WoodvaleTiger

I search, and know most responses to the weekly, "993 or 997" question...which my heart agrees with most, and I would look for a 993. That being said, my budget for first Porsche is AROUND $60K, so what about a 993, or 997TT? I realize it may be higher mileage etc...but I keep finding myself bouncing back and forth on which to go with.

I have a company DD, so this is just a weekend, MAYBE occasional track car. I live in the South, so it does get hot, but just interested to see pros and cons.

And for those irritated for another 993 vs 997, I apologize in advance, the Turbo option just puts a wrinkle in it!

Quadcammer

60k is very low for a well sorted 997TT but it will buy you a decent C4s.

You have to drive both. We could sit here and discuss it until we all turn to dust. Drive both for as long as you can (and a few examples of each) and make a decision.

WoodvaleTiger

Yes, I say $60K, but really would be comfortable going up to $70 (at least for a Turbo).

sdm100

look too at a 996 turbo they are a great value. Just picked up a 50K mile car which listed at 140K for 40K. Bulletproof engine and now chipped has 500 horsepower. Scary fast

soundbehindyou

Woodvale: Want to scare yourself.....get the turbo....like driving a rocket from your couch....want nostalgia and potentially appreciating assest (or at least not lose the farm), find a well-sorted 993.
PS I went to Furman U for a few years way back when...I know the Summers and humidity in SC, I live in the desert and the air works fine on the 993 (not to the extent it will blow you out of the car with 997).
Good luck either way! I will say that lately, should you want a 993 C2S or C4S, it may take more than 60K

ilko

You have to drive both to decide. Very different cars. I own both and if I could only have one it would be the 997TT. For a myriad of reasons. But for $60K you will end up with a tired Turbo. You could get a well sorted 993 for that money.

Kacey

I would be looking for a C2S or C4S if I had 60k. But a 996 turbo for around 40k is the bargain right now if you are looking to go fast. I would wait a few more years before buying a 997TT.

NYC993

I was in your boat ...between 993 and 997. 997 turbos were way out reach for me, even 997s were in 60's.

I actually considered new cayman s, but depreciation is a big cost, which 993 doesn't have. I test drove 993, and loved the drive. I've had it now for over year, took it to the track, have done some simple diys, and don't think I'd replace it with newer Porsche. At least not yet. Don't really know why...

If I did more highway driving, I would like something with faster acceleration. 993 would lose to a V6 camry in a drag race. But then I'd prolly get an AMG or ever reg merc with turbo V8.

AOW162435

We've been in the White Mountains (NH) for the last week. Anything faster than my old 993 and I'd be rotting in jail.

It does just fine when caned correctly.



Andreas

Mike J

Hmm, my 993TT fufill's BOTH of these - except for the price - haha.

As to the OP, drive a bunch of cars, find guys who get together and ask their opinions and hopefully take a few cars out. I have driven a modded 996TT (it goes faster than it feels, a bit numb feeling, and lets not talk about the looks... but LOTS of bang for the bucks), I say no thanks, 997's (S, 4S, Cab S, etc), the looks are good, still a bit numb, but not much personality, possible IMS issues which is a biggie for me, again no thanks.

Have not had the chance to drive a 997 Turbo, so no comments there, although since i find my 993TT too fast to push on city streets, I am sure a 997 Turbo is even more challenging. I can do the occasional full throttle, but only for a few seconds on a time, and need to track the car once in a while to let her breath and get stretch her legs.

993's are a unique combination of old and new school - and being the last oil/air cooled cars, quite unique. The market is now showing it appreciation to this particular model line. Drive a few, but target ones with updated suspension and upgrades - the feel is quite different. I especially like the compact cockpit, the thin front pillars, and the fact that you feel like you are wearing the windshield. The sensations are heightened in these cars.

You can also consider going earlier, like the late 80's or even to the 70s - much more of a raw experience, the cars a built like tanks (especially the SC's onward) and very simple to update.

The least depreciating? 993's are currently the clear winner, but you are quite late to that game, most of the advantages are gone. 996 Turbos have depreciated I think about as low as they will go, so that choice will be flatlined. 997's will continue to slide as more 991's appear, especially the IMS problem years.

These are my opinions of course, and they are worth exactly what you are paying for them -

The real message ? : Get as much seat time in the different models as possible. Consider what is important to you, feel, acceleration, maintenance, depreciation? You will know it when you sit in the best car for YOU, your gut will tell you - listen to that. (you know you want a 993 - time to admit it - )

Cheers,

Mike

P-daddy

Test drove 996, me likey...
Test drove 997 next, big smiley...
Then Test drove 993, i now have 2 sittin' in the garage

boman993

This.

Follow your heart. "I want a Porsche" is a emotionally driven decision and if the 993 is the root of that, you'll kick yourself behind the wheel of a 997TT. No matter how good that car is!

Knight

997TT is pretty bullet proof too, the gen 1 are the last of the Mezger block. Very easy to drive fast, smooth and makes super great lap times if that is your objective. And it's def one very aggressive looking 997.

Everyone has said it, the 997TT just feels less visceral and numb in comparison to a 993. If you enjoy hearing the the sound of a NA motor (esp air cooled), it's going to very quiet and the exact opposite in a 997TT. I'll admit the 997TT does feel a bit more visceral compared to the 997 NA and at least your getting the top of the line. A GT3 will blow them away in driving feel in every possible way!

Comfort, new technology and basically a great looking modern super car --> 997TT

Slower car with old school charm , more mechanical driving feel, air cooled quirks and very likely one of the best looking 911s every made --> 993

We all know what everyone will say on this board, be curious to hear the input on the 997 board.

WoodvaleTiger

Yeah, I didn't post over there, I think because my heart is stuck on the 993, always has.

To the poster who bought a 993TT for $40K, I'll give you $60K! Haha!

Somewhat off topic, but related in my mind...I had the chance to take a 458 Italia and a Mclaren MP4-12C around the track for a few laps, and technically the Mclaren was more advanced, but didn't have the "rawness" that the 458 had (not that it's raw in the least).

I like what you get with the 997, but I think that wow factor will fade. The fact a 20 year old car for me has remained high on my list should be telling enough.

I know I would be getting in late, but that's not my goal, I think I would always regret not following my heart.

Ed Hughes

Nobody here can answer this for you. Which woman should you go for? Blond, Brunette, Redhead. ***** or Butt?

I think too many rely on the internet for answers. Life is about experience, too.