PSD21

I currently own a 1990 944s2 that I bought as a second car for fun and after deciding i no longer have a need for my truck since all I drive is the Porsche, I am thinking of buying a 911 in stead of both cars. I love the 993 and have always dreamed of owning a C2s or C4s. However, I am looking in the 35-40K range and I think that would put a S-car out of my price range. That said, I would probably be in the market for a standard carrera with 30-50k miles. The 993 seems to be going for the same price if not more than a 996 that is 4 to 5 years newer. I also am not sure if the 993 would as suitable for a daily driver. I live in Fl so weather wouldn't be a concern. As well, I am in the Navy and spend a good portion of my time away and that means the car would be sitting for a couple of months in my garage and not driven (properly stored of course). I have driven a 996 before about 5 years ago and all I can remember is thought it was pretty remarkable. I have never had the privilege to be behind the wheel of a 993. As far as looks go i perfer the 993, and the believe the car has more spirit than its replacement- more a porsche for the true enthuiast. I have noticed the little annoyances with my 90 944, certain buttons here and there do not work, rattles that come with age, etc...things of this nature make me lean towards the 996. Upkeep cost would probably weigh in and of course reliablity concerns. I am pretty mechanically inclined and have no problem doing brakes, struts, oil changes etc. Any input or experience with both cars that any one would have would be much appreciated. Respectfully, undecided.

CarreraX

Having had both, I much prefer the 993............

ddsiu

I had a similiar question before....go to search and type in "996"....and scroll down the threads. This subject had been discussed many times. IMVHO..the 993 beats them all. Good luck

Ray S

Drive a nice example of each. They are very different cars.

The followers of each generation can offer multiple reasons why "their" choice is better. Give them each a fair shake and make your own selection.

rsa964

I also had both and prefer the 993.

Good Luck
Dan
97 993

long_beach_968

I can say that after 2 years of ownership sharing a little more than half of the DD duties with my other car the 993 still has not left me bored, disappointed, or unhappy in any way. I have had big expensive german cars with lots of elecrto-toys and computer comforts, but the joy of the 993 every day far outweighs anything I have experienced on the road. 993 and you won't be disappointed.

c4consult

I had both and prefer the 993.

Terry Adams

About 8 years ago I drove a 2000 996 for a spirited 45 minute drive. I could not wait to give it back and get in my 993.

911C2

First off, you say you are the NAVY. THANK YOU and those around you for keeping watch.

Keep in mind you are speaking to a biased group, posting on the 993 forum will lead to BUY The 993, on the 996 buy the 996.

I would look into technical issues with both, merely as knowledge.

I own a 95. It had 60K when i bought it 6 years ago. It now has 93K. I did have to tow it home one time the bolts that hold the half shaft to the diff backed out. $20 in 6 new bolts, a short while laying down under the car and it was done. Now I chelk them every oil change.

THAT is all that I have done other than brakes 1 time, oil changes a rear spoiler wall and air fileter twice. Now I need to replace plugs.

The 993 is an amazing car. I have driven it hard on mountain roads (tail of the dragon) the street and the track. I love my car, I love my car.
I spent one summer, 2007, driving it as a DD. No issues wiht that either. The car gets 27MPG on the highway (6th gear at 80) and as low as 8MPG's on the track (measured by amount filled/ miles rather than OBC).

I would certainly buy it again.

HOWEVER. I can not imagine Porsche took a step back in teh evolution of the 996 (OK maybe from the looks dept they did, but technically I mean). I am sure, as many have writen on this forum the 996 is a very fast competent comfortable cruiser. Are you looking for the track or highway.

AC systems are good in the 993 but much better in the 996 (as per this forum). Florida weather, heat and humidity, may be hard on an aircooled motor if you sit in traffic a lot, the water pumpers can do better.

As far as year, I accidentaly got a 95, but do some research between the 95 and 96-98 cars.

One last thing. I would certainly stay away formt eh 3.4 996's Have read a lot of interesting costly stories.

Either way you will end up with a great car.

Good luck.

cabrio993

If you are considering a 996, then you may want to also consider other luxury sedans as well.

993's and 996's are 2 different animals, they just happen to be made by the same company. The 996 gives you all the creature comforts of a sedan and it would be a good choice for a daily driver. However, if you want your senses to be excited everytime you drive, get a 993.

CarreraX

[QUOTE=cabrio993;5089044]If you are considering a 996, then you may want to also consider other luxury sedans as well.

It is funny that you say that. I always think of a 996 as a the offspring of a 993 and an Accord..........

cabrio993

[QUOTE=CarreraX;5089066]I thought that the Ford Taurus was part of its gene pool...

Ray S

If he's considering a 993, perhaps he should also consider other riding lawn mowers?

One stupid statement deserves another.......

CarreraX

We all have our own opinions. I happen to dislike 993's. Having owned 2 of them I think that I am qualified to that opinion. I thinkk that if he posed the same question on the 996/taurus board then the replies would be more biased towards the 996. Either way, it is all in fun...

shamrock

I had a 996 for 2 years , now running a '96 993 C2.

The 993 beats the 996 in every single category except out and out performance in my opinion... And in terms of perf , do you think you'd be pushing that hard anyway?

In terms of bits and bobs that fail with age , more stuff had failed on my 6 year old 996 , than on my 12 year old 993. I think 993's are a little more tired at this stage , due to age , but all the bits that feel tired can be swopped out.

It may cost a bit to get a 993 up to showroom condition , but I firmly believe that once you do so , your 993 will well outlast a 996 (and hold it's value into the bargain)
An old buddy of mine summed up the two cars recently .. '993's are sports cars , 996's are GT's.'