997at

Hi guys........I have a question that I'd like to hear your opinions on. I've done the searches and I know that at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference, but I always value opinions from those who have faced a similar decision.
I have a literally perfect condition 06 997 S Cab, triple black, full leather, sports chrono, and lots of other options. It has 41K on it, and brand new set of MPSS. I drive it about 4-5K a year, and its not a DD. The problem is that every time I see a 993, I can't help thinking that it might still be the most attractive 911 ever made, and I've read so much about the raw driving experience, air cooled oil smell, engine sound, etc., etc. In addition, they are somewhat "rare". The rising value/investment proposition is not that important to me. I have to admit that I haven't driven one yet but intend to in the coming week. I know the drive will likely be the decider, but wanted to see if anyone has done anything similar and made the switch from 997 to 993. I'm not willing to lay out the big bucks for a C2S or C4S, so I will likely be looking for more of an even trade which would mean a C2 in "good" condition with 100K plus on it. For the 993, my preference would be a coupe.
So, I'm thinking of leaving a perfectly maintained, modern driving experience to go to a 20 yr old car with more than 100K on it.
Have any of you guys or gals done this and had no regrets? I'm not worried about maintenance costs if that helps.
Pic of my 997 below.

richardew

The 993 IS the most attractive 911 every made. Mine is an old school PDK (push da klutch). You have to drive a 993 as opposed to riding in a 997 w/PDK. It's not as fast but has plenty of get up and go. Driving a 993 may be the most fun you can have with your clothes on. I started out with a '95 C2 that I bought in 1/95 and traded it in on my '96 C4 Cab in 5/96. Then again, you might want to see what someone with a bit more seat time than my 20 years and 350,000 miles thinks.

e3photo

Yeah....I want to hear from that person who has more seat time than you Richard...


Emerfald

nine9six

You're asking opinions from a 993 crowd? And were looking for an unbiased views, yes?

997at

I know.......hard to be unbiased in the 993 forum. I was hoping there might be a few who have had both or have both and can offer some thoughts

Paolo1

"I have to admit that I haven't driven one yet" . Oi vey. Analysis and polling won't get you there. Please just go drive one and then come back for a really meaningful conversation.

fatmike

Let us know what you think after you drive one. It would be best to drive a well sorted 993 (with updated suspension, etc.).


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Boober

I went from an 06' C2S fairly modified to a 96' turbo. from a performance standpoint, my 997 would chew up and spit out my 993 on a road course. I absolutely loved my 997 but I just couldn't ignore 18 years of pining for my dream car. As has already been said, you just have to drive one (hopefully a good one at that) to truly decide for yourself. I'll be honest, my 997 was in just about every measurable category a better driving experience but the hundreds of tiny little things that make a 993 a 993 won out and continue to win every time. I realize that a turbo may be a different animal than you're shopping for but I hear often enough around here that the NB C2 is a vastly superior overall driving experience and the turbo shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath so you've got that going for you.

Drisump

I've driven 996's and 997's in an "enthusiastic" manner and my 85 and 96 in similar fashion. I think the air-cooled cars are a lot more fun at semi-legal speeds than the newer offerings. Looks are one thing, but driver engagement is something else. IMHO the more modern cars are amazing and comparatively effortless, but for sheer driving fun, there is no comparison. Cheers

NYC993

Your maintenance costs should be less than depreciation cost on any newer p-car, even if this aircooled craze tapers off...as long as you get well sorted car that wan't neglected.

nothing wrong with going from 997 or even 991 to 993. It's a very different car. Not better, not worse, just different. You might like it, you might say: what's the big deal. Go drive one.

Mark Harris

I have both and it's personal preference. I sold my first 933 and went to a 997. Huge mistake. Was on the hunt for another 993 almost immediately. When it's 95 degrees in heavy traffic the 997 PDK is perfect. But if my world closed in and I had to rid myself of all my stuff the 993 would be the last thing to go. I would literally sleep in it to keep it. I was without a 993 for about 8 months and despite having a 997 all I could think about was finding another one.

From a value/$$ perspective (the subject people hate being discussed here) my 993 is worth double the value of my 997. You might have to add some money to the pot to go from a 06' 997 to even a NB 993 with a 100K miles.

2ndof2

I never owned a 997 but my uncle and a few other friends had some in the past. They were nice to drive but just felt big and a bit too refined for my taste. I never felt like I wanted their cars versus mine. No doubt a car like your 997 would be great around here to head to wine country with the top down and wifeypoo by my side for touring. I'm sure the 997 is the more comfortable car for long trips (I'm 6ft) but I think the 993 is more fun to drive for shorter sporty stints. When I also had my 928 that was the car for me to commute or otherwise take on longer trips. I think of the 997 as a way more capable 928 with much better 911 style looks. You really need to drive a 993 and no doubt one with upgraded suspension to get the real feel for these cars. Good luck!

kreeshp

Recently I sat in a friend's 997 which had comparable mileage to my 993, while my friend drove. I was surprised by this 997's poor build quality as far as dash creaks/clicks/groans compared to my 993.

It may be a sample size of only one 997 and one 993 but the feeling I came away with after that brief ride is that that particular 997 seemed like a mass-produced appliance compared to my tight, creak-free 993.

doc_porsche

My experience, not as much as some here, should have little revelence.
99 cab
2011 GT3
96 993tt
96 C4S
97 C4S
I have to say that my 2011 was best in almost every category EXCEPT the way i feel when I drive it. I that case, my 993 tops. I don't think its comparable on paper, the newer he better. But how you feel, especially when I drive he air cooled, its non comparable. At he end of the day if i had to choose, 993 takes it

997at

Thanks for all of the thoughts so far guys. I fully realize that I'm a bit premature in asking the question without having driven one yet, but you guys have brought out a few good points that are relevant before I take my first drive...........perhaps the one that sticks out for me is the advice on driving one with an upgraded suspension. What type of suspension upgrade should I be looking for? A stock upgrade, or aftermarket?