Canyon56

Hello, new member here but not entirely new to Porsche. I once owned a 1976 911S many moons ago. I've also owned older BMWs (2002tii; 3.0 CS.)

Great forum; I've been reading as much as I can.

I'm serious about getting a 993 C4S (1996) that I have my eyes on. However, I'm also considering a 2006 997 C2S (with sports chrono and not much else besides cosmetic options.) The 2006 is a Porsche CPO. In-service was 2/2006.

The price for both cars is pretty close. I think I can get the 997 for a good price (from a dealer) as the prices are tanking fast on these cars. The 993 is less but only by 9-10K.

And that brings me to my dilemma. I feel I should take advantage of the falling prices on a 997. The 993 prices are lower, too, but not by much and they are harder to find.

I understand fully the difference in terms of ownership of a 13 year old car versus a CPO'd 3 year old car. And I understand all the issues surrounding the 993. The car will not be a DD.

Totally subjective and these are different cars, I know. I do know I enjoy the driving characteristics of the 993 but will there be the same fun factor with a 997?

I'd just like to hear opinions. Thanks!

MFC996

I've had both ('95 993 C2 and '06 997 C2S) Get the 997. You will not be disappointed. The driving experience was very similar to that in the 993 in addition to more horsepower, more torque and a vastly improved interior. Go for it.

NTI 911E

Will it be your only car? What kind of driving do you do? There is no doubt about two things: The 993 will be more "raw" and "unrefined", in the kind of way that many 911 enthusiasts enjoy (myself included)... that said it is also from a different era in the Porsche legacy, and there is definitely something to be said for the feeling and sound that you get when you close an air-cooled 911's door!

The 997 is certainly much faster both around a track and in a straight line. That distinction means that for different people, either one of the two could be "more fun" than the other. It all depends on what you're looking for.

Another thing to think about is that the 993 prices have really stabilized and are holding very strong in my opinion. You already have noticed the precipitous decline in 997 values... no one knows where the bottom is for that market. You might do well on the purchase but who knows how much more it will depreciate. There is a good chance, however, that you might see minimal or zero depreciation on a 993 if you maintain it well and find a good example. Just be glad you're not talking about a 3.4L 996 in any case when it comes to depreciation *ducks for cover*

I love both... if it were my only car, I'd get the 997. If I had a more comfortable commuter car, I'd get the 993.

So I guess that means I don't have an answer for you

abe

997
abe

BobbyB

As much as I hate to say it unless this car is a keeper, and you enjoy a drivers car, I would say get the 997. I've owned both and miss my 993 like no other Porsche. But the 997 is easier to drive, almost as much fun without some of the headaches, and it is modern and up to date. Have you ever worked the alarm on a 993?. Drive them both, there is a difference. Good Luck

Dave07997S

I went through this as well. I felt the 993 was the perfect looking 911, but when my decision was based on the car being a DD I chose the 997.

Dave

RonCT

997

Leader

Keeping in mind that you did ask this question in the "997 Forum," I, too, would encourage you to go for the 997.
All the reasons stated above apply, but for me, the 997 is simply a better Porsche than the 993.

Canyon56

Thanks everyone for the comments. This is a really subjective thing, I realize.

It will not be my DD as I mentioned. I have a DD and this is will be for weekends, etc.. I come from older German cars and I appreciate what Nick is saying. I'm not interested in speed; for me it's more about the driving experience.... which means different things to different people, of course.

I have driven many 993s and only two 997s. I'm fully aware of all the issues of 993 ownership. So, it's a question of what "type" of ownership am I wanting. Half of me wants the old school version and the other wants the convenience version.

Same old story and I have can pretty much answer it myself but I really like hearing other's opinions. I much appreciate all your opinions.

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!

RonCT

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.

richc

I've had a '07 & '08 997, and a '95 993. I often wish I still had my '95, unfortunately I traded it in on a 996 when they first arrived.

am722

In addition, I prefer the 964's looks to the 993. Would definitely be my choice if I wanted something vintage.

dertub

997s are losing their value rapidly. Get a '73.5 911S and a '73 BMW 2002 tii and enjoy life.

Frank 993 C4S

The 993 will depreciate less and it will have much more of a classic air-cooled Porsche feel. The cabin of the 993 is much smaller than that of the 997 and it will be helpful if you are mechanically inclined. Driving and performance wise, the 997 will be able to do everything better, faster and safer and more comfortable. Go to PSDS Porsche Sport Driving School and you'll be amazed at what these cars can do. Both are great cars. For a DD, I'd take the 997. For a second car, I'd take the 993 or go "all the way" and get a 964.

cvazquez

I regret selling my 964 and 993, HOWEVER I do not regret purchasing my 997. The best Porsche is almost always in the future...