Mike in Chi

Both are terrific cars. But both offer very different driving experiences.

Brian (BET) gave a very good, basic rationale for each.

Since YOU are the one putting 30-60 G's into the choice, what's said here is ultimately of little importance. Drive each and decide what appeals to you.

My two cents are listed below.

JimB

jbushsha,
"996's have the RMS issue. 993's (not my 1995) have the CEL/SAI issue, a lot cheaper to fix, even at 5k."

How is an $800 RMS repair more expensive than a $5k valve guide repair? Engine replacements are very rare and will be even more rare when the car is out of warrantee.

"993's were more handbuilt.....build quality of these is just amazing."

Later 993s were actually built on a line right next to the 996 using much of the same technology. I have one of each and have found the build quality to be very similar. (A couple of months ago when I said this someone responded by saying the switch gear in the 993 was much better. I've been through two window switches since then.)

"The drive is more raw....probably less fast at 10/10ths, but for my needs the 993 is far more fun. And fun is what a sports car is supposed to be all about."

Actually I would like to think that a Porsche should go fast, not just feel like it's going fast.

"The 993 was the last of the pre-corporate cars IMHO"

By pre-corporate, you mean pre-profit? The 993 could also be viewed as the last nail in Porsche's coffin. The one that the 996 pulled out.

Fourtaylor,
When 911 and Porsche World picked it's 100 best the 996 came in second to the 917. The first 993 variant was around 11 I think.

Fast,
"There's lots of questions on the part of many knowlegeable Porsche used car buyers about the reliablity of the 996."

Who? Sure people bitch about the RMS. It's totally unacceptable but it's not like a nagging problem is something new to Porsche. Every series has them. 993 - Corrosion around window seals, DME relays, steering rack, wiring harness, valve guides.

"Also, the quality of materials in the 996 doesn't meet the high standard of that in the 993."

Which materials? Window switches? Window seals? Inside door handles? Trunk release? Steering wheel? I don't think so. Some materials are better on the 993, some are better on the 996. I'd call it a toss up.


Don't get me wrong. I love air cooled Porsches and I love my 993. I'll probably have my 98 cab long after my 996 club racer has gone away. But I get so sick of the BS in these 993 vs 996 threads.

Jim

Mike in Chi

Jim B

Which car, in your opinion, is more crashworthy?

(do I need a winkie thing after that?)

caf

JimB,
I think you're right on the money. The 993 is a nice car, but I get a little tired of the "993 drives on water" crowd.

Mike in Chi

caf
"993 drives on water"
LOL - On the track, I have passed a lot of different cars in the wet, even 996 turbos.
Of course the next day in the dry...

JimB

Mike,
I'm not sure it's fair making us mere mortals race in the rain against the king turtle. And, as I recall, you kicked our butts in a water cooled car. One with the engine at the wrong end but water cooled none the less.

On the crash front, I've found the 996 to be very safe in high speed concrete wall testing. With any luck, I'll have no more test results for some period of time.
Jim

Mike in Chi

Jim


I would certainly hope you would need no further testing. You've already done significant work in extending our knowledge.

I've also had the pleasure of driving the 993 on water at Road America as well.

Yes, the episode you refer to was in a front-engine, water-cooled car.

This would be the Turtle, and that would be Jim under the word "casino". And as I recall, you were past me by turn one at the start.

caf

My hat's off to you for your wet-driving prowess.
By the way, were those 996TT's on slicks?

Mike in Chi

No.
Nor was I. (although I considered saying "I was" )

My comments were a good-natured response to "but I get a little tired of the "993 drives on water" crowd".

They actually are wonderful in the wet.

caf

I was ribbing you as well about the TT being on slicks!

Good looking 944S2, by the way. I've been toying with getting something similar for track duty. My first Porsche test drive was in a 16 valve 944. I ended up buying a new '88 TurboS that year. Never should have sold that car!

Mike in Chi

They make wonderful track cars, and force you to learn momentum. There are a lot of good, already set-up cars out there.

If it goes beyond 'toying', let me know. You can learn from my mistakes.

You run Putnam frequently?

caf

I hadn't been on the track for quite some time until going out to Putnam a couple of weeks ago. I had a blast and would like to do more track time, but I'd like to find something cheaper to beat up on than my 996. I hear what you say about momentum; a lot of those cars were "momenting" right by me!

JimB

caf & Mike,
If I had it to do over again, I'd be racing an S2 in F. You guys have so much fun. I've actually been thinking about parting out my 996 and building an F class Boxster. On paper it looks like it would be very competitive. If I could find a cheap one with front end damage I could make use of a bunch of my 996 body and suspension parts. I wonder if the scruts would notice if I dropped in my 3.6L X51? Always thinking.
Jim

Mike in Chi

Jim

You're the third guy in a week I've heard talking about building a Boxster for F. I'm not sure they are thinking of the same engine option. The scruts might not notice, but a few of your competitors might.

mooty

JimB, i couldn't have said it better myself.
993 is a great car, but it does't drive on water ;-)
can't wait to try 997gt3.