ked

the older 911 is more 911.
the last of each classic type is the better; '73 / '89 / '98.
nothing to fight over.

Vifa

Have to say I was into the 996 as teen, or you might say before I bought my 911 (still a teen..) Anyway, the 996 was the current car at the time I got into Porsche, and I loved erverything about the car. Soon I realized I couldn't afford a brand new 996, so I began seaching for a older one. I began my reading and serach for the right car with MY '64, I slowly moved up through the years, and fall in love with the 3.2. I was almost about to buy one at age 16, but it got sold before I could do anything. Soon after this missed opportunity I started to love the 964, it was more smooth. After been searching for the right one for two years, I finally found one for a couple of months ago. When I saw this car I knew it was the right one.

And I have to admit, searching for an old car, finding the right one and then finally buy one gives you alot more to talk about and a lot better feeling when you drive it. You then have something special, and a car everyone can't just go out and buy.

Streetfighter

I personally think the 993 is a beautiful looking Porsche, especially the rear of the car with the Turbo or 4S. The 3.2 is great looking car as well and has its own character to offer. I have driven the 3.2's and they are great cars, fast handle well sound great, but it didn't quite move me as much the 964 did. I like the fact that the 964 is a little bit more modern. Eventually, I would like to have a 993. To each their own, any air cooled Porsche has its own charm.

Kika

I currently have a 96 993, my previous car was a 80 SC. I have driven 3.2 Carreras, both 915 and G50s.

Looks: slight edge to the 993 (this is personal preference) up to the 964, the siloutte basically did not change. the 993 carries the heritage, but deviates from the original lines. Still, its looks are unmistakable.

Performance: 993, new car is faster, it may not feel like it, but it is.

Durability: 3.2, no OBD or SAI issues, which plague the 993. I don't think there is any weakness of the G50 3.2 Carrera.

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Fun Factor: 3.2 G50, the lightweight "rawness of the earlier cars" is much more kart like.
Comfort: 993: AC that works, I could drive my 993 across the country with no problems. I wouldn't be able to do that in an SC or a 3.2, I could in a 964 though.

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Winner: that depends on how you define what is better.
Pure Sports Car and roots to the original 911 is clearly the 3.2
What would I drive every day: 993

The 993 is much more civilized, i.e. heavier, smoother, more powerful, quieter, etc... than the 3.2. What I noticed is that it drove, handled similarly to my SC, and 3.2 cars, yet did so more effortlessly (power steering) you could tell they were related, but pretty much everything was improved. I miss the rawness of the SC, but only occasionally. As my body ages the stiff suspension of the older car wore on me. There is no way I could take the SC on a 5 hours drive and be able to stand straight afterwards. For 2 hours in the mountains, the SC is a hoot, the 993 is faster, but does not offer the same experience.

who comes out of the cage?: 993

Both are fantastic cars, but serve different needs. I would have kept the older car if a. I had the room, and b. I thought it would get used, but I already have 4 cars, and no room to keep another car, and when we had 2 porsches before (68 912 and the 80 911) we neglected the 912. I knew the older car would get neglected.

JackOlsen

I love the older 911s, and drive my '72 most days. But between a G50 Carrera and a 993, I'd go for the 993.

Bill Verburg

1976 Carrera 3.0, mit 993 engine, 993RS brakes, no AC, simplified RS style interior, SC/RS trans, 8 & 9.5 x17 235/40 & 275/40, Bilstein suspension; wt 2740

1995 993 mit 993RS engine, 993Cup trans, AC, p/s, roll bar, 8 & 10 x18, 225/40 & 265/35, JIC suspension; wt 2804

The C3 is my summer dd it's great for that, the 993 is my track car it's great for that

They both look great, the 993 was a lot easier to modify and resulted in a much better overall car

murfysflaw

I didn't have a 911 w/ the G50 as mine was an 84, but they are drastically different vehicles in my opinion. The 993 is more civilized and drives more like most standards. While the SC had to really be driven... you had to think and really drive the car... that's the best way I can describe it.

I love both of them, but they were just different. For a weekend only, toy car, the earlier ones would be best. For something to be driven more... even as a DD, the 993 wins hands down.

Jay Gratton

I have a '85 911 and I would take the 993. In my opinion it is the best 911 for all-around performance, look and feel.

Also Bill, I would love to see a pic of that '76 3.0 as my uncle has a '77 3.0.

mborkow

a 964 would be the worst of both worlds!

mborkow

I would add '83 to that list of great cars. Those last SCs (like all SCs) were great cars and they don't have the valve guide wear issues you get with the 3.2 or 993

wpriller

I feel that both cars have their own uniques and mechanical issues. My Brother has a 96 993 C4S that is one of the most stylish cars that I've ever seen. I've driven it a # of times and yes when you are inside the car it is still a 911. Yes you have a wider track due to the turbo flairs and wider tires and naturally AWD, but it is still a 911. I've owned a 1971 911S that I traded for a 1975 911S 28 years ago which I still own, I also had an 89 Cab that I owned for a short period of time. Each car had it's own negatives and positives, but as Technology advanced you would see improvements in each series. Hindsight would of said hold onto the 71S but it didn't have the original engine. My 75 was a California Car and with all the negatives you would hear about the dreaded thermal reactors and headstuds and 2.7 engine why did I keep it. I brought a 1989 Carrera Cab and when the mechanical problems started to become a issue with my wife, yes it had to go. My 75 has been restored by Carl Register who is the retired Service Manager from All Pro Porsche in Ocala, Florida. When I asked Carl if it was worth putting the car back together he stated definitely" yes". I drove my Brother's car around Daytona Motor Speedway @ Rennsport Reunion III, which was great experience because the C4S felt fantastic. Since I've gotten my car back, comparing it with the 89 Cab & my Brother's 993, each car brings it's own fun and thrills, with the older cars being more spartan and raw. By the way my Brother has approached me several times about buying my car. If I was looking for a car right now my first choice would be 1989 Carrera Speedster and then 993 C4S, but because these cars have become so desirable they are out of reach to enjoy ownership. This same issue applies to the pre 73 911's. I could of brought a 993, but being from the old school I will continue to enjoy my 75 with all the new updates that makes my car reliable and fun again.

Bill Verburg