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Porsche 911 / 996 GENERATION
The Porsche 996 was the first water-cooled 911 and one of the most important generations in the model’s history. Produced from 1998 to 2005, it introduced an entirely new platform and expanded to include everything from the Carrera and Carrera 4 to the Turbo, GT2, GT3, and several special editions. Early cars used a 3.4-liter flat-six before Porsche increased displacement to 3.6 liters in 2002. Today, the 996 is valued for its analog driving experience, compact dimensions, and relative affordability compared with later 911 generations. The guide below shows every major 996 variant, including engine changes, drivetrains, power outputs, and special editions.
| Model | Generation | Years | Engine / Power | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrera | 996.1 | 1998-1999 | 3.4L M96, 296 hp | Rear-wheel-drive Carrera, also known as C2. |
| Carrera | 996.1 | 2000-2001 | 3.4L M96, 300 hp | Rear-wheel-drive Carrera, also known as C2. |
| Carrera | 996.2 | 2002-2005 | 3.6L M96, 320 hp | Facelift Carrera with larger 3.6L engine. |
| Carrera 4 | 996.1 | 1998-1999 | 3.4L M96, 296 hp | All-wheel-drive Carrera, also known as C4. |
| Carrera 4 | 996.1 | 2000-2001 | 3.4L M96, 300 hp | All-wheel-drive Carrera, also known as C4. |
| Carrera 4 | 996.2 | 2002-2005 | 3.6L M96, 320 hp | Facelift all-wheel-drive Carrera. |
| Carrera 4S | 996.2 | 2002-2005 | 3.6L M96, 320 hp | Wide-body Carrera 4S with Turbo-style bodywork. |
| Targa | 996.2 | 2002-2005 | 3.6L M96, 320 hp | Glass-roof 996 Targa. |
| Millennium Edition | 996.1 | 2001 | 3.4L M96, 300 hp | Special edition Carrera. |
| 40 Jahre Edition | 996.2 | 2004 | 3.6L M96, 345 hp | 40th anniversary special edition. |
| Turbo | 996 Turbo | 2001-2005 | 3.6L Mezger, 414 hp | Wide-body, all-wheel-drive Turbo model with Mezger engine. |
| Turbo X50 | 996 Turbo | 2002-2005 | 3.6L Mezger, 444 hp | Factory power upgrade for the 996 Turbo. |
| Turbo Cabriolet | 996 Turbo | 2004-2005 | 3.6L Mezger, 414 hp | Open-top wide-body Turbo with all-wheel drive. |
| Turbo S | 996 Turbo | 2005 | 3.6L Mezger, 444 hp | Final high-output 996 Turbo variant. |
| GT3 | 996.1 | 1999-2001 | 3.6L Mezger, 355 hp | Rear-wheel-drive GT model. Not officially sold in the U.S. until 2004. |
| GT3 | 996.2 | 2002-2005 | 3.6L Mezger, 381 hp | Facelift GT3. U.S. market availability from 2004. |
| GT3 RS | 996.2 | 2003-2005 | 3.6L Mezger, 381 hp | Lightweight GT3 RS. Not officially sold in the U.S. or Canada. |
| GT2 | 996.2 | 2002-2005 | 3.6L Mezger, 476 hp | Rear-wheel-drive wide-body GT model. |