cbb

My son and I are thinking about doing a porsche cross country trip. From Philadelphia area to his school in Santa Barbara, then leave car at our place in Hermosa Beach as an occasional driver. Almost certainly will purchase a C2 Coupe - MT. We are considering a 997 or 993 for our journey. Should be a blast. Also, I'm no stranger to CC trips having done them on Harleys and Vintage cars before, and have owned air and water cooled porsches.




Anyway, what are you guys thinking would be the most suitable car for this trip.Obviously, we will be avoiding high mileage cars and car will be fully serviced before departure.




Any thoughts?




Are we crazy?





I am posting on both 993 and 997 Forums.




Thanks!

goofballdeluxe

Of course, a 997 will have more creature comforts, but both cars, if well maintained, should be up to the task.

Personally, I think a higher mileage car can sometimes be the best candidate; my 993 C4S has 105K miles on the clock, but after a recent complete mechanical restoration including an engine rebuild, I'd feel safer going 3000 miles in it, rather than, say, a neglected 50K mile 997.

That said, the 997 will be quieter and more refined, which can make long distance travel far less taxing.

I'd take the 997, but the 993 is up for the task. Question is....are you? And yes, you're crazy, but in the best way. Enjoy and safe travels

Mark in Baltimore

We have been doing a good bit of traveling in the 993 this summer. Went to Charleston and then just came back from Atlanta. Will probably head down to Ocala later.

I briefly had a 997S and, although it was a nice car, it just lacked a bit of a special quality for me. There is something unique about blasting around in an iconic, air-cooled 993, but obviously I'm biased. The AC works great, it's more than fast enough to close gaps when you're cruising at 90+, and it rides and handles well.

pp000830

997 Hands-down, a much more comfortable long trip ride.

993c4_Toronto

I'm just preparing for my annual long-distance drive in my 993. I love the drive in the 993 and since I don't have a 997, I can't compare, but the 993 is great. We are heading from Toronto to the island of Grand Manan in New Brunswick. It's a 1,300km drive each way.

WRXdriver

I’m a big fan of road trips and wouldn’t hesitate to take my 993 on a drive like yours. I’ve never owned a 997 but have driven a 997S quite a bit and readily admit its more capable in every way and more comfortable too. Not knowing you, I’d recommend a 997, but if I had both in my garage the 993 would go to CA and the 997 would stay home.

shotor

I'm own both. Both can do it. My vote would be the 997. Driving across country is pretty fun to begin with, not sure I would want to add the additional "adventure" of a 993 that may need work. Basically, if you have to ask, you want the 997.

If in your position I would go for a well maintained driver vs a low-millage car. Both cars seem to be more reliable when driven and maintained regularly.

rk-d

997 to be honest.

I think the 993 is the more enjoyable/better driving car, but the 997 is roomier, more comfortable and probably a good bit safer. It will likely be easier to get a 997 serviced en route if there is an issue.

eoddom

I'm making the cross country drive in a few weeks from socal to atlanta, and I couldn't imagine it in either but I like creature comforts. I'll be enjoying acoustic glass and seat massages for 3 days.

chsu74

1. I would only do the trip if the 993 is in a light color. AC just has a harder time keeping up in summers in a dark color car.

2. If your 993 in CA is not going to get much exercise, make sure it is tendered so smogging the car will not be a pain with readiness codes.

Kika

have your own mini-Gumball and take both, take turns driving each!

erikerik

both good cars. If its something you want to leave at your vacay home and not worry about it working correctly when you're visiting. . I'd say 997. IF you want something that is more classic and unique..993.

evilfij

Either will be fine. Now a 356 would be a fun challenge. I would buy a car that has been regularly driven as opposed to a low miles garage Queen. Or if you buy the low miles car, drive it around a bunch before heading out across the country.

I did it in an 84 land rover 110 that had been sitting for years, on dryrotted tires, and no doors .... in winter.

aircooledpurist

But not nearly as cool or classy.

tstafford

Either can handle the road trip. I think I’d rather leave a 997 at a vacation house than a 993. I’d want less chance for hassle. It’s just newer and should, on average, be more reliable.