Hello all,

I'm contemplating switching vehicles and the 993 Turbo is one my choices. I'm reaching out to the other owners here to get some input to help my decision making process. I've read a bit about the maintenance/trouble areas of the car as well as some of the buyers guides out there. I haven't yet driven the car yet and was hoping to narrow my options a bit more before I start test driving. What I'm curious about now is the what the throttle response, steering input feel, and overall driving feel is like on the 993tt. I ask because driving feel is very important to me. I'm coming from a E46 M3 and have come to love the high revving instant throttle of the NA I6. However, I've had my car 6 years now and will likely move on. As well, I've had to relocate to an area (near Chicago) where awd will be a plus (although I have a winter car already and the 911 would hibernate in the garage). I understand some of the newer turbos, especially ones with variable geometry, have very good response and am curious how the 993 fares on this front.

I've always thought the 993 was one of the best looking 911's, that is why I've began to consider the 993tt. My other options include: Boxster Spyder, 996/997.1 GT3's, GTR's, and 996 RUF RGT's.

My philosophy is to drive the car so I will want to drive the car all the time (weather permitted) so this will be a daily in the warmer months. Back seats are not required. Requirements can be explained in further detail if needed. Just wanted to see if other 993tt owners would think the car would be a good fit for me.

Any input will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

oh boy. What a question. I recommend driving two of the other cars you mentioned in the same day as a good 993TT. What you will definitely feel over the other cars is the "Hand Built" Factor. It definitely will overcome any thoughts you have in the car during the test drives. It is similar in construction quality to what you feel in ferrari cars. Very exotic. The driving experience is second to none. But... maybe not an everyday car. I averag $ .98/mi. to drive one. Not counting gas, Tires, and Insurance or toys for it. If you want the car to maintain its value that will be the cost. But these cars are so fast in comparison to what you are driving now it is unreal. More linear power delivery if you go with a 996/997 turbo or GT3. But the Air cooled turbo cars are no slouch. 3.6 seconds or so to 60 and about 12 seconds flat qtr mile and still pulling hard. These are bone stock figures also.

If you drive it. You will most likely buy it. I promise.

 

Edit: Wow...can't believe I forgot Boxster Spyder. It's near the top of my list...

Chris, thanks for the advice. I knew I will eventually have to drive the cars, I guess I just wanted to get a feel for what to expect. As it stands, my stance on the 993 is that it will be my entry to owning many other Porsches. I don't think I would be concerned with its value as I will drive it. That being said, I do like to keep my cars in as good as condition as age/driving will allow. I do like a linear power delivery but it seems as if maybe I'll forget it once I've driven one. Toys for the car could be a problem, the engineer in me never lets stop tinkering my cars as longs as I think I see a slight improvement for what I want. Thanks again for the input.

 

I almost bought a loaded Audi S5. Really nice car. Vorsteiner kit from the dealer and all. I ended up driving it because the 993 turbo was at the dealers other location. So that was my back to back comparison. I got in the 993 and the whole world changed.

 

And they were the exact same price too which was nice to compare with.

 

Curious, have you ever driven a 996tt or 997tt, could you comment on that difference for good and bad?
Curious, if you will indicate a dollar level that you paid for the 993tt with how many miles?

Al

 

Curious, have you ever driven a 996tt or 997tt that you could compare the 993tt to for both good & bad?

Curious, if you will indicate a dollar level that you paid and miles on it?
I too wondered about the S5 (wife has an S8). Had no idea that a dealer would provide the car with a supercharger(?) if I understood right. Must be crazy fast?

Al

 

You can get the stasis engineering blower kit for the Audi cars with a dealer delivery and warranty. Yes they are quick.

As for 996/997 yes I have driven both. I have a 2003 996. Drive it back to back often of my 993. There is a sense of comfortable position in the newer cars I like. Very user friendly. Not near the sports car of the 993 cars. I say that in the spirit of driving. Speed builds in a completely different manner. But they are both Porsches. The 993 being more like a ferrari. The 996 cars more like an Audi. I guess its a lot to do with the interior goodies, and the interior sound levels. The AC in the newer cars doesn't fluctuate like the older ones. The amount of space in a 996 seems to be twice the 993, and lastly... The exhaust. My 996 has a eissenman exhaust. My 993 has pretty much no exhaust ;-) I may not be getting the message you are looking for but I will say this. One day I drove my 993 on my way to get service and drove the same S5 as prior. The 993 is waaaay faster. Like I couldn't find the floorboard in the S5 faster. Almost like a nonevent putting the Audi through its paces. It absorbs the road imperfections great though I must say.