Nasty 993 S itch

[cobalt911]

Is there anyone else out there that is suffering the same itch as me? (Doc gave me some cream but not working!)

I have almost the perfect facelift C2 996 I bought from Stirlings early this year. It is immaculate, all original, mechanically sound, well cared for etc etc and I am loving the driving experience (especially some of the quiet roads in Berkshire with the odd humpback bridge)...

Even my kids fit in the back....so, why the title of this post?

I have always loved the 993 'shape' and build quality and I have been smitten with the 's' series carrera's since they were launched (especially if not modified with a rear spoiler) but I have stayed away mainly due to the fact I use the car every day, need space for kids and enjoy the OPC warranty I have on my current car...

Mark Pearce has been a totally invaluable source of knowledge and, I think, realism when considering the 993 options and I am indebted to him for my current car BUT how to get rid of the 993 debate going on in my head? []

Advice on how to stop the search on pistonheads et al for a nice 993 C2S will be kindly received - who can give me a good horror story about 993 daily use??

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Rodney Naghar]

I'm going to be of no help other than to say IMO the 993 C2/C4S are some of the best looking 911s ever made.[]

 

[PGAdamopoulos]

Hey Mark
I am having the same itch.....[]
So I am getting a 964 C2S to keep company to my 996....[]
Cheers
[]

 

[denisoreilly]

2 things you can do...

"Your just going to have to get used to the head spin"
or
"Scratch that itch"

The creams dont work!

Take one for a test drive! See how you feel, then, I bet within one minute of getting back in to your 996 you'll know ....

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

OH NO!! I feel another 993 vs 996 debate coming on.

You have to drive one as they are completely different cars. If you are going to live with a 993 every day make sure you can live with the following (just to name a few):

1) A heating and cooling sytem that when working perfectly is dreadful.
2) Wipers that wipe most of the screen, but not all of it.
3) A driving position that isn't good for the spine with offset pedals.
4) Pedals so close together that size 11's make for fancy footwork.
5) Lights that are as dim as a glow worm's armpit.

I don't undestand where all this "hewn from granite" build quality cr*p comes from either. The doors make a horrible metallic crash when you close them and people use that as a benchmark for build quality The design is from the 60's, and many components are the same ones used in the 60's. And you want to drive it every day? [][]

Please don't think I am knocking the 993, as they are truly wonderful machines, raw and visceral, and if it were a second car for me I'd have another like a shot. I just hate people comparing two machines that are completely different cars, as if one was better than the other. Rant over. [][]

 

[denisoreilly]

He He,

You know what it is guys, you just get seduced by the curves and romantic notions, its ok it happens most of us.....a one night stand should sort it out!

 

[chrono]

I love the look of the front end of a 993, but the back reminds me of the deranged grinning one from The Banana Splits. 996's are slightly on the tubby side and a little bulbous looking from the rear in certain angles and the front? Well, it's a Boxster isn't it? [EDIT - Pre 2002 of course. Not so keen on the facelift. Prefer the 993's front in both instances.]

My favourite at the mo is the 997 as it combines the classic front end looks of the 993 but with a thoroughly evil looking rear. The best of both. Downside is that I can't afford one.

I know it doesn't help a jot. [&:]

 

[Mark Elder]

Richard,
Really pleased you have stepped in to argue the 996 case. I've seen too many of these 3vs6 debates without much comment from the folks who clearly love the 996.

(Don't actually agree with any of your numbered points - except the lights, but that is easy to fix)

Totally agree that driving them both is the only way you can learn something, then there is the problem of knowing what it will be like as a daily driver. I have a modern (RAV4) and a 993. The only time the RAV4 gets used is if something won't fit in the 993. But I've never had long term access to a 996, so I guess I can't contribute to the debate.

There is an article in (I think this month's) PP which is a very powerful statement from a long term owner....you need to read it to get the richness of what it is all about.

 

[cobalt911]

Don't get me wrong folks - there isn't an occasion when I get in the 996 and don't grin from ear to ear!!

Richard - your list is excellent and I think it is helping me to reduce the urge ha ha....I guess it is pure aesthetics I am drawn to rather than mechanical excellence! I have not driven one which doesn't help but I do remember being in one and my surprise at the ergonomics....

We should set up a 'swap' forum to enjoy each others cars for a month at a time (I can imagine the hell most people would go through letting their babies out of their sight!)...

Now, if only I could afford TWO cars []

 

[Mark_Bennett]

What ergonomics? []

 

[Robertb]

I used a 993 Targa for daily use from time to time. It was surprisingly good- the aircon was fine, it was reasonably refined and comfy for me, and of course fabulous fun.

I used to get my 2 yr old in the back in her Porsche Prince car seat as well. I'd not found a booster seat that would fit however.

The only thing I would say, is that the S 993s have very hard suspension which is probably not ideal for UK roads, you may do better with a standard car.

If I just worked a few miles away, then I'd have been happy to have continued with the 993. Sorry, not really putting you off here am I...