Driving Cross Country 997, 993 Question.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 3
Driving Cross Country 997, 993 Question.
My son and I are thinking about doing a porsche cross country trip. From Philadelphia area to his school in Santa Barbara, then leave car at our place in Hermosa Beach as an occasional driver. Almost certainly will purchase a C2 Coupe - MT. We are considering a 997 or 993 for our journey. Should be a blast. Also, I'm no stranger to CC trips having done them on Harleys and Vintage cars before, and have owned air and water cooled porsches.
Anyway, what are you guys thinking would be the most suitable car for this trip. Obviously, we will be avoiding high mileage cars and car will be fully serviced before departure.
Any thoughts?
Are we crazy?
I am posting on both 993 and 997 Forums.
Thanks!
Anyway, what are you guys thinking would be the most suitable car for this trip. Obviously, we will be avoiding high mileage cars and car will be fully serviced before departure.
Any thoughts?
Are we crazy?
I am posting on both 993 and 997 Forums.
Thanks!
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 995
From: Midwest Coast
997.
Comfort, reliability, AC, radio... things you will want.
I just drove 4000 miles across the country in mine.
See here:
https://forums.vwvortex.com/showthre...to-SF-in-a-997
Comfort, reliability, AC, radio... things you will want.
I just drove 4000 miles across the country in mine.
See here:
https://forums.vwvortex.com/showthre...to-SF-in-a-997
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 802
Likes: 306
From: Lake Villa IL
I've owned both and don't see why you couldn't do it in any car much less a 993 or 997.
My opinion-
997 is a great looking car but isn't as great looking as a 993.
993 is pretty old at this point so 997 will likely need less attention initially, especially if 997.2. (IMO)
Not to say you can't find a very well maintained 993 at this point but certainly will be more difficult.
Power of a 993 is not tremendous but they sound great and still have enough to be entertaining. My biggest issue with the car is the gearing. Just seems completely wrong match to the engine.
997, even the base carrera is a big improvement in power and more importantly to me, gear ratio spread.
Only other 993 complaint I would have is the air conditioning was marginal at best on 90+deg days. Probably not be a problem where you live.
I think the best thing to do is drive both and decide. Both are great cars.
My opinion-
997 is a great looking car but isn't as great looking as a 993.
993 is pretty old at this point so 997 will likely need less attention initially, especially if 997.2. (IMO)
Not to say you can't find a very well maintained 993 at this point but certainly will be more difficult.
Power of a 993 is not tremendous but they sound great and still have enough to be entertaining. My biggest issue with the car is the gearing. Just seems completely wrong match to the engine.
997, even the base carrera is a big improvement in power and more importantly to me, gear ratio spread.
Only other 993 complaint I would have is the air conditioning was marginal at best on 90+deg days. Probably not be a problem where you live.
I think the best thing to do is drive both and decide. Both are great cars.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 239
Likes: 18
From: Miami, FL
Not 997 vs 993, bit I have a 997 C2 and a 3.2 G body and the only reason I would pick the 997 over the 3.2 is AC (non-functional in my 87). My 997 with lowering springs is a much harsher ride, luckily we don't have many potholes here in South FL. Both cars are well maintained and extremely reliable and I wouldn't hesitate to do it in either car. The 997 is much more powerful but the air-cooled is more fun in the twistys. Safety-wise I feel more protected with the ABS and airbag in the 997. Don't know if the 993s have those.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 316
Likes: 19
I've driven multiple long distance trips in my GTS without issue and in comfort. You can fit a surprisingly large amount of luggage in them as well. If I were you I'd look for a 993, my preference is a 964 but I am very interested in air cooled cars. What school does he go to? I'm a UCSB grad.
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Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,965
Likes: 692
From: San Francisco
That sounds like an epic trip. I just put this on my list for my boys. Unfortunately ive got 10 years to go.
Id go with the 997. Beyond reliable and performance, its one of the most comfortable cars you will ever driver for long trips.
Gotta send pics.
Id go with the 997. Beyond reliable and performance, its one of the most comfortable cars you will ever driver for long trips.
Gotta send pics.
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: North Bay
Another vote for the 997. The 993 will be more than capable (I've done it in a 1975 911S & a 1980 911SC and both trips were a blast!) but the 997 for me was the ultimate of comfort and enjoyment with each day on a 4,000 mile trip ending well before I was ready to stop, as I reported here on my East>West trip when I liberated my 997 from the right coast.
Congrats to your son for choosing a school that will allow his folks to get just a bit higher ROI, because visiting Santa Barbara is always very special! Safe travels and please report back...
Congrats to your son for choosing a school that will allow his folks to get just a bit higher ROI, because visiting Santa Barbara is always very special! Safe travels and please report back...
