pete325

I want to pick the brains on those few lucky ones who have driven both. I'm particularly interested in the differences between the two cars in terms of handling and driving dynamics, especially in spirited driving situation like on a track.
I would tend to think the 993 would be more docile as its rear suspension is an evolution of the 964 model. So relatively speaking, the RS America would tend to throw its tail end out during high speed cornering and seems to be less stable. Well, of course, that would probably turn into an advantage in the hands of the skilled drivers :-)
Personally, I have never driven a P-car before. Can someone tell me how does it feel or handle in corners versus a more traditional layout like front engine-rear wheel drive or even mid engine setup.
TIA.

scupper

Not that it matters to a highly skilled driver, but you should know that the RS America does NOT have power steering; the 964s and the 993s do have power steering. Frankly, I am still getting used to PS in the 964 after driving an SC for 10 years without power steering. I know that the PS boost is minimized at speed, but it's stll evident. I find it's more difficult to drive smoothly in corners with PS - I tend to overcontrol.

Chuck

ps, I am NOT a highly skilled driver!! Really!

clubrcr

There more difference between a RSA and 993C2 than suspension. I own and race a 1992 911 Cup Car. I have had two 993s. If I understand your question, it really isn't the differnce between these two cars, but the difference between a 911 Porsche and a front engine car.

The 911 is a great car to drive fast. The car's rear engine brings a new dynamic to the handling of the car. The cars seem to be better driven with throttle inputs than the a front engine car that can be man handled through a turn. The car also has better braking and can be easier on tires.

Clurcr

92 Carrera Cup
99 996

pete325

Actually, I may considering getting either a early 993 C2 or a RS America, since they're about the same price on the market. It will be used for both street and track driving, maybe even autox :-) Obviously, the 993 will be more comfortable on day to day driving. But track performance will be a higher priority for me.
As I said before, I have never driven a p-car before, so I got absolutely no experience with it. But looking purly from the perspective of the layout of a 911, its a very imbalanced design. I just more concerned in how the beast will behave in corners at high speed.

Bill Gregory

[quote]<strong>But track performance will be a higher priority for me. </strong><hr></blockquote>

If you're serious about track performance, and you get a 993, you may want to budget funds to change the hydraulic lifters to the 964 mechanical lifters, which are more reliable at high revs.

ericm3

I'm also a BMW owner (M3) dreaming of a Porsche. I assume you have a BMW from your 325 in your username. But I wondered almost the same thing as you about the RS America. That edition appeals to me, but I think they are hard to find. They are sought after since they were lighter and better for tracking.

The BMW vs. Porsche handling question is interesting. A few days ago I test drove my first 911 - an '89 964 C4. Actually I was not too impressed comparing with the M3. The Porsche interior seemed cramped (but it is a more true sports car) and the ride might get annoying during hours of city driving. All the controls are very stiff even compared to the M3, which I previously thought had a relatively stiff clutch. I did not get to push the Porsche in handling, but you do notice the rear-heavy feel. In the M3 it is fun to play with kicking the rear wheels loose with careful modulation of the throttle. Everything I have heard about P-cars is that they are dangerous at the limit b/c they tend to spin all the way around once they loose rear grip. I guess it's that pendulum effect of all the weight hanging out past the rear wheels.

Really, the best handling car I ever drove was the Boxster. It feels perfectly balanced front to rear and rides like its on rails. It has an incredibly light nimble go-where-you-point-it feel.

Overall, I think Porsche is more of a hard-core sports car than BMW. The rear engine set-up gives it unique but potentially rewarding handling characteristics. I think the recent 911s like 1990 and forward were equipped with very wide (&gt;225) grippy rear tires so the limits of adhesion are high. BMW makes what I think of as the best all-around sporty car for daily driving.

clubrcr

I agree, I believe the BMW is a better city driver than the RSA. You will find the RSA to be harsh and not as easy on your body as the M3 for city driving. Porsche makes sports cars, and once you get the feeling of how to drive it, it will be a tremendous amount of fun driving slow and fast.

Decide what you want out of the Porsche before you lock yourself into buying a specific model. I owned a E46 M3 for a short while. The car was fantastic, the attention to detail, the comfort level, as well as large interior was wonderful. The Porsche is not that car. I sold it to buy another Porsche becuase the Porsche was everything a sports cars should be. I love the harsh ride, the quick response of the car, and well as how the tail wags the dog.

My point is....Buy the 993 if you use this car for a daily driver. The upkeep and the ride will be better. In 95 they not only changed the suspension, but the many improvements were made to the motor for maintenance. If you want to have a track/street car, the RSA was built for that.

As Bruce Anderson always said, "buy the newest Porsche you can afford".

Just my two cents...

Clubrcr
92 Carrera Cup
99 996

Kevin

Pete;

I'll take a stab at this. As a former RSA owner, and current 993 and 993TT owner, if you want a car that is firm on the track go with the RSA. It is light and sure footed. Once you make a exhaust change it will give you all the hp that you can manage on the track. Yes, I have stepped up to the 993, however I did this for the comfort, and a newer car. Have the car lowered and corner balanced and the rear suspension comparison as to the 993 won't be an issue.

joey bagadonuts

Pete,

I'm surprised you're not getting more opinions. I've only owned a 964 C4, so I can't give you firsthand impressions but here are some observations from this past year:

- At autocross, all the 993, 964 and RSA owners say the same thing: She plows like a pig.
- Off the shelf, the 993's and 964's are set up to understeer.
- I went to 5 Porsche autocrosses this year--very few 911's got loose and spun.
- An M3 is a better autocrosser and actually MORE tail happy than a 911.
- I went to 6 Porsche track days this year-- rampant tailspins were not part of the program.
- Car most likely to end up off the track: Corvette

I believe the extra weight on those wide, rear wheels and the stiff front suspension ensures that the 993's and 964's are usually pointed in the right direction. You can change the handling characterstics of these cars and make them do just about anything you want, so I think you just need to decide what's most important: Performance (RSA) or Comfort (993).

Just my 0.02.

axl911

I got a 95M3 and a new to me C2. I owned the M3 for 4.5 years. Track it several times but have not autox it. The M3 is easier to drive, but I like the C2 better.

I used to have a Mk1 MR2 and a 88 M3 (the real M3) that I autoX once in a while. Both the C2 and E36M3 are more suited for the track. A miata is much better for AutoX.

As for the RSA and 993, I would get the RSA since it's special and hold its value better.

---
anthony

pete325

I'm glad that there are a few M3 owners in here Your perspective may be more relevant as I used to own an E36 325is which I took to the track often. I've been thinking if I really want something more hard-core and track-oriented, I may be getting an M3 LTW or RSA instead. Btw, I'm glad that someone has mentioned Boxster. I believe nothing in the world can beat the balance of a mid-engine race car. And it just makes me wonder why on earth do the BMW not making any mid-engine car since the M1 <img src="confused.gif" border="0">