argarre

I am considering purchasing a 993 in the near future and need to know which models are "wide bodies" and which are "narrow bodies" and what exactly is the difference?

My current assumptions are that 993tt, 993 2s, and 993 4s are all wide bodies?

Help!

Mike in Chi

You're right, those are all wide-bodies.

they seem to hold their value a little better in terms of depreciation.

I've read that the narrow-bodies have a little higher top-end due to less wind-resistance.

As to what looks better, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", but this topic should be good for a long thread.

Personally I like the proportions of the narrow-body. But that's just one beholder's view.

You'll find everything about these cars is enjoyable, even deciding which one to choose. Have fun.

Mike in Chi

argarre

Thanks for the help. However, what exactly is the difference? Tire size? Dimensions? Rear flare?
Also, can you convert a narrow body to a wide body?

Thanks again-

Mike in Chi

Check out this site... I believe it's maintained by Robin, a frequent and very helpful poster.
http://www.haphazard.com/993kb

(Sorry, I haven't figured oujt yet how to do links.)

Also check out the archives, I think this topic has come up before.

The Turbo has a beefier tires, suspension and brakes. If my memory is correct, a 4S has everything the Turbo has, except the turbocharger.

The 2S has the widebody and a split engine cover. I'm not sure on the running gear.

I'm sure others can fill in the rather substantial gaps here.

Anir

Argarre,

Most folks base their decision on aesthetics and pricing, since the wide body models are uniformly more expensive. Some consider the wide-body to be "eye candy", so they choose a C2S, C4S, or Turbo. The situation is analagous to that of the "whale-tail" on the Turbo; some find it beautiful, but others think it ruins the aesthetics of the wide body.

The narrow body 993 came with 205/50-17 & 255/40-17, or optional 225/40-18 & 265/35-18. The wide bodies were outfitted with slightly larger rubber at the rear (225/40-18 & 285/30-18).

Personally, I'd avoid a conversion. I'm not sure it's worth it emotionally or financially.

Some fine points: The wide bodies have more aerodynamic drag, which I believe only enters the equation for top speed bragging rights. On the other hands, the wide bodies have a better footprint for traction.

As Mike mentioned, the C4S has the added benefit of the "big red" Turbo-brakes.

Good luck with your decision. You can't go wrong with either.

argarre

Thanks for the insight so far...
I am fully aware of the big brake difference, engine, and suspension. What I really want to know is the aesthetic differences between narrow and wide bodies.
Thanks again-

Larry T.

Another big difference between the narrow bodied cars and the wide bodies is the front bumper. The widebody (S) cars share the same front bumper as the Turbo. It is a more aggressive looking bumper with a slight flare at the bottom. If you check out Robins site Also the "S" has flared rocker panels. If you check out Robin's site (www.p-car.com) you can see the "evolution" of his narrow body car. He changed the front bumper to the turbo style and added the rear wing.

Also, the rocker panels on the Turbo and the S are flared.

Personally, I prefer the looks of the widebody, but Price was a consideration, so I have learned to love my narrowbody.

Mike in Chi

Hey Larry

Where in glenview are you?

I'm by Glenview and Wagner. Been working on my cars all morning and just taking a break to cool off.

Mike in Chi (make that glenview)

(Sorry everyone else for the off topic post)

Dennis Mitsch

Oops, that's me, not Robin. And I'm afraid it is still terribly unhelpful on the differences between the cars. Maybe next week!

Just cosmetically, the front fenders are the same width as the narrowbodies - so the "wide" part is actually in the rear - if I recall correctly, 30 mm per side for a total of 60 mm wider than the narrowbodies.

The other aesthetic items I can think of are already mentioned: bumper, rockers, split grill on the CarreraS, etc.

Dennis Mitsch - dem911@haphazard.com
'96 C4S - http://www.haphazard.com/dem/porsche/
993 FAQ and Knowledgebase - http://www.haphazard.com/993kb/

Mike in Chi

Sorry Dennis for the miscredit -- I got to get my book marks organized

You have a great site that I enjoy.

argarre

Thanks for the help!
I am looking forward to trading my 951S in for a 993 and eventually supercharging it!

Larry T.

Hi Mike,

Actually, I'm right around the corner from you in Glenayre. I tried to respond to your email, but your address was not valid. I've been working today as well...wax on...wax off...

JC in NY

Actually I learned that the widebody front fenders are a different part number. Although they are identical in the dimensions and amount of "flare" they are slightly different where they butt against the widebody rocker covers. Go figure. I would have never guessed.

E. J. - 993 Alumni

I heard the rear was 2.5 inches wider - not sure how that translates into milimeters.

DJ

That's about 60mm.