KirkF

What are the advantages for each production year of the 993?
ie: What year is best.

Are there any specific disadvantages with the 1995 model?
Is there some 'must check' problems witht he 95?

thanx
Kirk

InTheAir

Generally speaking, it's 6 of one, half dozen of the other.

1995:
- OBDI computer that will NOT flag a Check Engine Light if the Secondary Air Injectors get clogged
- 272 bhp

1996-1998:
- OBDII computer that WILL flag a Check Engine Light if the SAI's get clogged
- 282'ish bhp
- 40 or so more ft/lb of torque (edit - at lower RPMs)
- Varioram Induction ( http://www.instant-g.com/Products/36...sion/VRAM.html )


The CEL flag may be inportant to you if you live in a state/country/territory/province/district (you get the idea) that conducts emissions testing.

Pedro356C

Hi Kirk...I think Jeff said it all...in my opinion you should just get the best car/deal you can get...

jnx

I would guess that, the year that one has, is the best year to have.

InTheAir

Actually, I think this is one area that many of us can admit there are very subtle differences between years and that versions other than the one we own have pros and cons.

However, the differences are certainly not worth giving up a car in great condition but "wrong" year for a not-so-stellar condition car in the "right" year. That is, search for condition first, along with you most treasured options/colors, then look for year (unless, of course, your most treasured option is OBDI).

brucec59

There's also the "basket handle" third brake light on the '95 (except for really late ones) if we're talking about coupes, and the steering rack brace issue/non-issue. '95s tend to be a bit cheaper, probably because of the lack of varioram.

I just got my '95, and had been looking, on and off, for over a year. I'm glad I don't have to worry about the CEL issue, but it would have been nice to have that extra bit o' power. I did read here on RL that the OBD1 can be more easliy chipped to make up the difference. Not sure if this is true, or if torque is gained in the low end like w/ vram.

mborkow

i did not realize that the MY96+ had that much more torque...

Scott 1996 993c2

It is true that the '95 can be "chipped", whereas the ODBII requires the ECU to be flashed . . . with the '96 costing more than '97 or '98.

Scott

ZombiePorsche44

95's can be chipped for around $600.00 and 96's & up are more in the neighborhood of $1500.00

I still believe the 1995 C2 is the best aircooled P car ever made for many reasons, OBD I & more!

I'm positive that many will disagree with that assumption. To each his own.

As far as 40 ft lbs more torque..BS...It's more like 7lb ft.
1995 3.6L 270hp @ 6100 rpm 243 lb ft @ 5000 rpm
1998 3.6L 282hp @ 6100 rpm 250 lb ft @ 5100 rpm

InTheAir

That needs to be qualified--about 40 ft/lb torque difference at lower RPMs, ie 4000RPM.

same link as above: http://www.instant-g.com/Products/36...sion/VRAM.html

KirkF

Very interesting.
Is the OBD I the same as used in the 964? (ie: will my bosch hammer work with it)
I can't remember if my hammer offered the options for a 993 or not. (And its loaned out right now)

The reason I ask is that I own an 89 964. And there was definetly some drawbacks to owning the first model year. (pistons updates, cylinder updates, better dme, etc all came after 91)

But it appears that since the 993 shared so much in common with the 964 that the same level of growing pains weren't shared in the first model year.

Of course the other reason is that I am looking at a 95, 993 and wanted to make sure there was no horror stories. (I did a little research on the 993 forum, but honestly I can barely keep of with the 964 forum, and I figured it was easier to just ask)

Any input is welcome.

thanx,
Kirk

InTheAir

I do. But then again, I have no other choice with a 993 cab--no matter what what year.

I consider it my "first stage" aerodynamic spoiler--it's gives me added downforce.

Leland Pate

'95's are the easiest 993's to own. You don't have to worry about the SAI/CEL headaches that can lead to thousands of dollars worth of repairs and they tend to be a bit cheaper to purchase. I can only assume many people want the varioram engine. To me a measly 10 horse power is not worth the extra complications that go along with the varioram system. The other big plus is that some of the early '95's didn't have the dreaded immobilizer system that can cause plenty of sleepless nights. (KISS) Keep it simple stupid.

I drove probably 7 or 8 993's when shopping for my car. Out of those only 2 were '95's. My car felt much stronger than several of the others. Don't ask me why... I was in Denver when I drove all but two of them.

At any rate, I think the '95 should be given credit here. I don't think it can be beat when you look at price, performance, simplicity, and sheer fun.

Now, god help me I love those wide arches on the C2/4S... I've given a lot of thought lately to the idea of selling my car and hunting for a widebody. But, I simply can't bring myself to do it. I can't justify the price premium or the added potential mechanical and electrical problems while likely ending up with a slower car than I have right now. ...all for 2 inches of fender flare.

Nope.


...oh, and I hate my baskethandle. It's like a hemroid.

Dudley

Going into my fourth year of ownership on my '95 and the only repair I have had is a noisy fan bearing.
No bad for a 10 year old car.

ARM993

Another vote for a 95. I seriously would have bought any year 993 as they are all fantastic cars. I am happy not to worry about the CEL issue and lucked out and got a late 95 without the basket handle. Buy the best one you can and the one that turns you on. Good luck in your search.