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Hello, I currently have a 930 that I love but I’m considering something newer. My question refers to the driving experience of the 993 or 964 cars. Is the visceral and nostalgic feel maintained? I’ve never seen either in person but it seems to me that some or most of that is retained with the 964 and a little less so with the 993.
I would like to get anyone’s perspective and thoughts who has driven the three different generations
Are you looking for a stock vs stock comparison? That's going to be difficult to find as most of these cars have been fettled over the past 25+ years. I have both the 964 and 993 (turbo) and both have modified coilover suspensions - the 964 is set up to be stiff and flat while the 993 is set up softer. Both are amazing in their own right, though the 964 certainly provides a more nostalgic feel overall.
Are you looking for a stock vs stock comparison? That's going to be difficult to find as most of these cars have been fettled over the past 25+ years. I have both the 964 and 993 (turbo) and both have modified coilover suspensions - the 964 is set up to be stiff and flat while the 993 is set up softer. Both are amazing in their own right, though the 964 certainly provides a more nostalgic feel overall.
Im ok with mods as I have done some mods to my car. I would just like the mods to make sense…if that makes sense
993 feels a lot more modern, both the chassis and the engine, the engines in the 993 even though very similar to the 964 ‘feel’ smoother and less mechanical, and the front looks like it was punched in the face :-)
964 has more classic looks at the front end, a bit more classic feel but will feel substantially more modern than your 930 in the chassis.
Honestly they are both great cars, and mechanically very similar in many ways (heating, cooling systems, control systems, engine, etc).
General consensus is it’s going it get harder to find a good 964 in the US as each year passes.
i'm sure Singer has a large inventory of chassis already, but with 200+ order for the Turbo Study and a desire to build around 450 (i believe that's what i read), they're going to need more. that certainly won't help the amount of available 964s moving forward. with several other small players in that 'restomod/backdate' market, they're also going to eat away at the available units.
Obviously I favour the 964 given I have one but I have driven a 993 many times and frankly on our roads I have never driven them hard enough to notice a difference. Actually it probably the fact I am not talented enough of a driver to notice the difference.
However if you want the classic headlight treatment then you have to get the 964.
Also the rear end of the 964 has more the classic 911 look than the 993.
When i bought my 964 I was told by many that I should have spent a bit more and got the 993 cause it is the best air cooled 911 ever and the 964 will never hold its value compared to the 993. I just could not stand the look of the 993 headlights and needed the traditional upright headlights of the 964.
Its all personal though and you may like the 993's headlights more.
Obviously I favour the 964 given I have one but I have driven a 993 many times and frankly on our roads I have never driven them hard enough to notice a difference. Actually it probably the fact I am not talented enough of a driver to notice the difference.
However if you want the classic headlight treatment then you have to get the 964.
Also the rear end of the 964 has more the classic 911 look than the 993.
When i bought my 964 I was told by many that I should have spent a bit more and got the 993 cause it is the best air cooled 911 ever and the 964 will never hold its value compared to the 993. I just could not stand the look of the 993 headlights and needed the traditional upright headlights of the 964.
It’s all personal though and you may like the 993's headlights more.
Im with ya on the headlights, although that wouldn’t stop me from getting a 993
Ive read that Porsche reduced maintenance in the 993. How’s maintenance in the 964? And I’ve read that the 964 C4 is unreliable and I should avoid that. What’s the real scoop on that?
Im with ya on the headlights, although that wouldn’t stop me from getting a 993
Ive read that Porsche reduced maintenance in the 993. How’s maintenance in the 964? And I’ve read that the 964 C4 is unreliable and I should avoid that. What’s the real scoop on that?
I have not had any issues with mine in the 20 years that I have owned her. I did put in a new light weight clutch when I bought her but have not done anything to the engine. I replaced the sound materials at the top of the engine bay.
Goes to the mechanic spring and fall every year religiously.
Mine is very low millage and I don't drive it a lot (purchased with 36,000 km and put on 15,000 km in 20 years) but it does get a pretty good inspection as I used attend track days. Don't attend now as the value of the 964 increased substantially and I know I will not be able to find a replacement.
I did spend a lot of money to refinish the wheels. This picture shows why the wheels are so expensive to maintain ..... lots of painted parts and those little nuts.
I have not had any issues with mine in the 20 years that I have owned her. I did put in a new light weight clutch when I bought her but have not done anything to the engine. I replaced the sound materials at the top of the engine bay.
Goes to the mechanic spring and fall every year religiously.
Mine is very low millage and I don't drive it a lot (purchased with 36,000 km and put on 15,000 km in 20 years) but it does get a pretty good inspection as I used attend track days. Don't attend now as the value of the 964 increased substantially and I know I will not be able to find a replacement.
I did spend a lot of money to refinish the wheels. This picture shows why the wheels are so expensive to maintain ..... lots of painted parts and those little nuts.
Since we’re on the subject of engine work, at what point does one do an engine rebuild? Are they done preemptively after xx,xxx miles, or only when the need arises?
Since we’re on the subject of engine work, at what point does one do an engine rebuild? Are they done preemptively after xx,xxx miles, or only when the need arises?
My mechanic checks the motor every year and I think rebuilds are only done if needed. I am probably the least informed person on this subject hopefully more knowledgeable posters will reply.
When i purchased my 964 I did not even get a PPI. I had been hunting for a 993 because everyone said to stay away from the 964. By chance one of my managers in my office was looking for a Porsche but he could not drive standard so he asked me to help test drive for him.
As soon as I saw it I knew it was the one. When my office mate said he did not want to buy it I offer the dealer asking price and right then and there I bought it that day. Do not do a PPI. No research at all on all the issues related to the 964 (cause I was only looking at 993s).
Mine has the full Strosek mod done at their factory. Going in I had no idea what or who Strosek was or how much everyone hates the Storsek mods. LOL.
You have to remember that 20 years ago a 964 was 1/2 the price of a 993. No one wanted to buy one. 993's were the king, the last and best air cooled Porsche.
On paper I purchased the worst Porsche 911 ever - C4 so had the most complex and unreliable 4 wheel drive system, 1990 so no gasket on the head, Strosek just plain awful, 964 worst air cooled ever produced by Porsche etc etc.
I guess my point is don't over think it. This car is the best purchase I have made and I have owed over 30 cars.
Every time I drive her it is a real joy. I can just stand back and look at her for hours.
04-25-2023, 04:29 PM
993 vs 964
