adcampo

Over the past 6 months I've been thinking about my next car. Spent a ton of time on these boards. I've owned a bunch of //M cars. My last was an M4. I also owned a 996 4S.

I tend to get bored quickly.

I've thought the 997tt would be my ultimate car, but now I'm thinking a 993 might keep me engaged for longer. I've driven both.

I know the 997 is a beast. I've read it's almost too good, too fast and in a way a bit boring.

I understand comparing these two cars is like comparing apples to oranges, but I'm curious on input from owners experiences.

adcampo

Sorry meant "here" not "hear".

P-daddy

I’ve also owned several M cars since the 90s. My latest bimmer was a “slightly” tweaked 335. However, since being bitten by the aircooled bug 8 years ago, there’s no going back. And no I don’t miss the power. I find the 993 so much more engaging. It’s like Christmas morning every time I hop in to drive. BTW, what’s the status with the 993 at Tyson’s Porsche?

adcampo

Tyson's car is still sitting on the their lot. I'm out of town for 10 days. May press them further on the price as 12/31 is coming up.

As I've started my 993 search, I've found some possibly better examples. Equal or less miles with extensive service work and history. However prices for those cars are $8k-$15k more.

The Tyson's car still seems like a better value. The PPI and final price will really be the determining factor.

Quadcammer

I dont own a 993 c2 but rather a turbo as well as a 7tt. the 7tt is a well rounded, high performing, and good looking car. but it doesnt feel like a special car. 993 feels more interesting. bit slow but thats ok. once you drive it youll know

goofballdeluxe

I've driven both, and while the 997TT is an insanely fast and competent car from a performance standpoint, my problem with it is you can really only use a small fraction of what this car is capable of around town. It's also so insulating and antiseptic in its delivery that it borders on rather sterile and soulless.

The 993, on the other hand, is such fun because you can really wring it out and push it to it's limits without hitting triple digits, especially in the first few gears. It's not slow, but it's not the mind bending warp drive of the 997TT.

The old adage is true that it's more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow

Rick-A-Shay

If you really want to "wring it out & yourself" try an '88 G50 Carrera. Upper body strength and brains play a big part in performance.....

ilko

Owned both simultaneously at one point. Sold the 997 Turbo and kept the 993 Carrera. The 997 Turbo was indeed quick but not as fun to drive.

dannycf

I went from owning several 993's to a 996TT to a 997 C4S and back to a 993 C4 and currently a 993 C2. The water cooled 996TT and 997C4S were great cars but not as fun or engaging as the 993's. During the time that I owned them I couldn't stop thinking about getting back into a 993 even with the additional power and refinements of the water cooled cars.

clib

A lot depends on intended use. I love my 993 but if you need a daily driver in all conditions, put many miles on a car etc is it the right car? If you do , the newer more modern car will be easier and likely cheaper to live with. The 993 is now 20 years old at newest and requires a slightly more involved owner experience in terms of inconvenience, maintenance and costs. All very worth it as long as you go in with eyes open. Buying a well preserved example only adds to the cost and worry equation about miles etc.
Porsche also makes modern cars closer to the balance of these older 993 then the 997turbo. Cayman R for example or later 6cylinder S models are great cars and feel much more balanced then the much larger and super capable overkill of the 911tt but all the advantages of newer.

Zeus993

To the OP, I think you're getting the gist of things here - the 993 for the fun, engaging car Vs. the still great DD 997.

I've owned two 997's, one of them an 08 TT cab and now a 993. I loved the 997's but wanted something more old school, more engaging, and that's what the 993 does. The TT had gobs of power, super sturdy and planted, but slightly unengaging and not really per say "tossible". I also have my 2nd bat-**** crazy Gen-1 Spyder which is a whole different story in itself.

And the 993 turned 20 this last October so yes - it is needing things done to it including a new windshield (original is getting very pitted), new shocks (go with the new Porsche OEM Classics or PS 10's?), a short-shift kit, etc... Nothing major but you will be constantly in re & re mode with a 993.

So yes the ideal scene might be to own both. But for pure driving pleasure as a second car the 993 is my choice. I've kept the insurance on it and am driving it all winter. It's fun tooling around in it, even in inclement weather. The all-season Conti's are pretty crappy for spirited driving (soft side walls) but for a city with crappy roads they're a good fit.

Probably best to go drive both at 993 and a 997 or an hour and see which one lights you up!

adcampo

Great input from all. Thank you. I’m thinking the 993 might be something I should try.

One more thibg.. Do you ever crave for more power with the 993? With most of my past cars, including my 996 4s, I often found myself wishing for more power.

Keep in mind this would be a second car and I have no plans of tracking it.

Knight

I think we can all prob admit whatever car you get your always wanting more power or something to add - joy of the slippery slope. 😃

I think most will admit it's the gearing in the 993 that's a drawback. The HP is more than adequate for fun, canyon carving etc.

Tlaloc75

No matter how much horsepower you have, you will get used to it. A 993 may feel underpowered at first but then you’ll adapt and you’ll enjoy the challenge of winding out the gears.

doc_porsche

i have a 97 c4s and an 05 911 S cab. the 05 S cab is great overall, especially when i want to just jump in and go and not really worry about stop and go traffic or the weather. but when i really want to drive, the 993 is the one i take out at night and do a 35-50 mile run along the canyon and beach drive. they are both manual, both porsche, but different.