Try this one on your brain "Probably no depreciation ever..."

993's are fast becoming a collector item. I chose a 993RS over a 996 GT3: Synthesis of my tastes and views of a Porsche.

My$0.02.

 

I was in the same boat last year. Had this:


and wanted something newer. I looked at a 2001 996 Tip and also a 996 6 speed and was in love with the Silver/Black 996 tip I drive. No more shifting? What a relief in heavy DC traffic. I loved the way it drove, and that modern interior with amazing A/C. I didn't like the slab sided exterior, and that's the reason I bought my curvy 993. The looks of the car sold me. The classic Porsche 911 lines are totally lost for me in the 996. It's a great car as you know, but it didn't hit me emotionally on the "look back" after parking it. That's why I got my 993.

If you want total comfort and GT-ness appeal, buy your awesome deal on the 996. You can't beat that deal. BUT, let's get honest here - we both know you're not going to do that in the end . You already had your time in the newer 996. You had your new car fun. It's time for the classic you've been dreaming about. You're going to go with your heart and get the 993.

Please post pics of that Arena Red (or other colored) beauty when it's sitting in your driveway. Trust us - you're doing the right thing here! You will thank us 2 months from now during your first long 993 road trip. Just do it! Take the plunge into the past. Give up that ultra-comfortable 996 and go for the still comfortable but with much more exterior eye appeal 993.

Steve

 

For what it's worth, I have had both a 996 and 996 GT3 Cup car after owning several older Porsches, including a few 993s. I sold my street and race car and now own 993s for both street and race. I know it should be whatever you like and for me, the 996 didn't have it. It is made cheap and it didn't give me that "Porsche feel" I had grown use to. I bet if you went to the 996 board they wouldn't agree.

Just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions.

 

I drove a 2001 996 before buying my 993. It's probably a better car but to me it isn't a better Porsche. However, I have a particular problem with "tumblehome" in cars. The 993 has straight side windows so it's the car for me.

 

if you want traditional porscheness, get 993
if you like a comfy gt, get 996
if you are confused, get both like me.

"BS! The extra HP doesn't necessarily translate into a faster car. I street race them often, and I was only beaten once-and that was marginally."
________________
however, any post 2001 stock 996 will be faster than a stock 993 given equal driver.

 

Buy the 993. You'll have NO REGRETS! Buy Steve W.'s chip (cheaper for th e'95) and much of the difference in the HP or "Torque Feel" will be evened out.

So, for $34,500 you'll have one of the all time classic Porsche's with maybe 5-10 hp difference. Not even close to being a debate in my book.

 

That's just because the gearing is much better on the 996 (regear the 993 and that difference vanishes - for a price...)

 

Absolutely true. In fact it is very similar to the G50/21 gearing...

 

You realize of course Cole that this is like wandering into campaign headquarters and asking who to vote for.

 

VentoGT:

Why are you worried so much about HP. Both cars can fly and both can get you killed if aren't skilled enough to handle it. Unless you really think the 996 will get you faster to your sales calls. I would just get the car that you've always wanted......And wasn't that the 993?

 

VentoGT:

I finally bought my 993 in Aug. and pretty much use it as a daily driver, even though I did not initially
intend to. I pretty much only drive my other auto when it rains, which is not too often here in the
desert. As a daily driver, works great for me.

Good luck with your decision.

PS - I did drive a couple of 996's before purchasing the 993. However, price was much more than my 993 at the time when I was looking at them. Your 996 price does sound good. Personally, liked the 996, but am fully satisfied and glad I went with the 993. Maybe a used 996 C4S or Turbo in a couple of years.

:-)

 

It's sad when a '99 996 can be had for under $30k miles...Porsche is damaging their reputation with their high number of engine failures. Let's see if the 997 can help it.

ebay car....

Buy a 993.....

 

Buying a ten year old 993 is a great idea as long as your expectations are appropriate. If you plan to use it as a car -- everyday transportation -- you need to know if its less cushy nature (compared to your current 996) works for you or not. And, ten years old is ten years old, not to mention 1995 is the first model year of production. Stuff can happen, so expect it. Of course, the "stuff can happen" aspect of a 996 is well known too -- big stuff that makes an out of warranty 996 kind of scary to me.

If you're buying the car as a primarily weekend and special car -- sort of a collectible -- my opinioin is the 993 has more traditional "Porscheness". To me the 996 is more of a really nice car you use, less of a garaged-during-the-week car. Again, just me, but saving a 996 in the garage is like saving a Mercedes sedan. Not the same as saving a more classic sports car like a 993.

But really, a decision like this boils down to your personal preferences. There isn't a wrong choice.

I was faced with the same decision looking for my car. I had sum I could spend. My decision for the 993 was part financial -- I thought as last of the air cooled it would remain special, the 993's more pure sports car personality, its lower complexity with fewer dodads to break (it's still pretty complex, however), and the fact it would not be my everyday car. I wanted it to be different than the norm. I think if I were to do it again for my purposes, I'd go back even further and buy the best '89 Carrera I could find -- an even more basic car.

Good luck whichever direction you choose to go...

 

When I purchased my 964, it was because of a limited budget. I always knew I wanted a 993. When I got my 993 C4S, it was my dream car. When I drove the 993TT, it became my dream car with power. I no longer dream of owning any other Porsche, although I do admire and like to look at almost all of them.

 

THAT is a great statement! To finally fulfill the dream...