slider

I'm starting to feel the need to upgrade my car. I love my 95, but its getting a little long in the tooth and I'm getting the itch to sell.

So here's my quandry - do I go with a somewhat newer 993 turbo (1997 or 98) for more HP, or turn my attention to a 2005-06 997S with all the new Porsche technology upgrades and 355 HP. This will be my daily, so I want reliability, but I still want performance for the occasional track date.

I'd love to pull the trigger on a 997 turbo, but that isn't in the budget. It seems, however, that a 05 997S is around the same price as a 1997 turbo (approx. $65,000 or so).

so if given the choice, which direction would you recommend? I've seen a couple of somewhat similar threads in seach, but rarely a 993TT v 997S conversation.

Marv

Another option is the 996 GT3, which has about the same performance acceleration, but you loose the 993 mystique with the 997 or GT3.

While I drive my GT3 exclusively as a daily driver, you may not find it acceptable. The 997 would be a better daily driver and you are likely to get a factory warranty and Porsche CPO warranty as well. If something breaks you just dial 1-800-PORSCHE and help arrives.

I sold a '96 993 for the GT3 and it is everything everyone says it is. The only downside is the dash rattles and I need to get some silicon glue and fix it. That and the looks are not as aesthetic as the 993, but you forget about that at 8200 rpm.

My impression of the 993TT after owning the GT3 was it was too civil for my tastes. The car was like liquid. Sure it was just as quick to 60 mph, but it does so with no drama just speed. The GT3 snorts and whines and if you want to hang the tail out, the GT3 is game for that and it is easy to throttle steer.

Between the two cars you cited I might lean toward the 997 for its practicality, but I think a Turbo has more potential and probably better resale in the years to come.

lumpy

What about a 996 turbo? The prices seem to be quite good and the performance is outstanding.

VNTGSPD

The 997 is without a doubt a very nice car and well suited for daily driving. It is also a very capable performer. Probably better in almost every way than the 993 Turbo in a statistical and practical way.

BUT...

I find that the 993 (and air-cooled, small cockpit, 911s in general) always lure me from the newer cars. There is just something about the earlier cars that keeps me from considering owning the newer and arguably better Porsche offerings. The handling FEEL, the sound of the doors closing, the tight body lines, etc. It's a car that's fun to drive, even when you are not going fast.

I believe there are many that share this opinion. In fact, I just ran across a guy this weekend who is preparing to put is 997 GT3 up for sale because he wants more of a Sunday driver and is not willing to part with his 993 C4S. Of course, he is replacing the GT3 with a 997S most likely but the point is that the 993 was not even considered worth parting with.

From a practical perspective, the depreciation on a 993 Turbo will be VERY slow unless you buy a low mileage garage queen and put a ton of miles on it. The 997s don't seem to be falling as fast as the 996s, but they are definitely falling.

Ask this question on the 997 board and I'm sure you will get a different answer.

Terry Adams

I would not have a 993TT for a daily driver or a track car.

I make long trips, so the 997 cabin suits me. But it is equally nice as a DD.

+1 for the 996TT if you are looking for cheap boost, but I would still prefer the 997 for DD and even track.

If you have never enjoyed tapping into boost, the 355 HP 997S will feel ok. Drive one and see what you think.

CP

Joe,

I do not know if comfort is important to your DD. If yes, then the 993TT is a relatively poor choice.

One candidate is a Caymen S. It is just as comfortable as a Carrera S, and likely more than enough oomph for street use. On track, it can hang with the S, especially in tight ones. And they are CHEAP, like low $40ks used.

Good luck.

CP

slider

thanks all for the terrific feedback. I've kind of dismissed the 996's, mostly because of pure styling reasons...but it's probably worth a second look.

I have driven the 997 turbo and its like I've taken turbo heroin. Aside from that, however, I was impressed with the handling and the upgraded interior.

NC TRACKRAT

Do like me...Keep your '95 993 and find a good, solid '98 C2S. You'll be glad you did. Commonality of parts and service, excellent investments, gorgeous bodies and you'll have the first and the last of the 993 air-cooled cars.

flatsixforme

Another thing to consider is having too much performance. Yeah, I know, there is no such thing but in the real world (aside from your occasional track day) we can only use so much performance that these great cars provide. For example, I had a 1966 912...slow as a snail off the line and the torque was not even worth mentioning; however, this car was a blast to drive on the street because you could drive the **** out of it in every gear, every day and not break 80 mph! When I upgraded to the 993 I really was limited in enjoying it to it's full potential on a daily basis...I have to go to the track to take it to the limit. Don't get me wrong, I love the 993 and it is "the" car for me but my point is don't just look at numbers on paper...look at what car would give you more enjoyment where you will do most of your driving.

Also, I think your choice depends on how long you plan on keeping the car.

Good luck with your search!

NaroEscape

it's interesting that you ask this question, because the exact same question crossed my mind just the other day....

I have a 993 cab with a ton of miles (160k), and every so often I think about selling it and "upgrading". We drove a 997S cab and loved it, but I keep going back to the 993 and saying "hmm....hmmmm......." and drive it more and stop thinking about selling it.

So I thought, why not a 993TT? well....I guess the problem is that if I want to change, I want to CHANGE, not just get more power (not to mention the fact that I would end up in jail with a turbo). Point I'm making is that if you are driving the 993 and are a bit bored, then other than just pure "feel the boost" power, you'll feel like your in your old 993 with the TT.

Then there's this thought: make the change to the 997S, or GT3, or whatever. If you don't like it, you can always go back to a 993. there are plenty out there....

wayne993

I think the 997S is the far better choice given it's a daily driver, having lived with 993 and current
Porsche technology. The 993tt is a GREAT car as a second car.

niche

I own a 993TT and honestly as a daily driver I would choose the 997. It's just more refined. Having said that, I would sell a 997 before my 993.

David in LA

For a no-fuss daily driver I'd go with a 997S or 997cab.

Steve 96C4S

I would get what you like the best! If you drive the 997S for an hour, then drive the 997 TT for an hour, you'll know which you like the best. You may LOVE the ride, handling and feel of the 997 but when you go back to the older 993TT, your heart might pound ALOT more.

For me, I love the creature comforts of certain newer cars but I end up preferring my less comfortable one. The look of a 993TT... you can't beat it for looks.

Monique

+1 ^^^^