Louis

.....from an '87 930 owner...........what are the differences between a 993 and a 996? Thanks

TB993tt

A 993tt is the ultimate evolution of the 930 - think same car but better in every respect, quite a bit more refined than your 930 but you'll recognise everything.
the 996tt is a completely new car (ok so the engine is arguably evolved from the 993tt) built in a different way to maximise profits.

Jeff 993TT

You might try to contact Dan89_930. He made the switch from a 930 to 993TT.

Here's the thread: <a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/cgi-bin/rennforums/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=7&t=000057&p=" target="_blank">Considering a 993 tt purchase </a>

Jeff

pig4bill

[quote]Originally posted by Jeff 993TT:
<strong>You might try to contact Dan89_930. He made the switch from a 930 to 993TT.
</strong><hr></blockquote>

Or zcat. He still has one of each.

If you are asking about the 996, and not the 996 TT, the 996 is considerably different than the 993. It's water-cooled, and the rest of the car is completely different. At the risk of inciting a riot, I think the 996 is actually more sporting than the 993's I've driven. It doesn't have that good old 911 steering kickback, but the engine sounds are more prominent. I think they went too far in civilizing the 993.

privates8

Actually, Dan still has the 930 as well as the 993tt. He certainly can be a helpful resource as I am sure Bill(ZCAT3) would be as well.

Steve
'97 993tt

VS

I am not sure what TB993tt means with "buit in a different way to maximize profits", hope something positive My 996TT is built pretty well, good quality materials/workmanship, no squeaks/rattle etc. With a few nice interior options (full leather etc. ) it looks nice. It is pretty fast too

And should you want to mod it, it is probably easier to mod than 993tt <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" />

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

TB993tt

VS wrote:
I am not sure what TB993tt means with "buit in a different way to maximize profits", hope something positive.
Er not really <img src="graemlins/icon501.gif" border="0" alt="[icon501]" />
911s from the 60's to the 993 were built in an inefficient expensive way using many materials and components which were overspecified. The Japanese consultants were brought in to show Porsche how to make cars and make money and the new "just in time" culture was adopted. The 996 cost 45% of the cost of a 993 to build (from memory -prepared to be shot down on that one <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" /> ) No doubt the Boxster/996 is an up to date sports car and it obviously has plenty of buyers, but certain dinosaurs just won't accept that the boxster/996 is progress compared to the real 911s.
The 996tt engine does seem to be an excellent platform for modifications - would I be right in saying it shares more components with a 993tt engine than a 996/boxster N/A engine ? <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

ZCAT3

Hi Louis - I cannot comment on the 996TT as I have never driven one. I have been in a few run groups with them at the track and can say they are very quick. Cosmetically, they are my favorite of the new Porsches.

As for the 993TT, have you driven an N/A 993? If so, imagine that car just a lot faster and you have a 993TT. It does not throw you back in your seat, scare the crap out of you, bounce you around, or any of that. Compared to a 930, it is a technically superior car in every way (993s are a lot easier to wash as well - not so many rubber pieces and strange corners on the outside). As you know, the 930 can be like riding a roller coaster every time you drive (if you want it to be) - you don't even have to do anything really crazy. A modified car like my 930 will scare most people if I just punch the gas pedal (this is usually followed by wide grins from both the passenger and me).

In 10 years I would bet if I still have one of these cars, it would be the 930. In fact, I bet the 930 and the 993TT are very close in value by then (and would not be surprised if the 930 passes the 993TT at some point). The 930 is just a classic - it is like a go cart (only faster).

So, in a nutshell:

993TT: Faster, better handling, smoother, technically superior in literally every way possible, and a truly beautiful car. A lot more fun for DEs.

930: Feels faster (at least if modified), classic looks, simpler mechanically (which means in 20 years you will probably still be able to get parts and have work done on it), and the most fun street car I have ever driven (even though 993TTs, Corvettes, M3s, etc. will kick my *** on the track).

If you just want fast and solid handling, I think the Corvette Z06 appears to be the best buy there is. Those cars will hang with the 993TTs and the 996TTs at the track.

Dan89_930

Here's my two cents worth (I own an '89 930 3.4 (Ruf BTR kit installed by SoCal Porsche dealers) and a '97tt (purchased last November) and have driven a friend's 2001 996tt):

I bought the '89 because it was the only 5-speed tranny with the pre-90's body style (still perhaps the most recognizable Porsche body, if you ask me).

I bought the '97 993tt because it represents the end of an era at Porsche - the air-cooled motor. My love of Porsche started with a paddock pass at Sears Point back when the 935's ran in the SCCA Trans Am series (late 1970's). From the paddock I saw/heard those awesome 935's coming out of Turn 11 screaming towards Turn 12 and the Start/Finish line. Screaming turbos, flame throwing, air cooled motors - I was hooked.

I cannot add to what ZCAT has said regarding the difference between the 930 and the 993tt - he has done an excellent job describing the difference.

