ventoGT

***After reading the thing about first posters....here is a background for all to see before you berate me for posting even thinking of a 996 in the 993 forum

--Growing up my Father got me into Porsche by taking me to ElkHart Lake to watch 917s and other cars race and generally got me into cars.

Now, I am in a sales position, and if you hit a certain goal for the year, the company leases you [they own the cars] a new [or newer] Porsche for the year. After riding in/driving my Dad's 89 Turbo Look Carrera Cab, this 2001 996 is a whole different animal, but feels like it's missing some of the flair of the old Air cooled 911s.....that said, any help with the post is appreciated......

I am the current lessee of a 996 [it's a company perk, lucky me]....2001 blk/blk, 6 spd. I love the car, but now I have to make a decision...buy the 996 at around $36K or look for a 993. Increasingly, the 993 seems like a great option as it is and will be my favorite 911 for a long time, but it is not as comfortable, spacious, or fast...

The 996 has 55K miles, is in good shape, and I have been driving it for a year and a half, while there are a few attractive 993s that I have seen at decent mileage for the same or less than this price...any input as to what would be the better option for a daily driver?

If I plan on driving the car until it blows up, am I going to regret getting a 1995 vs 1996 993?? The 993 has my heart and seemingly always will....I guess what I am asking is am I going to hate driving a 993 every day as my only car and is it that big of a deal to go for the variocam versus non??


Thanks!
Cole

jrgordonsenior

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.

ventoGT

OK, I didn't mean literal figures, but the torque curve feels a lot more accessible....sorry for the verbiage--remember, I'm a newbie here but I do love the air cooled cars so I'm basically looking for you all to convince me to scrap the 996 and run with a 993......help me have a clear conscience!!

CP

Cole,

I don't know if you have driven a 993. If not, please try to get some extensive seat time in one. Drive your favorite roads that you'd take your 996 on. If the 993 lights your fire, it'd be on these roads where you'd have a direct comparison with your 996, which you know well.

As for 1995 vs 1996 MY, the difference in durability is probably more dependent on the maintenance. I have a 95 with 105k miles and I love it. If you find a good car, properly maintained, your favorite color combo. price correctly, etc. the 993 is a great car to enjoy.

BTW, sadly, the $36k buy out of the 996 probably will NOT get you a late MY (98), low miles (25k or less) 993. You have to add about $10k to your budget if that's your target car.

Good luck.

CP

chris walrod

As mentioned above, treat yourself to some extended seat time (if possible) in a 993, a well maintained 993 that is.

Listen to your heart.. Which car does it for you?

Dont shy away from '95's, they are great, durable cars as well

mrsullivan

show me a 98 993 with 25k miles or less for $46k.....i could be wrong, but that sounds low still....

not sure that the 993 is as-fast as a 996? i dont know the "numbers", and maybe this has been debated to death, but i have driven both and would say that the 996 definitely felt faster...

its of course a personal opinion thing, but the reason i didnt like the 996 is it looks 50% like a Boxster, lacks the snort/snarl character of the air-cooled engine, and is just all too common.... to own a late year 993 in great condition is to arguably own a Porsche that feels old and classic German, but also new, fast, and modern...

ventoGT

I wasn't clear in my original question on the 993s available [newbieness I suppose]...I have a 95 993 available to me with 28,000 miles and the asking price is $34K.....that is the one that really looks good...Arena Red, CARFAX clean, all records...Late models [especially the S which I love] are out of my price range--FYI--all of the responses are MUCH appreciated!

CP

Cole,

95 with 28k miles at $34k is a decent/good price. Check if the wiring harness recall has been done. It's a Porsche freebie for 95s.

How does the car drive to you? Do you like it as much, or more, than your 996? If it's OEM suspension, be prepared to ante up for a new one soon. BTW, if your company continues to provide your ride (lucky you), why not go for a 997?

CP

jnnking

My dad also got me started with Porsche's when he bought a 914. I learned how to drive in that car. I now have a 95 Cabriolet, and I love it. A 95 with 28K at $34K sounds like a nice deal.

As others have said, go drive a 993 and then see how you feel about the comfort and power. You might find the differences do not out way your affection for the 993 style. The power difference between variocam and non is negligible for us mortals.

Let us know what you decide.

EricGT3

An 01 996 for $36k sounds like a screaming deal. Eventhough I'm a 993 guy, I think that's a deal you can't pass up. Let's face it, the 996 will be 5 years newer.

Monique

There was a fundamental change in Porsche philosophy with the 996 (986 and Cayenne too) These cars were intended for the mass market aiming to increase market share away from BMW and Merc. They succeeded marvelously but IMO, the design and execution of the 996 etc is less of an art form than the air cooled versions.

The 993 is a more traditional Porsche FWIW (no you cant take this to your banker ). If you consider a long term purchase, you will find 993 are more expensive than an equally good 996... and the real bonus is the 993 is less likely to blow its guts out at 40k kms.

But the newer versions are more civilized...

Drive as many as you can then decide. Good luck

993RS

Welcome VentoGT! I have been using 993's as daily drivers for 10 years. I personally would not want any other car than an air-cooled 911, preferably a 993. If I could not have an air-cooled 993, I would switch car manufacturer. Sorry, but I can not relate to a 996. Don't like the shape, don't like the interior, too big. Have not made my mind up about the 997 yet. (This is just me... any my personal preference). I'd probably try and get a Ford GT40 (wishful thinking...), or a Dodge Viper... Maybe a 997.. but not sure yet... Drive the cars, follow your heart... Choose what is best for you...

Frank 993 C4S

I had the chance to drive a 996 this summer in Germany over the weekend. See this thread with my opinion about the 993/996 comparison: https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...22#post1334122. The 996 is a great comfortable car but it's just not for me. A '01 996 for $34k sounds like an unbelieveable deal - take it (BTW so does the '95 convertible with 28k miles). If you don't take the '95 let me know, I have one more spot left in my garage.

Flying Finn

Cole,

Based on your description (996 lack good ol' 911 feel), even though you're concerned about 993's comfort, I'd advice to get 993.

BTW, I never really understand what people are talking about since stock 993 is very soft and comfortable, when I got mine, even though it felt pretty damn good, immediately I wanted to make (and made) it harder, lighter and louder etc. to make it feel more 911.
I've driven couple of 996s ("old" GT3 and C2) and must say even though it was GT3, it was way more GT & luxury for me, it just idn't feel right for me. You can modify 996 as well and you'll get a really good car, but still there's something missing (for me, so all 996 guys hold on).

Vario or non vario really doesn't matter.

Did I say go and get 993? Oh yes I did, go and get 993.

Rbez

I'm a newbie too and I've been struggling with this same issue. Heart says 993; brain says evaluate performance, price, blah blah blah. Heart tells brain to 'shut up', it wouldn't understand.

I'd get that '95 993 and enjoy as the modern 'classic' that it is. Decent 996's will continue to be abundant with presumably lowering prices in the next few years.