95 vs. 96 993
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
95 vs. 96 993
Can someone point out the various differences between the '95 and the '96 993. What are the comparisons concering dependability, performance, braking etc. How noticable would those differences be to the average Porsche driver. Thanks to all who have responded to my previous posts, the info is highly valued.
Addict & Guru
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,897
Likes: 3
From: St. Louis
There are many extensive discussions of this recurring question in the archives - that would be a good place to start your research.
Here's some help:
August, 2001 - Yes, just last month!
May, 2001
March, 2001
October, 2000
August, 2000
My thoughts remain the same as a few weeks ago:
Varioram, which others have noted, is less significant for 0-60, 1/4 mi or top speed than it is for midrange "flexibility," e.g. accelerating from 40mph w/o the need to downshift. That difference was noticable to me - try to drive both so you can decide for yourself.
Apart from the obvious, (vram, basket handle, etc.) there are a host of "minor" differences from '95 - '96 gleaned from exploring the shop manual (e.g., A/C changes, steering rack). Don't know if they were really improvements or just changes, but I hope they were improvements. There was also the '95 wiring harness problem extensively discussed on the Board.
A year newer ... is a year newer. There will likely always be a difference in value. All things being equal (which is seldom the case), get the newest 993 you can afford.
In my case, I wanted a '96+ rather than a '95 & looked until I found what I wanted. You'll be happier stretching a bit to get your 1st choice than driving 2nd best every day.
Every 993 is a superb drive - you can't really go wrong. Just check out the car carefully. Of course, all just my $.02.
Here's some help:
August, 2001 - Yes, just last month!
May, 2001
March, 2001
October, 2000
August, 2000
My thoughts remain the same as a few weeks ago:
Varioram, which others have noted, is less significant for 0-60, 1/4 mi or top speed than it is for midrange "flexibility," e.g. accelerating from 40mph w/o the need to downshift. That difference was noticable to me - try to drive both so you can decide for yourself.
Apart from the obvious, (vram, basket handle, etc.) there are a host of "minor" differences from '95 - '96 gleaned from exploring the shop manual (e.g., A/C changes, steering rack). Don't know if they were really improvements or just changes, but I hope they were improvements. There was also the '95 wiring harness problem extensively discussed on the Board.
A year newer ... is a year newer. There will likely always be a difference in value. All things being equal (which is seldom the case), get the newest 993 you can afford.
In my case, I wanted a '96+ rather than a '95 & looked until I found what I wanted. You'll be happier stretching a bit to get your 1st choice than driving 2nd best every day.
Every 993 is a superb drive - you can't really go wrong. Just check out the car carefully. Of course, all just my $.02.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 118
From: FL
I really wanted a '95 car, and searched far and wide until I found one that was near perfect. The issue of the varioram was the biggest factor for me. I plan on keeping this car for a long time, and didn't want the added complexity of servos and moving plungers in my induction system. Driving both cars, I couldn't tell a difference besides a little more flexibility as mentioned above. Also, from '96 on, the only way to unlock the car is by keyless entry (this I could be wrong about). IMO, consider the added complexity in relation to how long you want to keep the car. Other than that, newer is always newer. Good luck!
