jwdwight

If you are going C4, I do think there is a very signiicant noticeable difference in the handling and "heaviness" of the 964 vs. 993. Drive both!

Uber 911

Had Carrera 3.2 and 964 and now have 993. The latter is a way, way better car - however mine has bilsteins, cargraphic mufflers and dyno's at just over 300bhp. The major difference is the rear suspension on the 993, compliant yet firm.

tejstar01

Hey guys, wow this is a great thread thus far with lots of great info. Uber911 why do you think the 993 is a way better car? Yes the suspension is different but also more complicated and more expensive to update is my guess? It seems that comparing both cars that the 993 will be "more" expensive to maintain slightly and if any of the issues those cars do have it will be costly to repair. Like some have stated a 964 should have the leak issues fixed mainly, a good clean one should be 10k less than a 993 so with the extra money if the car hasn't had it yet, a good updated suspension and a couple of mods gets you close to 300hp? It also seems for a DIY the 964 is easier to work on vs the twin plug 3.6 in the 993. Its been a long time since I've driven a 964 so once I do if the driving experience is close to the 993 than I'm really leaning towards a really good 964 and possibly a Targa model for the functionality or a coupe.

cy7878

Honestly, no matter how much you ask, read and research, even extensively
"test drive" the cars, you will find/learn/discover things that are possible only thru ownership. There are much to find out when you have the car in the garage, tools in hand tinkering with the car. Some positive, some negative but I suppose that is the fun of owning an used German icon. No matter which car you decide to get, it likely won't be the last car you will own, even if you do think you will keep it forever. So if you find something that you feel is a good car to start, just get it. Own it for a while and if something else comes along, you can always trade up.

Uber 911

tejstar01, I do a lot of miles the 964 for example had 30k put on in it 14 months. The 993 has a further 8k on it since purchase and its just a much better drive, that maybe down the Bilsteins the 964 had standard suspension, however as you pointed out the suspension is totally different on the 993 I believe its derived from the 928 and simply a lot better.

You also get more 'looks' in a 993, in fact as I was driving into London today two chaps on bonkers bikes passed me left and right and gave the thumbs up.

Costs? I'd say the 964 took more money to maintain, tappets, oil leeks! And FYI the 964 is twin plug just like the 993 http://pcbunn.cacr.caltech.edu/jjb/P...ated_small.gif

My 993 cost me an additional 3k on what i sold my 964 for. Here's the 993 http://uberview.wordpress.com/

My 10c

wellcraft290

Uber for 3k more I agree maybe go 993 but here in the states is like 10k more. I just can't justify the extra money for a similar ride and maybe better if the suspension is upgraded in the 964. Plus with mild mods can be faster then the 993.

Reddy Kilowatt

Is "faster" really the issue? Seriously? I really think you're overthinking this. If you need to save some $, get the right 964. If you love the 993 and can afford it, get one of those. There's not a right or wrong decision, and I don't think outsiders can help you that much when it comes to sorting out what fits your wallet/desires.

Madridcab

Had a 964 C4 cab with 100K miles on it, and now have a 993 with 20K miles, both have been very reliable, low maintenance (but I only do some 2K miles a year) I do believe you notice the rear suspension in the ride comfort (and my 993 is M030 with 18" wheels), and the 993 is a more modern, better feeling car (strangely as the technology is mostly the same) However, I still believe the 964 has more "soul", certainly has a much better sounding exhaust, the 993 is too civilised in stock form for my liking, and in some ways driving the 964 was more of an "occasion", and even though the 993 is better looking, the 964 has that classic shape. I suggest, as many have already, try both, get a well sorted one, and either way you go you will have a great car..

Birol

@ wellcraft290

The answer is quite simple: Buy both.

This could be a never ending 964><993 discussion, there is no better one.

964 drives like an early 911 with much better behaviours,
the 993 drives like a vintage 996 with spirit and soul.

I would say the 993 is the better daily driver/tourer, the 6 speed box shouldn´t be a disadvantage.

If you´re trackday biased, go for a 964.

Concerning the costs, these are nearly 20 year old cars, impossible to say which will need more or less repairs,
when it comes down they will be on a par.
Service on 993s is less extensive.

wellcraft290

Ok thanks guys really just looking for positives and downfalls for both cars and from what I see I can't see one having a positive or negative. I think I like the 964 look and not so much computer garbage on it. like the 96 and later models. Plus with the extra savings more for mods. This will be a weekend driver fun car so prefer the go kart feel and not worried about the touring feel.

Plus I think the 964 has already hit bottom on prices and the 993 will drop a bit more and if I ever want can change cars or your right just buy both. I could always get my wife a nice convert one day and just borrow it hehhehe

face-ache

My 85 is very low and stiff with bilsteins, 16"bbs lightweights, I thought it handled f'n awsome until I got my 993, even with the crap monroes which I'll soon be throwing out for kw v3's . The torsion bar suspension limits are easily noticeable!

Rinty

"The reduced slope of the bonnet has increased the capacity of the front locker by nearly 30 percent": Frere, 8th edition, p 212.

The $64 question is always: "What is the mission?" Once you've figured that out, it's a lot easier to decide on the "best" machine. It took me many years to figure out this simple concept, when I was trying to pick a "better" bike for touring, than the one that I had ridden for many years.

Edward

Sounds like you're gravitating toward the 964 ...great car, really! Remember to do your due diligence and get a PPI from a trusted mechanic that knows 964s. If in doubt of a shop, ask around here or your local PCA. And as a "fun car" that is more go-cart-like, a 964 with a well set-up suspension handles beautifully, and really harkens back to the older 911 feel.

One word about 964-C4 ...it really is not a great system, IMHO. It is heavy, and does not divert enough power to the rear wheels (e.g. 993 awd will divert up to 95% to rear and thus feels more transparent, albeit still noticeable; 964 diverts power to the rear in the 50% neighborhood which gives a markedly different feel, for me anyway (someone can correct me with specific numbers, but this plays a large role in the 964 C4 feel, IMHO. Personally, if you are set on a C4, go with a 993; if you are set on a 964, steer clear of the awd and stick with the C2. Something to think about, anyway

Edward

Toddimus

I've had both: previous was an early ('90) 964 C4, and now I have a '97 993 C2. As everybody said, they're both great cars, which you already know because you're asking the question.

My thoughts:

964 C4 was more "visceral", had a RUF suspension kit (sways and coilovers), and was really quite fun to drive. Personally, I don't like the look of the narrow body 964 (turbos are a different story) when compared to all other 911 eras. I guess the 996 falls into this category as well.

993 Varioram C2 is personally my favorite in terms of daily driveability, aesthetics, performance and maintenance. After having had a '77, '78, '81, and '90, I can definitely say I prefer my current '97.

Actually, right now, my old 964 is up on my lift with the oil drained and valve covers cleaned up becoming bone cold for tomorrow's valve adjustment/plug change. I agreed to do some of the work on it when I sold it to its new owner a couple of years ago. All afternoon I was marveling at what a great car it is. Personal preference for aesthetics aside, it's a fantastic machine. I guess the downside is that you need to tear apart the back end of the car for these "major" services. I didn't really mind it too much when I had my mechanical lifter 911's, but if I were paying somebody else to do it, I might opt for the hydraulic lifters of the newer 993.

In the end they're both great cars. Pick a good one. A good one can be hard to find for a reasonable price.

Uber 911

Yep, its all about cash, I lucked out with the 993. Whats more over here 964 dont really pull good prices whereas the 993 do. I do suggest you run the maths on a 964 if your thinking 'slippery slope of mods' it can run to a lot.

another 10c