now that the price for 997s is approaching the price for 993s, are any of you stalwart air-cooled fans thinking of making the switch?

or asking the question another way.

If you were a newbie looking to take the inital step into porsche ownership would you still choose a 993 over a 997?

The 993's may be the last of the air-cooled and there may be something to how well they are constructed and that they maybe easier to work on, but the 997 is at least 7 years newer and has more performance and interior comfort.

thoughts?

 

My thought is you're posting on a 993 board with lots of bias slanted toward the 993.

Newer isn't always better, and I doubt you are more driver than the 993 is car, if performance is your big concern. If interior comfort is the main concern, I'd recommend something cushy like a Lexus...

I doubt whether you purchased a 993 or a 997 you'd be too disappointed. It's a nice dilemma to have.

 

well put

 

For a daily driver, 997 hands down.... But for a fun weekend car, you need to drive a 993 and see what you think, the answer will be clear....

There is just something about a 993 that speaks to me, no its not the fastest, nor the best handling. But the way it does it.. the feel.. the feedback... nothing matches it in my mind... If you drive one and dont get that same feeling, then buy a 997... its a better car....

Just my 2 cents.

 

If you just want a Porsche, I would go with the 997, but if you want something special go for the 993; now if you want something really special, I would buy a 964 RSA.

 

^ + 1

 

993 or 997? Would it be your daily driver or week end toy? The 997 is a much more modern car, and probably easier to have as a DD. However, as with all water cooled Porsches (except GT2/GT3/Turbo), you have the engine trouble ghost hanging over you... A $35k 997 can quickly turn into a $50k project.

With 997 prices plummeting, the 993 prices have probably bottomed out, something the revised KBB pricing reflects.

If I was investing in a week end toy, it would definately be a 993. If it was a DD, I would rather buy a 996 Turbo than a 997 Carrera, for the same price.

 

997 is more civilized around town and can get around a track better than most. I enjoy the 993 because it is fun a a windy two lane road with the top down. I am afraid I would need to go way too fast to have as much fun in the 997.

 

I agree about the purpose of the car. For a DD, i would choose 997. Just more comfortable. For a weekend toy, 993 feels and sounds great!

 

as others have said, it would be easier to live with the 997 on a daily basis.
Dare I say it's a throw away car and you would probably worry a lot less about parking it.
or if for some unfortunate reason it gets trashed, it's much easier to replace.

the 997 still has plenty of depreciation ahead of it, something to look into. and like any other p-car, don't buy the cheapest car in that particular series, probably will bite you in the wallet.

weekend/toy car, 993 hands down, unless you get into GT cars and turbos, but they are still way out of the average 993 price range.

Good Luck

 

Just my 2 cents:

I currently have 993 and 996 Turbo. If I have to keep one, I would keep the 993. I like 996 Turbo (great A/C, lots of power), but I LOVE 993 for the look and the aircool engine. It is the fan in the engine compartment =)

Before buying 996TT, I was debating very hard between the 997S and the Turbo. I ended up getting the Turbo because I need more speed and by having the 997 next to my 993...the front end is too similar.

I agreed with the post above, that if you going to go with the 997 route, you should seriously look at the 996 TT which you can almost get it at the same price in this current market. Figure it this way, 996TT brand new was $115K compare with 997S (2005-2007) was about $80K +/-. I am talking about the base car with minimum option. Pls also note that in 2001 when the TT first launch, at $115K in 2001 is not the same as $115K in 2005.

Again, test drive both 993 and 997s and feel for yourself what make u happier, but if you decided to go with the 997s, you should also look into 996TT

Good luck

 

the 993 prices r going up slow.. but strong
997 prices will keep dropping..what's your pleasure

air cooled investment versus water cooled prices bottom line

 

[QUOTE=jscott82;8212127]

There is just something about a 993 that speaks to me, no its not the fastest, nor the best handling. But the way it does it.. the feel.. the feedback... nothing matches it in my mind...

QUOTE]
We're leaving on vacation today so I took my 993 on a "maintain the battery" cruise yesterday evening. Sun was setting over the mountains, semi-rural roads with no bikers due to the cool weather..... and I let is scream a bit more than usual. Man it felt good! I know it doesn't do any single thing as well as the 997 point for point, but it sure brings a grin and gets the pulse going. And smells good afterwards too.

 

Not sure about that quote.

 

Well said.

Another thought is to consider how each car feels when driving SLOW. Road cars spend a lot of time driving around at slow speeds on the street. How does the shifter, steering, pedals feel when cruising. How does it sound? How does the cabin feel? Those things will help you decide as well.

I once owned a Miata and RX7 Twin Turbo at the same time. The RX7 had staggering performance just shy of a 993 Turbo but when it came time to sell one of them, the RX7 went because the Miata was ALWAYS fun instead of fun when going fast. Same story with the Lancer Evo I traded for my 993. Never looked back nor missed the extra speed!

Good Luck!