Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (996 Series) (1998 - 2005)
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
Pragmatism hasnt always been a Porsche strong point. Take the 911 as a for instance. There are no solid engineering reasons for the engine to be slung out the back. It introduces all sorts of compromises and requires some fiendishly clever engineering to make work.
When Porsche attempts to inject a bit of common sense into proceedings, as it did by fitting the 911 with four-wheel drive to handle its ever increasing power outputs and give it a modicum of all-weather ability, owners decried the Carrera 4 as unworthy to wear the badge. That was some time ago, and while Carrera 4s are still seen by many as lacking the purity of a rear-wheel drive 911, they do make cracking used buys. Here we take a look at the merits of the 996-series Carrera 4, produced between 1998 and 2005.
| Build |  |
| Comfort |  |
| Depreciation |  |
| Economy | |
| Equipment | |
| Handling | |
| Insurance |  |
| Performance |  |
| Styling | |
| Value | |
The front boots bigger too, but you cant fit more than two bags in it and youll need to watch out when closing it so as not to dent the bonnet on protruding items. Antilock brakes and twin front airbags are included, although side bags and the excellent Porsche Stability Management electronics are extra. The Convertible features automatic roll-over protection and there are proportionately more Carrera 4 drop tops around than rear wheel drive models. Certain design cues remain; the slab sided dashboard and simple switchgear, and that Weissach crest staring at you from the steering wheel let you know that youre about to get a return on the millions Porsche have invested in research and development.
Now is actually a very good time to look for a 996 generation car. While values of its air-cooled 993 predecessor have strengthened, the popularity of the later 997 generation model has softened values of the 996 and the Carrera 4 remains one of the better bargains. A 1999 S registered Coupe is just under £28,000, with Tiptronic costing an extra £500. Carrera 4 Convertibles of the same year go for £29,000 manual and £29,500 for Tiptronic.
The wide-bodied Carrera 4S kicks off at £36,500 for a 2001 model year Y registered car with an 04 plater commanding £48,000. All Porsche 911 Carrera 4 models are rated at insurance group 20.
The 911s engine, although maybe not as charismatic as Porsches of yore, is nonetheless a fairly reliable unit although some of the early 3.4-litre 996 models had problems with cracked cylinders and conrod failures, most of which will have come to light by now. Check the tyres for wear and also have the rear axle and suspension inspected as heavy acceleration from a standstill on a dry surface leads not to wheelspin, but to quite severe axle-tramp. A whining axle or drive shaft will bear testament to this.
Go over the bodywork carefully looking for evidence of accident repair. Although the 911 holds the road well, there are no shortage of drivers who feel that Porsche ownership means special dispensation from the laws of physics. Check the condition of the alloy wheels for kerbing damage. 911s are very colour sensitive, and dark blue, white and green cars are harder to shift than ever-popular silver and black.
Otherwise insist on a proper Porsche main dealer service history, invest in an HPI check and buy the best you can afford.
(Estimated prices, based on a 1999 Carrera 4) Consumables for a 911 are almost laughably cheap. Youll pay £15 for an air filter, £4 for each spark plug, £10 for an oil filter, £16 for a alternator chain, and £15 for a fuel filter. Offset these costs by running any 911 exclusively on synthetic oil.
The switch from air to water-cooling was realistically the only solution for the technical team if they were to achieve the tougher goals set in terms of emissions, economy and refinement. Once you do venture on to open tarmac, a theoretical 174mph is possible, with rest to sixty occupying a scant 5.2 seconds in the 296bhp Carrera 4. Though this is slightly faster than the 993, Porsches real achievement is in making the 996 feel slower.
You could credit this to any number of factors; the lower engine noise, the slippery bodys greater wind resistance, the lighter power steering, the awesome brakes. The Carrera 4S is a real drivers tool. Despite there still being the occasional dissenting Porsche bore who will forever maintain that anything other than a rear-wheel drive Porsche 911 is an act of heresy, the unarguable logic of the four-wheel drive layout was given a vote of confidence when the 993-series Turbo range-topper switched to all-wheel drive. Weve become used to seriously powerful Porsches with power going to all four corners and its perhaps a sign of the times that the only recent special to receive a lukewarm reception was the rear-wheel drive only GT2 model.
If Porsche has evolved so, it seems, have its customers. Expect 60mph to come and go in 4.8 seconds, and Porsche claim exemption from the limited to 155mph brigade by letting the Carrera 4S run on to 177mph.
The 996-series Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is, at present, in a bit of a slump. While the 993 and 997 generations are currently rose tinted, the 996 is forgotten about, the all-wheel drive Carreras especially so. This makes it an ideal time to look for a tidy example. With early cars selling for roughly the same price as a new Nissan 350Z, its hard to resist the temptation.
