Should I change from my 993 ?

[John Maddox]

I am seriously considering changing my 993 purchased last summer for, possibly, a 996. I would like the forums opinion on this. The background is as follows:-

My previous Porsche was a 944 Turbo and I part exchanged this for my 1995 993 Carrera as I have always wanted a 911 since my teens.

I had extensive repairs under warranty to the Air Con and just recently have had to replace the clutch at my expense.

I have a list of small irritating jobs that need doing but I expected this.

I find it much more difficult to drive than my 944 and I am also disappointed in the way it rides on poor road surfaces. I am an experienced driver and really want to like this car but on poor surfaces I reckon my Mercedes Estate feels more secure.

The 993 really looks great and sounds wonderful, is quick and reasonably economical but I was not expecting it to be such a "raw" driving experience.

I have driven it about 3000 miles since buying it - is this too soon to be talking about changing it. Did others on the forum feel this way initially and your view changed over time or what do you think.

 

[968er]

John,

First question, have the dampers and springs been replaced, if not this has a very detrimental effect on the handling?
Second, what size of wheels are you running, 17" or 18". The larger wheel may look better in some peoples view but again it does worsen the ride and makes tramlining worse.

Having come from a 968 to a 993, I know that there is a massive difference to the handling and there is a steep learning curve in how to drive the thing properly, but it has always put a smile on my face, but I suppose that can be wiped off by major expenditure!

In the end it may be that a 993 is just not right for you. I know that I have gone through a similar problem as you, mainly because I was jumping in the car after a long day at work and getting involved in stop start motoring which in a 993 is not enjoyable. What made me change my mind was having a couple of weekend blasts to remind me why I love the car, saying that I can still see myself changing or getting a cheap Boxster as my everyday car which will more likely be a cheaper option than changing[&:]

 

[sawood12]

Two work collegues have just moved from a 993C4s to a 996 Turbo and a 993C2 to a 996C2Cab. Both have said that the 996 is a much more refined car. You may view this as being good or bad depending upon what you want from the car. The guy who had the C4S actaully preferred this over the 996 turbo despite the extra performance because he enjoyed the more raw experience. The other guy prefers his 996 cab because it is more refined - so it's horses for courses.

Interesting though - a few months ago I was seriously looking to get a 993C2 and the collegue who had the C4S and now has the 996 turbo used to have a 944 turbo. His opinion was that the 944 was an easier car to live with on a daily basis and was more comfortable than his 993 and looks back very fondly to his 944 days - in fact he's trying to get his wife to buy one - but he did really like his 993. In fact if he doesn't click with his 996 turbo I can see him swapping for a 993 turbo.

I still hanker after a 993 but I would ideally like to have a good go in one before I made the transition and taking the plunge. With 996 prices plummeting at the moment costs are almost similar so the 996 might prove to be the more suitable car.

 

[968er]

Hey Maurice, is'nt that what I said[]

 

[John Maddox]

Thanks for your thoughts - looks like changing shocks then to see if it helps. I'm on 17 inch wheels so that will help.

 

[968er]

The car rides better on 17's, well I think so anyway[]

If things aren't any better after suspension and alignment work, you may have to go for a soft 996[][][][][]

 

[algray]

[FONT=arial"] would suggest a driver training course, because even if you move to a 996 whatever bad habits you had in the 994 would carried to the 996 and psm may mask them, I sure that's not what you want []. [FONT=arial"]I came from a corrado VR6, which was very easy to drive, it made me feel I was a very good driver, the 993 however quickly tells you where your level is. I spun the car once my fault a bit too heavy footed, I found it very difficult to know where the break away point is especially at the back, and do not think this can done on the roads, and that was my reason for doing track days. [FONT=arial"]You will also quickly learn (at the track) why you should not lift(aggressively) mid-corner. its been said that 993 is the easiest of the air-cooled bunch to drive, I therefore salute drivers of earlier cars. [FONT=arial"]Alex G

 

[dparslow]

ORIGINAL: John Maddox

I am seriously considering changing my 993 purchased last summer for, possibly, a 996. I would like the forums opinion on this. The background is as follows:-

My previous Porsche was a 944 Turbo and I part exchanged this for my 1995 993 Carrera as I have always wanted a 911 since my teens.

I had extensive repairs under warranty to the Air Con and just recently have had to replace the clutch at my expense.

I have a list of small irritating jobs that need doing but I expected this.

I find it much more difficult to drive than my 944 and I am also disappointed in the way it rides on poor road surfaces. I am an experienced driver and really want to like this car but on poor surfaces I reckon my Mercedes Estate feels more secure.

