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Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Intermediate Member
Username: Hugh

Post Number: 1491
Registered: 1-2002
Posted on Friday, October 03, 2003 - 11:49 am:   

Thank you, Tec. Gorgeous Carrera by the way. Enjoy it in good health. Regards, hubert.
TC (Houston) (Tec)
Member
Username: Tec

Post Number: 269
Registered: 2-2002
Posted on Friday, October 03, 2003 - 7:44 am:   

Nice writeup, Hugh.
Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Intermediate Member
Username: Hugh

Post Number: 1486
Registered: 1-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 3:29 pm:   

993 v. 996 , here's what I "know."

993:
The early cars '95 had a recall on the main engine wiring harness. Most cars will have this replaced. The '96+ OBD 2 cars have a carbon build up problem , that trigers a CEL light. The '95's don't have this problem b/c they don't have the 2ndary sensors associated to the emissions equipment that the '96+ do. Other than that, the cars are bulletproof. The engine is air/oil cooled, dry sump and is the same design as the racing engine. The tranny is fully servicable, as is the motor; nothing is "factory sealed." Alot of people retrofit their cars with RSR mufflers and the RS motor mounts as well as aftermarket short shifters. The suspension of choice is the bilstein pss9. Overall the 993 is a tried, and very true, platform. Other than the naggles I've mentioned, you shouldn't have any reason to worry (be sure to, however, check the clucth and remove the rear undertray and check for leaks-- as a precaution). Also, obviously, have a ppi done.
Also, I'de immediatly replace the steering wheel w/ an RS unit along w/ the shift boot and shift knob (much better feel, and not as pedestrain looking).

996:
The early cars have problems with rear main seals, tranny synchros going bad and some electrial issues. The new 3.4 and 3.6 liter water cooled 996 engines are totally new, and specific only to the n/a carreras; therefore, the tranny's are non-servicable, nor is the engine. So, if something goes boom, you have to replace the entire unit, as a whole, and not just a busted component. The 996 has a longer wheelbase, and most will have PSM. So, they're more forgiving and will handle slightly better. That said, most track/club racers complain that the street carreras are underbraked and all switch to turbo big reds (if allowed). Also, the 996 n/a engines have oil starvation problems at the track ( @ > 1 + g lateral) b/c they're not true dry sumps; even the X51 equipped carreras w/ the extra oil cooler and plumbing seem to have problems. However, for street driving the 996 is quieter, more comfortable and overall a "nice" car.

I , personally, love the mechanics of the 993, but am in love with the looks of the 996. I'm a bit polarized.

I should note that the TT, GT2 and GT 3 engines/drivertrains are all derived from the old air cooled blocks, are fully servicable and true dry sumps (just to reitterate the novelty of the n/a 996 engine).

Andrew H (Stokpro)
Junior Member
Username: Stokpro

Post Number: 191
Registered: 6-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 2:22 pm:   

Have you considered a 993 C4s. Air-cooled, normal aspirated, wide body, all wheel drive machine! Love the traditional look and air-cooled note.
Wayne Ausbrooks (Lwausbrooks)
Moderator
Username: Lwausbrooks

Post Number: 2637
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 1:00 pm:   

I have a '99 996 with Porsche sport exhaust that I bought new in 1998 and have put a VERY abusive 65K miles on over the past 5 years. The car has given me no trouble whatsoever. It is very refined, as others have stated, and will out perform the normally aspirated 993 in all respects.

That said,...

Even though the only 993 that I've actually driven was a Turbo model, I've been in many and can tell you that I prefer the stark interior, classic styling and cruder feel of this model over the more luxurious and fatter-looking 996. As for air-cooled vs liquid-cooled, reality is that the 993 is more oil-cooled than anything else, so I don't think this point really matters.

Drive both and decide which is right for you.
Kds (Kds)
Junior Member
Username: Kds

Post Number: 235
Registered: 5-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 12:10 pm:   

The 993 will hold it's resale value better than the 996.

"That" is a fact.
ty (360mode)
Junior Member
Username: 360mode

Post Number: 209
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 9:37 am:   

yella yella yella, gotta love that yella!!
TC (Houston) (Tec)
Member
Username: Tec

Post Number: 266
Registered: 2-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 9:27 am:   

The 996 is a better all-around performer than the 993 but feels a lot more refined. I agree with the lack of raspiness in the too quiet 996 exhaust note, but that can be fixed with aftermarket or Porsche sport exhaust.

