I'm used to the key in my left hand I feel like there's less chance I might scratch the paint when I open the door with my right....it also helps with the terrible range my remote seems to have because I can get right on top of the pillar with my left without crossing my body.

Not changing the body style dramatically plays to the heritage of the design...also helps keep the "older" car values higher.

997 will have more electronic toys (like tpms and bluetooth). If you want an auto go PDK and not triptronic. The 997.2 also has something like 40% less moving parts in the engine so it could be "better" in a sense...

 

thanks for the information everyone. I'll be sure to report back in the months, weeks leading to the purchase.

 

lemans starts.

the porsche 911 body design relies upon the "golden ratio".