Hello Brian;

My understanding is that the 496 has a faster processor than the 396, so it renders screen updates much faster.  It also has a higher resolution display, so terrain and weather contours are much more detailed.  It also comes with a street maps database and the AOPA facilities directory.

Jon

There are a couple of ways to get a deal with Garmin.  One is to buy a used unit either from a private person or from a dealer.  Contact a dealer and they may have a trade in.  Also I found that you can get better prices for units in Canada than the US.

I found it funny that all the dealers in Oshkosh sold for exactly the same amount price.  After visiting the 3rd booth I asked the dealer if Garmin told them what to charge.  The dealer sheepishly admitted that was the case.  My understanding in Canada it is illegal for a manufacturer to tell a dealer what to charge.  I was able to get a better price in Canada than the deal that was offered for a 396 at the show.  You had to find the right dealer though. At least the Canandian dealers had the latitude to set their own pricing.

Brian,
I have a 396 in my C150 and I cannot imagine what else I would ever need. This thing does almost everything but fly the plane and has a wealth of information stored in it. I can't imagine upgrading to the 496 for that price.

Brian,

If you are flying long x country trips go with the 396 or 496, they have wx up-link and that alone is worth more than the price of either unit.  Also buy the "aviator" subscription package.  Forget the 296 or 196,and don't buy used unless you can get it for better than a 50% discount. 

Once you have doppler radar, TFR, Winds, TAF's, Metars, Restricted airspace,etc in the cockpit you won't go back.

There ya go...make it happen.

Mike Efting