Tlaloc75

I got back in my 993 today and took a drive, albeit shorter than yesterday. The contrasts really stood out. The upright seating position, floor mounted pedals and great visibility. The compactness, the feeling of substance and density, the great exhaust note and the precise, playful handling.

A couple fast corners, wrestling the wheel and managing weight transfer with my right foot - wow what a car!

JM993

Exactly. And what kills me is they're still using it on the 991. Why bother including a useless gauge?

RudyP

I used to have a 997.1 C2S and a 993 C4S. When another car wandered into my garage one of the 911s had to go. It was tough to let it go, but the 997 found a new owner. In my opinion, the 997 was the faster and arguably 'better' all around car. And if I could have only had one car, it probably would have been the 997 but as a weekend, fun, just-go-for-a-drive-because-you-feel-like-it car that doesn't have to be a daily driver, grocery getter, jack of all trades, I find the 993 more 'special' and like Hilltopper, I don't think I will ever sell it. In fact, as I have just moved to San Diego into a corporate apartment until I can find a house to buy and currently only have 2 car parking, the 993 is going to be my DD for a few months!

Tlaloc75

I agree with you but can you articulate why the 993 feels more special to you? To me it seems intangible and hard to fully describe.

shadow993

I have a 997tt and it's leather everywhere. I feel my 993 has vinyl everywhere. The leather trim is an option on the 997 and definitely available if that's a concern.

If I had to choose btwn the 2, I'd take the 993. I love how nimble it is, the classic look, and the interior layout. Simple, but everything you need. If i could duplicate the 993 gauges in the 997, I would pay up for that option.


The 997tt is stupid fast, but not as involved. I think that's what makes the 993 more enjoyable. You feel the car and how it changes as you drive.

Now a 997 GT3 for the 993... that's a possibility.

Tlaloc75

Involvement is the right word, I think you nailed it. Driving both cars, the 993 gets me more involved in the proceedings.

Each generation of 911 is an evolving tradeoff between:
- Rawness, progressing towards more isolation as the years go by
- Performance, progressing toward stronger acceleration and better grip
- Safety, progressing toward better safety technology and more foolproof handling

I know the 997 could be made more involving with some modifications, but for me the 993 is the right set of tradeoffs. Its raw enough without going too far toward discomfort. It has just enough performance to be great fun on the street and doesn't leave me wanting more. It has enough safety features and good enough handling traits that I feel comfortable driving it with my family and don't feel I'm taking my life into my hands during a spirited drive.

On the other hand, drivers of earlier 911s knock our cars for not being involving enough .

RudyP

Honestly, some of it is nostalgia for me. It was the car I dreamed of when I was in college and could not remotely afford at the time. But it also feels very different from the other cars I have/have had. It smells different, sounds different, feels different, has such a dated dashboard that really looks like nothing else built in the past 20 years. It takes you back in time while still being a car that can out hustle 99% of the cars you run across (at least in Ohio, people here in San Diego tend to have nicer cars!)

So for me it is in part due to the experience of being in an older car. If I didn't already have a Vantage and a Macan GTS, I might not enjoy the old school feel quite as much. I don't know.

Tlaloc75

I can understand that. The first Porsche I ever drove and lusted after was a 993 C4S. That experience stuck with me and the 993 has been the IT car for me ever since.

I also think the fact that they are 'different' matters. Not the same type of vehicle but its like the difference between a Vanagon Westfalia and a Eurovan Camper. The Eurovan is a better driving vehicle but it lacks the unique feel and character that you get from the Vanagon. Its not reliable, it doesn't have much power, but when I drive one I feel like I'm on vacation the minute I get behind the wheel and I can't wipe the smile off my face.

At least as long as its running... when it breaks down my smile falters a little bit

e9stibi

Looks like Porsche is bringing a GT3 in a "Touring Package". I think the the 993 provides what a sports enthusiast wants in its base package (except for lap times ...). You need to pay a lot of money to Porsche nowadays to get sports car feeling.

Tlaloc75

I had a chance to drive the same roads in my car today. I came back home with my ears ringing, my neck stiff from countering the g-forces and my face sore from all the grinning.

10 out of 10 for fun!

shadow993

Ha!

It's funny if you think about iT. You pay more and get fewer options on new cars for the track feel.

