[pg]

to say that 996 was the first 'new design' is inaccurate

The article you link to calls the 996 the "first truly all-new 911."

[nl]

Yeah, but it's like an axe. The 964 replaced the handle, the 993 replaced the head.

The 996 replaced both the head and the handle at the same time - but all 911s have evolved along the same lines,and the 996 just followed that line.

[richiezc]

the 996 and the new 991 are all new designs, and not always for the better depending on your POV.

996: air cool -> water cool 991: hydraulic -> electric steering

Even from a physical standpoint the 996 on are positively large compared to 993 and earlier. Isn't a cayman about the same size as pre 90's 911s?

[arepb]

Those are two different things, though!