Choosing between a 997 and a 993
01-05-2009, 09:30 AM
#17
Burning Brakes
As you can see from my signature, I have both. And, I enjoy both.
The 997 is my DD and the 993 is just a special car for me. I've always liked the air cooled cars for what they are. The 993 is the last of the lot and, IMO, the best looking of the lot. The 997 draws much from the 993's appearence and feel.
But, they are indeed different cars.
As much as I enjoy the 997s 'modern stuff', I think that if I were to only have one of the cars for a weekend driver .... it would be the 993.
The 997 is my DD and the 993 is just a special car for me. I've always liked the air cooled cars for what they are. The 993 is the last of the lot and, IMO, the best looking of the lot. The 997 draws much from the 993's appearence and feel.
But, they are indeed different cars.
As much as I enjoy the 997s 'modern stuff', I think that if I were to only have one of the cars for a weekend driver .... it would be the 993.
01-05-2009, 10:58 PM
#19
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01-05-2009, 11:13 PM
#20
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Well, I've driven everything from 964 to 997.2. My favorites for "driving pleasure" are the 964 and 997.2 and I wouldn't consider anything in between. I really love the 964 for what it is - an extremely solid, relatively light, non-computerized (no digital instrumentation), potent driving machine. Do a little updating (cat and secondary bypass, airbox mod, and Steve Wong chip) and it sounds and drives absolutely beautifully. Now take the 997 and while it's a totally different car, it looks great, drives great, etc. Fully electronic and modern and there's something nice about having a warranty 
There are the bookends for me 964 (not 993) or 997 - and only you can pick what fits you best.
There are the bookends for me 964 (not 993) or 997 - and only you can pick what fits you best.i concur.
i have driven everything from 3.0SC to 997. short of GTx cars, i would take 964 or 997. i find the 993 gears way way too long and car quite a bit heavier than 964.
01-23-2009, 06:24 PM
#21
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My DD is a comfort car (E Class) and so I guess I am in a position where I could "tolerate" the eccentricities of the 993. And I may be in a position to be able to appreciate those eccentricities by not having to use the Porsche as a DD. Keep the opinions coming! Thanks!
01-23-2009, 07:47 PM
#22
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In my case, after owning a 997 for a couple of months I realized that something was missing that's why I decided to get an 84 3.2 M491.
The older P-Cars (air-cooled) are lot different driving experience, it's more involved. Just a different feeling. I grew up in the 80's admiring these cars from a distance and can't even imagine owning one. Now I have 2, life is good!
I would have bought a 993 over the 3.2 M491 but wifey put a $20K cap on the purchase.
Now I drive the 3.2 M491 more than the 997. So, if it's not a DD I would go with the 993 just for sheer driving experience but I'm sure you're aware that DD or weekend car eventually something is gonna break or why not a 964T.
Good luck in the search. Whatever you decide you can't go wrong. They're both P-cars
The older P-Cars (air-cooled) are lot different driving experience, it's more involved. Just a different feeling. I grew up in the 80's admiring these cars from a distance and can't even imagine owning one. Now I have 2, life is good!
I would have bought a 993 over the 3.2 M491 but wifey put a $20K cap on the purchase.
Now I drive the 3.2 M491 more than the 997. So, if it's not a DD I would go with the 993 just for sheer driving experience but I'm sure you're aware that DD or weekend car eventually something is gonna break or why not a 964T.
Good luck in the search. Whatever you decide you can't go wrong. They're both P-cars
01-23-2009, 09:49 PM
#23
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We have one of each - an 08 997C4S and a 97 993C4S .... even though the 993 is a blast to drive, the 997 is definitely a more "complete" car - you will miss the bottom end torque and the relative refinements of the 997 when you drive the 993. Can't go wrong with either. They are both very capable of putting a grin on your face ....
01-24-2009, 11:14 AM
#24
Instructor
I drove a 997 for the first time a few days ago and although I LOVE my 3.2, the total confidence you will feel when slicing corners in the 997 is spectacular. Buy the newest 911 you can afford.
01-24-2009, 11:40 AM
#25
Burning Brakes
I know this sounds like a cop out but I honestly don't think that any of our advice matters here..
Both the 993 and the 997 are simply fantastic cars. They're both 911s but honestly they drive, behave, and feel quite different from one another.
I love the look of the 993 but perhaps I'm too young to get it. It honestly feels like an old car to me. The action of the pedals, the ergonomics, and the shifter.... all feel like an old car. A very nice old car. A desirable old car. But an old car.
The 997 is a thoroughly modern car (other than the POS PCM).
So the answer really lies in what you want.
Both the 993 and the 997 are simply fantastic cars. They're both 911s but honestly they drive, behave, and feel quite different from one another.
I love the look of the 993 but perhaps I'm too young to get it. It honestly feels like an old car to me. The action of the pedals, the ergonomics, and the shifter.... all feel like an old car. A very nice old car. A desirable old car. But an old car.
The 997 is a thoroughly modern car (other than the POS PCM).
So the answer really lies in what you want.
01-24-2009, 11:52 AM
#26
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Having owned A 993, 996 and now a 997, I can say objectively that the 993 was the most fun too drive. But you need to decide if you want a garage queen i.e. 993 or a car you drive every day i.e. 997. the 997 is much closer to the 993 than a 996 and simply the best all around car Porsche has ever built. The only down side is the deprecation
01-26-2009, 11:16 AM
#28
I have both and enjoy both. My 997 is the daily driver and the 993 is the weekend toy. If you already have a comfty commuter car and just want a special p-car in the garage for pampering and playing get the best 993 you can find 
01-26-2009, 12:06 PM
#30
Racer
having owned a 87 911 I would have to agree with BobbyB. The old porsches had a different feel, much more visceral . It made me feel like I was more of a driver, I had to control the car more, less of it was in the hands of some on board computer. Certainly not as fast of as slick. just MHO