tcabler

I am a proud 964 owner. And I would probably not be if it wasn't for the 993. I used to absolutely salivate over these cars. When looking for my first porsche about a year ago, all I heard was how the 993 was THE HOLY GRAIL of air cooled porsches, the pinnacle and apotheosis of the 911 evolution. And every porsche nut I came across ripped on everything pre-993 and everything post-993. And who could argue? The 3.2 was too antiquated, the 964, while wholly new, was too restrained and problematic, and the 996, a de-evolution of the 911 with its massed produced, subaru liquid-cooled engine, and headlights which looked like they vomitted all over themselves. And obviously, there is some truth to all this, but the real truth is that 993 makes the 964 and 996 affordable. The 993 is so coveted that the 3.2, 964 and 996 can all be had for less than a new Accord or Camry. And while these models are holding their own value, and in some cases increasing, the 993 is dropping in value... fast. What was a $40K car 5yrs ago, is now selling in the the mid 20s. Heck, I came across a 993 5spd in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 100k miles for $17.5K.

superdylan

Well said. I used to dream about the 993 until I found a 964 not being used by a friend of mine. It took a while to grow on me, but now I like the 964 much more than the 993. It just plain has more character. The body style is timeless too! Enjoy your new ride!

deadhead1960

Just to emphasize how little you know about 993's:

1. All cars (and houses and stuff) decreased in value over the past couple of years; I think they called it a global recession.

2. 993's are 6 speeds.

Both 993's and 964's are great cars. There is no debating that the 993 is a much more evolved and refined car than the 964. Each series (including 3.2, 2.7, 2.4, etc) sees it's pricing fluctuate at different times. A little less bias and a bit more objectivity would go a long way in establishing some credibility in your post.

Oracle

I've always liked the 993 being expensive cause that makes everything else cheaper... If people want to pay $40k+ for a 993 fine by me!

jimq

different rear suspension,self adjusting valves, varioram and squashed down front headlights? No not much more evolved at all.

No HTwo O

Ahhh, I don't think so.

Congrats on you new Porsche! Enjoy.

I do agree with your post's title!

windblown

I think the 993 is a beautiful car and if it helped lower the price so I could afford my 964 even better... that being said I prefer the more traditional look of the 964 over the 993 just as many may prefer the look of the classic 911 over any of the newer models. Sure I have my opinion and preference but honestly I just really love all the air/oil cooled machines and there is a special place in my heart for all that is Porsche... even the tractor!

deadhead1960

Not sure if I want to laugh or cry with that response. To directly quote from one of the many Porsche "bibles" lining my shelf...

"The 993 model retained only the roof and the front deck lid from the 964. The list of improvements filled an entire page of Porsche's press release, including new body work, ; six speed transmission, new multilink rear suspension with transverse A-arms; revised front suspensions; new wheels; larger front disc brakes and pads and Bosch's new ABS 5 antilock brake system and cross-drilled front and rear rotors; a new interior ventilation system; and a change at the factory to water-based paints for all metallic paints. "

The articles goes on and on about the revisions to the engine, the new Automatic Brake Differential (ABD) traction control system and the improved AWD system. And I've edited quite a bit from the article.

So other than that, yeah, they're pretty much the same

User 040621

What draws me to the 964 is the classic 911 looks.

The 993 is beautiful, and so much more stunning in person than it is in photo's. If I could convince my wife, we'd have both.

jimq

I have driven both. There isnt enough difference in the 2 to make a $500 difference to me. Different body does nothing to improve the car. The front end looks like a japanese car or a smushed VW Beetle to me altho I do like the rear fender flares, Suspension easily updated on 964, AWD is not a problem after 20 years on the 964, I like the gearing better in the 964, air and heat is hardly noticeable until the 996, revised the engine to need clean out to fix cell, harder to get a good rear alignment, and could go on and on. If you like the looks and the minimal power difference than spend the extra money.

LastMezger

I have to agree that I didn't find the "feel" of the two cars that different either. Most noticeable to me was the top-end urge of the 993.