RallyJon

If you read old 911 boards (like Pelican) you might get the impression that the 993 is some sort of modern car. It's not. It really is the last, best way to get the real old school feel with some--and only some--hints--and only hints--at modern amenities.

My 993 is much, much closer to my old 2100 lb RS replica than it is to ANY modern car. I drove 996s and they were a whole different world, I can only imagine that 997s are even more like normal cars.

Oh wait, you said "performance". Better define that, because the 993 version of performance is more about having fun at how fast you're going than actually going fast.

993Brendan

I love my 993 as my autocross/track/twisties/weekend/just-want-to-have fun today car, but I wouldn't enjoy driving it every day (half because of the suspension, but the other half due to its size and its noticability).

993MAN

The 997 is probably the better car, but even if I wanted to upgrade, it wouldn't be to a 997. I can't own a 911 that takes water. Sorry.
Plus, you won't get that genuine 993 smell when you open the door, or the clunk when you close it, or that awesome smell when you use the heater.
They're unique and very special.

Georges Rebeiz

For a guy that has owned a C2 993 for 3-4 years and sold it reluctantly a couple of years ago, I have purchased a 14K 05' 997 carrera last week.. and believe me nothing close to the 993 drive... True the 993 was a tiring car to drive... compared to the 997 but the feeling is awsome....Guess I will have fonder memories of my good old 993 than the current one...let's see

That doesen't mean I am not in love with my 997 but the good old porsche air cooled sound is nowhere to be found..And I miss this....

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

The M96 engine was not Porsche's finest work and these things have several issues. Thankfully, they finally recognized this by replacing it with the new 91A, which on the surface, addresses a lot of the shortcomings of its predecessor.

Although the air-cooled powertrains (engine & gearbox) may be considered to be "old-school", its a VERY durable combination with a superb track record, overall (even considering the SAI "issue").

FLA997

+1000 on what RallyJon said. I just got a 997 GT3 and I can tell you , although the GT3 is a wonderful performing car, it is a MUCH MUCH different animal than a 993. It feels alot bigger, not nearly as visceral IMHO- The 993 is special indeed.

Allen

These are (3) one of my favorite things about the 993. And very sadly, I firmly believe they will never ever be produced again...
And along that same line...there really is nothing about the 997 or 996; or any new Porsche for that matter, that is unique to the point that it won't be available in the next generation or the next or the next....except maybe a 6-speed manual
So many things on a 993 will never be seen again...and any car guy with a brain, has to realize that. I believe THAT is why you see the prices of 993s as high (relatively) as you do.

JM993

Yes - and the SAI issue is a non-issue on the OBD-1 cars

Too bad about the M96 as the 996 and 986 are bargain priced DDs. I can live with a leaky RMS or occasional split coolant tank, but having an IMS come apart and take out the entire engine is not a risk I want to take.

Thanks Steve.

stedge

Actually, I'd consider the 993 the equivalent of the woman to marry. Classic, handles well, always keep coming back to her. The 997 (not GT, etc derivatives) wold be the mistress... But the 993 is so good, you're not interested.

jungleboy

Really? But she sure does perform on the track. I've co-piloted several laps in a gt3 & rs, but never gotten to drive one. I'll have to try it one of these days to get what you're talking about. Good to hear that the 993 holds its own!

Edward

As others have said and continue to say, get the one that makes you feel good about owning/driving.

That said, I feel the necessity to reference my thread of a few days ago regarding my 122k miles of reliable track/commuting bliss.

Furthermore, the common (and often repeated) notion that the 996 and 997 are better platforms for daily driving is purely in the eyes of the beholder. With my lowered, PSS9-shod, aligned/CB'd 993, I have zero qualms about driving her daily, nor have any misgivings about how she rides/behaves in commuting. I've never driven a 997. That said, if the general refinement-philosophy of Porsche at.al. applies as it did with the 996, then I personally do not want that level of "refinement" ...dare I say softness and isolation. Not a put down to those who love their 996/997s for daily driving, but it is not my desire to cacoon myself from the world as much as modern cars do. Just my feeling, which is exactly why I love my SC; and why I feel the 964/993 platform represents the best of both worlds by offering driver comfort and convenience with taut controls and road feel. It is "Sports Car" incarnate, to me of course.

Edward

agent325

I went from a 993 to a 997 to a 996 and back to a 993. I gave up by 997 at the time cuz becuase of money issues. I wont buy a 996 again, and I jumped back into a 993 becuase the prices got to attactive and they are one of my favorite cars of all time. 997 is a great daily driver, great looks, handles very well, great power, and super comfortable. The 993 is the ultimate air cooled porsche, but raw compared to todays standards, and lack serious power to todays cars.

I agree with one of the earlier posts, if its going to be a daily driver, the 997 is hand down the winner. If its a play car/hobby, buy the 993. Price wise, for a C2 your gonna pay 25-30, for a C4S 30-40, for a 997 CS2 40-50

Canyon56

OT, but today I parked (in my DD) next to an Arena on Cashmere 996. I said, "nice Arena Red" and he said, "Huh?" I said, "I like the color." He said, "Yeah." Then I said, "how do you like your 996?" He said, "It's a 911."

I guess that's part of "old school" vs "new school."

Mark in Baltimore

Allen

That's funny......