my vote goes for 993.

im biased

 

I miss my 993 C4 every day, much more of a porsche IMO, I've been tempted by the 997, but thats purely on a cosmetic note. At the end of the day, the 993 is built like a tank but is a design which is some 30 years old. The 996 was the first of the new breed, new engine and new platform, there are some issues with early ones, but they have been ironed out in later years to some extent. The choice is purely yours, but I wouldn't just go on the advice of this forum, pose the same question in the 996 forum, and you might find a different opinion. Also for a lot of laughs jump onto pistonheads.com and see the thread 993v996, its some 17 pages of 2 groups slanging it out!

993 FTW!

 

Today, I went and looked at a really nice '84 Carrera. I was thinking if I could find a nice early car, then I'd be saving a little money, and have a great daily driver. But, as cool as it was - I keep coming back to that '03 Targa I drove.

So, I sat down with my wife, and asked her what she thought I ought to do. And, in classic fashion, she said, "What do you want?" I told her I thought the '84 was pretty cool, and would be nice with a little TLC. Then she asked me again...was it what I wanted? I told her I liked the '03 Targa, but that it was more than twice as much money. I got the blank stare...and then "So, tell me again why you would settle for the car you don't want as much? Just get the one you want."

Man, I am the luckiest SOB in the world! So, I'm looking. I've seen a few...one '03 Tip (want a six speed), and a couple of others at dealers. Let the search BEGIN! WOOO HOOO!

 

I personally like the 993 more as a car, however if I purchased a 993 I would really want one with the 285 horses. These cars even for relatively high mileage ones are very expensive when compared to far lower mileage 1998 to 2000 996s.
For this reason alone I would at least go and test drive a 996 and see what you think as I feel the 996 is the better bargain in terms of price.

 

I hear this air-cooled praise so much. What is the advantage of air-cooling other than the fact you need no radiator?

Does it just feel much better to drive?


Thanks (in the market also)

 

993 is a classic, a great car. But for a daily driver, especially if you drive a lot, you have to strongly consider a 996. Aside from the creature comforts, newer ones may have some warrantly left or if you buy from a dealer you can get a warranty upto 100k miles.

 

I would say if you are planning on putting over 10-12k a year on the car...you should probably concider a 996 as most 20-35k 993s seem to have atleast 30k on them...and one never REALLY knows what services they had and exactly how they were done...



BUT...The 993 is a much more pure experience...so...evalutate whats important to you...


Also...you can always put an exhaust on the 996 and give it a bit more gruff...

 

You guys crack me up with the vote for the 993 but have 996 avatars.

 

For me, I would rather have a 993 than any non GT (2,3) 996. It is just a matter of personal preference. I have owned one, put some miles on it and it was a great car. I hope to own one again in the future.

 

I currently have both 996 gt2 and 3 and also 2 993 tt and c4s. whats my favorite? 993 without a doubt. I would sell all p cars but my 993tthttps://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...5&d=1160850833

 

Great thread... I can't believe the overwhelming response of those with 996's that still recommend getting the 993! Just goes to show exactly the caliber of car/experience we're talking about here.

 

996's are everywhere, when was the last time you saw a 993 on the road?

 

I like 'em both. (see sig)

Scott

 

You'll be surprised at how reliable the air cools are.....
Had a 89 C4 which uses the same engine as the 993..... The car was used as a daily driver in summer and winter, all it needed were regular maintenance for the 3 years I have owned it.....

 

First of all let me say that I know Robert Scott and both their wives. Robert has given you a ton of good advice and since you have a great mechanic lined up let say I wouldnt shy away from the 993 at all. I have owned a 993TT and a now a 996 GT3. If I were to start my search again I would buy the 993 unless I could get a 996 GT3 or GT2 or TT. The motor in the 993 is dry sump and more of a hand built race type motor where the 996 motor is a more modular modern built wet sump motor that is more easily replaced as a unit as Porsche did when they developed oil leaks. If you are mechanically inclined I found the 993 incredibly easy to work on including removing turbos. But having said all that you can get a 996 for less than a 993 now that the 996 has taken its depreciation hit. it seems to me that the 993s are starting to creep up in value again. But I love your coupe/6 speed choice thats a great one (although I have to say I have been spoiled by my wifes 335i and the paddle shifters) and again listen to Robert "the Wheel" Hot Springs!!!