AKTUNG

964 if looking for a classic. 963 for any other reason.

Van1

What's a 963?

Kika

^^^^

Pretty sure ACK meant 993.

Great original question though. Both cars are pretty unique.

I would have a hard time deciding between the two assuming condition is equal.

Ideally both, but that is usually not feasible.

I have never driven a RSA, but I would presume it drives a bit different than the 993. Best advice, drive both and see which suits your needs best.

I would assume that the 993 is a bit more comfortable and forgiving out of the box than the RSA.

c4consult

Van 1, I love your list of garden tools.tooooooo funny! LOL

race911

Not really. First, you have to establish a baseline. 100% stock for 100% stock? Hardly any cars out there at this point.

In the form of how most of these cars are today, the glaring difference will be the non-assisted steering. I hate it, others like it. Other than that, yeah one less gear in the 964 + a whole lot more noise/harshness coming from the non-isolated rear suspension. Funny what seemed oh-so luxurious circa 1990, versus the torsion bar cars, became crude and loud once the 993 came out........

Other thing to consider is the seats. Granted, the softback sport seat is cloth in the RSA, but man does it seem to have over aggressive side bolsters when fitted with said cloth.

Funniest observation I have was from 5-6 years ago when I might have the then 100% stock high miler 4S + yellow car + RSA #2 (shock/spring package only mods from stock) all out for a track day. All would be on more-or-less equal R compounds. There is no way you'd have thought they were all basically the same car.

Kika

With not other information, I assume both are stock, but Ken is most likely right, in that neither of THESE cars is still 100% stock at this point in time.

And despite how either one handles right now, we all know that can be changed.

I would look at the items that are less likely to be modded/upgraded, either as cost prohibitive or just don't make logical sense.

Sounds like the RSA does not have power assisted steering, whereas the 993 does. I am guessing it would be a PITA to put PAS in the RSA, so if that is a deal breaker, then get the 993.

Wouldn't the RSA have a better Torque/Weight ratio than the 993 (again, assuming basically out of the box configuration)

What are the other major differences?

race911

It's maybe 2mph on a ~75-to-~125 acceleration run up the front straight at Thunderhill, the slightly lighter RSA (than my 4S) being quicker. (Oddly, the yellow car with the extra power + "good" gearing only gets you a further 2mph because you have to waste time shifting into 5th.)

Bill Verburg

Depends on the weight here are some estimated #s
US 993 vram ~3100#, torque 250ft-lb= 12.4#/ft-lb
US 993 vram ~3200#, torque 250ft-lb= 12.8#/ft-lb

RSA ~2970#, torque 228ft-lb = 13#/ft-lb w/ worse gearing
RSA ~2900#, torque 228ft-lb = 12.7#/ft-lb w/ worse gearing

What are the actual #s? who knows

AP3X_FTW

Good topic here, I think it truly comes down to a personal driving experience and what you want out of your 911. Im trying to narrow down my search but I think availability will also play a huge factor. With no time to travel for the "perfect car", Im subject to find a somewhat local listing. Ill jump on either the 964 or 993 depending on the specs, condition and price.

OP, GL in your search.

Kika

All we can assume is spec numbers, unless OP has Dyno charts and wts for both. Assuming above numbers, on the street, the two are effectively equal.

May come down to personal preference on looks....

Allen

interesting to see the comparisons, as the RSA is one of my favorites. A buddy had a black/black one...loved it!