John H

When I had my 996, the first thing I noticed when I got in a friend's 993 was the smell. The 996 I had just did not smell like a Porsche should smell. I don't know how to explain that one, but if you pay attention, you'll know what I mean.

Greg D.

I think most poeple on this board (who have driven a 996) are honest enough to recognize that it is a dynamically superior car, better chassis, stronger engine, better ergonomics. However, the reason most of us here bought a 993 (sometimes for the same or more money) is that it looks fantastic, sounds like a proper aircooled car, did I mention it looks fantastic, has more character and lineage to the older 911s, and yes, it looks fantastic ;-) There are also less Rear Main Seals issues on the 993 and it looks nothing like aboxster from the front - and depreciation on our older cars is better if you are buying now... It is the last of the aircooled 911s, that's worth something !

Vinny '98 3.8 C2S

Drove a few students' cars on the track. I thought the cars handled great; however, the 993's looks, both inside and out, are just too gorgeous to switch.

The GT3 is a little out of my league as well; however, that's one 996 that could push me to accept the design.

nota_troll

I know exactly what you're talking about. My father's 73 911T, brother's 964 cab and my 993 all have the same smell.

Benton

I get to drive my dad's 01 996 often, so I can chime in. There are many reasons why I would not trade cars with him even if he paid me money:
1) The exterior just isn't 993--I get tired of looking at it unlike my 993
2) The interior is like a Lexus; I just don't like much of anything about it.
3) The exhaust can be made to sound fairly good, but it doesn't stock.
4) It doesn't have the 993 SMELL. Oh, soo good.
5) The pedals just seem weird and too light after driving my 993 with the floor hinge.
6) The shifter is too light and feels almost like a game; you don't get much feedback from the gears.
7) It's too easy! I just don't get the rush or satisfaction with it like I do with my 993.

There is probably a lot more, but I can't think of it off the top of my head. Point is, I have no desire to own one. It's like an M3 to me--it would probably be fun to drive for a week, but I would want to sell it after a month. My dad drives like a woman though, so the 996 fits him. I'm trying to convince him to participate in the Road Atlanta DE coming up at the beginning of the year, so maybe he will find out what he is missing.

Mark in Baltimore

This weekend at the G&W Fall Fling at VIR, three different people came up to me and said they thought the 993 was the most desirable and/or prettiest of all of the 911's.

Maybe they forgot about the GT3.

ca993twin

Before I bought my TT (when I thought a TT was out of my budget), I dove a 99 996 and a 96 993 C2 back-to-back. Both were bone stock. I found the 993 to be more engaging than the 996, but felt that a 996 with some suspension work and exhaust would be a very pleasant car to own. The 996 can look good, but it takes a wide body, an aero kit, lowering, and some nice wheels to make it look decent. The 993 looks antiquated with side-by-side comparison... 993 is much less aerodynamic than the 996. But, when I stand back and look at the lines... I'll take the 993 anyday.

GTR 993

993 all day long, its not that the 996 isnt a nice car it is a excellent car with great capabilities. The problem is it looks like every other car on the road. Everytime I see a 993 my stomach turns because I sold mine thats how much I like the car. Everytime I see a 996 I glance and go on, I like them because its a porsche but its just doesnt have the lines of the 993. I am back into the market now looking for a 96 and up C2S, C4, C4s for around $36,000 ........I know wishful thinking but there has to be one somewhere?? JMO

mooty

silver bullet says, "BTW - mooty and I swapped cars for a weekend, my 993 C2S for 996 C4S...he now owns my C2S... "

silver bullte is: evil.

mooty

"Wanna drive Yellow Zonker, John?"

NO...

Carrera GT

Wait for the 997 (now widely rumoured to be no rumour that it will be in the US market in '04 as an '05 model) plus, the ramp up to the 997 will, as is inevitable with the move to a new cosmetic standard, crush the market value of the "run out" 996 model. Mr Porsche is already clearing the cupboards.

Cheers,

ps. Get a 993!

agent325

I have driven a '99 cab and a '02 C4s.....The '99 had solid power and handled well, but it did nothing for me. On the other hand, I fell in love with the '02 C4s...I like the look of the 996 wide body cars alot more than the narrow body. It had the sport exhaust that sounded outstanding, plus power was strong along the entire powerband, but I cannot see myself spending 100K on that car.

I would really prefer a '96-'97 993 TT that wold cost you 20-30K less plus it would hold its value. If you really want a new car, I would wait for the 997, or wait till the 997 comes out and buy a 02 or 03 996. I'm sure they will take a big hit when the 997 comes out.

MrCanuck

I'm confused, why are there several mentions of the 996's digital speedometer at the bottom of the tach?
I mean, my 97 993 Targa has that. Doesn't every 993 have that?

Oh yeah, one other opinion on the 996.... the 996 shares too many parts with the Boxster, the worst being the fried egg headlights. BLEH! At least the powers that be at Porsche finally figured this out, as the 997 seems to address this. IMO the 996's value is going to suffer over the years because of this... And I agree with 24FPS, THE 996 does make everyone look like a pinhead. Sorry to the 996 owners out there... I'm just thoroughly disappointed with the exterior styling of the 996.

Jay Gratton

I quote PCA National Tressure Judy Hendrickson after she test drove a 996 at the 1998 Parade in Steamboat Springs. "The difference between the 996 and my 993 is greater then my 993 and my '79 SC Targa!" Judy is a DE Instructor and I think she knows a thing or two about performance driving. Me personally would still take the 993, I think it is the perfect compliment of performance and appearance. Best wishes - Jay Gratton

nota_troll

Not all...

but some of you sound like the nancy writers for car magazines that criticize the Cayenne for Porsche's direction. Sure 996 or the Cayenne aren't the 'best' looking but if it keeps Porsche alive and kicking then it's ok in my book.

Long live the 924!