On to the 996tt - The first major difference between the 993tt and the 996tt is the 996tt is water-cooled. Porsche had no choice. It had to go water-cooled as it had basically maxed out the performance in an air-cooled engine (3.6 liters of displacement and 2 valves per cylinder). So today's 996tt is merely the beginning of the next generation of Porsche motors - 3.6 liters - same as the 993tt. Increased displacement (and perhaps increased valves per cylinder) is only logical and only a matter of time - 3.8 liters? 4.0? 4.2? So, does one buy now when this version is only in its infancy?

The second biggest difference between the 993tt and the 996tt is the drivability of the 996tt. I mentioned the 935 above. Then there's the 930. These are very "raw" machines. Power comes on like a light switch. It's basically all or nothing.

The 993tt added all-wheel drive, 6 forward speeds, and took the "all-or-nothing" boost out of the equation with two smaller parallel turbos - K16's.

The "into it" 930 owner (like ZCAT and to a much lesser degree me) makes every mod possible to get the single turbo to spool at 2000 rpm - well, the 993tt (and the 996tt for that matter) does it stock. The "light switch" analogy goes away. The acceleration is considerably smoother. While the 993tt and the 996tt will push its driver back in his/her seat under acceleration, the modified 930 will "smack" the driver back into his seat. Exhilarating, to say the least.

996tt also has AWD and 6 speeds - as does the 993tt. The 996tt has another 3-4 years of technology (which is always important) including the Porsche Stability Management system which, IMHO makes this car sooo much more civil. It almost felt more like a touring car than a sports car, if you know what I mean. It was that "feel" that I really didn't like. It almost didn't feel "Porsche".

I'm an air-cooled kind of guy. I'm going to sit on the sidelines of the water-cooled cars for a few years to see what kind of evolution takes place (engine displacement wise). Maybe sometime down the road I'll consider a water-cooled engine, but for now, I'll continue enjoying my air-cooled cars.

Dan

ZCAT3

Hey Dan - when they put that 4.5 liter TT V8 from the Cayenne into the 996, we may all have to revisit this issue

pig4bill

I didn't know if the guy wanted info on the 996TT as well, but I rented one for a few hours, so I got to know it fairly well. I am not as enamored of them as some of the other folks here. The comfort aspects I won't talk about as there's no difference from the N/A 996. It's got plenty of grunt, but is pretty dead below 3000 rpm, imo. The PSM is nice - you can feel all 4 wheels start to spin and then the PSM wrestles them into line.

As far as pure numbers, it's probably the best that Porsche ever made. But I still don't much like the 996 series. It's got a cheap and cheesy feel to it. The traditional 911 has a rock solid feel to it, and a general air of high quality that is a large part of the appeal for me. I feel confident that one will last for years and years and still drive much like the way it did when new. The 996 has cheap-looking lift-up door handles like a Chevy or BMW or Honda, as opposed to the finger-pull handles on the 911. It also has a frameless door that reminds me of a Camaro and makes me think it will rattle like one in a few years too. Sadly, the BMW 3 series coupes went the same route, and is a major consideration causing me to hesitate on ordering my new M3.

tjnif993t

Hi I'm new to this board,I own a 97 turbo,Iv'e been told by a number of people that when comparing the 996 and 993 turbo cars that actually the 993 is faster on the track. I picked up a couple of old tests on the 993 and when comparing the to 996 evaluations it seems to be true. anyone have first hand experience?? I am talking stck cars here,I am aware that the 996 is capable of making alot more horsepower than the 993. It would be a great comparison to line these 2 cars up at say watkins glen!

Bill S.

When people drive in my Viper, they swear it's slower than my 993 TT, although it's about the same. The flat torque curve at almost any RPM in the Viper makes it less exciting than the "slingshot" effect you get with a 930 or 993 TT. Also, the Viper's long distance from the driver's head to the front of the car makes it feel less like a "go-cart on steroids". The 996 TT picks up on some of the Viper's traits (i.e., deeper dash, flatter torque curve, and less road visibility). When I drove a 996 TT, it didn't have the "go-cart on steroids" feeling I get with my 993 TT. Personally, I would love to see Porsche build a car with the visibility of a Ferrari Modena (or the old 930/993), 2000 lbs, 4WD, and a turbocharged 700 HP engine with an awesome "slingshot" feeling. Maybe the new Carrera GT is a step in that direction, minus the "slingshot" (i.e., it uses a N/A V10, like the Viper!).

VS

tjnif993t,

If you come to any PCA DE event at Watkins Glen, you'll have a chance to "line up" with 996TT's

See you at the track!

DV 993tt

I also own both an '86 930 and a highly modified '96 993tt. The 930 and 993tt are completely different animals. I feel almost connected with my highly modified 993tt. It feels as though it's a part of me. The 930, on the other hand, really is an animal. I feel I really have to wrestle it to go fast whereas the 993 is easily fast.