[NCSD]

Whats funner?

[Hooves]

SS will be faster in the straights and through turns.

A fifteen year old 911 will have more admirers.

A fifteen year old 911 will have much more "fun" at the shop.

[WhyUMad1LE]

996s are near the bottom of depreciation curve. So probably a better buy if you don't have to fix it. Drive one and let us know.

[Pablo 1LE]

Originally Posted by NCSD

Whats funner?

It totally depends on what your definition of fun is. A 2002 Porsche was badass back in 2002. Thats a long time ago. So it really depends on what your expectations are and how you drive. And possibly what badge is attached to your ride. An old Porsche 911 may seem cheap at time of purchase, but you still gots to pay to play.

[NCSD]

Originally Posted by Hooves

SS will be faster in the straights and through turns.

A fifteen year old 911 will have more admirers.

A fifteen year old 911 will have much more "fun" at the shop.

Wow, you nailed it on all three points.

A few weeks ago I swapped cars with my friend who has a clean 2002 911 and he was always talking about what a bargain those cars are and I should sell my car and get one. After an hour driving his 911 on mountain roads, we switched back and I walked away a little let down with the Porsche, and my friend was a little impressed with the camaro. I expected so much more. A 911 was always my dream car, but the car is 15 years old and I think the power of the Camaros V8 has spoiled me.

To me it felt dated, it was precise in the corners, but not much torque out of the corners compared to the camaro. On a tight, twisty road my camaro pulls away from the older Porsche. I didn't expect that and neither did my friend. Now he has a little more respect the camaro, but he's still a Porsche guy for your second reason.

[Ryephile]

Thanks for following up after driving it. Your comments don't surprise me one bit. Progress has moved quickly in the auto world.

It also reinforces that cars special to our hearts aren't always competent cars in a larger context. We have to reconcile that in our own way.

[meadowz06]

We have a 2003 911 on the lot. Not that fast. Styling is bland at best. Drives ok. Maintenance nightmare.

[JK001]

Originally Posted by Ryephile

Thanks for following up after driving it. Your comments don't surprise me one bit. Progress has moved quickly in the auto world.

It also reinforces that cars special to our hearts aren't always competent cars in a larger context. We have to reconcile that in our own way.

Very well said, Sir! I think everyone should reflect on that thought for a bit, a car is absolutely not defined by the numbers it puts out .

[Bosse'sBoss]

I used to own that car '02 Porsche Carrera wich I modified to the European edition (antirollbars, spring & shocks) the car was excellent while taking high speed curves at my local PCA, great handling car, but you need a big pocket $$$ for the maintenance cost.

[Bosse'sBoss]

If you decide to go that way look instead for a newer 997 or 991 series, S, S4, GTS or GT3 including RS also keep an eye on the Cayman S or Boxter. They are great weekend toys. Manual or PDK transmission.

[germanicus]

Whats not fun is the IMS bearing grenading your engine. My buddies had his go on him. Luckily CarMax bought him a new engine.

Caveat Emptor!

[bpang1234]

Performance cars have taken such a huge leap forward in the last few years that even a top tier car from the 2000s can't run with brand new cars that are much more affordable.

If you're gonna get something like an early 2000s 911, it better be more about the intangibles like desire, passion, collectibility, etc.