This has been the age-old argument in many Porschephiles' circles. You're either a huge fan of the air-cooled models -- predating the 996 911 -- or you scoff at the water-cooled Porsches and are less than appreciative of the 996, 997 and all-new 991.
But why?
It really seems like a pointless argument, no?
The 911 has been through countless hours of engineering for more than 30 years and there is no doubt that the water-cooled models were some of the best ones. Sure, one could make the character argument but that's essentially applicable across ALL automobiles.
Take, for example, the E36 3-Series to the E46, E90 and F30. I'd be more than willing to bet that those E36ers are not gigantic fans of the later models even though they were more reliable, featured more relevant technology and had WAY better interiors.
You can definitely take that to the bank with the 911, which now has a Panamera-inspired interior that's easily the best I've ever seen.
That said, WHY is it such a BIG deal that Porsche switched from air-cooled to water-cooled?