Cost of 993 vs. Carrera

911gone · 01-04-2006, 07:17 PM

Having sold my 1983 911 SC a couple of years back, I am in the market for a newer 911. I accept that the 993 is technically superior to the G-50 versions of the Carrera. I would like to hear opinions as to whether the 993 is worth the $15m to $20m premium over the later Carreras. I am specifically interested in hearing from folks who previously had 1978-89 911's and have moved onto the 993.

Thanks,

Chrisuk · 01-06-2006, 02:10 AM

Hi there, I had a 1989 Targa Sport Carrera 1988 just sold it this year, I have a 965 Turbo now.
The Targa was an absolute babe of a car however my 965 has the edge on refinement and of course being turbo, faster and more comfortable, I found that having the latest model of the Carrera Targa and now having the latest 964 Turbo that the latest models in each lineup seem to have the best of everything, Therefore I would suggest purchasing the latest type of 911 that you want rather than buying a car a year or so newer that is a newer shape, hope this helps Regards Chris

cowtown · 01-06-2006, 05:21 AM

I moved from an '88 Targa to a '95 coupe. It's a personal decision, because they are both wonderful cars. The 993 ventillation system, wiper pattern, suspension, sound deadening, and power are all much more modern feeling than those of the 3.2 cars. I drive my '95 to work every day and then fling it around corners on weekends. I didn't want to drive my '88 to work every day, where temperatures go to 105 and it was a little too noisy.

You've got to decide what you want. The 3.2s are classic, sound great, and have a real edge to them. But the 993 is absolutely the best car I've ever driven, let alone owned.

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

I had a well set up (Bilstein Sports, lowered, cb), stock 87 Carrera. Solid, wonderful car.

I now have a 96 993 that I'm converting to a track car. I'll echo the thoughts about the HVAC, etc. It would make a wonderful daily driver. There are a lot of nice touches that make it a very livable car, in a very familiar setting.

However, in my opinion and for me, I don't like the stock suspension at all for a daily driver. I think the argument you hear from many folks that they miss the more "visceral" feel of the 3.2 car is simply those worthless monroe shocks and flood-pant height springs.

The oodles of low end torque and screaming acceleration are very nice. With a cat bypass, you can't imagine how good it sounds. Truly a pinnacle of a 30 year history of automotive engineering.

To answer your question, is it worth 15-20K more? Tough one. Much of the difference is simply age. A car that is 10 years older simply will have more stuff wearing out with age.

I'd say the choice is more chocolate and strawberry - both are ice cream, both taste good.

Sonic dB · Sonic dB's Garage

I own both a 993 Cab and a Carrera Cab. While the 86 Carrera Cab is fun to drive.... it is not nearly the car that the 993 is. The 993 is much faster, much more torque, more modern interior, a bit larger inside and out, much better air conditioning, better ventillation system, quieter but still with a growl...the list goes on and on...certainly worth the money to check out the 993.

swimmingly · 01-08-2006, 09:36 AM

There's a 993 turbo listed on craigslist here in LA for just about $26k. I semi-regularly browse through these ads (looking at 964/993s) but never seriously gave any consideration because they're generally much higher in price. Anyways, I figured I'd throw this out and see if I'm just being naive (does this have scam written all over it?) or is there something else I should probably know?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/car/123601456.html

cowtown · 01-08-2006, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by swimmingly
There's a 993 turbo listed on craigslist here in LA for just about $26k. I semi-regularly browse through these ads (looking at 964/993s) but never seriously gave any consideration because they're generally much higher in price. Anyways, I figured I'd throw this out and see if I'm just being naive (does this have scam written all over it?) or is there something else I should probably know?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/car/123601456.html

Since book on the 993TT is high 50s to high 60s, I'd be very skeptical.

fig911 · 01-08-2006, 10:36 AM

I did it back-wards...I owned a 993 first (daily driver) and then sold it to get an '86 Carrera (and BMW for daily use). I ended up using the '86 so much (95% of the time), I ended up selling the BMW. Eventually, I got rid of the 86 too, now I'm looking for a 996.

I would agree with what others have said (993 faster and more live-able as a daily driver) but I would like to add that I think the '86 was just as fun to drive as the 993. Again, it's not quite as fast but there is something about the older, more raw 911 that is tough to beat. It didn't have a good A/C...but if it is a second car, I think I would get the Carrera and keep the change for mods. The 993 looks so nice though...

Porscheologist · 01-08-2006, 08:21 PM

I had an 83 SC and about 5 months ago bought a 95 coupe. I can't begin to tell how much nicer and more powerful a car it is. 100+ more horsepower is very nice. An AC that works and a comfortable ride to boot. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too! I would never go back to an "older Porsche" as a daily driver!

Porsche_Daddy · 01-10-2006, 11:56 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chrisuk
[B]Hi there, I had a 1989 Targa Sport Carrera 1988 just sold it this year, I have a 965 Turbo now.
QUOTE]

What is a 965 turbo?

cowtown · 01-10-2006, 12:07 PM

91-94 3.3 liter and 3.6 liter turbo cars. 964 underpinnings with the older CIS 930 engine and electronic spark control. Awesome cars.

ninesixfour · 01-10-2006, 05:17 PM

It really depends on what you're looking for out of your driving experience. The Carreras are very different from the later cars. They're quite a bit slower, they take more skill to drive fast in corners, the interior is different...just not having power steering really changes the feel. I love the classic Carreras and if you want a more raw drive then that's the way to go. If you want something more modern feeling and looking then go for the 993. Will it be a daily driver, weekend toy, track car...? Drive them back to back and compare.

Silveresrty911S · Silveresrty911S's Garage

"What is a 965 turbo"

One more than a 964

Doug751 · 01-12-2006, 12:20 PM

964's can be nice, and are sometimes sell for LESS than 930's. I installed the pss9 system, had the car corner balanced and run Pilot Sport Cups on the track and 16" Yokohama's on the street and the car is a blast. The AC works great compared to me previous Porsche a 1989 Carrerra. The power steering is nice and overall the car feels more refined, but still a lot of fun.

911gone · 01-14-2006, 02:21 PM

Thanks for your input, a lot of sound advice. Perhaps it will come down to how much I end up wanting to spend.

tam911 · 01-17-2006, 08:28 AM

I own both a 993 and a 88 911 cab.
owned the 88 since new, the car has been bullet proof.
it's simple and raw. it's easier to work on than a 993. there is less BS to break. I use the 88 as much as the 993 the 88 is just as fun to drive. True they are not as fast, and AC isn't as good as the new cars, but if you can get past that you'll really like a later 3.2 car.
I have to say on longer trips I use the 993 just because it's more user friendly.
I've owned a lot of different cars including Ferrari and Masserati, but the 88 carrera is still in the garage....