What's your take on the 996- particualrly the earlier ones? Once you get rid of the SUV height they start to look pretty acceptable and I understand are a pretty good performing car, no?

I am looking for a second car in Atlanta as an occassional driver (one week out of four or so ) and would like also like to start doing some track events.

I love my C4S to bits. Could I own two of the same? Yes, but part of me says get something a little different. I just bought 2 houses in one week (long story) so would like to stay south of $40k . If I go over that I'm going straight for a GT3 or TT but being a track newbie should keep my feet underneath me until my skills develop. Or is that being too sensible?

By degrees, I love all P-Cars (ok, except for Cayenne) so would be happy with a 996 or "just" another 993- whats your experience?

 

I'd say, just go drive one. Compare it to the 993. That will tell you all you need to know. imho $40k is a waste of money for a 996, which is a depreciating asset that has the potential to cost big $ in transmission or engine failure. Maybe a cheap one around $25k would be a better proposition for a daily driver.

 

If you're interested in trying the track, why not attend a couple DE's before you consider the next car. Some novices fall madly in lust of the track, and others can take it or leave it. It will give you a sense of whether you're looking for a track/street of beast or another street car.

Me? For the track, the 993 rules, and 95's with track mods are a relative bargain right now. But if you decide to get another street car, why not a boxster S which is a terrific year round daily driver in Georgia.

Just my 2cents.

 

Interesting thread. I'm planning on selling my 964 once my 993 is done, and look at an early 996 (to replace the 964) to perform street duty. I guess I should go and drive one too, since that's how I ended up with a 964 and a 993... different but both very enjoyable!!

 

+1 for the Boxster S: it should do well at the track and worst case scenario you have a nice convertible for driving around...

 

The early 996's look like ***. I could never fall in love with one. Good luck if that floats yer boat.

 

+1 ^ what he said.....i owned a 996 as well.....modern day amenities? you bet. narrow body 996? don't go there. hec, i can't even get there with my 997 !

best success

 

I will try one when I get the chance, and while I realise I'm talking to staunchly pro-993 crowd I merely wondered whether the 2 could co-exist, or mutually exclusive.

I'm not a big ragtop fan which rules out the Boxster S.

One look at Ebay shows plenty of 996s in the $30k range which puts it squarely in the early 993 NB market. Guess thats the question; which would you rather own. If I owned neither, the question would be easy.

FWIW I am told by a GT3 owner that romance and aesthetics aside, the 996 is the superior in most ways (thems fightin' words around here)

So no one here has both? Interesting. I'll test drive a 996 when I get a chance and I guess that will settle it.

 

There are some folks who previously owned 993's and now love there 996's. Ask the same ? on the 996 board. Greg..plus the guy who's girlfriend had blazing fingernails and a couple others..

 

Here's a picture of my early 996. It looks like ***.

Actually I did own both at the same time. A 98 993 and a 99 996. Both were fine cars that had weaknesses. As a weekend car I liked the 993. As a daily driver the 996 was better. As a track car there is no comparison. The 996 is heads and tails above the 993. Better in every way.
Jim

 

This is going to get good!

 

Actually Robin Sun owns both now...I think..

 

Don't worry, we can keep things civil

We all agree that the 996 is faster on the track, all else being equal, than a 993. Of course, that only lasts a few laps until the 996's cylinder liners crumble apart and the engine seizes, while simultaneously the transmission self destructs and the Elmer's glue holding the chassis together starts to come apart.

Luckily, your boyfriend watching from the pits will be there to console you.

 

I went both sides of the 993 and 996. Best of both worlds

 

All things considered, I don't think that car looks bad. Its the newer style lights that do it for me. I actually considered contacting you about the car, but its a little TO track for me.
The 996's I've instructed in have clearly been faster and handle a bit better. But the headroom is non existent and the seating position is horrible. GT3 seats would make a NA 996 a great track car......aside from bad RMS, tranny implosions etc...
they are cheaper than a 993 so the loss of investment isn't as bad. I much prefer to wad up a 996 as apposed to a limited production 993