tcb_online

Steel cage match:

993 vs '87-89 G-50 911

I'd love to hear people weigh in on why they like one over the other. Critique the looks, performance, durability, etc. How they compare with each other, what does one car do better than the other, and so on.

Only one car walks out of the cage alive!

porsche4us

They each have their strengths and weaknesses. Overall I like the classic look of the older G50 cars. The 993 has aged extremely well but it will take many more years for its look to appear as classic. The 993 may be too civilized and tame for some. I really enjoy the driving experience when driving the older G50 car.

meek

Buy a 964 and get the best of both

Slantnose!

+1!

Bearclaw

tcb_online

One thing I've read from various posts is that people seem to think that the 993 has lost a bit of that "go-cart" road feel that the earlier 911s have. I've never driven a 993, but I did drive a 964, and I can't really say that it felt that disconnected from the road, so I'm not sure on that one. Maybe you guys with experience in both cars could comment on that.

I don't know if I'm completely sold on the look of the 993. I enjoy the larger hood arches and more upright headlights on the early 911s, I think. However, I will say that the 993 has a really nice rear end! I think the dual exhaust on the 993 really completes the look too.

Anyway, maybe some others will chime in with their thoughts.

Vifa

Agree. That was why I bought a 964. I like the old looking Porsche the most, but there were some things that I didn't liked about the 3.2. The 964 has a more smooth form than the 3.2, and again, it doesn't look to 'new'. Compared to the 993, which looks like a melted 964 both on the front and especially the rear lights. The 993 simply looks to new for me, but don't get me wrong, I also like the 993, but not just as much as the 964.

If you can't decide, then buy a 965 Turbo 3.3, really a great car. The 3.3 l engine was in production from 1977 to 1992, so that might be one of the best engines ever by Porsche simply becuase they have modified it during the years so it ended up as maybe on of the best engines.

Nine11

Good call. Classic looks, modern engineering.

KC911

I wouldn't mind having a 964 or a 993 too, but the "classic" look of the 911 disappeared after '89 imo. Probably because that was the "look" of the 911s I drooled over as a teenager, but that's why I specifically went looking for a '87-89 when I was searching. I won't tell you my favorite color as that would be totally subjective and not appropriate when discussing our favorite cars .

Keith
'88 CE coupe

flatsixnut

I have driven all three and prefer the piece of trash SC ( Bearclaw ).
I almost pulled the trigger on a Polar Silver 993 before I found my current toy.
It all comes down to personal preference at the time you buy. I personally do not think you could go wrong with any choice of 911 pre-1998. ALL the air/oil cooled brethren are nice in their own way.

Bearclaw

Amen.

I think that "other" conversation had nothing to do with the year & model, but was centered around "garage queen" vs. "driver". Not really what this thread is about.

flatsixnut

^ yeah I was just playing with ya friend.

2002M3Drew

Between those two options: G50 Carrera (87-89) all day long. The 993 is to heavy and sanitzed, The more you drive the older 911s, the more you appreciate them in their rawest forms. I loved my SC best until driving a well set-up 69 911 with a 3.2 twin plug engine two weeks ago.

For a daily driver, take to work and use in business type of car, I'd perhaps go with the 993.

meek

" "because that was the "look" of the 911s I drooled over as a teenager"-KC911

If the pre-89 911's are the ones that made your heart race as a kid, then that is what you should go for. If you buy a later car, you will only end up regretting it every time you see a 3.2 on the road. I think we were all smitten with the contemporary 911 of our teens and that is what now drives our passion for our cars. Go with what feels right and not what we say. Be cool headed when making the final purchase, but choose the model you want with your heart.

PS if anyone wants to go down the 993 bashing route , take a look at this old thread just revived in the 964 section https://rennlist.com/forums/964-forum/181555-porsche-wet-sump-corvette-dry-sump.html and pay particular attention to Adrian S's insights on Porsche management.

rnln

exactly, the drool as a teenager...
I love my 911 because it was my dream car since... can't remember. But after owning it for a while. I have to admit that I see the new car a lot cleaner, smoother, comfortable, more practicle to be a daily car, and maybe less break down rate? There are many times we thought about letting the 911 go and search for a little newer car but I just can't. Sometimes I feel like I am "married" to it :lol: