Just can't decide.....

[ginch]

So I need input and ideas from all you porsche veterans. I'm in the process of selling my current car and finally buying my dream car (911). My problem is I just cannot decide what to buy. The only 911 I've ever driven was a 996 and although great to drive, I'm not thrilled with the looks. I'm stuck between a 964 and a 993. The 964 I would want is the 94 widebody however if given the choice I would rather have the 2wd vs. 4wd. I love the look however and cannot afford (nor neccessarily) want the turbo. I have up to 40K to spend but would prefer to spend less. I could get a nice 993 (C2) for around $35K and spend some money on suspension and wheels or there is an amazing polar silver 964 widebody for sale for $39K. Seeing as I have not driven either of these cars I would really like your input.

Thanks in advance!

Derek

[racerbvd]

Drive em, the 993 is a bit nicer, and the last of air cooled Porsches, but a 964 C4S is a one year only car with great lines and for all around driving, I prefere a C4 (looking at maybe getty another one myself)

[Firesun_2001]

if your going to get a 993, get 1996 and up. I believe there is more H.P. vs. the 1995 model.
As for the targas, they are pretty cool.
I had a 964 C4 widebody. I liked it but it was underpower being stock.
250 HP. felt pretty sluggish. May want to upgrade some parts to make more power out of the motor. Clutch on these cars are expensive to buy and install too. Good luck on your buy.

[H20SKIER]

Buy Both!
or pickup one of these. My RSA never feels sluggish. They are just fantastic. I raced mine two years and still love the car. Won't ever sell it.

http://www.rsamerica.net/market/vehicles/index.htm

[Busta Rib]

I was in a similar situation and ended up getting the 964, mostly because of the lines of the car. I originally was shopping for a 993 C4S but then the more I saw the 964, the more I fell in love. Can't really explain it, but I know it was meant to be. I know about the silver '94 964 you are speaking of I think, the one in NY. That is a very nice example due to the 3.6 turbo speedlines, the big red brakes, and the full leather interior. It is very nicely optioned. If you are going to pull the trigger on one, that is the one to do it with, especially since it has relatively low miles and the price is almost there. If you can pick it up for $36-37K, it would be worth it IMO (assuming the PPI would check out).

Mechanically, I think the 993s are better, have more HP, and a little cheaper to maintain because the AWD system is much simpler and ligher. The great thing about the 993s is that even the non S models still have pretty wide hips. They are only less than 2" narrower, if I recall. Not much of a difference.

The biggest differentiator for me was the rarity of the widebody 964 and the looks. There were only about 250 sold for one year in the US and the lines simply are so much better than the 993, which is no slouch either in the looks department. The power could be higher, but it is still pretty quick. With a sport suspension, it handles like a dream and the AWD is nice peace of mind if you live in an area where it can be handy.

Good luck with your decision. Not a bad problem to have, I guess.

[ginch]

Wow!! Thanks for the replies fellas. I really appreciate it. I think I would go for that polar silver C4 if I can. Such an amazing looking car. I think in the long run the car might hold its value a little better than a run of the mill 993 which is always good! What about maintenance compared to a 993?
Derek

[H20SKIER]

My old 993 I had no problems but didn't own it very long so I can't tell you. My newest 993 I can't tell you because I've only owned it for a week or so. My 964 RS America is Bulletproof. The only thing that I have to worry about is a charged battery. I've never kept it on a battery backup so it's been dead the last few times I've tried it. With fresh battery it starts everytime 1 week or 1 year w/o start

[wachuko]

I have had all three - my first Porsche was a 993C2S.

I currently own an '83 SC, 91 964 C4 Cab, and a 996TT. Out of the three the one I enjoy the most is the 964... it gives you that raw feeling of being connected to the road. Not so with the 996TT... this one has crazy speeds but you don't feel like you are driving something special. But the one I miss the most is my 993C2S... to me that was the perfect Porsche.

If I was in your shoes I would look for a 993... and do not leave out the 1995 993 out of the search. The 1995 has a bit less HP & torque than the 1996+, but you'll never be plagued by SAI clogging issues (they get clogged... just not reported by OBDI).

Get the latest Excellence magazine. There is a question asked by a reader on what to look out when buying a 993. The list provided is great! It lists all the repairs done by owners that I have read about here and in Rennlist.

Best of luck on your search and do share what you end up with.

I am in the search for a 993 myself.... I just can't shake off the feeling of not having one. The risk I run is that if I buy a 993, the others will pretty much sit in the garage...

Edit: Should have added a few comments on the C2 vs C4

On the 964. The C4 is a more complex car. Now, I have not had any issues with mine. And I drive it almost on a daily basis and do not pamper it. But, IF something was to go wrong with the awd system it would be a heck of a lot more expensive to fix than if it was a 993C4 system. And, of course, getting a C2 will make you forget completely of any awd drive train issues... plus, if you are into diy, the clutch change is less problematic since you do not have to deal with the additional parts in the way...

[H20SKIER]

I agree with wachuko. my first Porsche was an 83' 911 SC Cab. Fun little car years ago. I had a 964 Cab and thought it was cool but I don't think it's as fun as the 993. My new 993 is a lot of fun to drive. My RS America is fun on a different level and is the closest thing I have ever owned to my GT3 RS or my 997 Cup Car. It doesn't have the power plant but feels like I'm hooked to the road.

Get the 993 in the long run it's just more performance for the street than the 964.

[DHinkle]

You can't go wrong if you find a good 964 or 993. My advice is to stay away from the C4S. I am not a fan of the added weight unless you live in a climate and it's beneficial. If you're utilizing it as a "fun car", go lighter weight (though the 993 C4S does look great). BTW, I own a 94 RSA (I've owned a total of three) and a 993 RS converstion track car. Life is good for you if these type decisions are part of your daily thoughts.

[H20SKIER]

Originally Posted by DHinkle

You can't go wrong if you find a good 964 or 993. My advice is to stay away from the C4S. I am not a fan of the added weight unless you live in a climate and it's beneficial. If you're utilizing it as a "fun car", go lighter weight (though the 993 C4S does look great). BTW, I own a 94 RSA (I've owned a total of three) and a 993 RS converstion track car. Life is good for you if these type decisions are part of your daily thoughts.

Show some pics of that 993 RS conversion track car PLEASE>>>

[ginch]

I think I've decided on a 92-94 C2 manual. Damn its tough to find the right car though. I have a few very specific needs. Black interior (prefer sport seats but could do without), manual tranny and coupe. You'd think thats pretty straight forward however they all seem to be auto cabrios in those years!!! Anyone have any leads???

Derek

[DHinkle]

Originally Posted by H20SKIER

Show some pics of that 993 RS conversion track car PLEASE>>>

I'll have Minid post some tomorrow evening.

[H20SKIER]

Here's my RSA. Not near as clean as your perfect one but it's got about 20k track miles on her.

[wachuko]

Originally Posted by ginch

I think I've decided on a 92-94 C2 manual. Damn its tough to find the right car though. I have a few very specific needs. Black interior (prefer sport seats but could do without), manual tranny and coupe. You'd think thats pretty straight forward however they all seem to be auto cabrios in those years!!! Anyone have any leads???

Derek

What is your budget? There are a few '95 993 for sale on Rennlist... 26-28K.

Best of luck on the search!