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 - has anyone on the 996 forum come from 993 ownership after similar experiences or what do you think ?

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Yes. If you want something that feels more secure, with up-to-date creature comforts, go for a 996 - particularly if you use it every day. I drove a 993 daily for about 15 months. The 996 is much more civilised - easier to drive, both quickly and around town. I am not knocking the 993 in any way, but for me the 996 works so much better.

 

[NIL98]

I havent lived with a 993 but my tuppence worth ......

I can identify precisely with your comments. I chose a 996 as a daily driver, including business miles and it has been supremely reliable and very civilised. Even with the sports suspension it seems to have the perfect balance between sophistication of modern driving and sports feel when I'm feeling fruity. My only complaint was that it was maybe too subtle, so I've just added a sports exhaust to liven it up a little.

In its defence, I think the 993 is a far prettier 911, but I couldnt live with the drive - and that interior!

Regards
Neil

 

[John Maddox]

Thanks for your thoughts guys. Will drive a 996 shortly to compare.

 

[Grant]

The 944 Turbo was a highly under-rated car, just as quick as a 911, with bettter handling, it just had less character.
I had a 250bhp pre-cat model and loved it, you wanted to take it out for a blast just for the fun of it, but could also use it every day. Found it a hard car to replace, went to a 928GT (the manual 928 with sports suspension) loved the car, but didn't bond with it like the 944T as it wasn't as "driver" focused, then went to a Twin Turbo Supra. Huge grunt, huge fun but no soul, so no bonding again. Tried the 993 along the way but it just wasn't my bag, loved the sounds & feel, but hated the looks & interior. Then the 996 was launched, found one with the sports pack, which included the 030 (10mm lowered) sports suspension and suddenly I wanted to get up on a Sunday morning & simply go for a blast again. Loved the looks, the interior & the driving it just lacked the sound, so added a sports exhaust & spent three very happy years bonding with the car. Changed to a facelift 996 without sports suspension & exhaust, not as much bonding, have since changed.
Cars are a very personal thing one mans meat is anothers poison, but I would recommend the 996, for me it must have sports suspension (the ride is nuggety like a standard 993, but the handling & feel is vastly improved, over standard, when pressing on) & sports exhaust (better than an aircooled car on standard boxes!) to ensure it is a great drivers car as well as a car you can also use every day.
Make sure you test drive a 996 with 030 & without & see what you think, you may prefer the standard cars more comfortable ride, but remember it will be less cohesive & involving through the twisty stuff.
Standard set up = great GT
030 (10mm lower) = great road drivers package
X74 (30mm lower) = great track car.

 

[Guest]

For what it's worth, I had a 993, and loved the driving feel.
I recently drove a 997, and have to admit that many of the 993 feelings have been carried over to the 997.
I just bought a 996 C4S, and have to admit that the 997 has more in common with the 993 from a pure driver feel than the 996.

Obviously the 996 is a major leap forward in dynamics and comfort, and the 997 is a leap further still, but if my budget could jump to a 997, I have to admit that I would get one.

If possible try a test drive in a 997 to see what I mean, even if just to satisfy your curiosity.

 

[John Maddox]

Very useful , thanks guys.