The 993 really looks great and sounds wonderful, is quick and reasonably economical but I was not expecting it to be such a "raw" driving experience.

I have driven it about 3000 miles since buying it - is this too soon to be talking about changing it. Did others on the forum feel this way initially and your view changed over time or what do you think.

John,

I did exactly the same, went from previously owning a 944S2 before venturing to 993 ownership. Initially I thought the same, "what have I done"? The S2`s are so much easier to live with and make a brilliant everyday practical cross country express. It has taken over 2 years and 10k miles to get to know my 993C2, I now appreciate how good it really is, but its still not my ideal everyday Porsche, a 968 would be because of its additional load space.

Mine suffers from a poor ride quality on some of my local roads which are very bad, I put this down to the roads more than the car. I have 18" wheels and the suspension is all new and on better roads the ride quality in fine, probably be better still on 17"`s for everyday use, however, it will never ride like my Merc does.

Unfortunatly, its no longer practical to keep the 993C2, although I would like to, so I am in the process of selling it, but the 993 has impressed me enough to get another, a 993tt for weekend use.

 

[chrisr]

Hi John , like you I have also changed from 944 ( S2 ) to 993 about 3 months ago and Ive covered about 2,000 miles ... the 944 as an everyday car was simply superb and I drove the car for the last time on Saturday [] and have to say on the country roads simply superb.

For me so far the 993 experience in fairness hasnt lived up to expectations but Im starting to get what I thought the 993 was all about , Ive had a number of niggles that have resulted in the car being off the road for a couple of weeks , dreadful fuel consumption , poorish handling but as I said that is changing , Ive had the shocks done , suspension sorted , new rear tyres and touch wood nothing has fallen off for almost a week [] and yesterday on a long run with the roof down , the feeling , sound and rawness where what I expected from such a car..

I personally dont like the car as much as the 944 as a daily driver but dont like sitting cars so Ill just have to put up with solid traffic in the mornings ( which the car is as expected not at its happiest ) but Im learning to feel the car and admit that a driver training course is a must for me to gain the most from the car..

Do I regret getting the 993 costing 5 times the cost of the 944 which was bomb proof over 2 and a half years ? NO ..the looks , rawness & power more than make up for its teething problems but don't ask me when something else goes south []

Chris

 

[bobafett]

John i can understand where you are coming from having owned most mentioned, people use the term daily driver loosly, as i find them a right pain in traffic, also if you are like me and over 6ft it is hard to get comfy, the ventilation is poor and the controls are stiffer than most (you cant exactly drive it with one finger to steer). If i had to use it daily for work etc, it would soon be for sale.

I run mine as a release to all which is normal and boring, and for me there is no better looking Porsche than the 993, which is half the point of owning in the first place. When you get out of a car, walk away and dont look back at it, the love has gone.

I dont think by any means its a great car, it does nothing exceptional, it does not have great dynamics, but as a pleasure machine its bang-on.

I dont think it will get better with more miles, it will still be a 993.

Im afraid its the same as Marmite.

 

[chrisr]

ORIGINAL: bobafett

and for me there is no better looking Porsche than the 993, which is half the point of owning in the first place. When you get out of a car, walk away and dont look back at it, the love has gone.

Spot on , I always have a glance at the 993 when parked up and find it hard to believe its mine

Chris

 

[bobafett]

You either love or hate it......

lee.

 

[oceancarrera]

If the only thing you don't like about it is the ride, making the entire car feel "raw" as you put it, then I would concur with the others that you should check out replacing your shocks and springs.

If you find yourself going cold over the "rest of the package", then I would suggest moving to the 996...

Previously a 993 die-hard, and having just made the switch myself, the 996 is a millenium ahead in terms of refinement and overall comfort. It's a lot of the small details that count: the lighter weight and deftness of the steering, the less claustrophobic cabin, the pedal placement, heck - even the more modern script font used for the dials, that makes the entire cockpit a far more up-to-date (imho, enjoyable) experience allowing you to focus on the driving dynamics and aural (PSE required) enjoyment. Without a doubt, the 996 seems to be a far more capable/effortless car, whereas the 993 always seemed to be trying or at the limit of what it could do.

If I had to get another aircooled 911, I'd probably look at an early 70's model which still captured the lightness and lithe movements of a sprinter before the 911s started becoming denser cars right up to the 993.

For some reason, I think of the differences like this right now:
early 911s = 1500m runners
964/993s = 200 - 400m sprinters
996s = 800m runners

 

[John Maddox]

Sincere thanks to everyone who has posted, the information is very useful

Decided I will look at the shocks/springs and replace as necessary and then get some miles in.

