RonCT

The grass is always greener... I've been all over the map from 1985 to 2009. The irony is once you own a 3.2, 964, and 993 you will realize the 993 was "the keeper" of the bunch. It's the pinnacle of air cooled evolution. 964s are harder to find than widebody 993s and finding a good 3.2 is going to be very hard as well as they are at this point "very old".

Consider an alternative - and something I am doing to "freshen" my 993. Make some reversible modifications to your current car, which you know intimately as being "a keeper". Try something on the rear like a duck tail or RS wing. Change the exhaust for a different tone.

The irony is that 3.2 and 964 owners are constantly tinkering with them to "catch up" to what the 993 had. Better suspension, handling, performance, sound, etc. In the end you might have "near 993" performance and can have spent more on your project than you expect.

nathan1

Couldn't disagree more.... I own at least one air-cooled 911 of each generation (long hood, MY, SC, 3.2, 964 +993) and I LOVE my 993. With that said each generation has its appeal and its not about making the earlier car "catch up" to the 993. its about appreciating the subtle nuances about what makes each generation great. I wouldn't be happy with just one car since they all fell related yet different.

It's like having multiple children, you love them all and on any given day you might like one better than another but it changes day to day. If someone put a gun to my head and made me keep just one it would be a damn hard choice but I think it would be my 1971 E coupe....

race911

And I'm just putting the '73 back together because of where it sits on the price scale these days. Next to zero interest in driving it. Because that's where, actually? Over to the monthly R Gruppe/Early S meet at EASY? Nice to see ~50 out last weekend. Nice talking about the Olden Days, when I was involved with the things on a daily basis. Sure, it functions as a car, and was/is/will be fast enough. More to it for me, at 51 anyway, than dealing with defog issues two hours before sunrise, and getting pounded for 25 miles to/from the shop. (At least there is no stop-and-go issue anymore.)

So life moves on. And other than the similar price scale for 993s, and why I'll keep the 4S around...........by any objective measure the 996 Turbo is a better car. And don't take that to mean it's much of a keeper.

Busta Rib

+911

Each generation has its merits and everyone chooses based on their own preferences. To idolize the 993 as the pinnacle of air-cooled 911s is overblown. I've had an SC, 964, and now a 993. I love them all for different reasons. Despite being faster, more comfortable, and possessing a more sophisticated suspension, the 993 can never replicate the visceral and connected driving experience I got from my SC. And I guarantee you 964 owners are not trying to keep up with their 993 brothers when they mod their cars. They would be insulted by that notion. Nathan is right...appreciate the nuances of each car. There is the right 911 for everyone depending on what you are seeking.

RonCT

Yes, they are all wonderful cars. I've known too many PCA people who have tried this only to regret having sold their "baby". And as I suggested, finding a good older car is not that easy and the concept of trading a "pristine" 993 C4S for what might be a more problematic car is a real possibility.

Everyone has their own perspective. I've had my share of 3.2s, 964s, and 993s (plus several water cooled). Yes, the old cars are great in their own way. The older cars are slower but feel "faster" - more visceral. This is a phenomenon that continues to the 991. The interiors of a 3.2, 964, and 993 are all very similar to the 993, so there's not much "different" there. I always found the 993 to be a good blend - it's the last version that I really felt connected to the road and with some "tweaks" can further improve upon what the factory did (suspension, exhaust note, appearance for personalization).

I do not idolize the 993, I just realize after ownership and experience that it is the end of the development cycle of the air cooled Porsche. Great brakes, powerful 3.6 engine, great transmission, etc.

The best solution is to not give up "what you know" to try "what you think is going to be better". Start the process, find a nice $20k 3.2 and see what you think after 6 months. You might sell the 3.2 and go back to the 993 and make some minor mods. Or you might sell the 993 and spend a bunch updating / backdating the 3.2. Nathan1 and others are fortunate to be able to have one of each generation and learn over time to appreciate the nuances of each. But the OP appears to be saying "I can have 1 Porsche only".

Onami

Having just bought my 993 back my advice would be to buy an older version and hold onto your 993 until you decide which one you like best. Even if you have to put the car on a line of credit it wouldn't cost more than $5K all in to keep the extra car for a year. Trust me, that is much cheaper than what it cost me to sell and re-buy my car!

Quadcammer

nuance, schmuance, they are not THAT different.

Todynot

Wow, what a profound statement. Thanks!

SonnyT

Outstanding pics gentlemen, much appreciated

Quadcammer

ignore list for you.

Opo

JonSnow, just keep your 993 Arena Red is pure sex my friend

nine9six

Here's an idea, (a la Jack Olsen) who is often times found on Pelican and occasionally here for motor questions...He calls her Balck Betty, (blam a lam)

His garage is as clean as his car!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...ll-shines.html

JonSnow83

Jack's garage is awesome. He has a whole website detailing the garage build out as well.

Oh, and his car ain't bad either.

MarkG123

Jon

I just sent you a PM.

Thanks

Mark