what makes you think you couldn't do the same with a 993TT?

As to all this raw nonsense, a 993 is not raw. With reasonable springs, the ride is fine, the cabin is fairly quiet, the steering is fairly light, the clutch is fairly light, etc.

Its a really easy car to drive. I don't see what is so raw about it, aside from it not having navigation or cup holders (which really Cams, its like a $50 dollar add on).

If I had a longer commute, I'd have no problems using my 993 as a daily driver.

 

As you can see from my "handle" I used to own a 993, and now I have a 997. What everyone else has written here about the "classic" versus newer is true. However, as a daily driver, the 997 is the way to go, from maintenance costs, cost of gas, performance, safety and reliability. Only the tires will be more expensive, and you've got no spare.

And I disagree with the comments that 993s will continue to go up in price. Especially a high mileage driver. No one wants to pay $30K for a 16 year-old car with 180,000 miles on it.

 

A 993 with 180k miles on it will likely be worth more than a 997 with 180k miles on it...and thats now.

In another 30 years, the 993 will again be worth even more. Even high mileage long hoods are desirable.

 

I did not say you couldn't do it, I said if it was a Toy I would certainly consider a 993 TT, for a daily hands down 997. I have a Toy, it is a Shelby, not a Porsche, my 997 is a Part Time Daily Driver. No one can argue a 993 is a better DD than a 997, that is just silly.

 

997 ALL THE WAY! Cheaper to maintain too!

 

I started out looking at boxters, e92 M3s and Caymans. Then the 911 caught my eye.

In looking at the 993 and 997 side by side and in person, IHMO the 997 was just a more attractive package all the way round. Just a wonderful body shape and a really sharp interior. I know the 993 is highly desired and I can see this. In certain configurations, it looks great (i.e., TT or C4) and would be nice to have.

If going retro however, I would prefer the shape of the 964 and earlier versions. See Chris Harris on the Singer 911.

 

My 88 Carrera is one I wish I had back for sure, sold it to pay for my Wedding. I would do it again, but wish I knew where it was now, I would buy it back in a second.

I need another Garage, the wife is open to it, I might put another 2 Car in place with a lift for my toys, leave the Daily Drivers in the attached 3 car garage. Already have 4 cars with only a 3 Car, pushing it as it is.

 

A C4 993 is a narrow bodied car and it's appearance is identical to a base 993 Carrera. The true beauty of a 993 is the fat *** of the widebody 2S or 4S versions. (Pic compliments of Rudy)

 

Thanks Mark. Very nice shot. Impressive, I'll take the car on the right. :+)

The 997 isn't a slouch is the butt department either.

 

The wide bodied cars look great but I'd have to go c2s i think. Leaning towards the more modern car... More 997 photos are always appreciated!

 

cvtbenhogan,

For me that C4 GTS would be the ultimate 997. 400+ NA hp and all wheel drive. Those are a pretty rare bird. I have actually done a few CPO searches for that exact car.

 

If I had the cash to park, I'd be collecting 964's and 993's.
That space between antique Porsche and water-cooled Porsche is like buying Golden Eagles.
And I'm not really a huge fan of those cars. But supply is clealry failing to keep pace with global demmand.
Ironically, the cars that nearly put Porsche into bankruptcy are the cars that everyone wants -- The cars that saved Porsche are the cars that are far too abundant in supply.

As far as the new stuff (daily driven), get in get after depreciation and get out before major maintenance, if not sooner.

 

This is a tough choice and, ultimately, a very personal one. I had a 997.1S and loved it. Then I got interested in a 993 and ended up trading my 997 for a 993.

Obviously, the 997 is a more modern car with all the bells and whistles (and cupholders to those that care) and is more "cushy". If that is your thing then go 997.

To me the 993 is a more visceral driving experience. I feel more connected to the road than the 997, receive better feedback from the wheel and a much better sound from the exhaust (Stage III Fister btw). It's not as fast but after the first few weeks I don't even notice that anymore. Its certainly fast enough for me. I love to row the gears and having a short ratio transmission gives me even more of that while always being in the sweet spot of the range.

The only way to decide is to drive both. But make sure you are driving a good example of a 993 particularly because a stock suspension at this age is likely to be shot which could give you a false impression and turn you away.

One question: if you like/want PDK then the decision is easy. Personally, I can't stand any form of automatic transmission--even the paddle shifters and double clutch variety. When I am too old and feeble to row my own gears then maybe I might get a slushbox. If Porsche only starts offering a PDK then I will stick with their older models or change brands.

 

There is most likely plenty of Rennlisters in your area that could show you some good examples of both 993s and 997s, I would check out local pca events etc. Visiting a dealership for a test drive is really hard way to get a real feel for both cars. All advice been spot on here so far. I met many local 993 owners before getting into one, they were a huge help!

If you have some DIY skills, the 993 actually is relatively simple to work on, there is also a vast amount of DIYs online. I will say the cost of parts are def on the rise for these cars. And you can easily DD a 993 too, really depends on your needs basic or modern options.

Good luck!

 

Again thanks all - good advice and opinions. I'm steering towards the 997 but definitely need to test drive a 993 before I make a decision. Happy driving.