993 C4S or 996 C4S?

[baxster]

I have a B7 RS4 and am considering one of the the above. My requirements are that it should be rewarding to drive but not tiresome. I want something that will be relatively kind on the depreciation front. I potentially have a good budget so hopefully it would be a case of just finding an immaculate well cared for example. Im not a fan of the 996 shape in c2 guise but like the looks of the c4s but I adore the look of the 993 and in my opinion is just the most beautiful looking Porsche. I have not driven either so was just wondering what the people in the know thought. I will post in 996 as well. Thanks.

 

[Dylan1]

drive both!![]for aproper run over mixed driving then make your mind up.if you are worried about depreciation then the 993 is a no brainer .you might not be too happy with it as an everyday car ,but equally,you might!
only one way of telling....

 

[Mark Elder]

Dylan has it in one, you need to drive them both for a good run. Then the answer will be obvious to you, but I can't predict which way of the decision you will decide.

I was in exact same position as you, only 996 shape I liked was the C4S, but it's still not quite got the curves [] of a 993.

993 fits like a glove. I found the 996 a bit like a welly. But I have since realised that this could have been down to the set up of the individual car. Set up is so important. Not sure that I agree with Dylan on the 996 depreciation...I hope that they have now lost most of what they are going to lose and have flattened out.[&:]

Good luck and enjoy the journey - let us know what you think of them.

 

[AlexG]

Personally I found the 993 rather horrid to drive at first and it took me about 750 miles to learn how to drive it properly (having come from a background of front wheel drive cars). I now love driving it and can't quite work out why I didn't get on with the car from day one [&:]

I have never driven a 996 but I imagine they would be easier to jump in and drive from the off.

But, for me the shape of the J-Lo 993 does it...as far as I am concerned I made the right decision.

 

[nickgardner]

I've had my 993 4S for 5 years and currently plan to keep it for ever

its not that fast by modern standards (boxster S is probably faster) but do you need more than sub 6 secs 0-60 on the road. you can drive it lazily without any real problems, but if you want to concentrate and press on its a very involving drive.
and its pretty (imho)
I do about 6000 miles a year and one or two modest track days, spend a couple of grand a year at OPC servicing etc, put oil in it once in a while but otherwise don't touch it, and it runs like clockwork (touch wood) and its close to zero depreceation nowadays. mine has immaculate build quality and is just always a pleasure to own and drive

can't say much as to 996s as I've never been that attracted.

 

[baxster]

Thanks for the replies. Does anyone know the black car at Bramleys? It looks a stunner but pricey. The first thing would be a visit to Chris Franklyn to get it set up as I know from my s2000 days that a missaligned car can give the wrong impression of its real capabilities. I have heard about the rear wheel steer of these cars, what does it actually feel like on a road? Is almost like a wallowy sensation front to back?
I am going to have to try and get a test drive which is not that easy with a 993. I also had a look at opc 996s last night and what a variation in price. One car had great spec and was almost 8k different to another with lower spec. Im sure these guys just try it on. Parargon have an Arena red on its way, again does anyone know this car. Any comments would be great. Thanks.

 

[andrew davis]

Agree with all the advice so far.

I considered both before buying a 993C4 (couldn't quite run to the C4S) but drove several 6's and 3's before committing.

For me the 996 felt like a very fast, very quiet, plush and very sane 'Audi'.

The 993 on the other hand is just pure emotion....the sounds, the looks, the involving drive, the fact that the 4wd makes me feel invinsible, oh ....and the permanent smile I always have on my face when driving it !!!

 

[Mark Elder]

ORIGINAL: andrew davis

the fact that the 4wd makes me feel invinsible, oh ....and the permanent smile I always have on my face when driving it !!!

I had the green ABD light on for a full couple of seconds in the wet on Wednesday evening - certainly does make you feel invinsible[]. First time I've ever seen it on when I've not been deliberately testing it on ice. Just accelerated so fast in conditions that just should not allow rubber and tarmac to get a grip.

 

[Porker993]

ORIGINAL: baxster

I adore the look of the 993 and in my opinion is just the most beautiful looking Porsche.

You're dead right there, Baxster []

 

[C V Read]

Hi
I traded my B7 S4 for a 996 - Andrew is spot on as the 996 felt like a natural progression. Cabin quality was nothing like as nice as the B7, but its a very competent everyday car which does let you have fun when you want to.

However, in my case it was pretty telling that the sensible Audi got traded for a 996 and my 993 stayed! For looks, sense of engineering and character there really isn't much of a comparison!
Charlie

 

[leesweeney]

All the advice seems sensible - I have a 993 C2S and previously a 996C4 so not quite an exact comparison but reasonable - I would add:

Every day car, do the shopping, take the kids to school etc the 996 would be better. Looks great, goes great (though you may suffer more on depreciation)

If you want something that will pull at your heart strings, feel like a proper full on sports car (but is still more than comfortable enough for daily use albeit not so much as the 996) then the 993 is a no brainer. It all depends on what you expect out of a car.

I found the 996 to be a very competent but somewhat dull sports car (I came out of a BMW 330Ci in to the 996 and describe the 996 as a softer, yes that's right, softer but faster BMW).

The 993 on the other hand is better looking and feels alive and more involving. You like the 996, you love the 993.

 

[baxster]

No children and work very close to home so dont need practical.
Does anyone know the Black one at Bramleys and the arena red comming in to Paragon?

 

[Dylan1]

arena red comming in to Paragon

looks lovely but may well be over £40k!!

 

[scaramanga]

over 40k !? i recently sold my immaculate 993 C2S (and half wish i hadn't!) but i think more than 40k is a bit much unless its a low mileage wide-body with the factory 3.8L upgrade from new... As Richard Hamilton mentioned, the late 993s are now 10-12 yrs old and do require more TLC than the late 996s.

i had both a 993 C2S and a 996 C4S (which is now up for sale due to an impending house purchase). The 993 is an icon, last of the air-cooled porsches, much lower production numbers, fantastic looks, etc. I know a lot of people use them as daily drivers without any problems. Mine was 110% reliable with absolutely no issues whatsoever. However, i always viewed the 993 as a car for high days and holidays rather than a daily driver. Very much a personal view, and in my case probably influenced by the fact that my car was a relatively low mileage example with around 43k.

would certainly agree with the member who said you love the 993 and like the 996. having said that, my 996 4S has virtually every option on it and i find it every bit as sporty and fun as the 993, but do enjoy the creature comforts. sure, it isn't as much of an icon, but shares some of the curves (and the all-important rear centre reflector!) of the 993. The switchable sports exhaust, with the relay mod from renntech that stops the automatic silencing from 30-50mph, is incredible and - dare i say it - better than any 993 RSR exhaust.

with prices of higher mileage 996 C4S models coming down to the early-mid 30s, i'd say prices are now on top of each other, which just makes the decision harder to make!

 

[Bearcat]

Greetings....I had a 993 C4S ...biggest regret I sold it...Hard to use as an every day car. Taking delivery of a 930 next week as a weekender.