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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.

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Model Generation Years Engine / Power Key Notes
Carrera996.11998-19993.4L M96, 296 hpRear-wheel-drive Carrera, also known as C2.
Carrera996.12000-20013.4L M96, 300 hpRear-wheel-drive Carrera, also known as C2.
Carrera996.22002-20053.6L M96, 320 hpFacelift Carrera with larger 3.6L engine.
Carrera 4996.11998-19993.4L M96, 296 hpAll-wheel-drive Carrera, also known as C4.
Carrera 4996.12000-20013.4L M96, 300 hpAll-wheel-drive Carrera, also known as C4.
Carrera 4996.22002-20053.6L M96, 320 hpFacelift all-wheel-drive Carrera.
Carrera 4S996.22002-20053.6L M96, 320 hpWide-body Carrera 4S with Turbo-style bodywork.
Targa996.22002-20053.6L M96, 320 hpGlass-roof 996 Targa.
Millennium Edition996.120013.4L M96, 300 hpSpecial edition Carrera.
40 Jahre Edition996.220043.6L M96, 345 hp40th anniversary special edition.
Turbo996 Turbo2001-20053.6L Mezger, 414 hpWide-body, all-wheel-drive Turbo model with Mezger engine.
Turbo X50996 Turbo2002-20053.6L Mezger, 444 hpFactory power upgrade for the 996 Turbo.
Turbo Cabriolet996 Turbo2004-20053.6L Mezger, 414 hpOpen-top wide-body Turbo with all-wheel drive.
Turbo S996 Turbo20053.6L Mezger, 444 hpFinal high-output 996 Turbo variant.
GT3996.11999-20013.6L Mezger, 355 hpRear-wheel-drive GT model. Not officially sold in the U.S. until 2004.
GT3996.22002-20053.6L Mezger, 381 hpFacelift GT3. U.S. market availability from 2004.
GT3 RS996.22003-20053.6L Mezger, 381 hpLightweight GT3 RS. Not officially sold in the U.S. or Canada.
GT2996.22002-20053.6L Mezger, 476 hpRear-wheel-drive wide-body GT model.