2ndof2

I'm still out there looking for a 993 and struggling with the mileage vs. price dilemma. One would think a '95 when compared with a '96 or '97 with all the same options and mileage etc should sell for less than the '96 or '97 just due to depreciation factors alone (all other things being equal - I don't know the original retail cost for those years but I assume they were similarly priced when new).

The question of whether a '96 or later car has a better differential than a '95 came up as I've done my research to find the right car. I already know there's a slight HP difference due to varioram. I would like a newer car with more power but thats not the most important consideration for me. Anyone have any input regarding a '95 vs '96 when it comes to differential and / or power differences? Are the performance times similar for both cars in terms of 0-60, top speed etc? I guess I don't want to rule out the '95 models just because of a 12hp difference, but when I hear about possible differential issues then I wonder if holding out for a more expensive '96 is just more sensible in the long run since a warranty is prohibitively expensive for cars this old.

Novice

From my Porsche buyer's guide book (Leffingwell)
95 / 96 (non turbo C2)
hp:270@6100rpm/282@6300rpm
Torque : 243@5000rpm/243@5500
max Speed: 168mph /171mph
Tires Front: 205 55ZR16 optional 205 50ZR17 / 205 50 ZR 17 optional 225 40ZR 18
tires rear: 245 45 ZR16 optional 255 40 ZR 17 / 255 40 ZR 17 optional 265 35 ZR 18

In case you don't already know
96+ has OBD II, 95 doesn't have the "CEL light" problem.
96 year has main wiring harness recalled.

I believe the differentials are the same for 95 and 96 except ABD is standard on C4S.

Speedraser

'95s are just as quick 0-60, 0-100, etc., based on contemporary road tests. Top speed is 168 for the '95, 171 for the 96+, according to Porsche. The Varioram's advantage is in greater low- and mid-rpm torque, not in all-out performance.

I've never heard about any difference in the differential among 993 model years.

ksjcorpus

of course im not biased at all but i would get a 95 because of no CEL issue and you can chip it for cheaper. in all seriousness color combination and condition, mods and price on the car should be the defining issues for you.

Ray Calvo

Get a '95; will save money, not have the OBDII headaches, and you'll never notice any performance difference.

Haven't a clue about "diferential"; my '95 has been bulletproof in 80K miels of street, track, and autocross. Treat the car right, it'll treat you right.

DJF1

Yeah... 2 95's here not an issue... You must be refering to the Limited Slip??? If so all stock LSD's in all years are going bad after so many miles. The only cure is rebuilt or better aftermarket of Porsche Motorsports which is a bulletproof LSD.
Good luck in your hunt, just make sure you get the car YOU want...

pjc

Karim has it right - if you want to "warm" up the performance the '95 is the cheaper to work on. An average driver would hardly notice the difference in power with varioram - its a bit like trying to feel the difference with and without aircon.

Either way they are great cars and whatever decision you make enjoy!

PJC

Mark in Baltimore

Iv'e never had nor heard of any differential problems unique to MY '95. I think Danny's right; maybe someone was talking about the short-lived limited slip.

Steve Weiner will be happy to sell you one of his chips. I have one in my '95 and it works well. '96's can't be chipped as easily or as cheaply.

WRT the check engine light, lots of people have NOT had any issues with their '96-'98 993's but not being able to rid the car of this potential problem was one of the issues that attracted me to the '95's

STLPCA

'96+ 250 ft lb @ 5250 rpm
All years potentially have the carbon buildup problem, but in the OBD II cars it'll also trigger the CEL
The harness recall also applied to MY '95