sharkster

Hi Bill S here's my ordinary grocery getter


In all honesty, I just love the both of 'em, the 993TT and the 996TT. I obviously own the 996TT but have a lot of pals with 993TTs, which do seem to be more favored. They are quite different and you've made some good points.

Hamann7

I don't think anyone could ever mistake my 996TT for being "soft" or "muted."

And it definitely scares people at full boost.

The 993 looks better and is more "raw." But the 996 is certainly a much more refined, usable, and better performing car.

John H. in DC Area

Interesting thread. For a while I've had a scan of an Evo Magazine driving comparison of the 993TT and 996TT at my Rennlist gallery page. Many of your comments echo those of the mag ...

993TT v 996TT

Carrera GT

Keep in mind the depreciation curve that has beset the 996 lately. The 996 Turbo is a different car for a different driver. Nevertheless, I'd be hesitant to buy one right now just in terms of the resale value. If a buyer were seriously teetering between a 993 and a 996, I'd suggest getting the 993 today with the option to get out with little expense and the option of the 996 or perhaps the 997 will have come along and changed everything.

OldGuy

I have driven both and to me (someone who wanted a 911
since 1970) Porsche is an expereince. I did not want the
best empirical car. I wanted the one the embodied what the
911 was and is. that was the 993. Having said that it
is equally obvious to me that my opinion is not the only one
there are others who want the expereince that is the 996TT.
My experience started many years ago with a 914. Now a 993TT.
I can understand the 996TT- for others it is more refined and more
of a modern experience. I have no problem with that -its just as
much of a passion as mine is. Just be glad we all have one!!
beit 996 or 993!
Happy Holidays everone!!

FineProperty

Having a 968 and searching for 993TT, I find this thread very informative. The 996TT is in the running, and I'm willing to pay more for it, but not 40% more, at least, not at my current earning level.
Performance seems to be the focal point, with exterior styling a close second. I think it's great that the two cars are still comparable.

The ergonomics of the 996TT are the ticket for me...The guage layout, seating position, view of the dash, button feel, works very well for me. It is an enjoyable machine to peer at through the windows. Also...let's not forget that the 996 comes with a warranty.

The 993TT has an antiquated dash layout, no adjustable steering wheel, questionable view of things like the oil guage, it's all business, even the radio is an after thought for your passenger to play with.

I'm playing both sides of the fence, because, like I said...I'm shopping for a 993TT. The exterior styling, performance, sound, reliability, upgradability, stories, history, did I mention the exterior (flares, wing, etc), are all amazing. The driving position, once in and adjusted, feels great, no need to have an adjustable wheel. It's a go-kart that can carry a friend. Everyone I see I think "I gotta have this car." It's tough to walk away from a car that would be OK...but I'm a picky buyer, and the right one is out there.

Now...the 996TT Cab, that is a 'slam dunk' Porsche in my book. But there are alot of exotics to look at in the $150k range. I'm enjoying the hunt.

adrial

I believe the RMS issue is only present on the 996, not the 996TT.

They are two COMPLETELY different engines. The 996TT/GT2 engines aren't even in the same ballpark as the 996 engine.

PorschePhD

Adrial,
You are correct. The TT motor is a dry sump motor like the 993 and before. The heads and cylinders are different, but the RMS problem has to do with the 996 NA not the TT.

BuddyG

I have posted this before but here goes, I owned a 1997 993 turbo for 3 years and 30,000 miles and I have a 2002 996 turbo I have owned for 1 year and have 22,000 miles so I think I can give a good comparison of the two.

Visually the 993 turbo is sweet with the wide rear arches and fat a** look. The 996 turbo looks more modern and streamlined. Advantage 993 turbo.

Performance I think stock is pretty much even. No advantage.

Interior there is no contest here the 996 turbo has all the creature comforts you could want while the 993 turbo has an interior that has been around forever with add on's here, there and everywhere. Advantage 996 turbo.

Value/Cost here they both have dropped in cost to acquire so not much difference. No advantage.

Reliability I had no major problems with either car.

This is all I can think of so it basically is a dead heat. I think it comes down to how much you have to spend and what your heart tells you. Now to all the 993 turbo guys that say the 996 turbo is too soft you need a ride in the RED BEAST. It will make your 993 turbo look like a pussycat!

Sun Ra

i put 17,000 miles on my 993 TT. it was a great car for its time, and was such a big success and felt so great because we hadn't much good turbo action available for a while. it filled a void... while 996 TT felt more incremental because the 993 TT was there.

to me the biggest improvement with the 996TT, 2 of which i put 14,000 miles on, is the suspension: much flatter less roll thru the corners.

the major defect for me in the new cars is the small gas tank which makes desert hammer cruises require careful gas stop management.

the 993 GT2 is the car i wish i could have owned but no US as usual. that car was/is awesome. i wish the 996 GT2 was lighter and more radical, but since i still can't use its entire capability, altho' i'm getting closer, i might as well enjoy the greater creature comforts...

steve c

Odd. Whereas I do not like the regular 996's, I find the turbo with the subtle changes to be very attractive. On the other end, where I once saw beauty in the 993 Turbo, I now see a design that looks dated -- similar to the F355's.

OldGuy

Steve that is why this is so fun to talk about, everyone has
a different opinion! I find the 993TT design ageless, and the
996TT uninspired, yet I really like the look of the 996 GT3.
Go figure!

MM951

BuddyG, read about your adventure. How did that go?

midwest

I chose a 993tt over the 996tt. I really wished I had preferred the 996tt because thenI could have bought one much easier than my year long search, and could have chosen exactly the right color that I wanted.

But I picked the 993tt because of the beautiful looks (to me). I just didn't like the proportions of the 996. I didn't like the dash layout and much preferred the classic tach in the center.

I just wasn't excited.


I didn't have to worry about which was a better daily driver, etc. as it wasn't going to be used that way.


If the 997tt restores the pronounced hips to the car then I will probably buy it, as the driving of the 996tt was much more relaxing (even though that wasn't what I wanted paradoxically).

BuddyG

Mike,

There is a full write up and pictures on 6speedonline. Search for "Cannonball Run" and "a memorable trip"

Let's just say it was a real adventure!