flatsixforme

I am looking to learn a little from those out there that have driven (or currently drive) both a 964 and 993. What are the major differences (aside from all the stuff one can read on their spec sheet)? Does the 964 feel lighter, more nimble, raw, etc.? Does the 964 C4's extra weight make a big difference compared to the 993 system? Can you feel the extra power in the 993? Everyday drivability? Also, does the 964 have a bad reputation for its AC or is it the same system in the 993?

Any firsthand experiences would be appreciated

Thanks,
Adam

Robin 993DX

I had a 964 that I was fixing for about a month.

A/C is the same crappy system, same interior lay out.

Here is the major difference that I felt.

964 quicker steering ratio
993 much better low end torque and top end power
964 stock exhaust sounds better than 993
964 higher maintenance cost, mainly from the valve adjusments
993 handles better, more stable at higher speed.

melman911

My brother has a 94 3.6 turbo so the power difference is a no brainer to compare. Honestly the car feels more nimble to my NA 993 (maybe it's the power). .

I wouldn't go that far. Not as good as the 993 (maybe). But definately will freeze yor b!@#$ off if it's working right. Good A/C. I had an 84 Carerra and it's not the same A/C system that is in the 964. Much better than prior 90s 911.

TRINITONY

Ritter has both...

axl911

I had a 964 daily driver for 4 years. Now have a 993 daily driver for a year. When then car are running properly, I can't tell any difference between them. The steering was really heavy on my 964, but I don't know if that is something characteristic of the 964. Below are some comparsion points:

Driving experience: No difference here. Both have upgraded suspension. 964 with Eibach/Bilstein. 993 with M030/Bilstein. The 964 felt more nimble, but I think it's because the spring differences and the alignment. Still sorting out my 993 suspension.

Power: About the same here. Both engines had top end with new rings, and about the same mileage.

AC: 993 is better.

Exhaust sound: 964 has a more muscular deeper sound even without the bypasses. 993 has now has 1.5 LPMM. I prefer the 964 sounds.

Maintenance: 993 is cheaper only because you don't have to do valve adjustment.

Reliability: Both the same. They all leaked the same. Both have valve guides issue.

Looks: Subjective here...but the other day, I saw a red 964 and I can't take my eyes off it.

Ritter v4.0

Close siblings.

I was suprised by the power of the 964 it seems to me closer than it is on paper. But the problem is neither of my cars are stock.

They both sound great but have been modded albeit in different ways.

Both suspensions have been changed out (HD Bils on the C4S and JIC's on the 964) but I think the JIC's are tops for the additional money though again I can't make a pure car-to-car comparison.

The 993 feels a little more refined. But I like em both so much I'd be happy with 2 x 964 or 2 x 993.
You obviously save a bunch by going 964 - if that matters and you like a slightly more raw feel, go that route.

If you like a little more refinement and improved aesthetics- perhaps the 993.

If they were in the same garage, I'd have to flip a coin to decide which to drive that day. They both induce miles of smiles.

But as always YMMV.

JasonAndreas

The A/C systems are one-in-the same so if you're noticing a difference between the models there is most likely a problem with one of the cars.

milrad

I've owned both, although the 964 was a Tip. My 993 has H&R coilovers. I prefer the 993 by far, although it is mostly on appearance and not having to do valve adjustments. Every generation up through the 993 was an improvement. If only for the LSA rear suspension and the Varioram on the 96+ cars, I would go the 993 route. Robin's comments are spot on.

clubsport1

I am fortunate enough to get to drive a 993RS CS & 964 RS CS on track, both good cars..ultimately the 993 has more mechanical grip and I find the power steering more accurate at speed, on track rubber at speed the 964 can take a lot of arm work through the turns...the 93 engine has more torque, but the 964 desite not having varioram, comes on cam and flies,,,both great experiences...for me the 93 edges it, but it is a bit like saying I prefer the brunette supermodel to the blonde

911CabSteve

The 964 LSD is much more robust according to my wrench.. When I got my 993 C4 LSD rebuilt recently he used a 964 LSD clutch pack because of this.. He's done this on several 993 cars which see track use and says this works well.. The 993 LSD is fibrous and will disinegrate eventually (mine at 60K). The 964clutch pack will not disintegrate into small pieces and is heavier duty FWIW.

clubsport1

911cabsteve, the great thing about the 993 lsd is when it goes you can fit the Porsche motorsport one from the 997 which is what I have done, cheaper than the replacement 993 part and far more effective than that fitted to the 964RS...it;s all good

zicoramone

The 964 = uglier 993.
The 993 = domesticated 964.
The 964 = rawer 993.
The 993 = civilized 964.
The 964 = louder 993.
The 993 = reliable 964.
The 964 = cheaper 993.
The 993 = 911.
The 964 = 911.

dbf73

Jason - the 964 changed from R12 to R134A partway through the run (circa 93?) With the same system, an early 964 should
perform better. In the real world, I went from a 964 cab (with R12) to the 993tt and the systems were very similar in actual operation.

axl911

Let me see if I got it straight....

if ( (The 964 = uglier 993) and (The 993 = domesticated 964) ) * (The 964 = rawer 993) )

then

if (The 993 = civilized 964) or (The 964 = louder 993) and not (The 993 <> reliable 964) )

then

if (The 964 = cheaper 993)

then

The 993 = 911

elseif

The 964 = 911.

Is that right? Someone check the formula before I buy/sell.

TRINITONY

Missing a bunch of end-ifs