Habs

Hi all,

The 993 has been my childhood dream car and I now have the means to buy one and need some advice. I am wondering which 993 I should purchase - a C4S or Turbo; both cars I am considering are non-accidented, well-maintained, non-modified examples in polar silver with a black interior.

1996 993 C4S, 63,000 KM at $40,000
or
1996 993 Turbo 45,000 KM at $65,000

Unfortunately, I have only test drove the C4S version in the past and both of the above cars are out of my province. I will most likely be purchasing after a PPI is passed without ever driving the car.

Which is easier to live with as a daily driver? Which will hold its value better? How much higher are annual maintenance costs with the turbo - 30% or 50% higher? Are maintenance visits more frequent with the turbo? Is the price gap between the two cars reasonable/worth it? Any additional comments would be greatly appreciated.

ca993twin

What year is that 993 TT? 1999 is not correct.

There is almost no difference in maintenance between the two cars. This has been discussed frequently on these forums. You really MUST drive a 993TT before you decide. Perhaps a local Rennlister will let you drive theirs? Once you decide on a car, fly there and inspect and drive that beauty home.

ginch

"1996 993 C4S, 63,000 KM at $40,000"

If this is an original cdn car, non salvage title car than thats an outstanding deal!

Do you have a link to the for sale ad? Don't worry I already have one so I won't buy it out
from under you!

shu

If that's a 1998 turbo and the money is not an issue. Go for the turbo

boman993

It sounds like the black turbo badged C4S at Laporte auto in Quebec..I vaguely
remember reading that it's a theft recovery, or salvage.

goofballdeluxe

There is no 1998 993 Turbo; it was made in 1996 and 1997 only.

Here's an argument against getting the Turbo and going for the C4S:

First, it's way less expensive to buy. The Turbo is overkill for many who live in a congested area; great to have 400 horses, but where are you gonna use it if you live in a crowded city? One could also say that the C4S is plenty of car already and is better looking too, if you don't like big flashy whale tails. Finally, some prefer the linear and instant power that the N/A engine provides rather than the on/off switch and delayed power of the Turbo.

Finally, no matter what anyone says, Turbos will cost more money to upkeep, if only because they have added parts that sometimes will require maintenance and break that non-Turbos do not

Habs

Sorry for the typo.

It's a 1996 993 Turbo (not 1999).

As far as I know, neither car has a salvage title. I live in Vancouver and drive 7 minutes to work and don't have to deal with traffic; often in the rain and maybe a couple of days of light snow during the year. I put about 7000 KM per year on my car and plan to keep which ever 993 I buy long-term.

Thanks for all the quick replies, please keep them coming as I really value your experienced opinions.

goofballdeluxe

Keep in mind that a short 7 minute drive is about the worst kind of drive for these cars. These cars require that the oil be brought up to temperature in order to thrive. You're much better off taking the long way to work to get the oil nice and hot. Short drives from a cold start are not at all optimum for these cars at all.

Just something to think about.

Habs

Goofballdeluxe, that's a great point. I only work 4 short days a week so after work and on my days off I figure I will take the 993 out for some long scenic drives. What do people do if they have to take their 993 out for a short drive to the grocery store that may be less than 5 minutes away?

The turbo is originally from Ohio and is now in Ontario. The C4S is a one owner Ontario car too.

goofballdeluxe

An occasional cold start short trip isn't the problem. It's the cold start short trip every day that is.

IamSMC

I believe there are ROW 1998 Turbos

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_993#Turbo

http://vista.pca.org/stl/993turbo.htm

And to answer the OP's query: Turbo, without a doubt

bbs993tt

+10000 to what Steve says. It's really the ONLY way to decide between the two. Both cars are highly intoxicating in their own ways. You must experience both to make a good decision.

mrsullivan

Here is my opinion, having driven both on multiple occasions.

The turbo will put a grin on your face. Like the one on your face when you rode a roller coaster for the first time as an 8 yr old, or whatever. It is so fast, so planted, so confidence inspiring, etc. Its like an explosion. That is all very fun if you have the desire, room, etc. to drive a car like that. I remember my first 993 turbo drive, in second gear, entering an highway via on ramp, at 4k, I dropped the accelerator. It was like being transported in time onto that highway. Awesome.

On the flip side, if you are looking for something that is a bit more controlled, more linear, at a slower and admittedly more boring pace, then get the C4S. Mainly interested in spirited country driving or cruising around and having people gawk at your car? Have fun with the noises, etc. of a naturally aspirated engine? All of this would point to going with the C4S.

I wish I could afford to have a NA 993 AND a 993 turbo. Someday. For now, if only picking one, my driving suits more to the NA 993s. But there is no comparison if its the thrill you seek. Buy the turbo.

tcsracing1

first of all, the C4S at that price is a deal!

Second of all, get the turbo unless you hate the "wing" look.....

Always go for the turbo.

I just bought a 993 C4S from an owner who upgraded to a 993 turbo.... I told him i want the turbo when he is done with it

The turbo is more money, but it is a hot little porsche even if you only drive slow in it

Full Boost

Goof,

When are you coming down under for a visit ?? - I would love to take you for a drive in a "non linear", "flashy whale tale", "on/off switch", "delayed power" over blown and expensive, excessive car.... :P

Don't get me started on the GT2 bolt on ugly flares or the banana wing i am going to fit

One could also discuss (not argue) that ANY 911 is overkill. Why aren't we all driving a Civic? It does the job ok too ?

To the OP - DO NOT drive the turbo.... (unless you are prepared to buy it) The difference is night and day.

Simon.