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: oceancarrera

For some reason, I think of the differences like this right now:
early 911s = 1500m runners
964/993s = 200 - 400m sprinters
996s = 800m runners

Interesting. In this context I'd always thought of a 996 as a half-marathon job - with 800m capability when called for. (I'm envious of your GT3, by the way, OC.)

But the whole thread's v interesting. I wanted a 993 ever since they came out. Never owned a Porsche previously. After 15 months:
- Had a couple of large-ish bills to get things sorted
- Now I have it feels brilliant
- It's so satisfying to drive
- Dated cabin but it's functional/fit for purpose
- It looks gorgeous
- I cosset it
- I just love it.

I could use it daily, provided I had safe parking and no traffic jams.

If there's anything daft about owning it, it's that on the UK's crowded roads there's little opportunity to exploit the full performance or use the handling - but that goes for most cars these days... Which is making me think I need a track day or two.

If I changed it, it would perhaps be for a GT3 - but that's only a two-seater, which wouldn't go down well with The Chief. So pro tem I'm very happy with my 993. I always look back at it after parking up, and on opening the garage door and seeing that gorgeous ass - wow!

 

[2.4te]

For me this was a very interesting thread. I have an early (1972) 911 and my daily driver is a 968. Only problem is I've changed jobs and now commute by train so don't need a daily driver!

I've been toying with the idea of liquidating both my cars for a 993, but am uncertain: it's hard to let go of my 911 as I've had it 8 years and it's quite nice- would be very difficult to replace if I ever changed my mind. I have two children, but otherwise would be tempted by a 964RS. So a 993 might be appropriate. Guess I need to try one.

 

[kennyboy]

John - don't do it!

I went from a 993 to a 996 and regretted it after about a month.

The 996 has gone and I'm not in a 911 at the moment but will be hunting down a 993 turbo in the summer.

The 993 was always an occasion to drive, not so the 996. The 993 'feels' exotic, not so the 996.

For me it comes down to how special the car is to own...the 993 is unique from the door thunk to the retro, last for a million years - switch-gear. And I haven't even mentioned it' looks or residuals!

I think if you get the 996 it's inferior build quality and overall 'mass produced' feel will dissapoint.

 

[968er]

Dr Dave,

Go try a 993, you will either immediately love it or decide it is not for you.

It is one of those cars that gives you a shiver down the spine when you get it right, unlike your 968 which is far more forgiving and easier to drive and I am not being derogatory to the 968 as I used to have one which I loved but I am now on to my second 993 as there is just so much more to them.

 

[pilotpaul]

John,

I had a wonderful trip down to Stuttgart in the Summer to have a wander around the factory. In my group of about 15 people, there were 14 Americans collecting their new cars and yours truly with his 9 year old 993 Targa.

During the tour the very nice guide asked everybody what they had ordered. One by one the Yanks described their various 997's and Boxsters. Then he got to me.

What are you collecting ?
I'm not collecting anything, I'm just trying to find the man who built my 993 to say thanks.

The rest of the party gave me a very odd look - 'what is a 993' they asked the guide.
The guide responded that the 993 version of the 911 was the best car that Stuggart had ever built, and he has one in his garage, and he would never sell it. []

I've had my car for over six years and 45 thousand miles, and every time I consider getting rid of it, I consider whether it's worth spending £30+k on top of what I have to have a 996/997. So far, the answer is NO...(unless a really nice GT3 is offered to me...[8D].)

Enjoy your 993. They are truly a design classic, with a real drivers feel to them.

PP

 

[Gordon Attar]

I've gone from a 944S2 to 964C2 to a LHD 993 Turbo and its the best one yet, dont change the car. My 993 feels more balanced like the 944 yes the steering is firmer and feels heavier I put that down to my 4WD! getting into my 964 the steering feels light and less direct and boy does the weight of the car feel like its behind me! but the 993 is much easeir to drive lighter clutch, less revs muuuch faster and feels safer!

First which model do you have, where do you live and whose your specialist, as there is something fundementally wrong it shouldnt be that bad an experience.

Might be something as simple as your tyres being set up on the factory settings try around 36 on all the wheels or 38 in back. Why you ask, I changed tyres to Conti's last week and they put the factory pressures in and the car from being lovely to drive and not to bumpy on my local cross country roads, to NOW the ride is rough as hell, take some pressure out and all is now well!

Sometimes its as simple as that, more likely is shocks but that why we need to have a good specialist, I'm lucky I have Northways nr Reading. Might be worth test driving another for comparison. Good luck