Fred's 964

Last weekend, I drove 200 miles south to look at a 25k mile 993 Cab. It turned out to be an OK car, but not pristine like I expected. It had quite a few scratches, scrapes, minor dents, 4 different tire treads, small hole in the top, and various interior plastic part issues. I drove it and it seemed sluggish compared to my 964. I would have thought it would have been quicker than my Cab, with the 6 speed and 35 more HP. It was my first 993 drive. Can you guys comment on the performance? Shouldn't it be quicker? The ride was nicer, though, due to the later suspension. Unfortunately, it was not nice enough for the asking price to follow up with a PPI to look for error codes or compressions. Needless to say, I was bummed about the car, but I had a nice drive back with the top down on mine. I love mine, but had to check out this one, mainly since it only had 25k miles showing. I guess I'll stay with the 964 for now.

Chris M.

1990-964

Hi,

I really love the 993 but not necessarilly better than the 964. One is a different flavor than the other. 993 more civilized and smooth, 964 more direct and raw with a litle more seat of the pants feedback. Both supremely capable rides. I love my 964 and to this day, though having driven 993s a fair amount would not say that they are worth the premium over a 964. Put a 993 in my garage and maybe I start to sing a different tune. Like I said both are great.

jimq

Where have you been hiding Fred?
You do realize the 993 guys will be jumping all over this thread tell you the evil you have spoken against the "icon" car

Heirsh

One thing I think everyone agrees on is the rear of the 993 is amazing.

Lew964

Yes but from some angles the front can look a bit odd.
Would not put me off buying one though.

Gary R.

When I was selling my 93 964 a local guy came by with a nicely set up 993 (street/DE) and we went for a ride with me in his car and him following me in mine. Roads were smooth with a lot of nice curves and very familiar to me. I found the 993 to feel a lot more modern and easily more comfortable to drive at speed than my 964. I wouldn't hesitate to buy (the right) one at some point..

DaveK

I used to think 993s were the most gorgeous cars - but strangely, in the last few years I've changed to prefer the 964.

I am still tempted to buy one as my daily driver but it depends a bit on whether the service on my Supra cures it's handling problems. Plus, I seem to be in a "can't believe the rate at which money is disappearing from my account" phase at the moment, and buying a 993 might not cure that.

Smokin

I agree... But I still can't get over the "Ford Probe", full diaper look of the front end. There have been a few that I have seen, with aftermarket parts, that look pretty good though. I still think the 964 has the "classic look" and was one of the main reasons I bought mine. The turbo bodied 964 is the ultimate Porsche for looks if nothing else.

CraigyB

for my 2penneth, my it's not so simple as 964 v 993. For eg, I like the 993 targa more than the 964 targa, and also (sorry steve) prefer the looks of the 993 tt to the 964 turbo. For everything else, I'd keep the 964, and spend the money on improving the car !!

Dave K, I'm with you on the bank account thing - it's like being operated on for a yorkshireman such as myself !!

DaveK

I guess beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.

I agree with you about the targas - 993 would win over 964 for me where targas are concerned.

But I can't agree about the 993TT - although I'd be happy to own one (and would prefer it over a 993 if cost was not a factor) I think the back end just looks wrong. 993 rear end is perfectly proportioned with lovely wide hips - but the TT rear end is not nearly as good looking.

TRINITONY

Take a look at this one, you won't be disappointed. --> https://rennlist.com/forums/993-forum/337697-low-mileage-1995-c2-cab-for-sale.html

cobalt

Really?

That is funny. I have driven numerous 993's many with updated suspensions and I find your old 964 to be far more pleasurable (fun) to drive than most of the 993's I have driven. It must have been a very nicely set up 993. I find the rear does help smooth out the ride but performance wise I find your old 964 to be more responsive, equally as fast and handles better now that I have the TRG sways. Although a straight spring vs progressive would be better. I can't stand the gearing on the 993's 6 speed tranny and I love the rear lines but the rest of the car has a lot to be desired IMO. The 964 is classic and the side of the 993 needs rocker panel covers or something to deal with the weird transition into the flairs. The interiors are almost identical and under the skin other than the rear suspension you are looking at the same car. I will say the vario ram engines have a nice punch but not worth an extra $10-20k for.

Regarding 993TT vs 964T. I had my choice of both and would never trade my 964T for a 993TT. Although the 993TT is a very nice ride but a little to GT for me.

MarkD

I have both and, as some have already said, each has their highlights...
To the original question psoted by Fred: It sounds like that car had issues other than cosmetic and you were right to avoid it. It should not have felt sluggish compared to the 964.
I've driven both cars over the past few days and the 993 is quicker. Better brakes. Better rear susp. Overall the 993 "feels" more "evolved"... as it should. It was a newer model 911!
It's like my 2 kids. I love both in their own, unique way
Don;t tell my wife I compared our children to our cars... that would perpetuate the image she has of my obsession.

cobalt

Please don't take this the wrong way Mark.

I never quite understood, although used often, when people say the 993 is more evolved and or quicker than a 964. The specs show both cars to be very similar in performance. The reviews I have read show both cars to do 0-60 in mid 5 second range and 1/4 mile between 13.6 and 13.8 seconds. I doubt one can tell the difference between tenths of seconds. Just like my 964 C2 and the 993's I have driven feel quicker than my 928 GTS, but they aren't. The GTS is actually a little quicker than both. I have found the 993 rear suspension takes some of the bounce out of the 964 but handling is on par. Unless you start replacing the 993's rubber bushings with spherical bearings and adjustable drop links a 964 with a PSS9 suspension feels and handles about the same as a 993 with a PSS9 suspension or equivalent upgrade. Yes the brakes are slightly better, but not by much and compounds will make a difference. The only thing I find makes the 993 a different car is the 6 speed tranny and to be honest I like the gearing of the 964 better. Oh yes the 993 also has a better stock stereo, wipers and third brake light and came with the up-sized wheels that were an option on the 964. Although the vario ram cars do seem to add a bit more kick. I will say that most of the 993's I have driven are pre vario ram cars.

To me these cars are like twins, although not identical in external appearance, inside they are made from the same stock with more in common than not.

One thing I have learned about 911's over the years is you can line up 20 911's, all 964's or all 993's and drive one after the other and no 2 will feel or perform completely the same. Although similar they all have a little character of there own. To be honest I think it is the subjective looks of each model that draws us to one model over the other more than anything else.