993 C4S or 996 C4S?

I have a B7 RS4 and am considering one of the the above. My requirements are that it should be rewarding to drive but not tiresome. I want something that will be relatively kind on the depreciation front. I potentially have a good budget so hopefully it would be a case of just finding an immaculate well cared for example. Im not a fan of the 996 shape in c2 guise but like the looks of the c4s but I adore the look of the 993 and in my opinion is just the most beautiful looking Porsche. I have not driven either so was just wondering what the people in the know thought. I will post in 993 as well. Thanks.

I would say it depends on how you are going to use the car, and what you want from it. If it's a weekend plaything, and you aren't worried about creature comforts or what it will cost to run (amongst other things), then try a 993. You probably won't lose a penny on it in depreciation, but you'll have to look long and hard for a pristine example. If it's a daily driver, then a 996 is a more comfortable and useable machine. It isn't as involving or visceral as the 993, but point-to-point there's nothing in it, and you'll arrive fresher in a 996. The 996 feels more 'planted' and confidence-inspiring than the 993. Basically, it's easier to drive quickly, but more clinical If you want to restore the involvement in a 996, consider a GT3. You really need to drive both.

Thanks. Getting a test drive of a 993 could prove tricky. I had a look on opc used car site last night and what a variation in prices, a lowish spec car was almost 8k more expensive than another car with a high spec??

Surprised you found any 993s on OPC network??

With a 993 it's all down to condition, condition, condition. Remember that the newest of these cars is 11-12 years old. I don't know where you are located, but find an independent dealer with a good range of stock and go and have a look, and drive them both. They feel very different.

996 not 993

I have had both, and different variations, had 993's for 2 years, great car if you dont want to lose any money!! But, the 996 is modern in comparison, make no mistake. The 993 is great oozing with history and its legendary, like the roman's, but we don't build chariots anymore. Please please this is a joke!!!! Like before, what do you want it for, everyday, weekend car, i would not like to use a 993 everyday, its a great mechanical drive, but just to much hassle, that's why i changed.

I completely agree with Richard and bobafett. Depends what you want the car for. They are quite different creatures - my 996 has satnav, telephone, bose hifi and can trundle along the motorway at under 3000rpm in 6th gear but floor it in 2nd and you know that you are in a serious sportscar. If you go down the 996 route I would give serious consideration to buying one with a warranty - my new engine has just cost me almost £10k and whilst I guess I have been somewhat unlucky, mine wasn't the first to fail prematurely and it certainly won't be the last.

Couldnt agree more, with the 996 will cost you £4/5k pa extra in depreciation

Mate, I know Im starting to sound as a Porsche TT preacher but... why dont you consider a 996tt ? Honestly, 996 C4S are holding their values well but... they are C4 with turbo bodies and turbo parts. Why not get a turbo in the first place ? When buying my new Porsche, I was keen on a C4S actually and drove a couple of 993s and found them not the car for me. I want(ed) a sports car but still that can be used in normal day from once in a while and I dont arrive with the spine broken and the ears bleeding. 993 are very nice cars but if you want to throw some everyday motoring, 996 excels over the 993. If you are to use it only at weekends drive, the 993 might be more "pure", more rewarding, more raw. For everything else, the 996 excels. Now the C4S dilemma - honestly, good C4S are to be found in the 38-40k territory. Do your hunting, 40-41-42-43 is turbo territory. Honestly, the turbo is a beast. Depreciates better. Running costs 10 to 24% higher. Grin on your face 20 to 9523098% higher ( no typo here ). Fuel consumption higher but ok if you dont go mental. If you dont mind LHD you might pick up a good bargain here and there. Plenty of turbo's out there - its a buyers market. Got mine in the 37k region, LHD but mint and all the work done and with OPC warranty. That's less than C4S money. But much more than a C4S. The 993 are fantastic but tricky - to get you from point A to B, any car can do that. 993 will do it with more soul and passion versus a 996 but on the expense of comfort, better dynamics and every day toys ( sat nav, electrics, hifi, etc ). Drive both, they are completely different cars. Only you can decide. Just give a turbo a try. You've been warned.

Why do we pussy foot around 993's, is it because we may cause offence..... The fact is they are, old, smelly, slow (except TT) drive like tractors, and are not a nice place to be in.! i will light the blue touch paper here!!!!!!!!!!! I agree they are dipped in history BUT...! I have had all, and just do not get it anymore. When i had 993's i must admit it was great but then a 996 was more expensive, now prices are getting similar, for me its a no brainer. Backward or forward its your choice.

I wouldnt be that harsh on a 993. It still looks stunning in C2S/ C4S and turbo guises but use is the key problem. I have a 996 C4S and use it almost every day. You cant really do that with a 993 - and even the biggest 993 fan would agree. If you have a choice and are not going to use the car daily, 993 would be my choice. If you are going to use the car, you can pretty much count on the 996.

I had a bad day, i did not mean most of that! They are pretty.

Proenca is right, plenty of 996TT's around £37 -£42k though I think due to the qty out there they still have another £5k to go on the dep'n. I know of some that have traded under £30k.

Only a LHD Cat-D I presume ...

Wow Gordon, Maybe you could source me one for that price!

I have a 996 C4S which I used daily for 25k miles in one year, but now sits in the garage for high days and hols following purchase (again) of a daily driver. Here's the thing. I never feel an especially strong urge to take it out as a short chumble to the gym/pub or whatever doesn't do it justice. Its not the sort of car that you just drive for its own sake, like I did when I had a 993. The 996 is a fabulous car, but its for driving regularly, not cherishing. Its just too good and modern a driving experience to feel 'special' in a way that an old Porsche does.

what are your rs4 details, might be interested? http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=365076