I am a 993 stalwart. I love Arena Red with the gray leather interior. I also love the lines on the 993, the throwback gauge cluster, and other quirks that make up the soul of the 911. When I bought the 993 I turned down a new 996, even though it was a faster and more technologically advanced car. Still, the 996, to me, is like Porsche's version of Levi's Relaxed Jeans.

However, the 997 seems different. I have yet to take a test drive, but everything I read seems to be appealing to me, or at least possibly acceptable.

Anybody out there transition from a 993 to the 997 and what are your likes and dislikes?

Thanks in advance,

Marv

 

Yes. The 997 is no 993, but for me overall that is a good thing. It is much more useful for trips, etc. It has less of an edge to it than a properly prepared 993, but far more comfortable. I never warmed up to the looks of the 996 generally, and found the standard editions too soft, and the modified suspension editionstoo harsh.The 997's 993 type looks made my hands sweat ( my guage for buying a "toy") I have the "S." I hesitated with all the electronic gizmos, but for me, PASM is a wonderful real world device - very tight when your in the mood, comfortable enough when your not.

The materials used in the 993 seem higher quality in some areas, but the the 997 does not feel "cheap' (like the 996 without leather did to me) - its kind of like the difference in 60's cars with screw s holding the headliner, etc, - better parts that new cars, but no longer necessary with new technologies.

One major item though - I just don't think the 997 communicates as much to the driver - a compromise I'm learning to live with, but think about often.

Overall, the best car I've ever driven

 

That's interesting to hear. I grew up with Triumph TR-4s, so the 993 is like a luxury car compared to the TR. However, 30 years later I still like the raw experience that a sports car offers.

I just returned from an 850 mile round trip in my 993 and was perfectly comfortable with the ride and trip. The endless potholes surrounding Cleveland, not withstanding!

It sounds like the PASM is a great offering and I would want that option. I look forward to see some other people's thoughts.

Thanks for your input!

Marv

 

go test drive one! I have not driven a 993 so i cant give much input. The 997s is a very good car! go drive one.


Plus, i live in ohio, my dad bought his 997s as Byers Imports (near the columbus airport) he bought his from Charles - i have referred others from here to him. Charles gave my dad a 7-8k discount!

Check them out say Andrew/Chester Scott sent you.

DONT buy from dublin MAG, they suck. Beechmont porsche in cinc. is very nice too! They didnt discount as much as byers imports, but they are still good.


Good luck!

 

I have both. They are great cars for different reasons. I skipped the 996 too because I didn't like the looks and hated the interior. But after test driving the 997, I knew it was the one. Not to take anything away from the 996, it just wasn't for me.

The 993 seems ancient compared to the 997. But the 997 lacks the character and charm of the old school 993. Things I love about the 993 are the honest build quality, the doors that clack, the interior that doesn't use snap connectors, the simple gauges (I love that giant clock), the bottom mounted pedals, the pull *****, the closed in dimensions that make it feel like a roadster, the smaller foot print to make it more tossable, the sounds and smell of the flat 6, the heritage knowing that a real Porsche designed the car.

The 997 is the culmination of Porsche philosphy for the 911. Its handling just isn't good, its world class. The steering is direct and razor sharp, the throttle responce is instantaneous and the engine has power to spare. Its a physically bigger feeling car because it is, and you sit low which makes it hard to see the front corners of your car. The interior is beautiful in its simplicity with just enough style to make it updated. I got the leather interior and love the ambiance. Its a great modern Porsche.

I think you'll make an easy transition to the 997 but will definitely miss the charm of the 993, just keep the 993 and have both! Works for me.

 

Thanks! I know Beyers and they are a good team. I'll do that.

Marv

 

I don't have the garage space for two Porsches, unfortunately.

Marv

 

[QUOTE=Marv]I don't have the garage space for two Porsches, unfortunately.

That's easy, build a new garage

I harken back to the '73 911T and 911S days so a comparison is just not fair. Those cars were brutes compared to my 997s but really taught you how to drive a Porsche. My only complaint with the later version 911's particularly the 996 and 997 is they're huge compared with the earlier versions. That said the 997 is for me the finest Porsche ever built. I personally don't see how they can improve on it but for sure they will.

 

You might want to think about a GT3 which would be closest to your 993 experience. Notwithstanding your less than enthusiastic view of the 996 you should try a GT3 which will give you a sharper experience than the 997S. If you like that but still don't like the look, put your name down for a 997GT3.

 

I took my 993 Cab in for service last Monday and took a standard 997 coupe for a drive while I was there. Yes it's faster, sounds great, handles excellent, the Bose sound is wonderful...though the ride did seem harsh (and I have PSS9 in my Cab). I'm not sure if the sales manager pushed the sport button while he prepared the car for us. My wife, bless her, said I'd like it better if it was a Cab. I agree, coming from 2 Cabs the coupe just doesn't do it for me. I opened the sun roof and it's like a vacuum is sucking my hair (what's left of it..) straight up.

Bottom line, by Friday I had secured a nicely optioned, dealer ordered, triple black Cab S, that's an early May build, June delivery car.
It will look like this, in black without PSE.

 

Marv,
Went from a '97 C4S to a 997S last month. The 993 has a great shape that the 997 carries forward. It doesn't feel like a bigger car to drive but it is, so you have the advantage of more room between you and the passenger and more room in the backseat. It also rides smoother with 19" wheels and PASM Normal than the 993 C4S did with sports suspension and 18" wheels. I regularly took the 993 out for high speed runs on the Autobahn and the 997 just gets up to those speeds quicker. On the way to work I've got a couple of 360 degree on-ramps and I know I'm taking them faster in the 997 and fighting less as the seats (manual sport) are holding me in place better than the 993's. Climate control is vastly improved. The windshield is wider, flatter (great visibility) and the wipers are spaced out better. Rear vis is just as good. As May means lots of drizzle here, I have trouble wiping the silly grin off my face when the wipers come on by themselves. The 997S engine is a little quieter in town but out on the open road it is very satisfying. Last, but not least, my 993 front license plate frame always seemed ready to fall off, whereas the 997 has a much better integrated base. Take the plunge, let someone else enjoy your 993!

 

I had a hiatus between my 993 and 997S, so I hate to say it but my memory is fading. I was Porscheless for 18 months, then had a Boxster S for 3 years, then got a new 04 Targa March 2004. My 996 was too soft for me and left a number of things to be desired; I'm not saying 996 is not an outstanding car, and had I kept it I would have tweaked the suspension and done a few more things to it. I got a 997S on launch day. Maybe the best way to put it is that the 993 pushed all the right buttons (loved it), the 996 did not push all the right buttons, and I love the 997S!

The 997S styling-wise picks up some of the 993 themes. PASM in normal mode is a firmer, better handling ride than the 996, in sport mode it sets the car up much tighter. Handles great, power and torque is great, despite the advanced electronic gadgetry and buttons, I like the interior much better than the 996. If I had more money and a bigger garage, I wouldn't mind owning a 993 too (and I can add 3-4 more older Porsche cars I wouldn't mind having in the stable too), but all around the 997S is a helluva car and I'm still in pig heaven after 8 months of driving it daily.

 

Like Levi's Relaxed Jeans!?! OUCH, OUCH!! That hurts!!

 

Sorry.

 

Having never driven a 993, I can't relate to your comparison between the 993 & 997. I did drive a 997 C2 before I bought my 996, and there is certainly a difference between those two models. I hope your search ends with you in a new 997!