Going from raw to refined?

[clay1g]

I've owned an 87 911 for almost 3 years and have enjoyed it immensely. Due to job changes and curiosity about newer 911s, I'm thinking about selling mine and buying a newer one, specifically 95-03. I've never driven any 911 newer than an 89 but have heard about how much more refined the newer ones are. Has anyone here done what I'm considering and if so, what was your experience like in terms of going from raw to refined?

[AFJuvat]

Well, I own a 88 and have worked on\driven just about everything from 1958 - 2004.

I'll break down my impressions by each model:

964 (1989 - 1994) Very similar to 911, interior is much more comfortable, suspension is vastly improved. Maintenance costs are higher.

993 (1995 - 1998): All around, the best air cooled car they ever made. The car is fast, comfortable, handles extremely well. AC actually works well. Downside: Maintenance is somewhat easier (no valves to adjust), but costs are significantly higher than what you are used to. (remove mufflers to replace lower valve covers, remove a bunch of stuff, to include PS pump to replace upper valve covers, spark plug wires $600.)

996 (1999 - 2004): Car drives like a dream. engine came in a 3.4L or a 3.6L. both cars are faster than the 993 and handle better than the 993. Maintenance costs are overall cheaper. Some engines have machining defects in the rear main seal and intermediate shaft area which necessitated engine replacement. However, the car doesn't look great (IMO) and a lot of the raw sportscar feel is gone.

997: Looks better than the 996, the S is phenomenal.

AFJuvat

[clay1g]

Thanks for the info, AFJ. Do you notice any differences in quality in a 996 vs a 993? Both inside and out?

[AFJuvat]

The build quality is better on the 993. You can still fix a 993. Severe engine problems on a 996 (not a GT-2, GT-3, and Turbo) usually require that the engine be replaced.

Body panels are thicker and the interior is better on a 993 IMO.

AFJuvat