vwong

Hello, just wondering if the values of the 1996 vs 1997 turbos are different, in terms of buying one vs the other, and would the 1997 turbo be perceived as having higher value when selling; if both cars were equally good?
Thanks! I tried to find a post on this but couldn't find it. I had seen something written about this before.

BigInJapan

I'm no expert, but I believe the '97 carries a perceived premium over the '96 by 3-5k. That's just what I gather from lurking around here, and on other forums. I suppose the perception's caveat holds all else equal.

Does it translate to actual sales price disparity? I don't know.

ELPORSCHA

The1996 TT model had 1st gear/trans issue, that was resolved in the 1997 model year.

ca993twin

To clarify the trans issue mentioned above... the 1996 trans could actually twist the mainshaft if the driver did a side-step-the-clutch drag race starts. The 1997 main shaft was slightly stronger, and still could not withstand a side-step. Rufus (130k miles, 490+ hp) still has an untouched transmission, and shifts like butter.

d-land

I believe there's also a considerable difference in production numbers between both years. Fewer 993 turbos in 1997.

-David

malcolmd

Three issues:
1. 1996 >> 1997>>>>1998 (S) production numbers as per David.
2. 1st gear/shaft strengthened in 1997 as per Steve.
3. Double board ECU harder to "chip" or modify than single in 1997. In reality this is not really an issue as good work arounds exist from most players in aftermarket modification.

So what does this mean? IMHO, just find the right car in terms of colour, mechanicals, leak down, mileage, appearance/finnish, and price and don't worry at all about 96 Vs 97.

vwong

thanks for the input!

No HTwo O

All good info above.

About 1,200 993 Turbos in the USA for the 1996 MY, about half that, 600ish, for the 1997's.

SeaJeff

I looked for a looong time before finally finding my '96TT. I would have preferred spending a bit more for a '97, but honestly, they just aren't that common- super hard to find. (Unless you get lucky or wish to pay a super-premium for one of the excellent cars from a seller such as Willhoit.)

Interesting about the mainshaft twist- upon reviewing the receipts prior to purchase the dealership made a note to the PO that the mainshaft was indeed twisted a bit but that there was no vibration (so no issues.) At PPI I mentioned it and they said that it shoudn't be a problem either. But is it possible (or does it even make sense) to replace the '96 mainshaft with a '97 or just run it as is until there are any other issues?

-Jeff

ronnie993tt

Apparently the last month or so of '96 production was fitted with the marginally stronger input shaft...

rcg412

Do you know what the last month of 96 production was?

ca993twin

Seajeff,

Your mainshaft won't get worse unless you go drag racing. If you don't have vibrations or it isn't popping out of first gear, you are good to go. In fact... I question why they think your shaft is bent if it isn't showing any of the symptoms? Relax and enjoy your ride.

ELPORSCHA

***

Far as I recall, Stuttgart new-model year production starts on the last week of August, after (factory) summer holiday (from end July, till late August).

***

ELPORSCHA

Soooo! The last unit of 96 model, would've rolled out of factory by 07/1996.

DM993tt

I challenge you did any kind of search on this. I got bored after 30 seconds of searching the 993 turbo board with search criteria "97 vs. 97" This exact topic has only been covered at least 8 times in recent history. You'll learn a lot more once you figure out the search tool & you'll have all the answers much faster. Try a few of these...

here

here

here

here

here

here

here

and here