I don't get 993s

Yeah, yeah, yeah, the last air cooled engine. I'm supposed to be stroked about a defective engine design? Air cooled makes sense for airplanes, not cars in the Texas summer heat. I don't even like the way they look.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1996-porsche-911-carrera-4s-108/

 

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The only explanation for this blasphemous post is that this must be your car and you’re trying to get eyes on it! Haha just kidding

 

Well… aesthetics are subjective. I had a 993 before my 964, and IMO the 964 is the classic 911 profile, defiantly retro in 1989 and even more so now. But, the 993 is still a properly compact sports car, without the accordion-style 5 mph bumpers. I’m not in love with the front fender design, but everything else is classic. Critics like myself are typically too deep in Porsche nerdism. It’s a handsome car.

You probably already know … The Mezger dry sump air-cooled flat six is legendary, as distinctive as a Colombo-designed Ferrari V12. It is relatively compact, lightweight, and low-mounted. It sounds nearly as good as the 911/964. From an ownership perspective, it’s amazingly durable and relatively low maintenance due to the absence of radiators, water pump, coolant tank and the associated plumbing. New 911s have all of this — complicated, bigger, and heavier.

If you want a great drive, reliable, excellent dealer support, good value retention, it’s hard to beat a 993. It’s probably the ideal first exotic sports car for those who want relatively low maintenance and a less intensive relationship with their mechanic.



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I'm not paying a premium for outdated technology.

 

Please understand, I love first gen 911s. Small, lightweight, but underpowered. You have to drive them. You also know you will die if you wreck one, so don't wreck one.

 

Not to look for logic in the (combustion!) chambers of the human heart, but TF you'll pay a premium for even more outdated tech in a longhood.

 

Yeah, but it is 100% analog. Whether you live or you die, it is up to you.

 

Apart from ABS and electronic ignition,the 993 isn’t a real technology showcase. The rear suspension was upgraded for the 964 and 993, but none of the active suspension, torque vectoring, etc that comes in the 991/992.

The multi link rear suspension in the 993 is a less white-knuckle arrangement than the 964, but neither car will save an idiot from a roadside hedge.



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Perhaps you should buy an EV? Ford is giving away Lightnings and Mach Es.

 

Well, it is the oil actually cooling the engine....ambient air in a Texas Summer doesn't do the best job cooling the oil. Recently, just bought a home generator....all the big boys needed water cooling.

The only 993 I ever drove was a Turbo, and will say I loved how mechanical feeling it was. Still bought a 996TT due to my use case.

 

I've driven countless air (oil) cooled 911s in Houston summers.

If they're overheating, something's wrong.

 

I’m in the Palm Springs area and I agree — my 964 runs cool even in summer.


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With the AC running?

I once had the perfect 1973.5 911. 16,000 original miles. I loved the car, but it had no AC. There were times when I thought I would pass out.


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Yep.

 

964 and 993 have adequate a/c and run cool.

Earlier 911s … a/c is marginal.



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So what is the price delta between 993s and 996s? Whatever it is, I'm not paying it.

 

It depends on the specific model and condition. At the risk of overgeneralizing, a 993 Turbo is probably triple what a 996 Turbo would bring.

Porsche categorizes 911s of the 997 generation and older as “classic”, but 993s have been highly valued since they were new. 996s fell off a depreciation cliff, and are starting to recover, but are still the affordable entry to 911 ownership.

You can argue 993s are overpriced, but the reality is they have a built-for-forever quality that is hard to find in any modern car. The 964 has this as well, but is less modern in character.



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I also hate the headlights.

 

Drive them back to back.

Hell, just open and shut the doors.

Matt

 

Definitely. The other car I’ve driven that reminds me of the 911/964/993 is the Mercedes R107 SL. Ridiculously overbuilt, although with an eye-watering window sticker.


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Maybe so, but I'm still not willing to pay the difference in price, although 996s have gone up a lot.

 

It's a quibble, but the only thing that strikes me as odd with the 993 is how the wiper arms are so close together. Just looks funny to me.

Otherwise, I love it.

 

I have a 96 4s and love it. If you think a dry sump Mezger engine is a defective design (especially compared to an M96) I don't even know where to begin.

 

Water v air cooled


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