My Porsche experience ends after my '65 356C and '69 911T. I'm now considering getting back into a used 993 or early 996 and would appreciate the opinions of this forum regarding the two models.

Which is the more desirable? Any particular version like the S? Is the C4 a big plus or just heavier? What are maintenance issues for each? What about resale value?

Mike

 

What, over 60 looky-looks and no opinions? You folks surely have more to say than that.

 

993 lines are nice. infact i think they should have made the 996 closer to the 993 lines, but then thats what they are doing for the 997. my girlfriend had a 993c2s which drove stiff meaning bumpy and the the interior was fugly. i have the 996 c4 which is nice in the handling, but if i were to do it again i would go with the c2 so i could kick out the rear end easier. i like drifting the car so the c4 is not as clean in the drift. i take it you don't want to spend a bundle on a new one. if you were i would recommend the lines of the c4s which is so nice. btw the 356 replica is my next waste of money toy. it's real classy but a ***** to maintain.

 

Eric,

Thanks for your insight. The look of the 993 is very appealing, alright. I lean towards a C2S as I live at 7000ft and could use the extra ummph. Too bad a turbo is a budget buster. A FIRM ride is not a big issue as it would not be a daily driver, we're talking funtime.

My 356C gave me a lot of miles and smiles but I did break the crankshaft (damn 3 main bearing design!). My current Mini Cooper S reminds me a lot of that car--if you swap drive ends in your imagination.

 

At 7000 ft? Myself being from Fla I am going to assume you live in or near the mountains which might mean near snow as well. If this is the case take a look at the C4S, the AWD may help out in the snow or on mountain roads. Either way the 993 and 996 machines are extraordinary and you cannot go wrong, its all about which fits your budget and your taste.

 

996s have way nicer interiors. They are considered more "civilized" without compromise on performance. A C4S would fit your needs the best. I don't think they were made before 2002.
If you can't afford it, get a 2002 or newer C2. Anything '02 and newer would have a bigger more powerful engine, and improved interior and aerodynamics.
There is no difference between C2 maintenance versus C4.
The 996s only need maintenance every 15K miles. So 996 is cheaper to maintain than 993.
No matter what you get though, you'll have a blast.

 

I'm in Santa Fe, NM. 23% less O2 up here at 7K. I doubt I'd be driving this car if snow fell--GMC 4x4s would roll over me. Performance has always meant less weight as well as more power and I like the evolution of the Porsche rear drive technology--believe me, a swing axel is a thrill!