I just picked this badboy up 3 weeks ago.

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ty (360mode)
Junior Member
Username: 360mode

Post Number: 207
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 9:16 am:   

i think they're pretty different cars. i kind of analogize it to a 355 vs. 360. both good cars but drive, feel, look is quite different.
James Lee (Aventino)
Junior Member
Username: Aventino

Post Number: 118
Registered: 6-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 8:46 am:   

UK Autocar rated the 965 (911 turbo 3.6) as one of the 10 worst Porsches ever made. But that's the brits for you.
Augustine J. Staino (Azzuro328)
Member
Username: Azzuro328

Post Number: 502
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 8:41 am:   

Take a good look at the two cars. I don't know many people who find the 996 very pretty, but the 993 has a shape that is absolutely classic! Do what your gut tells you. I had a bunch of 911s and I loved them all.
Andrew S. (Andrew911)
New member
Username: Andrew911

Post Number: 45
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 8:06 am:   

In my opinion, the interior of the 996 sucks compared to the 993 and earilier cars. Gauges are bunched together, and the interior has more of a plasticy/cheap appearance. I personally would not buy a porsche after the 993- although, I admit I tend to be a "traditionlist". The 996 may be a better car for an everyday driver, but for me my porsche has always been a weekend car to be fully experienced & enjoyed. Thus I prefer the air-cooled sound, the seperate gauges, the classic interior, the more traditional looking round lights (non-boxter), the non-mass produced feeling of the car, etc etc..)

I'm going to keep my porsche until I can afford a 355 spider :-), another car with an ageless "classic" design all around (as well as the 550 marinello, 360 modina, etc etc.- that's why I surf the net on this excellent forum so much :-))

Good luck with your purchase- get what's right for you- 993 or 996. I think many people like the 993 for the reasons listed elsewhere in this thread, thus the resale values have held up well making them closer to the used 996 prices. I don't mean to make it sound like I think the 996 is a bad car, these are just my preferences. I think either car will be a great car to own, dependent on your personal feelings & what you will use the car for (daily driver vs. weekend cruiser).
todd (Flat12)
New member
Username: Flat12

Post Number: 29
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 6:32 am:   

There were some issues with the 99 go to the sites to find them. I have been told by some "in the know" the 996 is a 100,000 disposable engine. Sure, it will probably last longer but it is simply not up to the aircooled 30 year history. That 3.6 can go 300,000 miles or more. It's simply an amazing motor. The 996 motor is so different that some of the 99's had leaky motors and the dealers would replace the whole engine because it was only a 10K engine. Where as a new 993 engine would have been in the 30's. The 3.6 variocam engine and especially the turbo is world known for one of the best, longest lasting, upgradable, powerful, economical engine to run. It is simply an amazing motor. The 993 is a "raw" Porsche like the 30 years before. It will smell a bit like oil, feel like a true sports car, and make you work a bit to drive it. Not as much as the 964 series but it really is a true race car. The 996 is simply more refined. Japanese feeling. Still a great car but the motor is just not as well made..period. Porsche even voids the warranty if you track which they never did before. It can't handle the corner g's with the pseudo dry sump oil system. It needs and upgrade. The 996 turbo is race ready however. Your chioce. Drive them both. They are quite different. I think the 993 especially the C2S is the best looking Porsche ever and you can keep if for a looooong time and keep it going. The 996 is newer, "nicer", but it hasn't proved it's longevity just yet. How long do you intend to keep the car?? TRy:


www.rennlist.com
www.pelicanparts.com
www.flat-6.net
Thomas I (Wax)
Member
Username: Wax

Post Number: 448
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 6:02 am:   

IMHO, Turbo. Otherwise, there's just no point.
stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member
Username: Balataboy

Post Number: 519
Registered: 4-2001
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 4:49 am:   

I prefer the 993 for two reasons;

One is they, from a cosmetic standpoint, appeal to me much more as they have that "classic" Porsche feel, look and sound. I had both an older ('85) and a newer (Boxter) one and - which brings me to point number two - I stil can't get over the feeling that when sitting in a 996, I feel like I'm back in the Boxter again. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just that if I'm going to drive a 911, I want one that doesn't look (from the front view and when sitting inside) like a Boxter.

