I have searched many threads and have never found where anyone said why the '02 is heavier than the '01, other than the obvious glove box, and possibly the Bose sound system.

I found some info in the "Porsche Service Information Technik 2002" that may offer an explanation.

There were extensive reinforcement measures in the sill, roof and seat pan area. This increased the flexional and torsional strength by another 25%.

The bodyshell was modified in various places for the purpose of model upgrades. Did this add weight? I don't know.

The B-post was modified to take the new shoulder belt tensioner and belt force limiter. Weight?

In the tunnel and seat pan area, there was an additional tube fitted that provided side support and lateral reinforcement.

There was also a reinforcement tube fitted in the side of the roof frame.

Perhaps all this explains the weight differential.

Trivial information, I know, but perhaps interesting to some.

 

Interesting, I didn't know.

Thanks!

 

They needed a lot of reinforcement and structural rigidity to get the glovebox to work. Under strenuous testing, the glovebox would not open in hard corners. They stiffened up the chasis for tortional rigidity and voila!

 

Nah, they were implemented to keep the new cupholders from spilling beer

 

Very interesting. I didn't know they made such significant changes after just one model year.

 

it's because the 02 is heavier than the 01. that why it weighs more

 

Porsche lists the '01 and the '02 Turbo as weighing the same.

 

I bought my 2002 for the improved safety and rigidity.

This is what the Porsche Ultimate buying guide book says:
It lists the weights of both the 2001 and 2002 as 1540 KG.

It lists the 2002 model year summary changes as:

"Major upgrade with enlarged 320bhp 3.6 engine with Variocam plus technology and more agressive sound. "facelift" with teardrop style frontheadlamps and restyled bumpers front and rear. Improved areodynamics, rigidity, and crash protection. Upgraded interior quality and improved spec. to include On Board Computer (OBC), three spoke steering wheel, glovebox, and cupholders. Cabriolet gets glass rear window, New Targa and Carrera 4S (with Turbo Widebody) launched."

 

definitley the CUP HOLDERS...

Alan

 

If the '01 and the '02 weigh exactly the same, then it makes me wonder what weight-saving changes were made in the '02 models. The changes I mentioned at the beginning of this thread must have added weight.
Some loss of weight elsewhere would be necessary in order to give the two different year models precisely the same total weight.

 

Hollow spoke wheels in '02 might have helped a little...As well as the hollow cup holders!!!!

 

Interesting theories. Anyone know the various weights and changes of the 996TTs over the years? I have a 2003 and would be curious how it compares to previous and following years versions.

 

Welcome to the imprecise world of Porsche!

Several years ago here on 6speed we discussed this same topic of... "the '02 is stiffer than the '01"... which was based on the information Porsche published - as represented by the reference you've included in you post here. The effort by several members to find out the real story went on for some time, and as I remember it boiled down to not being able to confirm that what Porsche had said...the '02 is stiffer than the '01...was really true. Some information pointed to a possibility that the "stiffness" improvements were really those made prior to the release of the '01...meaning that the '01 and the '02 were both equally stiff. In this case, it would be a matter of Porsche not quality controlling their official information...something they seem to excel at sometimes.

I can't remember what model year it was, but after saying the 996 Turbo weighed 3395 pounds (based on options) for several years, Porsche published the official weight of a new model year Turbo at something over 3500 pounds...and there were no changes between these model years that could account for the increased weight. I called a friend at PCNA and asked about the information...but he would not talk about it with me.

I weighed my '02 Turbo on four pad racing scales...a full tank of gas, no occupants, and an option list of sunroof delete, power lumbar supports on both seats, and floor mats...and it weighed 3480 lbs. I believe Porsche's 3395 lb number did not include a full tank of gas.

 

Nice to hear from you Dock. How ya been?

 

Life is good.

I'm still loving my '02 Turbo (with mods of course).