SoCal

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum and I LIKE cars. I've owned many different cars but never a 356 and I've always wanted one/dream car. The closest I've come to it is a 912 in my college days and perhaps a VW Beetle. I know a little about 356s but not as much as the guys here.

I have a 1998 993 C2S (had it since 1999). Although I would like to keep it, I would have to sell it to get a 356. I have an opportunity to get a 1962 356 Cab (needs to be restored).

I like to get some feedback from owners of both 993s and 356s. Thoughts?

My current daily driver is a 2003 Range Rover. I thought about selling that and getting the 356 but the 993 isn't a great daily driver (I drive about 35 miles/day roundtrip to/from work).

jcnesq

I don't think you can really compare a 356 with a 993C2S. I just got my first 356 two months ago, and its major culture shock - I mean this car is 46 years old!! I think it will be a lot of fun, but its just something to cruise around in now and then. A 98 C2S is a phenomenal car, last of the air cooled, wide body, as well as a modern car - something you should keep forever. I was even thinking (not very seriously) that maybe I should get rid of my 997S, get a 993 and keep that and the 356 forever.

I'd dump that Range Rover and get a Mini or something for that long commute, then get the 356 and keep the 993. Good luck.

JimGinKC

Hey there,

I have a 95 993 and a 30 mile commute one-way to work, and I love driving the car everyday. I have an old SAAB for the nasty winter days. I have driven a 356 from CA to KS, and I can tell you (also having owned a Beetle) that 356s are amazing cars. The run along at highway speeds, handle great, and draw lots of attention. It isn't as comfortable as a 993, but much more than a old Beetle. The only concern is the cost of restoration - depending on what all it needs, it can get very expensive.

Jim

Steve Jensen

There is no comparison. However, in 5 years the 993 will be worth less than it is now, and the 356 will likely be worth more...

Pedro356C

I'll have to agree with Jim...I sold my 356C because I needed the money and it was paid for...I miss it terribly!!! I bought a 993 and totally fell in love with the car...when I get to move to a two car garage house (I have garage space for just one P-car), I'll get another 356, but I'll always keep a 993 as well (hopefully a TT in the future! )! Lease a Mini and keep both P-cars if you can afford and have the garage space...good luck...

Jay Laifman

To be blunt, if you think a 993 is not good for daily driving, I'm not sure why you'd be any happier in a 356. Personally, I drive a '73 911 as a daily driver had a 356 that I used as a daily driver for 2 years. I too miss my 356 terribly. I have a line on another one and am waiting to see if it comes through. Back to the point, I love the feel, smells, sounds and experience of driving cars that are not designed for optimum street driving. That is what Hondas, Toyotas and others are for. So, compared to a 993, a 356 can be a old, bumpy, loose ride. That said, a 356 can also be a velvety smooth, tight, blast of a car.

A restoration project on a 356 can cost you more than you can possibly imagine, very fast. If you do it, I would strongly suggest that you find someone who is an expert on 356s, and that their goal is to make it as close to the original magical car that Porsche created when it was new. There was something very special about these cars that created the dynasty and reputation that they have. Once you have driven a 356 that was rebuilt or maintained to have that quality, you realize how far so many of them have strayed from it - and so many little things count and add up to big differences.

This isn't meant to scare you off, only lead you in the right direction for ultimate 356 pleasure. You will find that there are many 356 owners who could own any Porsche there is, from 993s to GT2s to Carrera GTs, but they insist on 356s. There is a reason. But to find out, you have to do it right, Porsche right. Once you do, chances are, you won't be going back.

RJT

I've had both and I just can't compare the two. They are totally different animals.

My C2S was my "daily" driver. Although if I had to buy something large, like a TREE, I took the Truck.

I miss my C2S (See my signature below). I suggest that you wait until you can have both a 356 to piddle around in AND your C2S. Or you can do as Pedro suggested, get rid of the Land Rover, lease a small car and get the 356 and work on the restoration slowly. No reason you can't enjoy having the first and the last of the air cooled cars in your garage.

Good Luck!!!

JoAnne

FGL28

I agree with JoAnne 1000%.

We have a 993 and in a couple of years we are going to get a 356 for wifey to use as her daily driver. Unless you drive the 35 miles in total traffic then the 993 is not a bad commuter. Also SoCal is a hotbedof 356s and sources of parts and great mechanics. People still commute in their 365s. My advice, which is free, is to buy a small car and the 356. I would look into a used lexus or something that is no trouble to maintain as the "beater". Keep the 993 as it is a great ride.

SoCal

Yeah, I took out the 993 today with my little boy and he had such a blast (me too of course). I realized how much I do enjoy the 993.

As for the 356, perhaps I will continue to wait (and search) for one that I fall in love with rather than push to find one. I understand how much work it takes to restore them.

All great comments....and I appreciate them all.

Finally a note on the Range Rover - it's a great ride and I really enjoy driving it. Sure the realibility could be better but I haven't had any trouble with mine plus I have an extended warranty on it. We also have two young children and two dogs so having the extra space is nice. My wife had a Volvo XC90 but we traded that for a 05 Cayenne.

Finally (ok, I thought I was done but I have another comment)....I'm starting to like the Mercedes 230/280sl. Bottomline, I need to have a garage the size of Jay Leno's...just too bad I make about 1% of what he makes.

Again, thanks all for the response. I'm going to keep the 993CS2 and delay my purchase of a 356.

SoCal