mo-town

I have been looking at classifieds for the past 6-8 months. I wasn't serious about purchasing until a few weeks ago. My biggest problem is that I'm not sure what I want. Maybe some of you can help me in making a decision. On one hand, I love the idea of buying a 993. The body style is timeless and I like the fact that it is air cooled. On the other hand, for the same price I can get a pretty low mileage 05 997 which is a beautiful machine. I am looking at a 97 C4S with 65k miles and normal interior wear and tear for a car of its age selling for $40k. I have also been looking at a few 05's that cost 2-5k more, but are perfect and have very low mileage. What should I do?

Le Chef

Depends on your driving. If the car is for weekends and track days then go with the 993. And you can always get an extended warranty if you worry about the car breaking down. If it's your regular daily commuter car and long distance tourer then the the 997 will be the better bet. You would still be advised to get an extended warranty/CPO as 05's are running out of factory warranty.

Sadiq

you CANNOT go wrong with a 997!

unless you get a tip

serapis

I was in the same boat. I started looking for a 993 for my first Porsche. However, after doing all my research and driving many vehicles I went with an '05 S. Good luck.

jwdwight

I own both and I would go with a 997 for a daily driver but I do I loveboth cars for different reasons.

rol607

993

kdurg

I just came out of a 993 C4S. It was a beautiful car (arena red/cashmere) I drove hard and often for 7 years. The 993 has a raw edge to it that I miss. You just can't replicate WOT on an air cooled 993.

With that said, the 997 is light years ahead in refinement and driveability. The added hp and delivery is significant.

If your new Porsche Car will be a daily driver....get the 997. If it's going to be your first Porsche and a weekend cruiser....get the 993.

Good Luck with either choice !

Edgy01

As attractive as a 993 wide body is keep in mind that it is over ten years old now. If you are mechanically handy, and thus feel secure in driving it anywhere, go for it. If you want the latest in safety, the 997 is the way to go. I have always had a 911 but decided that I had to go to something modern for the 6 air bags, the high strength steel, etc. As the 993s put on years, there will be more and more mechanical challenges. The Rennlist forums can give you an idea of which cars are problem cars. simply look at the number of postings for the various cars. As these cars get older the vast numbers of topics move from "what options should I pick" to "what upgrades should I put on my XXX" to "How do I find a special part that is no longer made?" You already knew that,--but just want to remind you.

winkingchef

Keep in mind that a 2005 C4S is going to be a 996. (the 4WD cars including the turbo only went to 997 body style starting with the 2006 year)

I personally don't care for the look of the 996 headlamps, but it's up to you if you like it.

I'm sure that either choice will be superb for you. I have a 2006 C4S cabrio and it's quite exceptional.