911 vs. 993

[yo911]

911 vs. 993
Okay, so I'm oscillating with my choices here. Pros/cons to both.

For Targas only since that's what I'm looking for:

The 911 1987-89 G50:
Cons:
Non-power brakes, steering
No ABS
Not as safe as 993
AC sometimes doesn't work
Valve guide issues

Pros:
Classic looks
Less $ than the 993
Has "real" targa top

The 993 1995-97
Cons:
Not as classic looking
More expensive
Targa more like a large sunroof
Some have carbon buildup issues

Pros:
Safer
ABS
Power assisted steering and brakes

I really like the looks of the 911 better, but safety is a big factor (have a daughter to think of) along with power assisted features. For me, the 911's heavy clutch, brakes, and steering will fatigue me after awhile I fear. I just might get tired driving. I know some like the classic feel of the road and the rawness of the 911, but I'd rather be more comfortable.

Uhhh, did I mention I like the 911 classic looks though...?

[ChkbookMechanic]

Have you driven them both? If not, I'd make that a top priority and see if you could even live with the classic 911 on a daily basis.

[MarKoBrow]

You are comparing two entirely different cars, I own one of each and it's like comparing apples and oranges. I think the only thing they share is the engine location. If you want what could be best called a modern Porsche, the 993 is the way to go. If you are looking for a classic drive and feel, go with the 911. Drive one of each and then compare, there is no other way

[yo911]

Originally Posted by MarKoBrow

You are comparing two entirely different cars, I own one of each and it's like comparing apples and oranges. I think the only thing they share is the engine location. If you want what could be best called a modern Porsche, the 993 is the way to go. If you are looking for a classic drive and feel, go with the 911. Drive one of each and then compare, there is no other way

Thanks, gentlemen.

Yes, I drove both. The 993 is definitely more comfortable. I'm don't really want/need the rawness of the road. I was drawn to the 911 for its classic beauty. But the 993 still has most of that plus the refinements.

Now leaning more towards the 993s, but I'll have to save a little more bank. Hmm, 993 with targa, turbo tail, 18-19 inch wheels, slightly lowered. Sweet!

[AFC-911]

It sounds like the 964 is the way to go.

[Dan Morton]

I owned a '97 Targa and still own a 1970 targa. When I wanted (more) comfort and wanted to go longer distances I would hop in the '97 and love every minute of it. The 1970 is the raw feel like you said and nothing beats the great sound of the older 911's.

It sounds like you definitely want a 993. I loved the large glass roof. There was plenty of light and it made for good open air driving. It will not give you the same openness of the classic targa style but it will be more than a sunroof. There are things to look out for with any model 911 but the 993 targas had an annoying windshield squeak when it was cold. There are fixes for it though. The 993's can suffer from engine issues so do a search to help.

I really liked the cleaner lines of the 993 targa vs the 993 coupe given the targa did not have rain gutters. The Targa gets a lot of looks but also appeals to a more niche crowd so can take longer to sell. I would love to get another 993 targa if I had the room for another car.

There's one for sale in my neck of the woods (TX) http://www.lsrpca.com/classifieds/Class-911.htm. No affiliation but it looks like a nice car.

Good luck

[porschenut]

why don't you look at a 964? It has the classic looks but also has great A/C, power steering/brakes, and ABS. And airbags. And about the same price as a G50 Carrera, possibly a tad less.

[BeauBlues]

I have owned both as well too. I had an 84 targa and now have a 95 coupe. I can't vouch for the 993 targa though because I haven't driven one. Over all these are two completely different cars. I'd say if you want a "classic" car and don't care about the lack of amenities get a 911. If you want a car with more power, newer technology and comfort, get a 993. Or you could get a 964 targa and have the best of both worlds. Oh and by the way the 911 HAS power assisted brakes.

If you want to get a car based on it's "looks", well that's up to your personal taste. But, if you just want the best car for your money, general rule of thumb is to get the newest car in your price range (excluding some of the early 996's as they were problematic).

[WPOZZZ]

I'm not sure what you mean by heavy clutch. The clutch on my 85 cab does not feel very heavy and is actually a delight to drive. On the 87+ Carreras, you have the G50 and the clutch is even easier to modulate. The driving feel in these cars are a wonderful mix of steering and braking.

It seems like your heart is set on the 993, but prefer the classic lines of the 911. As said before, perhaps the 964 is what you want. It has all the safety and comfort features you want, plus the classic 911 silhouette.

[porschenut]

+1 on the clutch not being heavy. Compared to a hydraulic clutch (1990 and later) it will be a tiny bit stiffer, but if your clutch is heavy feeling then you probably have issues with your clutch, clutch cable, or associated mechanisms.

[burgermeister]

Don't they all have power brakes starting sometime in the late 70's? Certainly my 87 does.

[4flyboy]

Originally Posted by AFC-911

It sounds like the 964 is the way to go.

Sounds like a nice compromise to me as well?

S.

[Jagshund]

Why not just backdate a 993?

[yo911]

Great words of wisdom gentlemen.

My bad on the brakes. I'm still a neophyte and learning about P cars.

The 964's prices are very attractive but it seems they have so many issues compared to other Ps.

[Zef]

993

[Jagshund]

Originally Posted by Noah

Any thought of what that entails....?

Yes, but perhaps I'm projecting. I'd like to think that it could be completed within a year for a . . . er . . . slight cost, assuming one did most of the work on their own. Of course, this is coming from an idiot who decided to rebuild the 911 equivalent of the Titanic (rusted through and through). I'll go back to my corner, now . . .

[masraum]

One mistake, the '87-89 G50 cars DO HAVE power brakes.

[mack6820]

How about mine. Its an 83 911sc with a 993 conversion.

[livi]

Originally Posted by masraum

One mistake, the '87-89 G50 cars DO HAVE power brakes.

As far as I understand, all Carrera models 84-89 have power brakes. No ABS however.