BetaSteve

Once upon a time, not too long ago, we had an early '05 997 S and a '97 C4S, neither performing daily driver duties.
The 997 IMS woes are vastly overblown, but still there, piece of mind is worth a lot, I get it. Being an early engine the bearing replacement was under 1000 during a clutch replacement. They showed me the bearing and stated it was good as new. As were all they had seen. Yes 997 911 has problems, but once you learn about a car at enthusiast levels, which one doesn't? Personally I found it vastly superior in most every way possible to the 993. Especially the factory short shifter. If I could put anything 997 on a 993, that would be it. Interesting you found the 993 with more road noise, both our cars ran Pilot Sports, I found the 993 much quieter.
As previously stated, the 997 was, in my opinion, a superior car in most ways. But that intangible fun factor... just wasn't there. Better drivers than I have attempted to explain why one or the other is their choice. For me, the 993 is just more fun for anything other than setting fast time at the track day or a multiple day road trip. Both of which I have other equipment for.
In the end, one was going down in value, the other up... made the choice that much easier. 997 and 996 are a lot of car for the money though...

ftlaud911

Each model even in the same generation drives different. I owned a 997.1 c2s for about 1 1/2 years. Great car - pefect daily driver. Loved it, but bought a 997 gt3. The gt3 is an animal and is completely different. Have owned that for about 2 yrs now and love that car. About a month ago I bought a 993 c4s. I wanted another 911 to compliment my gt3. Narrowed it down to four choices. 997 gts, 997 turbo, 993 widebody, or 964. After much thought I chose the 993 or 964 options. The 997 gts and turbo were perfect daily drivers. Issue was I had two 997 so far and wanted a change in interior. Love the 964 front and 993 rear. What made me choose 993 was the widebody.
Impressions (c2s vs c4s)
Performance - The 997 is superior in every way
Interior - My c2s had full leather interior. 993 has vinyl everywhere. Adaptive seats are better. I don't fit in The 993 seats. They aren't wide enough and feel The bolsters on my legs. The dashboard I like in 993 better with the old dials. More analog which is a personal choice.
Driving - 997 can drive faster easier. 993 requires more concentration. I liked both and give it a tie based on 997 superior, but 993 feels like a go kart.
Engine - 993 all the way. SAI vs IMS enough said. Power though on 997 is way superior. My c2s had tune and full exhaust. It was quick and 993 is way slower.
Special - 993 has an X factor. 997 is plain and not special at all.
Overall - sold 997 c2s great car but wasn't special enough for me, 993 staying and wife wants it, 997 gt3 staying forever
Future - will definitely buy a 964 next for rawness factor. I loved looking at those front cannons while Driving. Feel like it's the last classic 911 look. The 993 front doesn't seem classic to me, but the rear is the best 911 yet (perfect).

Tlaloc75

Great perspective, thank you.

Have you done any suspension work on your 993? The reason I ask is after driving an RS America for many years, my 993 now feels more raw, purposeful and downright magical than my 964 ever did. The only thing my 964 had that my 993 can't match, is intake roar. At 5k RPM it would downright howl, a noise I've never heard in a 993. Other than that, my 993 is superior in every way and I'd never go back.

Solid tie-rods, new RS-hardness bushings all around, PSS10, RE71r tires in 235/265, RS motor mounts and shifter is what did the trick. Most enjoyable 911 I've ever driven.

I have a lot of hours in a 993 C4S and while I think it is the most beautiful 993 it is not the most entertaining to drive. Between the added weight, the AWD system and the added rear traction it loses enough acceleration and agility to take the edge off. For pure driving pleasure, its very hard to beat a narrow body C2. Turbos are fun too, but in a different way.

I bet your 997 GT3 is amazing!

ftlaud911

Your totally right about the c4s. You can definitely feel the extra weight. It has Bilstein HD's right now. Plan to add monoball and any part to make it more raw. Wanted a c2s and missed out on one. This is My first 4wd car and it has its advantages. Around turns it is very planted and gives you a sense of defying physics. I am infatuated by the WB rear end. The wide hips are so perfect. My 997 seems skinny in comparison. For performance I bet the C2 is the best. Would love a turbo, but prices are insane.
Since the wife wants it I will be happier with her driving the c4s for safety reasons. She loves the car more than me. Says it's hers once I am ready to get something else. Good for me since I can still drive it and I have permission to get another tou :-) . My try out a Lambo next (got fire suit one). Not selling my 911's just add one to the collection.