996 Purchase

I am the owner of a '88 944 Turbo S - Silver Rose Edition and I absolutely love the car. I've had it for the past 6 yrs. and it has treated me very well indeed, mostly trouble free and it pulls very strong. Looking recently at the 996 pricing has made me ponder. I recently drove a 2000 996 and it impressed me tremendously. It was much smoother, civil than my 951S although it didn't feel as quick. I am looking to spend around $40k for a coupe. Do you guys think its a wise decision to sell a car that makes me smile everytime I hit the gas and is trouble free? I keep reading about RMS leaks and other issues that concern me with the 996. Thanks for your input.

you ask a good question-i have owned an 86 944t, and i know from what you speak-if they made that platform today, with more horsepower, you probably couldn't find a better balanced car. i have subsequently had various 911's, and currently have an 03tt. saying that, if i had the money, i would probably get the 996. why? 1)your 944t is getting older, and if you drive it at all, you are probably building up miles on an older car. despite what you read, the carreras have been very reliable cars, which will probably be more reliable than your ageing 944. 2)the more modern 996 is a more comfortable, technology rich, and fun car to drive (my opinion) than the 944. 3)yes, you are right, you can get a heck of a deal on the 996 now. certainly, there is no right or wrong answer, but if i had the money, i would get the 996, and if i really had the money, and the need/time, i would get the 996 and keep the 944. hope that helps

Do you expect a no from 996 owners ? I sold my 993 a couple weeks ago. It was a real attention getter and great fun. My wife in particular did not want me to sell that flashy hot car. Without question I am much happier with my 996 even though it is more drab being Arctic Silver with painted wheels. And my wife does prefer the 996 now. Owner maintenance is easier on a 996 than a 993 as well. The used 996 I found had 35,000 miles and no RMS leak. Conversely, a 944 Turbo S is a relatively rare car. Once it's gone it is unlikely you will find another that you would be happy with. Tough call.

Alex, to be honest, you will probably be happeist if you keep the 951. But if you're looking at selling, I'm looking at buying one from a loving owner.

Alex, I second Matterhorn's comment. If you can possibly keep your Turbo S, do it!! IMO, they are both great cars, and you can compare and contrast them whenever you like. As you know, the overall balance of a 944 is hard to beat. I say take them both to the track at a PCA DE. David '03 996 C2 '88 951

I'm sure others will disagree, but I would keep the 951 unless or until you can do an '02 or newer 996. My reasoning is that the 951 sounds like it's still a really nice car, and although getting older, a '99 996 isn't exactly new either. Considering the improvements made in'02, I think it'd be worth waiting for one of those. The 996 is a better all round car, and is faster stock than your 951; although I know it's fairly easy to mod the 951's for additional power. The mods won't really help the most serious deficiency of your 951, which is low end torque, and that's where the 996 really shines, with a much deeper, broader powerband that really makes it fun to throttle steer. The stock 996 is far softer than your 951S. It will feel floaty, with noticeable dive on braking compared to the 951. I don't find that all bad; it still handles very well with great turn-in, and my wife doesn't refuse to ride in the 996 like she did with my 951. And if you want to tighten it up, there's plenty of info. on here about available suspension upgrades from Porsche and others. Good luck! Andy '02 996 Targa Previous Porsches: '93 968 Cab., '88 944 TurboS

Thanks for the responses. I must say I am definately thinking this one over especially after hearing the opinions of others that have owned them both. I was very impressed by the 996's effortless performance compared to my 951S that is a lot more in your face brutal quick. But it was that very nature that has me thinking if I would get bored of it. I have a test pipe installed and chip, etc on the 951S so it may be an unfair comparison to the stock 996 I drove. I would imagine a 996 with an aftermarket exhaust and the M030 suspension would change the character of the beast a bit. Is that a fair assumption?

Alex, The 996 will sound more aggresive, but it won't make much more hp than stock with a change in exhaust. The M030 suspension is nice and should tighten up the drive. It still won't have the raw edge of your 951S, however. The 996 is a great daily driver for the very reasons that you will miss your 951S should you decide to sell it.