Directfocus

I have to make a decision soon between a modified 993TT (500HP) and a new 996TT at a great price.

I am looking for a past thread to read, but would welcome any advice.

Road Runner

I just went through the same process. Once the decision was made, I missed the hunt and test driving all the different variations! Anyway, I think the answer depends on why you are REALLY buying the car-and $. This is my first Porsche in over 25 years (I had a 912 after college) I wanted a dual purpose car. A weekend (or more)driver and a good performer, capable of taking to track events (including being our entry in the 2003 One lap of America) IF I could afford it, the 996 turbo (and a few mods) would probably be my choice. But, my choices were limited to either an older 993 Twin or a newer 996 NA car.
Obviously if you are looking at both, the Air vs water thing isnt an issue. Personally, I prefer the 993 style and interior (not burdened with all those high $ interior trim packages that the new car dealers seem to be pushing). However, the 996 rides better, is easier to drive, and if its a 2002 or 03 (non turbo) its still reasonable quick out of the box, and it comes with a new car warranty (which can be a big factor). Its probably the better choice for a daily driver. The 993 twin is more edgy, more FUN to drive (IMHO) but is 4-5 yrs old, generally has only a limited warranty,and, is more expensive than a leftover 2002 996. That was my dilemma untill I lucked into a real clean low milage 993TT,Guards red/black, with an Autothority stage 2. After that, the 996 C2 or C4 were just too slow and seemend to be "just another car", not something special. Probably not the most practical choice, but, the 993TT is fast and beautiful in the classic Porsche sense. In the end, performance (within my budget) won out over practicality. So, be honest on WHY you want the car, your budget, then hunt for what you want. Good luck in the hunt!

Danno

Also anyone have lap time comparisons of 993tt vs. 996tt at say... Willow Springs, Streets of Willow, Laguna, etc.??

wjk_glynn

I still think that lap times of the 14 mile, 154 corner Nordschleife is the best test of a sports car today. This track combines every conceivable corner, straight, camber, etc

Here are some times, most of which were done by "hot-shoe" drivers.

Reference <a href="http://www.bmwdeler.no/nordschleife.html" target="_blank">http://www.bmwdeler.no/nordschleife.html</a>

Tuner Specials
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7,32 = 166 km/h Gemballa GTR Biturbo 600 hp , Wolfgang Kaufmann 2001.
7,43 = 161 km/h TechArt 996 GT2 Porsche 620 hp, Horst von Saurma, Sport Auto 2001.
7,52 = 159 km/h Gemballa Porsche 993, 550 hp, Horst von Saurma, Sport Auto 1995.
7,52 = 159 km/h Gemballa Porsche 993, 550 hp, Horst von Saurma, Sport Auto 1995.
8,15 = 151 km/h Ruf CTR 2 993, 520 hp, Stefan Roser.
8,15 = 151 km/h Ruf CTR 911, 469 hp, Stefan Roser.

Porsche Factory Cars
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7,46 = 160 km/h 2001 Porsche 996 GT2, Horst von Saurma, Sport Auto 2001.
7,56 = 157 km/h Porsche 996 GT3 360 hp, Walther Röhrl 2000.
7,56 = 157 km/h Porsche 996 Turbo 420 hp 2000.
8,09 = 153 km/h Porsche 993 GT2 430 hp.
8,12 = 152 km/h Porsche 993 Turbo S, 432 hp, 1998.
8,12 = 152 km/h Porsche 993 Turbo, 408 hp, 1997.
8,15 = 151 km/h Porsche 964 RS 260 hp.
8,16 = 151 km/h Porsche 996 Carrera 4S 320 ps, Porsche test drivers 2001.
8,17 = 151 km/h Porsche 993 Carrera 4, Nils Baker 1997.
8,17 = 151 km/h Porsche 996 Carrera 300 hp.
8,20 = 150 km/h Porsche 996 Carrera 2 320 ps, Porsche test drivers 2001.
8,32 = 146 km/h Porsche Boxter S.
8,32 = 146 km/h Porsche 964 Turbo 365 hp, Sport Auto 1992.

BMW
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8,20 = 150 km/h BMW M5 E39 -98, 400 hp, BMW test drivers 1998.
8,20 = 150 km/h BMW M3 Evo E36 321 hp.
8,22 = 149 km/h BMW M Coupe, 321 hp, 1999.
8,22 = 149 km/h BMW e46 M3 -00, BMW test drivers 2000.

Other Super Cars
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7,44 = 161 km/h 2002 Pagani Zonda S, Horst von Saurma, Sport Auto 2002
8,04 = 155 km/h Lamborghini Diablo GT, Sport Auto 2000.
8,07 = 154 km/h Ferrari 550 Maranello, Sport Auto 1998/1999.
8,09 = 153 km/h Lamborghini Diablo SV 520 hp.
8,09 = 153 km/h Ferrari 360, Sport Auto 2000.
8,10 = 153 km/h Chrysler Viper GTS, Sport Auto.
8,13 = 152 km/h Ferrari F355 380 hp.
8,13 = 152 km/h Lotus Espirit Sport 350.
8,15 = 151 km/h BMW Z8, 400 ps, Sport Auto 2000.