The ONLY thing I miss from the aircooled 911 Porsches is the way the doors sound when you close them. I am quite surprised that has changed, it bothers me every time I close the door, but I love the way they drive compared to all of the pre 996.

 

On automation, people have bad days. Automation does not as often, and when it does it is known, fixed and all bad production is removed and reworked if possible. No one has to admit they had a bad day and fess up to bad parts that THEY made, the machine just takes the blame. I'll take automation over hand built any day.

 

I owned a 993 a few years before buying my 996 and agree with most of the posters that the 996 is a better all around car. When I had the 993 and the 996 came out I was not impressed with the new styling, in fact, I disliked it and was disappointed that Porsche made their flagship car look like the entry model, the Boxster. It wasn't until I drove a 996 when I realized the technology advancements and IMO the superior driving experience.

The 993 is still an awesome vehicle and has a certain sound and style that is timeless. The 996 equiped with the aero package is far better looking than a standard 996, the 997 even better and the 991 is even better than the 997. I love older sports cars from a distance but enjoy the newer models for sheer driving experiences. Again, just my opinion....

 

I agree as well. Love the engine sound in the 993 but I much prefer the 964 over the 993. The 993 wide body is very nice though but the head lights are awful.

They say the 911 always skips a generation in looks with the majority of people liking the generation that I don't.

 

I share this same sentiment....the rear 2/3 of the 993 is beautiful, but the front end looks cheap and pieced together IMO. It is still a great car, and the overall lines on the TT are incredible, but for me, the 964 is the best looking air-cooled P-car.

Can't help but say it, the headlights on the 996 are one of the best features...I really wish Porsche had stayed with that theme and evolved it vs. ditching it....

 

That's a truly beautiful Carrera 4, it's actually pretty rare to see Gen1 996s on the road around Silicon Valley.

 

Thanks! Ever since I bought it I have been routinely stopped by strangers who want to ask questions about it. My favorite was when I pulled into a hotel valet lane and a woman stepped in between me and my wife to talk about the car while her husband stood off to the side staring. Luckily I have a very patient wife.

I'm really going to miss it when the car is gone.

 

Well put, i am actually in the same boat as you. Love the 996 mk2 headlights and the 964 more than the 993
A good exhaust and intake make the 996 come alive. And 996 c4s cars look awesome. IMHO.

 

How great is it that you can buy a 996 soooo cheap and get exactly what you want?

 

You know what? Every Porsche is a head turner - they are that much prettier than the vast majority of cars on the road. They're different. They're special. They go fast - any of 'em, plenty fast for typical traffic conditions.

I chose a 993 because there's a retro streak in me and a desire for a tight car you wear rather than sit in. But I wouldn't kick any of the later variants (Boxsters too!) out of the garage.

 

I agree with you Ed, but the vast majority of 911 owners (from early 911's, to Carrera's thro 993's) regard Boxsters as pariah poor boys and want very liitle to do with them, let alone own one....
Ahhh well,....

 

Agree completely!

 

I like the 993 and everything it represents. I only chose the 996 because it was a more comfortable car for me for daily commuting duty. But if I had my choice I'd have the 996 for daily use and the 993 for weekend/track duty.

I do have to say though that the one that stirred my soul the most was the 964 C2 that I test drove a few years ago. I don't know what it was but everything about that car made me smile for weeks afterwards. The 993 was very engaging but there was something different about the 964 that made it feel even more alive. Unfortunately the one I drove was a little rough cosmetically which is why I didn't go for it but I always remember that car.

 

I never understood this. The cars share body panels, suspension, engines, interiors and materials. The only differences I have found include engine placement, engine displacement and a few suspension upgrades on the 911 to allow for more adjustability. IMHO Porsche used the wrong approach to market the Boxster/Cayman, they should have never used the word entry level. I considered the 911 including the 993C2S and 997S but the Spyder ended up being exactly what I wanted.

It is interesting how we all come away with different opinions on these cars. I drove a very well maintained track prepped 964 and although it communicated everything it felt very antiquated and didn't stir my soul at all. The 993's appearance is enough to stir my soul but I have never driven one and judging by what others are saying here I don't think it would be the right car for me as far as the overall experience goes.

As someone mentioned, the best car will always be the one you currently own and that makes sense.

 

I've always heard it this was the 944 that is the poor man's Porsche and the Boxster was a chicks car or for the type of guy who owns a hair salon.

off topic but on topic about the boxster remark