Used 996 vs. Used 993

Hi all, 928S4 5spd owner here, always considering the next car as mine is currently for sale. I've read some of the posts on the depreciation of the 996, and I guess that makes me happy, the question is which is the "better" car. The 993, especially the C4S, seems to be holding up very well on value. I'd love a Twin T, but don't have that kind of cash. I've heard that the 993 is a bit rough on the highway and a bit "squeaky" inside. I've also heard that the 996 is to "soft" and not "visceral" enough. I'm assuming suspension and exhaust can fix that though. Overall, I'm an owner who wont own for more than 2 years, as I'm always in pursuit of the next best car, but without the $ means to go with anything but used and highly depreciated cars. Are the 993's going to hold better going forward than the 996's? Consider a 993C4s vs. an early 996, am I right in thinking that the 993 will hold better b/c of its fairly rare existence (compared to the 996) and last air cooled status? Water cooled guy seeks answers/opinions/insights. TIA.

I would say from my friends that own 993's and 964's that they are a much better built car than any 996. I would buy a 993 C4S or maybe a 964 3.6 Turbo and enjoy a wonderful, dependable car... Rgds

Can't answer most of your questions, but I do have a suggestion. Most auto mags have reviewed and road tested both MY's extensively and it might be appropriate to read up on those. Regarding re-sale, it would appear to me that a 98 993CS or C4S, or Cab will hold it's relative value (% of original sale price)better than a 996 for the reasons you give. IMHO the "ride" of a 996 std suspension is more like a 928 than a 993 is. Very different cars appealing to very different tastes in cosmetics and performance. Good luck!

It may be a toss up. The depreciaiotn on the 996's has been so sharp, that such a depreciation rate might be hard to maintain. [quote] I've heard that the 993 is a bit rough on the highway and a bit "squeaky" inside. <hr></blockquote> No doubt from the proud owner of a new 996. [quote] I've also heard that the 996 is to "soft" and not "visceral" enough. <hr></blockquote> No doubt from the proud owner of a new preowned 993. Drive them both--as if you need the excuse. If you are only going to own for ~2 years, it might be a wash either way. Cheers, Chris '96 993--I'm one of the visceral guys!

Seth, If you are interested I may sell my '98 Carrera S. 30K miles. Sport seats, litronic. email me at [email removed]

From an owner of 2 993s and now a 996. I would buy the 993. I have done the exhaust and air box mods to my 99 996. It made the car more like the older Porsches by way of sound. But the 996 cars are for a new generation of buyers. Not to make anyone mad on the list, the cars are fast and better capable of handling the air, but the car is still different from the older cars. I bought it because I wanted the newest and the best. Porsche changed the car in ways that I personally don't care for. It is plastic and put together with "pop in" pieces, unlike the 993s. The cars are plain, I had to buy pieces for the interior, i.e carbon fiber to make it look less plain. I have heard, on the list, that people feel these cars can be better personalized for the owner, I agree. It really depends what you want from the car. I think the 996 has a smooth power band, and is a great daily comfortable driver. The 993 was more sporty and had the feel of the older Porsches I had owned which is rougher and louder. (I like that) IMHO, although I feel my car is nice and has many wonderful options, if someone wanted to trade me a 993C4S for it, I would. 99 996 92 US Carrera CUP

C'mon guys. We all have to admit the 996 is a faster car and this term "visceral" is getting old. What's so visceral about having a GT car actually compete and do well against the "last of the aircooled Porsche's" ala 993 on the street/track. 996 offers the best of both worlds and I don't see anything wrong with that. So please go back to your board and enjoy your car- diminishing others does no one any good. Remember folks if we "stupid 996 guys" can waste out money on the 996 what makes you think we can't afford a 993. Different strokes for different folks. Regards. Mike

Well Mike, I agree with this [quote]Originally posted by 996FLT6: <strong>Different strokes for different folks.</strong><hr></blockquote> But I think it has nothing to do with whether guys can afford a 993 or a 996. I think "clubrcr" got it exactly right: it all depends on what you want from the car. When I took a 996 for a test drive, I was very impressed with how easy it was to quickly get comfortable with this car and drive it fast. But it is comparatively "homogenized" for my tastes and, well, not visceral enough. So I passed. Had nothing to do with whether I could afford one or not. Just didn't want one. So, YMMV.

