I've read with interest the many 993 vs 996 threads, and thought I'd add to them after a recent experience. First, I admit I may be biased, having only ever owned air-cooled, but I was trying v. hard to be objective.

I drove a 2000 996 C4 last week owned by a colleague. It was very quick, easy to drive and quiet, but with a nice growl at higher revs. It felt a bit lighter in some respects, but it didn't have the 10" rims and 285s of my C4.

But the main difference is overall quality and feel. For example, it had the feel of a good Japanese brand inside, like a Toyota or Honda, whereas the 993 is built like a Mercedes. The doors felt less solid, the dash more plastic, and the buttons (shiny and too stylised) felt a bit cheap. And that ease of driving left me feeling a bit detached from the action.

In the 993, the door closes with a solid "chunk", feels like it was machined from a steel billet and you feel like you need to DRIVE it.

That 996 could never give me the same thrill and sense of involvement as with a 993. Not in the same league.

 

You can say that again!!!

 

Dave, that great.. However, I think that you are already preaching to the choir.

Jeff

 

Very good points (which I agree with).
Have you driven a 2002 996? That may be enough to tip the scales the other way. I have not driven one yet but it is the only P-car that would tempt me to change from my 993 (turbo's don't count). The extra HP, turbo lights, new front & rear ends look very nice. Exhaust note is supposed to be improved as well. I've seen 2 in person and really like the looks as I never liked the "egg" 1999-2001s 996s (aside from the turbos)

 

Silver Bullet,
it's interesting you mention an 80's SC as a dream car. Having owned one for 4.5 yrs, I think the points re the 993 vs 996 are even more apt.

of course there's no comparison 911SC vs 996, the issue over quality shines through. After 145k miles, the 81 911SC feels tight, solid and a quality machine. 20 years old, high mileage and feels great.

I just cannot believe that the 996 will do that in 20yrs.

...and perhaps I should go try a 2002, just to check.

 

The 993 is the true incarnation of what 911s are meant to be. You have to drive it, or it can easily get away from you. It has the mystique and character that is the essence of 911. I came very close to buying a 996 in 2000, but found a 993S literally on my way to close the lease deal on my 2000 996 and am so glad I did. Larry

 

I had not owned a Porsche before last weekend and I will second Dave's comments. I took both a 993 and a 996 home overnight, spending equal time with both cars.

I also found the 996 easier to drive. I also happen to like the interior of the 996. However, it feels less connected and too quiet. The 993 feels more solid, it's more connected which makes it more fun to drive, the engine sounds better and the quality of the construction just feels better. Gotta love the sound of the door closing.

With only a week driving the car, I still enjoy driving it with the radio off just so I can listen to the sound of the car.

Silver Bullet - BUY THE TT! Seriously, you need to give the guy I sent you a call. (Jason). I just talked to him today and he had located two more TT's with low miles at good prices.

-Tim
'97 993TT

 

Silver Bullet,

If you drive a TT, you WILL undoubtedly be forced to buy it.

However, as this is your first 911 maybe stick with the C2S - this will at least give you something to upgrade to in the future. If you buy the TT straight away, what is there left to look forward to... GT2...

The recession is great - it brings a TT ever closer pour moi.

--Paul--