Those RUF cars are wicked cool. That one above is killer - looks like a real Porsche.

 

Just be careful of fantasy vs reality. The 993 is not a 997 with different looks. Far less power, like most late model sedans. They are the last of their era, but it's an old era. They also have their own typical Porche motor issues and other problems.

Depends what you want and how you plan to use the car. I had a pristine final-year 993 C4S with 12k miles when I bought it. Though I do still like the 993 look and the classic dash, I like the way my 997 drives much better.

 

I just sold my 1997 C4S (993) this past February. Loved the car and handled nicely on the track. Made the mistake of selling below value before finding out about this site and used it as a trade (probably also a mistake). Purchased a new GT3 to replace it. You really can't compare the performance. I really didn't have any maintenance issue though I only had 32,000 miles when I let it go. If you are looking for nostalgia, go with the 993. The power of the newer series is incredible especially if you want to use it on the track.

 

Amazing looking vehicle. He's only asking 35k? Is this a high mileage example? How would i reach this person?

 

That's not the car for sale. It's a RUF modified car. The car for sale is a narrow body. Check the 993 board.

My good friend and driving buddy has a 993 C4S that is an incredible example. The car is everything that Porsche knew about the air cooled engines. If you consider how the cars have evolved and Porsche has gone to great lengths to extract every feasible bit of performance from the original concept without major changes, it's clear the Porsche needed to progress into the 996. I will own a 993 one day but only because of what it represents and the emotions it prevokes in me.

As for performance, the 997 can carry more speed through the corners despite the 993 c4s having awd, lowered suspension and being lighter. I assume it's because of changes in suspension geometry. Both cars are running PS2 tires mine are 305 and his 295. He has tracked his cars for 6 years (not aggressively) and I've never tracked a car.

I guess my point is that one should carefully consider the pros and cons before moving to an older car.

 

If you can, spend some time behind the wheel of a 993 before you buy.

I owned a 1996 Arena Red 993. A beautiful car. I smiled every time I looked at it, especially, sitting beside a green, '67 Fiat Dino in the garage. Always looked like Christmas.

But driving the 993 was less satisfying.

It seemed to me that the driving ergonomics were compromised for the sake of the mechanics. I don't think I ever found a really comfortable seat position. Foot area was cramped. The seat/steering wheel/pedals just seemed out of alignment to make the rest of the car work. Particularly annoying ergonomics in a car that's supposed to be a "driver's car." (I never had any of these reactions to earlier models.)

None of this makes a difference for short drives...nor was apparent to me during the test drive in the car. But, take it on a long day's drive on back roads or down the coast....uh, no. Which....in effect....raised the price of the car if I could only enjoy it for brief periods.

Higher quality than the 996/997? I don't see it. It seems to have similar quality to any other 911.

I would go back further than the 993 for air-cooled fun.

This seems to be a minority opinion. YMMV.

 

correct - thanks for pointing out that is not the car for sale I was referring to. I thought I was clear but I guess not.

I just thought the RUF was a beautiful example so I thought i'd just post up the pics.

 

I absolutely agree. If what one's looking for is the pure air-cooled experience, the 993 leaves a lot to be desired.

I understand that there's some significance to the claim of “the last air-cool 911”, but its fascination within the Porsche community and the value it is/was being traded at escapes me. Further, the 993 is now at a price range that does not make sense to be daily driven anymore. If that’s the case, earlier generations would make much better weekend cars.

 

I have read a few recent posts where guys have been looking at the 05 997 cars (trying to save $$) which by now are also showing some age. Most of the older 997s have some miles and little, if any warranty.

Woot's recent post got me thinking about older Porsches . My first 911 was a 993 and my next was the 993 turbo and i miss those cars.
I'm not buying one .. but I began to think.

I just for fun looked at ads for 993 cars priced in the 30's and even 20's . I figure a well kept car will cost the low 30's . It may have 50+K miles but while reading the ads I did notice that most of the guys selling them are private owners who seemed like they spent years with the car . Very few are at dealerships. Many look like cars which owners preserved and cherished.

So let's say a person buys a 993 at 33K (rounding up) Vs a 997 at 42 K
That's a 9K difference which could be used for repairs and it may not even need them .

The old car won't have the techno gadgets like Nav but an 05 car would have dated Nav , Cd's , etc.

The old car won't drive like the new car but there is a certain character in the 993 that makes it timeless.

 

993 turbo if you are going that vintage, I do miss mine!

 

I am with you on the 993 Turbo . Amazing how they held up in price --even compared to the normally aspirated 993 cars they are double.

I found two listed my region but this is the one I like on first glance --- I already have too many cars . When I weigh this type of car agaist a used 997S priced equally the decision would be even harder but i look at the 993 Turbo and remember the one I had , loved and sold ... and I think I woild rather have this car over the 997.1 S.
The ad sounds like the guy really loved his car and simply grew into a Panamera . I think he'll miss his car after he sells it. I know I still miss mine.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false