"get comfortable quickly and go fast"-I agree with that one. Regards. Mike

No squeaks (or rattles) from my '95 993 at 50K.

I would say time is running against the 993. There are two differents technologies. Personnaly, I prefere my 996, Drive both of them , then follow what your hearth says. The market in the states have changed a lot since the 11 september. There are also to much 996 in the market than the 993. so.. said that, i love both of them because they are Porsches!. just my 2 cents.

Hi Seth, Beginning of 2002 I switched from a blue 993 coupe tiptronic to a blue 996 coupe tiptronic, which allows me to compare apples with apples. The verdict: a. The 996 is a faster, more comfortable and also more daily driver car than the 993. Now, if you prefer a car which is slower, less comfortable and will oblige you to have another car as a daily driver - go ahead buy a 993. b. Depreciation IMHO has already been absorbed by the first owner of the 996, which means you should not worry about it with a second hand 996. Best of luck <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

I guess the best advice to give is to test-drive both cars and then you can decide for yourself. I'm partial to the 993 because if the way they look, sound, feel..etc.. but again the 996 is a better overall car. The 996, in my opinion, replaces both the 928 and the 993. It's as comfortable and easy to drive as the 928 and it's a natural successor to the 993. I'd look at the diffrent cars availabe and then make a judgment based on the car's condition as opposed to which model. Just my two cents

I do not understand the comment about the 993 not being a daily driver. I having been using it as a daily driver for over six years. It is rock solid and does not rattle. Before that I used a 911SC as a daily driver for ten years.

I completely agree with Phil's endorsement of 993 as a daily driver. I do 20,000 miles a year in mine, it is superb as daily transport.

That's good ! you drive your car, it's made for. You don't have this cars only for resale....

I have owned two 928's. An 83 5speed and a 91GT. I now have a 1999 996 C2 coupe. I drove many 993's and many 996's before purchase. I would not own a 993. I like 993's, but I choose where I spend my money and I chose to spend it on a 996. To me it seemed a natural progression from my 1991 928GT. Good Luck with your decision.

John, having pretty much the same car progression as me, I'd like to know the reasons why you felt the 996 was the better choice for you in the progression over the 993. Thanks to all of you for your insights and experience. I'm sure, like so many things in life, a lot of this is just personal preference-especially where tolerance of a sports car ride as a daily driver comes into play. Reading all of this, and looking at purchase costs, I'm leaning towards a C2 996. I have a AWD Audi so one AWD car is enough and I really want a car that will be a bit "edgy" and 4wd is "too easy" (don't worry, I still suck as a track driver) I want to think more about balance etc. than a AWD demands IMO. It seems as though I could get a nice 99 996 for 50k or less and with exhaust,chip,aerokit have something really special.

Hi Seth, I tend to agree that the 993 is not really a good daily driver. I have one (97 C2S) and love it but to use it on longer journeys or in traffice does not feel like it was meant for that. On the track or road, it makes me feel like a pilot; 996 (except C4S) makes me feel like a rich kid! I feel the first generation of 996's were good but were improved with MY '03. I'd buy a 993, to have owned an air-cooled, hold on to it 2-3 years and buy a 996 with the not-boxster like front lenses. Why? Because you still can! A couple of years from now, good aircooled will be scarce and expensive and become garage ladies. Good luck on your choice My 0.2c Jan

Why not opt for a 964 3.6 turbo if aircool is what you want. It's got the power, rawness factor and more then likely cheaper then getting a 993 C4S. Regards. Mike

I agree with the feeback that you should drive the cars, back to back and see which one appeals to you the most. I had a 98 C2s and loved it. I sold it for another car and then decided to go back to Porsche. I perfered the looks of the 993 so I test drove a 993 and 996 back to back. For me, I liked the 996 better. Good luck. Roy

One last comment... Just make sure to buy the car YOU want. Not what others tell you you should want. Enjoy the chase... Chris