If you do decide on the 996, I can't believe there's any risk in buying a '99. Good luck!
ctk (Ctk)
Junior Member
Username: Ctk

Post Number: 123
Registered: 7-2001
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 3:36 am:   

Hi Guys,

Anyone of you know what the price of a 1995 993 engine with about 40,000 miles on it is worth?
Am thinking of putting it into a 3.2 Carrera.

Help anyone?
Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Intermediate Member
Username: Amenasce

Post Number: 1460
Registered: 10-2001
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 2:39 am:   

Yes the mono Turbo 965 3.6 are the ones to get !

Just dont drive them when it rains :-)
allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Intermediate Member
Username: Allanlambo

Post Number: 1150
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 2:00 am:   

I agree with the 3.6 Turbo being one of the nicest Porsches. Having driven many Porsches and owning several, id only consider a Turbo to own. Regular ones are just inmo way to boring. I had my friends 97 C2 cab for a week, and remember thinking how much more fun my Nsx was.

If money is an issue id buy a 91-91 C2 Turbo, and do a few mods. One can be had for in the lower 30's, and if you change the wheels and rear emblem, look exactly like a 94 3.6. The hp enhancements are limitless, and relatively inexpensive. Aircooled turbos are also extremely reliable. Buy one of these right and you will also not lose a dime.
Tyler (Bahiaau)
Intermediate Member
Username: Bahiaau

Post Number: 1056
Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2003 - 11:47 pm:   

993, although I still like the 88-89 carrera coupe also.

Taek is right, I've got a buddy with a 996 turbo that has some nice mods and it is dizzy fast. Way to much car for me to use 100% of.

I would go with the 993 because I feel it is a little more crude than the 996.

Allan, I think the 3.6 turbo or turbo s is one of the best looking Porsches ever.
Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member
Username: Stickanddice

Post Number: 2176
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2003 - 11:07 pm:   

I'm with Allan on this one. Can't say no to the Turbo. WHOOOOOSH!! :-) That said, aren't they going for more than just $40k? I thought $50k at least. Dunno though, haven't been shopping.

If that isn't an option, I would go for the 993. I've had 2 996s (C4 Cabrio and Turbo). Great cars, but lack the raspy note of an aircooled car. Either one is waaay beyond my driving skill level so I'd go with the stuff that makes me smile. Have you driven them? That'll be the ultimate factor of course.

Cheers
allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Intermediate Member
Username: Allanlambo

Post Number: 1146
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2003 - 10:57 pm:   

How about a 1994 3.6 Turbo?
911 Fan (911fan)
Junior Member
Username: 911fan

Post Number: 55
Registered: 5-2003
Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2003 - 10:37 pm:   

Ken,

Yes, the hard core 911 guys poo poo the 996 because it's water cooled and "too refined". But performance-wise, it's better than the 993 in almost every respect (some attributes, like the exhaust note, are, of course, subjective and lead to endless debate).

If you can pick up a 99 996 for 40K, go for it. They make great daily drivers. I'm unaware of any systemic mechanical issues with the 99 model, though it's generally best to avoid the first model year of any series (fwiw, my 00 996 has been problem free). Generally speaking, late model 911s are virtually bullet proof mechanically.

rennlist will have lots of owner feedback about the 99 model since it was the first in the 996 series.


Becker Cu�llar (Becker)
Junior Member
Username: Becker

Post Number: 80
Registered: 2-2001
Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2003 - 9:59 pm:   

Go to forums.rennlist.com and do a search this has been beaten to death there

Ciao
Ken Ross (Kdross)
Member
Username: Kdross

Post Number: 468
Registered: 2-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2003 - 9:55 pm:   

It appears $40K can buy either a 1999 Porsche 996 or a 1995-98 Porsche 993. Is there an advantage of getting a 1999 996 over a 1995-98 993? Many of the Porsche guys seem to like the 993 better, but the 996 for $40K looks like a lot of car for the money. Should the 996 series, especially the first year (1999), be avoided? Thanks.

Ken

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