wombat7

So, I'm getting ready to graduate from college with a computer engineering degree, and my first course of buisness after graduation is upgrading my P-car. Right now the prices for 996s are quickly approaching those of 993s. While I do like the looks of the 993 better, I like the performance and aftermarket for the 996 a little better. It seems like there are more tuners for the 996 than the 993. If there are any of you have owned both, what are you opinions?? Which one do you like better?? For those of you who have not ever owned a 996, what are the pluses and minuses of the 993 that you have found so far??

vjd3

I've owned both. I owned a 993 before I bought a 996 and I own a 993 now :-)

993: Air-cooled, thus the ultimate evolution of the "true" normally aspirated 911, adds a lot of power and comfort to the original 911 but retains the lion's share of the character in a modern package. Built like a tank, feels handmade, largely bulletproof car (the 96-98 problems with the secondary air injection ports notwithstanding; this is why I own a 95 which, coincidentally, happens to be for sale at the moment). Sounds great, drives great, fantastic car.

996: Certainly more modern in appearance and ergonomics; noticeably more powerful, handling is very sharp, brakes are tremendous. Much more comfortable car, which is not necessarily a good thing in a 911, i.e., it's quieter, trades that desirable air-cooled sound for the "whine" that is more characteristic of the Boxster, although under wide-open throttle the 996 has a nice growl to it. Car does not feel (or appear) to be as well-made as the 993; feels more like a Japanese car in terms of interior quality, and, for example, the way the door feels when you close it. More prone to rattles than the 993. Convertible top is much better than the 993 design. Has some fairly serious mechanical weaknesses, most noticeably the rear main seal, which almost certainly will begin leaking (mind did on a 99 C2 cab with 30k miles). If something goes wrong with the motor, Porsche says, replace it. If you're out of warranty, uh-oh. They don't rebuild 996 engines or gearboxes. That, in a nutshell, says a lot about how these cars are manufactured, as opposed to the 993 days, when one person built each 993 engine by hand. As I recall a 993 engine was about $33k new ... a 996 engine can be had for about $12k, which also tells you something. The gearbox on my 99 failed as well, I've heard of that on other cars.

If you are a 911 guy, I think you'd be happier with the 993. If you want the most modern, comfortable 911 ... then the 996 or a 997 might make you happier ... but don't buy a 996 with out a Porsche certified warranty or you could make an expensive mistake.

I think most of us, if able to buy at comparable price new off the Porsche showroom floor, would chose a new 993 over a new 996, despite the additional power the 996 offers. But we are largely "old-school" 911 guys ... the 996 board will no doubt have a different opinion. I liked both cars, but the 993 has the soul, in my opinion.

YMMV

Vic
95 C4 cab

Greg H.

I'd venture to guess that half the 996's around here are owned by people that are not porsche enthusiasts. The same cannot be said of the 993 and to me that is one of its biggest plusses.

Greg H.

jbuchsba

Hi.

The previous post is pretty accurate. I think the 993 will stay more valuable and is a better financial choice if that matters.....I have a1995 and it has a chip, so it feels like any varioram car + some.

Try both. Getting into my 993 makes me feel like it is a classic supercar, a race car. The 996 felt like a Lexus...less involving. The 996 cab to me is better on the eyes, but to me the 996 looks like a boxter.

Good luck. Both are great. Get a long, long warranty up front if you get a 996.

JB

Ron

I have been told by people at a shop that prepares Porsche racecars that it is much easier to modify a 993, as well as other earlier models, than a regular 996, as opposed to a Cup car, and that parts are more readily available for the 993 and eariler models.

GrantG

I've owned both and while the 996 is marginally faster, the 993 is far more satisfying to own and drive (more nimble, smaller, far better built - especially dry-sump motor). There are lots of aftermarket upgrades to the 993, I assure you. Neither car is particularly well suited to power enhancements though, unless you buy a turbo (then you get a real dry-sump motor with the 996TT, like the 993 NA btw).

mleds

I went from a 1995 c2 cab that got stolen, to a 1999 C4 cab. Loved the car but it felt like my Toyota Supra at high RPM. Much easier, FOR ME at least, to drive the 996 faster. I since then am on my second 993 (third overall) and love it. I have no intention of ever selling it. I do think that the 2002 996 is much better car than the 3.4L cars that Porsche originally came out with. I also think that the leather and build of the old car is far, far superior.
I think what you need to consider is the use of the car. Speed and performance only, or is the car an awesome piece of art that still performs. How long do you intend to keep it. I knew for instance that the first year 1999 c4 cab would not be a "keeper" year.
Good luck
Michael

Pzkw993

I think if you drive them both, the choice will be obvious. I don't see a way that someone could be equally emotionally affected by both cars. I've driven both and I prefer the 993, but I have had people get in my car and just be appalled... they tend to prefer the 996.

Now, if you can find a cheap way to keep motors in it, a 1999 996 would be a great track car. They are pretty quick and you can pick one up relatively cheaply.

As a 944 owner, though, you may prefer the demeanor of the 996. It's a more modern car.

