bdhill

Looking for comments from people who have driven both...I am in the market for a tt and having a difficult time deciding between these amazing cars...Thoughts on maintenance issues(water v. oil cooled), expense to repair(seems like less to go wrong with 993tt).
And seat of pants driving handling...Hard to tell from short test drives the real advantages and disadvantages..
Thanks so much for your help.

ebaker

996 has 4 valve heads, more low end torque, longer lasting valve guides and other engine parts (probably), better A/C, stiffer chassis, and a more modern interior. All the rubber and plastic parts that deteriorate with age are newer on a 996. The 993 has a more classic look, less depreciation, possibly fewer rattles, more personality, and no complex water cooling system.

John D II

The 993tt can nickel and dime you with fogging lenses, cooling fan malfunction, more frequent need for tire balance, electric seat sticking, squeaking windshield, delaminating windshield at the antennea and idle stabilizer valve problems to name a few. I had all of these problems in 3 years and less than 20,000 miles. My 996tt with 43,000 has been bullitproof with the exception of a MAF sensor replaced under warranty at aproximately 20,000 miles. As ebaker mentioned, the AC in the 996 is awesome, my 993 AC left me wanting for more. On a humid 100 degree day, I have to turn down the AC in the 996 because it gets too cold. I had more noises and squeaks in the 993. The 996tt is a much more reliable and higher quality car in my opinion. The only aspect of the 993 I wish the 996 had is the solid sound of the door closing.

stuka

The 993 doesn't have the undefeatable PSM. It lets you get the tail out and mange it yourself, unlike the 996, which has to cuddle the rich and the untrained drivers.

That's my biggest complaint coming from BMW (all BMW's have traction control system that can be turned off 100%). If my Turbo had come with PSM that can be completely, 100% turned off, I would not still be thinking about the 993.

Or is there a tuner solution for this?

Just in case, I am also working my wife to warm her up to the idea of a GT2, which, as you all know, is RWD with no PSM.

1AS

You may be looking for logic to answer an emotional question. I much prefer the 996. It is much more usable on a daily basis. More comfortable, little maintenance, less initial understeer (in my opinion), and no problems. Unlike every other car with similar performance and appeal. AS

jessejames

Yessir, I agree, especially the more usuable on a daily basis.

Also, the HVAC is far superior to the 993, and yes I have owned both.

JS

Where are you located?

bdhill

I am in Columbus, Ohio

Berkley

For daily driving a 996tt.....weekend warrior a 996tt or a 993tt ( I am still trying to buy a '97 993TT I began discussions on 18 months ago).......Only you can answer your question......

JP Schnitzer

The ergonomics seem very good in the 996TT. The pedal cluster, head room, shifter, seats, legroom, etc are excellent in the 996. All of these things, and many more, make it THE useable supercar. 993 ergonomics are a generation or two back....That funky clutch pedal that comes in from the floor always felt very awkward.....However, they are still awesome cars....With the way prices are on the 996's, I just can't see why one would not jump at a 996TT right now. And yes, I will validate that the AC is amazing in the 996.

strato58

I just purchased a 1996 993tt and was amazed at how well the a/c works....How do they do that with an air cooled car...If this is your decision point i'd not worry about it at all....My a/c is like ice.....

bdhill

Thanks for the insight...anyone have comments on driving, performance, and repair expense...water vs. oil cooled? Too me, the 996 is just more sublte all around.

pole position

For the A/c it does not matter if it runs off air or watercooled engines to be cold.

adsc4s

The 996TT is a blast to drive. Stock to stock, it is faster (more HP), quicker (more torque) and handles easier (longer wheelbase, better suspension). The 993TT fits more like a glove, has odd smells (oil) and requires more technique to drive fast.

Repair expense? Who knows? My guess is an 8-9 year old car will require more maintenance than a 1-4 year old car.

jessejames

True.

The design of the HVAC system may effect its performance, however.The design of the 996TT system is far superior to all the previous iterations....and I have had a fleet of them. That's my opinion based on experience.