Rezal

The main reason that I still can't accept the 997 is that the use of the original 996 roofline and engine cover gives the top a bubble domed shape and the rear a hunchback look (very apparent with the cabs). Unfortunately, Porsche continues this trend with the Cayman.

If you look at the 993, the roof is flatter and the slope to the rear smoother. I also like the black multislatted 993 grill to add highlight at the rear rather than body-colored grills (even on the 993 C2S). The 993 reflector also adds visual width vs. the 997 split tail-lights. If you don't believe me, compare the rear of a 996 C4S with a 996TT and see the effect of the reflector strip.

At the front, the 997 is very busy below the hood shutline (unnecessary angled foglights, both vertical and horizontal grill lines) but too plain above the shutline (flat hood) wherelse the 993 is more balanced both above and below.

Similarly, the wing mirror is overly designed vs. the simple but classic 993 teardrop.

My speculation is that the 997 will look "old" 5 years from now but the 993 shape has proven its lasting power.

Oh hell...I'm just friggin' biased...

winsome

the value of all the 993s in Hong Kong have increase because of the round lights from 997, a good 30% jump!

InTheAir

It is interesting, however, to see how similar the 993/997 are to each other.

I have to admit that I'm considering the 997....well, in 7-10 years or so. In fact, ~my~ 997 is being delivered to its first owner soon.

In the meantime, I'll continue to love the Bat Mobile.

eloyex

To Jeff: Keep loving the BatMobile ... it looks absolutelly gorgeous .. !!
Even My wife (she gives a crap cars ...) told me to keep the 993.
Buy a 997 if you want, BUT keep the 993 !!!!

To Rezal: You are not biased and your comments are very accurate indeed.
the 997 is great, but 993 wins in the long run ... lets compare a 993 Vs a 997
in 10 years.

To Winsome HK: The very same here. 993 are hotter than before here in southamerica thks to 997.

excuse my bad english .... eloy

Midnight C4S

First off Eloy - Don't sweat the language, there are hundreds of them out there, thanks for using the one that I use, sorry I can't use yours. You're doing us a favor.

About the 997 after how many months - still like it better than the 996 although the 996C4S was getting pretty good looking.

However, and forgive me to the ladies out there but the 993 tail is still much better looking, I think it's because I've always liked the look of female rear ends that have an upside down heart shape (luckily I think I'm the only one), if you look at Rhino's pics you can see that the 993 has that upside down heart look. Damn I hope I'm not getting into trouble with Adrian and Joanne for this, Pretend we are looking at the statue of Venus or something people.

95cab

I had the "Is that the new one?" question a few weeks ago - I can't honestly say I felt bad about it!

csertich

I had a very nice gentleman in a 996 ask me if mine was the new 997. When I told him he was looking at a car made in late 1995, he was astounded.
chuck

trojanman

I still feel guilty driving mine to work... I try to park on the other side of the building and keep a low profile at my office. The people who have noticed and comment about it are similarly shocked when I tell them it's nearly a decade old.

I almost want to have a sign that says "This car cost me less than the sedan I was driving 6 months ago, which none of you seemed to care much about at the time".

If none of that works I just tell them my wife's an attorney and I'm the trophy husband... and that REALLY doesn't work.

JasonAndreas

The two cars sitting next two each other look like the standard family photo of big Brother and little sister, the 993 looks almost dainty next to the 997.

Rezal

I work at a fairly conservative company where even the VPs drive Honda Accords (but we're like Fortune 250 or something!). I've gotten tired of telling people that my car costs less than a new 3series.

I like the daintiness. Gives me more room to play before I make a 911 shaped hole in the hedges. Those living in the UK, especially in the Wales/ Yorkshire area know what I'm talking about. The samll interior did freak me out at first though when I test drove my first 993, after owning an Audi A4 My two other comments I think were "What? The steering doesn't tilt or adjust? What kinda high end car is this?" "Hmmm...no automatic climate control?"

Now, the 997 has a tilt and adjust wheel, has tons of room, and automatic climate control. Add to that PASM, etc. and I still love my 993. It's nice to know that I don't lust after the car I cannot afford. If only that was true re: me and the fairer sex...