mo-town

I have been looking at classifieds for the past 6-8 months. I wasn't serious about purchasing until a few weeks ago. My biggest problem is that I'm not sure what I want. Maybe some of you can help me in making a decision. On one hand, I love the idea of buying a 993. The body style is timeless and I like the fact that it is air cooled. On the other hand, for the same price I can get a pretty low mileage 05 997 which is a beautiful machine. I am looking at a 97 C4S with 65k miles and normal interior wear and tear for a car of its age selling for $40k. I have also been looking at a few 05's that cost 2-5k more, but are perfect and have very low mileage. What should I do?

911vet

You might get more information if you post on the 993 and 997 boards. While some around here have experience with them, we are mostly 911 drivers (1989 and earlier).

It does sound like you are comparing two different animals. A 993 is an air/oil cooled engine. And RWD vs AWD is also quite a difference.

Good luck in whatever Porsche you end up with. Whatever you do... just get one.

2qwik4u

997 although very nice are a dime a dozen. Only a handful of 993 c4s around, thus retaining better resale(supply and demand). Like you said "timeless". You cant beat the wide body 4wheel drive!! Sure to be a collectible!!
But didn't your buddy Leo tell you all this already?

911Dave

All wheel drive 997? I think you mean all wheel drive 993, since he's comparing a 97 C4S with an 05 Carrera.

911Dave

My 997 and my '86 911 are alike in many more ways than one who hasn't driven both would expect. I've never owned a 993 but I have driven one a couple of times, and it was closer to the 911 than the 997 in terms of how it felt to drive it. Both are amazing cars and a hoot to drive, just different.

I don't think asking what you should do on a board like this is going to be helpful. You need to drive both types of cars and decide which driving experience you prefer.

whalebird

I have had lots of experiance with the 993 and the 996. The 997 is not my forte. In my reflection, I would easily choose a 993 C4S. In my mind they represent the pinnicle of the 911 world. I could go on for hours touting the virtues of a 993 C4S. Secondarily, the air cooled car will easily return your money if you ever decide to sell. In addition, the 993 has curb appeal that the 997 will never have. In both cases, I recommend screening local technicians and finding a shop that you feel comfotable with to handle maintenance and repair.

jwilson95

MO-

Not sure where you are located, but 40k for a 993C4S sounds a little high, but not terrible in this market depending on condition and options on the car. My friend had a 96 C4S I drove a lot and I loved that car. He has a 997S now and it is a great car also but they are different in a lot of ways.

I wouldn't get a 997 non S car as you won't be as happy with the performance/depreciation. Get the C4S if you want to have the modern day performance with strong ties to the old heritage/nostalgia and wait for a 997S you can afford if you want the modern Pcar experience with great performance.