RocketJohn

People tend to prefer what's in their garage and consuming their budgets...

doc_porsche

I don't mind paying a little over for the WB but the 95 less headache seems attractive, after all I live in SoCal

RocketJohn

I think the most manufactured 993 is the 1995 Carrera 2 Coupe 6 speed... and as someone who tends to conform, my purchase choice is comforting to me... :P

Bill Verburg

Many actually sought out the car in their garage, which is why it's there

Those that like w/b won't shop for a n/b, and vice versa, those that like track cars won't be attracted to fully pimped street cars and vice versa

RocketJohn

I wanted a simple 911 coupe... and bought the car the local dealership had that I could afford... it happened to be a standard RWD model with some options that ended up being less complex, b/c it had no Drive Block, no OBDII, etc...

I researched 911s for years and flip flopped back and forth from late 80s 911s to 964s to 993s... it all came down to finding an affordable model locally that was ready to be purchased... had it been a 98 C2S that I liked and could afford, I'd have that... or a 96 C4... as long as it was a coupe with a manual, and a color I could live with I wasn't too picky...

my list that I mentioned above was much more important than specific models:
1) no wrecks
2) lack of paintwork
3) service records
4) no corrosion
5) color combinations you won't get tired of
6) transmission choice
7) was it actually cared for nicely over its life (garaged, detailed, maintained)

But this is my first P-car let alone first 993...

some of you guys have had dozens and know exactly what model, year, option set, color that you must have...

I found mine at the local Porsche Dealer... I test drove it, it looked great and I bought it the next day... I didn't do a PPI, I just compared it to the 97 Black coupe with 30k miles sitting next to it, poked around with a flash light and signed a check...

I was less picky, lucky, and just bought another european car, mainly because I didn't know any better...

Geowar

What Keadog doesn't understand is the " hand basket handle" will soon be coveted. More non hand basket 993's were produced than the 95 "hand baskets". Ever watch PBS Antique Road Show?

EMBPilot

Exactly! it adds 5hp and adds 27 ft pounds of down force. and looks way cooler than any wide body. so take that.

Pags993

Hey RocketJohn my experience was almost identical to yours and the more i learn about my 95 produced in Sept 94 the more i love it and feel i did very very well without going thru the obesessive search that quite frankly i just didnt have time for. Sometimes you just get really lucky i guess and this car is pure simplicity versus all the bells and expensive whistles on the 96-98's

The clincher for me was my PPI mechanic with 30 years of Porsche experience globally telling me he owned a 1995 C2 as well.

77'3.6vram

17% more midrange torque is nothing to sneeze at.It makes a HUGE difference when you rebuild/gear the tranny.

Mike J

Lets see, 95's have the same common set of issues as the later ones, some of which are :

• Premature valve guide wear
• Leaky valve covers and chain covers
• Failing Steering racks
• Short lasting stock shocks
• Factory high ride stance
• Creaky windshields
• Premature rust on lower front and back windshields
• Hydraulic lifter failures
• Faulty ignition wires due to heat cycles and age
• Dual distributor belt failures

A distinguishing feature between the 95 and the others is the ODBII system which may detect issues with the SAI system. These issues are common on all the cars, but the 96+ cars will report it. This may be a downside of the 96+ cars, but there are a number of fixes out there, including an electronic one discussed on this list.

The advantage is all the updates Porsche made are included in the later cars (such as an steering rack brace for larger wheels), and the Varioram which gives a noticeable increase in torque.

Drive both and figure out what you like best. Some cars are only available in 96+, such as the Targa and wide bodies.

Not sure what the bells and whistles are, perhaps you mean the ODBII issues, but I think the engine management is better with ODBII as well.

Cheers,

Mike

FlatSix911

Gary, the small torque difference is a non issue ... however, the OBD CEL is a big deal.
Go with the 1995 and you will never have to worry about the SAI cleaning expense

Mark in Baltimore

IIRC, the published 0 to 60 times of the '95 993 were the fastest of all the normally aspirated 993's. On the track, the varioram doesn't seem to make a difference in terms of lowering lap times.

95 C4 993

I have the rarest 95 993 C4 on Rennlist.

-July 2005 Build--havent seen a VIN that has a newer production date
-Rare police car computer on board--must be my German roots that makes it that more special.
-Stalls once in a blue moon with the LWF
-Finely tuned and running quite well
-No Easter basket handle
-Only 539 made...in the USA that is
-Its black--the fastest color made in 993's that live in zip code 84092.

Pags993

Hey Mike, i meant i got lucky with the condition of mine and all the upgrades and new equipment installed prior to me buying it.

Mine came with brand new rubber Pilot Sports installed 2 days before I picked up the car, 18" turbo twists and appropraite SR brace, zero leaks and no sweating, new rack done the year before i purchased it, one year old Fister II's, new caps and rotors and all belts less than 9 months old. The previous owner was meticulous and I scored big on his investments! Pretty much the only drawback it has is the SUV height which will be remedied by the end of August.

PS i like the basket handle! adds a certain je ne sais quoi LOL

RocketJohn

Pags, where are your pics? Ours may have been on the assembly line near each other