24FPS

right there w/ ya michael.... gotta' also add that i feel every year '993' is a keeper year. immho of course.

ventoGT

I agree with everyone so far who has posted--it really depends on what you like about each car individually. My situation was that I had the opp to buy out my company lease on the 2001 996 for $36,000 [57,000 mile Black C2 Manual]--I liked the car a lot and had spent some minor money on it doing little non-performance mods [except for the twist wheels].

When it came time to make a decision, I picked a 1997 993 C2 Manual and paid $2,500 more for it [although it had only 31,000 miles and a new clutch]. Why? A few reasons:

1. I love the way the 993 looks, and I love the fact that it is a "true" 911 in classical fashion--Air-cooled engine, dashboard, the SMELL!!!!, the Sound, did I say this is a good looking car already?

2. MUCH more unique than a 996. I live in Atlanta, and 996s [and Boxsters for that matter] are ALL OVER THE PLACE. I think I have seen more 996s than Audi A4s in Atlanta.

3. Depreciation. The 996 is already hitting the skids because of the 997 being arguably better looking and definitely better performing. I have a feeling people will flock to the 997 if they don't mind the modern, water cooled car and they will stay with the 993 if they want the Zenith of the Air cooled cars. We'll see when the 998 comes out, but if current values continue their slope, the 996 will be cheaper than a 964 soon.

4. Overall feel of the car--the 993 feels a lot less floaty and more screwed down [even on stock suspension] than the 996. After driving them back to back, the 996 feels somewhat disconnected and more bouncy in the suspension department. The 996 is a noticeably larger vehicle [to its credit both inside and out]

5. Build quality--as many have mentioned, the 993 is seen as more "bulletproof" than the 996 [OBDII issues do happen, but so to RMS leaks in the 996 community]. The cars were handbuilt, not mass produced like the 996--you notice this in the vault-like closing of doors, and there seem to be less rattles in the 993 as a result. Even the climate control system is pretty damned good [especially if you have been in older 911s], although it isn't as easy or efficient to use as the 996s climate control.

The 996 was a great car to me, and I don't intend to knock it here in any way shape or form. I chose the 993 because of its more classic appearance, geneaology, and due to the fact that ever since I was 14 I wanted one [I was 14 when the 993 was introduced]. It has always been my favorite 911, and continues to be now during ownership. I use mine as a daily driver, and it is less convenient than a 996--the trunk and area behind the seats are actually useful on trips in the 996, where in the 993 you have a little "cheese wedge" to fit a few soft bags and the top of the rear seats and that's it.

PSM is another thing that is great about the 996, although you really have to be driving like a dick to get it to work. If you are looking for overall safety, the 996 has head and side airbags as well as PSM on most models [which really works well--you can see how it works on a track better than anything].

996 feels faster and it's ergonomics are MUCH better than the 993. The shifter is right there, you have an armrest for your shifting arm, the radio controls and climate controls you can access without leaning over, and the 996 is pretty much cheaper than a 993 if you are looking at C2s or C4s especially.....

I can't tell you the right answer but hopefully this provided some insight into how I went about my decision--if you want to call me to ask me any specific questions, please feel free--I literally JUST got rid of my 996 a week ago so everything is still fresh in my mind. My number is 678-778-3745 or feel free to PM me.

Good luck, and keep us posted on your search. Sorry for the long post--once I start I'm hard to stop

wombat7

Wow guys you're knowledge and genuine willingness to help people never ceases to amaze me. I'm looking for a car that I can drive on the street, then on the weekends trailer it to the track and have some fun. Like I said in my original post, I definately like the looks of the 993 compared to the 996, I think when Porsche made the 996 the went away from what had made them famous, the luscious curves and the sweet mechanical sound of an air cooled flat 6. The only real thing that is drawing me to the 996 is the fact that it would be a newer car.

Definately keep the opinions coming!!

stedge

All good opinions here. You need to drive them both and make your own decision. Were I to sell my 97 C4S, it would be for a tt. I would never consider a 996, however, but this is purely a personal thing.

As far as the carbon buildup issue - my understanding is: 1. It is probably overblown, 2. It does not affect the driveability of the car, but rather emissions testing, due largely to OBD-II (of course, if I am off base, feel free to correct me, gurus). I have had zero reliability issues with my C4S in 2 years. I can't say that about any other car I have owned - and they have been mostly Hondas...

vjd3

I think the carbon issue is only serious in that it will cause the car to fail emissions ... in non-emissions testing states, you can just put some duct tape over the little light :-)

The 95 car has the same problem, but it doesn't affect drivability because it only is in play for the first 30 seconds on a cold start, if I'm correct. It's just that the OBD1 doesn't flag it.

Vic
95 C4 cab

Greg H.

That's what I did

Greg H.

Terry Adams

I drove a 996, albeit only for 15 minutes, but that was enough. It is a wonderful GT, and marginally better performance, but lacking involvement. I would rather have a 6-9 year old 993 in good condition than a relatively new 996. My 993 has been bullet proof.