We just bought a 396 two months. My partner and I discussed the
differences and I went back and read all the posts about the 396. We
already have a Garmin 430 in the panekl so we only wanted the XM weather
capability.

In the end we decided that for the type of flying we do it was not worth
the extra price for the 496. So far, it seems that we have not
regretted our decision. I think we paid 2.2 AMU's for our 396 but I
think I just saw them for 2.1 AMU's somewhere. I am unsure if the 496
took a similar dip.

Jon Kraus
'79 Mooney 201
4443H @ UMP

mbremer216 wrote:

Any opinions on the differences between the two units. Other than the
faster updating and the better street atlas, what makes the newer model
worth $600 more?

Thanks

Mike