H2NO

After only a few months of ownership, I'm considering selling my 1989 3.2 cab and purchasing a 993 (which has been my favorite body style for a long time). Has anyone here done this? I haven't driven the 993, but I hear there is a big difference.

By the way, I love my 3.2 and would be happy keeping it forever, but the 993 seems like a better every nice day driver.

c993k

Once you drive the 993 you'll answer your own questions,
It's a much more refined version with all earlier faults addressed.
Chris

pcar964

The only benefits imho are that it's faster and has hydraulic lifters. The downside is, you'll miss the direct feel of the steering and brakes/chassis you have in the 3.2. It's a tradeoff.

Mark in Baltimore

I had a 3.2 Carrera and agree with pcar about the steering. My old car's manual steering was simply sublime with perfect weighting and feel. I really miss it but am not sure I would want to be turning the tiller in a 90 minute enduro with 245/35-18 Hoosier tires. The 993's power steering is just okay. It's well-weighted but lacking in feel.

You'll love the better AC system and rave over the G50 6 speed tranny over your old 915 or first gen G50.

trevor townsend

Agree with both the other responses. 993 is more civilized, better aircon, power steering etc. But - and it's a big but, you lose the direct tactile feel of the 3.2. You have the benefit of the G50 gearbox which is the same as the 993 with ratios that I personally prefer. 3.2 is the last of the line IMHO.
I miss my 3.2 but when all is said and done the 993 suits my current driving style. At 68 I all for more comfort and am ok with the tradeoff.
Tough call !

The Brewmeister

I agree with every comment above. The creature comforts and ride quality are
more civilized than the 3.2. I haven't noticed the steering issues as much as
others on this thread because I am not doing track events. The steering feel is
more important as you reach the car's limits. Shifting is now a pleasure. My
85's 915 trans required finesse to avoid balking. The 993 gearbox is much
more forgiving. I wanted to keep both cars but my wife would not go along.
If I had it to do all over again I would choose the 993. It is faster, handles better,
has better creature comforts and a smoother ride. It is the pinnicle of
the air cooled 911.

TheOtherEric

In addition to the above comments, I really miss the light weight of my 3.2. It really made it fun to drive. But that said, I wouldn't go back. It's a thousand little things, like having proper fuses and ABS, that I really appreciate.

pcar964

The more I think about comparing the two cars, the more I miss the 3.2.

Mark in Baltimore

Forgot to write that the 915 tranny of my 3.2 was vague with weak synchros. When I bought the car, the first gear synchro ring was gone, so I had to double-clutch or come to a complete standstill every single time I put the car in first gear. Loads of fun. My epiphany came when, on the track at my very first DE (at Putnam Park), I put the gear lever into second when I wanted fourth. Engine went zing but, fortunately, with no repercussions. I sold the car a few months later and then picked up the 993. To date, and knock on wood, I have yet to mis-shift the 993 or any other car for that matter.

993RS

I really enjoyed my 3.0 SC, and would still have it, if I hadn't totaled in winter on an icy road...



It was a rawer version of the 993 and I miss it.

KOAN

Also, the 993 has ABS, the '87 I had didn't. This is BIG help on the track, especially in the rain. I think that the '87 had beautiful lines, but the 993 drives better in every way...brakes better, is faster and more comfortable. The 911 was more tossable (fixed that with a better suspension and lowering) and sounded better. I think you should have both!

sidned

I'll always have a soft-spot for the 3.2. It was my first Porsche and made me grin ear-to-ear every time I drove it. It had a Bursch exhaust which made a nice noise, but doesn't compare to the Supercups.
I agree with all the comments above, but I also would not change my 993. They both have their plus and minus points, but I drive the 993 every day and I prefer the creature comforts that she provides. I do miss getting the tail out on a damp road though....

pcar964

You shouldn't be relying on ABS, that's a nasty habit a lot of people develop driving newer cars on the track. That's the one thing I would happily remove from my 993 if it were easy to reverse.

Mark in Baltimore

Drivers on the track shouldn't be diving into the ABS as part of a deceleration technique, but ABS can definitely help avoid flat-spotting tires and allow you to turn and brake when you're going in deep while passing someone.

In the rain, ABS wins, hands-down.

pcar964

Jackie Icyx didn't need ABS.

I see your point - but here's mine: going a few 10ths faster due to electronic intervention isn't really important to me, we're not racing for money. I'd rather be a few 10ths slower and do everything myself. We go to the track for the enjoyment we get from mastering the great art of driving. Electronic aides do not help you master the art of driving.