AOW162435

Disclaimer: I have been a fan of the 911 since birth. Well, as soon as my sight came in and I learned how to discern between a 'car' and a stack of freshly-washed cloth diapers.

So why do I find it so difficult to answer this seemingly simple question? Part of me wishes to answer, "Carrera", while another part of me wishes to respond with, "911". And then of course, the third option is, "993". I find myself answering differently based on the other person. Or rather, their perceived level of P-car knowledge. But it causes me sleepless nights. So I hope others with a far stronger grasp of the subject can shed some much-needed light on this conundrum.

My instinct is to say, "911". But "Carrera" just sounds so much better, so historically linked if you will. I pull out "993" as a last resort when I find myself explaining the model year changes.

Please help before I check myself in.

Andreas

mr_bock

I just say 993 and leave it at that. If they want/need to know more.... let them ask. Relax, get some sleep.

tom97c4s

I respond with Jeep Wrangler.

InTheAir

I just say, "Your worst nightmare."

Or, depending on the perceived level of knowledge:

Porsche (both syllables)
911
911 Carrera 4
993
993 C4 Cab

AOW162435

I'm relaxed. Just curious though what others think.



Jeff,
That just adds to the confusion...

Andreas

InTheAir

Well, it was better than rattling off my VIN.

Howdy993

AOW -

This depends greatly who is doing the asking. Non Porsche peoples eyes glaze over when you say 993 and then have to explain the internal project numbers.

After the 911SC these cars became Carreras. You like it, it sounds better, it can't be confused with a national tragedy, and if the asker is totally clueless - you can say A 1995 Porsche Carrera.

Now go get some sleep

AOW162435

Thanks Howard!

I posted the question with a mixture of actual curiosity and humor. But at least I can extend my sleep times now.

Andreas

cabrio993

I usually tell them an "Audi A4", which is my daily driver.

The "It's a 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 993 Cabriolet - last of the air/oil cooled, hand built, varioram equiped...(15 minutes more of description and list of mods usually follows)" is kept icognito for the non-enthusiats!

dhicks

I quite often just say..."an old sports car"....if they are really interested they will ask more, but I generally play down what it is as most people get the wrong impression of what and who you are when you tell them you drive a porsche!!! No matter how old it is. Its only when I meet other car nuts that I get into details.

Mark in Baltimore

That is why you fail.

Mark in Baltimore

Seriously, Andreas, I just answer "911"or "a ten year old 911" if someone knows I have a Porsche and "Sequoia" or "Miata" if someone has no idea about the p-car. I don't say "Carrera" because it sounds too pretentious and, frankly, the moniker has lost a good bit of its cachet.

Get some sleep and quit worrying, okay?

TheOtherEric

I say "an old 911" to try to avoid making any impressions.

pcar964

how about "why do you ask?" or "a car."

Midnight C4S

Andreas - I agree it is a little hard sometimes. As many have posted here most times I play it down as you never know what jumps into peoples minds when you say "Porsche". So I usually say an older Porsche, that makes people relax I've found, then if they are interested I get excited and mention all kinds of things that they likely don't want to hear until their eyes glaze over and start to look like dolls eyes, that's when I stop.