Air Cooled to Water Cooled

Hi there, After owning my 94 964 for 2 years, it's time to move on - I want a cab with a back seat for the kids, and I'm a tall guy so I'd love more legroom. I'd appreciate some feedback on a few issues when deciding whether to move to a 97-98 993 or a 2000-2001 996: 1. Sound - the best thing about my current car is the scream at 6500rpm - I've heard the 996 engine described as sounding like a "washing machine" (911&PW). Does it have anywhere near the same visceral appeal? 2. Interior - I've heard a lot of complaints about the 996 interior - how do you like it in relation to the older style? Any tall guys have any feedback on easier living in the car? 3. Transmission - I've also heard that the shifting on a 996 is more "detached" than in a 964/993, which translates all types of movement. Any thoughts? The 993 is a gorgeous car, but it seems that the 996 may offer more for day-to-day use. Any thoughts appreciated!

Rick come down to Crystal Cove (preferably w/ your Porsche) on Saturday see thread ( http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/s...?threadid=6970 ) And I will let you hear/Drive my washing machine sounding 996... I gaurantee you will love the gorilla thump from the PSE. There will be all variations of modified and modified 996's gathering... 75+ cars expected to attend. This is my car and I will have a name badge on...

I own the old porsche and a 2001. I tell you to get a 996. The extra room for your kids, the AC acctually works, the handling is more predictable, and I think the interior is more modern than a 993. The only reason to buy a 993 is for that clasic look IMO. As far as the sound you can get it with an exhaust system. It may not sound exactly the same but it will still stir the soul.

I currently own a 993 and have test drove numerous 996�s and have some experiences driving a couple of 964�s. There is a large difference in the driving experience between the 996 and the air cooled cars. Depending on what you want neither is better or worst. I am not tall so I can�t comment on compatibility with height, however here are my thoughts and impression on some of your questions: 1. Sound: In stock form the 996 cabin is much quieter than the air cooled cars and all the sounds are more subdue. The 993 and the 964 have a much more mechanical sound to the engine than the 996. The 996 has more what I describe as a �whine�. Personally I find the whine enjoyable. At higher RPM the 996 has more of wail scream (sort of like a subdued F1 car) whereas the 993 has a scream but a much more �bassy� �mechanical� sounding scream in my opinion. The choice of exhaust and/or intake can greatly change these sounds. I have not heard many different exhaust on the 996. The 993 wide open throttle sound changes dramatically with a motorsound type airbox. I have been told there are modifications to the 996 airbox also that have an impact on sound. The biggest disappointment to the stock sound of the 996, to me is the idle and exhaust note as it is more subdued and quiet than the 993. Nothing a different exhaust wouldn�t fix. The last thing is the 996 is missing that whirling fan sound from the engine compartment that my wife calls the "airplane" sound. That is my impression of the differences but your opinions may be different than mine and you should drive and decide. 2. Interior: They are completely different. The 993 looks almost identical to your 964. Massive analog gauges spread out across the dash in the same design as the 70�s. The 996 has a much more compact gauge cluster with smaller gauges. More Japanese looking in my opinion than European. The 996 has better ergonomics. You can actually see the entire climate control system of the 996 (not obstructed like the 993). There is no stupid slide to adjust where the air blows out. The 996 has a cheap feeling switches to me where as the 993 are very heavy feeling (some would say clunky). I think Porsche could have done better on switches and materials in both cars. I like things about both interiors and I dislike things about both. It really boils down to personal preference. The amount of leather, carbon fiber, and/or aluminum look pieces also really change the feel and look of both cars. 3. Transmission: The 996 definitely takes less effort (much lighter) to shift than the 993 and it also has a much more detached feel to it. I don�t think I would describe the detached feeling as providing more movement. I will probably get flamed for this but I feel the shifting on the 993 is very detached and takes very little driver input, almost like driving a Honda. The clutch feel is also very different and much the same as the shifting. It is difficult to �feel� the engagement point on the 996 and the pedal pressure necessary is very light compared to a 993. Once again much more civilized like a Honda. These are not necessarily bad traits just different from the older cars. It is more enjoyable and easier to drive in town in my opinion (not that 993 is difficult). Your mileage may vary but those are my impressions. Have fun test driving and see what you think. Isn�t that what makes looking for a �new� to you Porsche fun anyway?

well, i'm 6'4 and 270 pounds and i fit in a 996. in a 993 my knees were almost touching the dashboard, even with the seat all the way back. in my 996 i drive with the seat 1/2" short of all the way back. much better shoulder room too.

Thanks for the thoughtful answers, good stuff. I would think the move to the 996 would be a lot like the move from my old favorite 535i to the 540i - more contemporary styling and faster, with perhaps a little loss of visceral appeal... Hmmm...