Drove a 996 today... impressed!
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Lausanne, Switzerland
Drove a 996 today... impressed!
Today I drove a friend's 100% stock 996 3.6 Carrera 4 Cabrio. It blew my mind.
Compared to my 993 Carrera 4 Coupe (272 bhp), the 996 felt much more powerful, torquey and responsive to throttle input.
Now, I realize that the 996 is a more powerful and modern car than my beloved 993 but I was stunned at the difference nonetheless. Honestly, my 993 feels sluggish in comparison.
Has any of you guys had a similar experience?
Compared to my 993 Carrera 4 Coupe (272 bhp), the 996 felt much more powerful, torquey and responsive to throttle input.
Now, I realize that the 996 is a more powerful and modern car than my beloved 993 but I was stunned at the difference nonetheless. Honestly, my 993 feels sluggish in comparison.
Has any of you guys had a similar experience?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 111
Likes: 1
From: Mercer Island, Washington
I've only driven 996 twin turbos and GT3s. Obviously, very different from a stock, naturally aspirated 993. I'm not too bothered by the 996 aesthetics. Having said that, I bought a 993C2s over a 996 GT3. In a perfect world I'd have both or, a 996 GT3 motor in a 993C2s. 
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Philly suburbs
I have a 997.1 C2S and a 993 C4S and can emphatically tell you that the 997 is MUCH faster and has much higher cornering and even braking limits. But they are different cars, and the 993 is a blast to drive. It isn't my pick for the track though. At the rnd of the day, 993s are pretty dated now.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 22
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From: Stamford, CT
Not sure if if this will make you feel better, but there are many cars that are more powerful and faster then a 993. The reason you bought it is the way it looks, sounds, smells and most of all, the way it makes you feel when you drive it. I drove mine about 100miles this weekend on a mix of 2 lane highway and some curvy back roads with perfect sunny weather and low 60's temps. I was going maybe 70 on the highway and 50 on the back roads and never once noticed how sluggish or lacking in power it was. The miles just melt away in a huge grin. I'm already looking forward to next weekend : )
Last edited by Norra Norra; May 7, 2012 at 05:14 PM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 745
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From: Charleston, SC
Today I drove a friend's 100% stock 996 3.6 Carrera 4 Cabrio. It blew my mind.
Compared to my 993 Carrera 4 Coupe (272 bhp), the 996 felt much more powerful, torquey and responsive to throttle input.
Now, I realize that the 996 is a more powerful and modern car than my beloved 993 but I was stunned at the difference nonetheless. Honestly, my 993 feels sluggish in comparison.
Has any of you guys had a similar experience?
Compared to my 993 Carrera 4 Coupe (272 bhp), the 996 felt much more powerful, torquey and responsive to throttle input.
Now, I realize that the 996 is a more powerful and modern car than my beloved 993 but I was stunned at the difference nonetheless. Honestly, my 993 feels sluggish in comparison.
Has any of you guys had a similar experience?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 111
Likes: 1
From: Mercer Island, Washington
No question that the 993 has superior "presence". But, with regard to the original poster (I think) the point that he was trying to make is the 996 is a very capable driver.
I guess the culmination of 993 aesthetics and modernity is the 997.
I guess the culmination of 993 aesthetics and modernity is the 997.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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No matter how "slow" the 993 may be compared to most newer cars, I would imagine that it's still more car than you are driver. I'd bet that statement applies to over 95% of those on this board, including myself. That fact makes it ever interesting and always fun. I rarely want more from the car, as it gives me as much as I need as it is.
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 126
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From: Toronto
I had a 996 for a couple of years and can tell you that it is definitely more powerful, easier to handle, and feels more planted than my 993. I don't have the same confidence in the 993 that I had with the 996. But which car do I prefer? The 993. It just feels solid when you drive it and you don't have to defend to other Porshephiles how good the car is.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 257
From: Utah
I had a 996 for 10 yrs and loved it. I thought it was a fantastic car to drive. My 993 on the other hand may be a bit slower, but it has a SOUL which I didn't think the 996 did. The 993 just looks so dang good. It has sex appeal. The 996 didn't do it for me esthetically, but a great. I think of the 996 as a luxury car that is sporty, and the 993 as a true sports car. JMO
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,076
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From: Philly Burbs
Actually I have driven a bunch of 996's stock and race prepped along with the 997's and when you really hustle them the 993 is a better platform for overcoming understeer. You need to convert the suspension on a 996 to GT3 standards to get track performance out of them. I think for the street the 996/997 are fantastic cars. Now if you want to compare the 993 to a 6 or 7 GT3 that decision would be hands down that the modern car is superior.
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,234
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
I drove a 996 C4 Cab before buying mine, and yes, I was impressed. But I bought the 993 and have not had a second thought. Also drove a 997S Cab at the time, like it too, but bought a 993.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
The 996s have really gotten a bad reputation for the RMS and IMS and engines exploding. I think a lot of this is unjustified. There are so many more 996s on the road than other Porsches that you will have more reported problems. There are a lot of 996s with over 100,000 miles that have never had an issue. Aside from the catalytic converter on my 996 which was covered under warranty, I never had an issue with it. What I hated was the totally crappy service I got from my local Porshe dealer that turned me off the car. Don't get me started.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,120
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From: Winston-Salem, NC
I instructed a student in a 996 last week-end and was impressed with him but not so much with the vehicle. It was undeniably a Porsche and competent but was, as expected, rather numb and uninspiring. IMHO, this is the direction with most manufacturers these days. The cars get faster and more technologically advanced but not necessarily any more fun to drive.