993 v 996

[Carrera86]

 I still can’t quite seem to understand why you can buy a 996 T with low kms,

For less money than an older 993 T with over 100k on the clock? 

Does it just come down the collector’s value of 993 or will the 996 depreciate badly.

Or were they just better cars ?

 

 

Cheers

Paul

[wasserkuhl]

993 is air-cooled and considered the last of the proper 911's. Its body a glass and interior harks back to the very first 1963 901.

 

There are were a LOT less 993's made and sold (think early 90's financial recession) and very few of them were in enthusiast spec (ie Manual Coupes). 

 

996's on the other hand have a reputation for poor reliability(non turbo M96 engined models, the turbo had the mezger so is far superior), there were bucket loads of them sold as the world was in greed and growth mode. If you do a cursory search in all the usual places you will find 100's of 996's available, even in australia.

 

To my eyes, the 993 is the prettier car as well. A Perfect final evolution of the 901.

 

The above applies to both Turbo and Atmospheric versions of the Cars.

 

Looks aside, the 996 would be the better and faster all rounder..............However, if un-cared for, the 996's don't age that well due to a more economic interior materials used.

[pocketscience]

I was on a flight earlier this week and got chatting to Russian motorsport journalist who'd been at Bathurst and was on his way to Tokyo for more endurance racing. I'd been reading the Porsche high-performance handbook (Vic Elford - legend) so when he asked what I drove I told him "a 993", his reply was "ahh, a real one..". Case closed! ;-)

 

Honestly though, I vacillated some time over the exact question you've asked - and in the end my decision was based on looks and the "end of an era" status of the 993.

 

Good luck with your navel gazing as you find the right answer for you!

 

 

Cheers,

[MaxzmusSC]

Well said mate.

 

993 is air-cooled and considered the last of the proper 911's. Its body a glass and interior harks back to the very first 1963 901.

 

There are were a LOT less 993's made and sold (think early 90's financial recession) and very few of them were in enthusiast spec (ie Manual Coupes). 

 

996's on the other hand have a reputation for poor reliability(non turbo M96 engined models, the turbo had the mezger so is far superior), there were bucket loads of them sold as the world was in greed and growth mode. If you do a cursory search in all the usual places you will find 100's of 996's available, even in australia.

 

To my eyes, the 993 is the prettier car as well. A Perfect final evolution of the 901.

 

The above applies to both Turbo and Atmospheric versions of the Cars.

 

Looks aside, the 996 would be the better and faster all rounder..............However, if un-cared for, the 996's don't age that well due to a more economic interior materials used.

[wasserkuhl]

"Ahh a real one..."

 

This says it all doesn't it!

 

However, in truth, the 996 was faster, better handling, less NVH and a wonderful car to drive. A 996 C4S is a giant slayer as well.

 

I do think that the fact that it shared alot of components with the Boxster, it became the 'more expensive cheap model' which was damaging to its image.

 

Trying not to offend any 996 owners here!

 

Maybe I am being romantic here, but, Ferry Porsche Died in 1998. Not long after 993 Production ceased.

 

Apple sems to have losts its mojo since Steve Jobs died as well.

 

can of worms; now open.

[clutch-monkey]

given the current prices i'd take a 996.2 GT3 over a 993. it's simply the better car, in every aspect. also avoids the regular 996 issues, and your dollar goes a lot further in terms of how much car you get.

the 993 will always be a classic thanks to being the last aircooled, but i don't see the appeal of paying that much for one. would love a turbo or GT2 though..

[wasserkuhl]

given the current prices i'd take a 996.2 GT3 over a 993. it's simply the better car, in every aspect. also avoids the regular 996 issues, and your dollar goes a lot further in terms of how much car you get.

the 993 will always be a classic thanks to being the last aircooled, but i don't see the appeal of paying that much for one. would love a turbo or GT2 though..

 

No doubt that the 996 GT3 (1 or 2) is a better car. Speed Yellow in Club Sport spec for me thanks.

 

But I'd still buy a 993 C2 over a GT3 for pure emotional and classical reasons. Oh and the fact that I'd lose my driving privelages if I had a GT3.

 

My Pick of a 993 will always be the 993 RS/CS. I'd have one of them over any Porsche, but thats at a different price point!

[edgy]

given the current prices i'd take a 996.2 GT3 over a 993. it's simply the better car, in every aspect. also avoids the regular 996 issues, and your dollar goes a lot further in terms of how much car you get.

the 993 will always be a classic thanks to being the last aircooled, but i don't see the appeal of paying that much for one. would love a turbo or GT2 though..

As you know, pretty much what I did ^^^

I do love the 993 though, IMO the best of the modern air cooled cars.. Would love to have a turbo or RS.. GT2 would be a dream!

As for the 996 series not being real, I guess that depends how you measure that, it's certainly done well in its racing career!

The 996 R/Rs and RSR is the most sucessfull GT race car ever made

It won everything it ever entered and is completly unbeaten in international GT racing

24 hours of Le Mans x 7 times 1999 , 2000 , 2001 , 2002 , 2003 , 2004 , 2005

24 hours of Spa x 5 times 2001 , 2002 , 2003 (overall winner 2003 against GT1 cars) 2004 , 2005

24 hours of Nuerburgring

24 hours of Daytona x 6 times (overall win in 2003 against prototypes) 2000 , 2001 , 2002 , 2003 , 2004 , 2005

12 hours of Sebring x 6 times 2000 , 2001 , 2002 , 2003 , 2004 , 2005 ,

FIA GT championship x 6 times 2000 , 2001 , 2002 , 2003 , 2004 , 2005

Plus lots more

[T-Man]

Very difficult decision as both series are great in their own right.

However there is really only one defining point that puts the 993, and particularly the Turbo and S, in front of the pack.....................It's all about the BUTT!!!!!!!