Rick964

To some (read: me) the 964 is just the perfect blend of the original looks of the 911 updated with a few modern touches, i.e. the seamless body colored bumper covers and the aero mirrors (on the later ones). Aesthetically speaking, the 993 has the 968 headlights which loses the whole bug-eyed look of the original car.

Oddly enough I do like the 997 because it returned to the round 993-style headlights and a more 993-style body, but after the 996 I view this as a return to their roots design wise and it is a worthy successor to the 911 in the looks department. For the first time since the 964s went out of production I dream about a new 911 - though just as a daily driver. I still think any of the air cooled cars are better for the track.

N51

993's look too much like a customized 911. With that front end, small wonder the owners are enamored with the rear end. And they refer to it as a "classic". It's obvious that Porsche made the 993 because they really wanted to build a 996.

From my No sunroof RSA, to C4's, Cabs, targas(black, please), and the 964 Turbo, no other 993 compares. No apology.

Noah

obobst

Well, I am maybe an odd guy but I just sold my 2002 996 Turbo Sportec (500hp with 710Nm) for a 964 RS with RSR specs (360hp) that you can drive on the road. Granted, without capret, heater, nor a radio, it is a wide departure from my all options Turbo!
I always was somewhat disapointed with the 996 for its lack of authenticity and build quality. The accelerations were dramatic but the overall pleasure was not there for me.
Driving the 964 RS is pure JOY and you can only scream of pleasure when on a racetrack !!! IMO his is one of the very best cars around.
I am so impressend with the car that I am bying a 964 Cabrio for my wife and will bump the engine to a 3.8L 320hp. These are fantastic cars.

DarrylH

On this board, this action makes you a genius, with impeccable taste. Got any photos? Please?

DonW-Cape Cod

Good for you!

Crivens

gah, editted

Chris M.

Drove a bone stock '96 993 today with 32K on it (I'm not shopping, it was a friend's). First off, let me commit instant heresy as a 964 owner on my "home" board and say that I think they're gorgeous cars. IMO the rear end is easily the best NA rear end Porsche has ever made. Love the dual exhaust but don't care for the bumperettes, front or rear. I don't mind the flatter headlights but I wondered how you change the bulbs because there's no ring to take off.
The car does not have Motorsound and I thought the stock exhaust had a nice little burble to it but I'd like it a little louder. It's a little quieter but deeper sounding than a stock 964 and of course quieter than my 964 with the secondary bypass. The engine is definitely quieter than the 964 and has less of a mechanical sound to it. Now I know why everyone on the 993 board has some sort of muffler mod in their signature.
The clutch is much easier to push in but the travel is longer and it had a kind of on/off, notchy feel to it. First gear definitely pulls harder than the 964. In all other gears the power seems to come on a little sooner (3000 rather than 4000) than the 964 but is different after 4000. My car starts pulling at 4000 and at 5000 it gets even stronger and just goes and goes until redline. The 993 seemed to make it's power sooner but stayed the same throughout with no surge at the higher revs. Maybe it has a flatter torque curve because of the Varioram?
The handling felt the same but we didn't push it really hard. Everyone seems to get rid of the stock suspension on both cars anyway.
The overall ride is more "civilized" if you know what I mean. The cabin is quieter but other than the door panels is almost cosmetically identical to the 964.
So, why a 964 over a 993? Truth be told they're just very similar cars other than the appearance. Don't get a 993 for the power; it just doesn't feel that different. If the "last air-cooled" thing really gets you going and you prefer the looks then go for the 993. If you have to have the old-school headlights and like things a touch more raw then go for the 964. If you really can't decide and money is no object then get a 993. Otherwise save yourself $5-10K and get a 964. They're both great cars. (KirkF are you listening?)

c

Oh yeah, that 3.2 I drove? Well, let's just say that the "Red Dragon" is another kind of machine altogether. No power steering, heavy clutch, dim and flickering dash lights...talk about raw...I love it!

Marc Shaw

Oh come on - you can't say something like that on your first post and not show us some pictures to drool over.

Marc
p.s. Welcome to Rennlist.

kris

Tx for sharing that Chris, I really need to take a drive in a friend's C2S any time soon to compare my findings. Cheers.
ps: I saw JB Holmes at work on the PGA tournament in Scottsdale, he must be one of Kentucky's finest, great show

Astroman

To answer the original question of this thread: why a 964 over a 993??

My answer would be because the 964 is a LOT less expensive... for ALMOST the same performance. It has been a dream of mine for a long time to eventually own a 993. But after recently driving one, I'm not so impressed anymore. It was fast, but not much faster than the 964 (if at all). The body style is awesome, but there is also something to be said for the classic lines of the 964. I wasn't able to really push the 993 in the corners like I have my buddy's 964, so I can't actually comment on the upgraded suspension... But the overall "feel" of the two cars was very, very similar.

And in the end, I just love my ole 3.2. I may have a tough time keeping up with my friend in his 964, but the driving experience in my car is worth it (and quite different from the newer Porsches). Instead of "upgrading" to a 993 in the future, I think it'll be a 930.

kgorman

I was originally looking for a 993 because it was 'the newest Porsche I could get with my budget', but I instead, I focused on the *quality* of the cars I was looking at. In the end, it was a 964 C4. Sure I actually like the look and refinement of the 993 better, but like Astroman says, the cars are soo similar. I have been tempted even since getting my 964 just a few months ago to upgrade to a 993, but in the end, I can't really justify it because the 964's just are much less expensive apples->apples. I just spent my $$ on upgrades (suspension,etc), maintenance (good tuneup for 60k) and expendables (like brake pads, tires, etc). I couldn't be happier with my purchase, but again, mainly because I got a *good example* and not so much a 964 vs 993 thing. Sure that 993 is sooo nice looking, sometimes it sends it's siren song, but I am prepared.

DonW-Cape Cod

I really was never comfortable with a 6speed. I had driven 5speed Porsche for so many years, I couldn't get the right shift points for street driving.

Kevin Ross

Hi

I think the mixed views here show that the choice is really in the eye of the owner...

Having owned a 964C4, a 964T and now a 993TT perhaps I can throw a comment in the ring...

Honestly, I believe the 964 is truly underrated. As far as the old classic shaped 911's go, Porsche perfected it when they announced the 964. The integration of modern lines into the classic shape is outstanding. They are beautiful cars, and I do think that in their own right will be destined for classic status one day: last classic shaped, air cooled 911? As far as ability goes, there is no question that these cars are outstanding. The 964 had it's issues, but a good one with those gremlins sorted will be a life-long friend with fin and enjoyment in every drive.

Now, as for the 993... the honest truth is that they are just much better at everything... sorry guys... they just are. In my 964T (3.3l) I was only just marginally quicker around the track that a friend of mine, who was a less experienced driver, in his NA 993. The 993's have better handling and suspension, and are more aerodynamic. I'm talking stock here... obviously as soon as you go down the modified arena things are different. But buck for buck, I would take a well sorted 993 over a 964 anyday.

That said, I do agree totally with the comment made earlier about taking a good 964 over a bad 993... absolutely! Could not agree more...

In the end, it comes down to personal choice... do you want the classic lines or the more modern lines? In both 911's you will not go wrong.

Anyway... that's my say.. good luck!

Chris M.

Thanks for the input Kevin. I wish more 993 owners would chime in.

c

dfinnegan

Has this thread been cross posted to the 993 board?