I find it honestly amusing that this thread is limited to two very opposite opinions. To be very precise, Porsche and especially the 911 was well-known for its versatility. You could use it on a daily basis yet drive it on a racetrack at the weekend. Even the visual appearance of the car made it fit in any given situation. No competitors could cover all of its virtues to such an extent. Ferrari or Mercedes' SL are still additions and no substitutes for a 911, but the gap has closed at least for the former.
Unlike others, for me the 911's layout has quite a few strong points and I don't agree that an equally powerful mid-engined sportscar would act as a replacement, more so as an addtion. Especially with today's technology and state of development, the demanding handling of the rear-engined car can be eased for the unexperienced drivers.
I certainly wouldn't want the old times back, I am fully aware of the benefits the current generation gives you, e.g. much improved ergonomics, handling and aerodynamics, and I prefer a healthy over an insolvent company. Up until the 993, the cars were good for more than 100k mls. before an engine overhaul. One can be lucky if the current ones make half of it. However Porsche honed the air-cooled chassis to perfection over almost four decades and this mirrors in those cars. Let's face it, the 996 and 997 are not only produced in very different numbers but in a much more cost-efficient manner. However this is inversely proportional to the prices they charge for their cars today. If you don't believe me check those prices for the Carrera models a decade ago and their position compared to the competition back then. Hopefully the new 9M7 engine solves the previous engine's flaws.
As an addition, the 993 and 996 TT were performance icons, there is no doubt about it, since they
combined status, performance and driveability on an unsurpassed level. Don't start suggesting that they could be rivaled in a straight line by a modified Pinto, that's nonsense and purely irrelevant in this discussion.
Some of the drawbacks mentioned are certainly due to Porsche's tense financial situation in the middle of 90ies and were hard to solve quickly. RMS? First-gen PCCB? However the 911 became a fashion item in recent past, bought by people who fall for these things. Naturally they look out for other things than a sportscar enthusiast does. Heated steering wheel? After all, the offer what customers ask for.
To be honest, I am rather left with the feeling that
you have to justify your decision to buy a Porsche than me defending my position. However I am getting tired of this discussion over the net, work is calling...!