First 911 Purchase

[yellowducky75]

Finally at a point where I can purchase the car of my dreams - Porsche 911. As a traditionalist, I really want to stay with an air-cooled version. I also want my wife to enjoy coming along for 1-2 hour rides with me, so creature comforts are of some importance. From what I've read on-line, the 993 looks like a great compromise. However, I've also looked at a couple 1987 Carrera's for sale that are closer to the car I've always wanted. Is there a substantial difference in creature comforts and touring ride quality between the Carrera and 993?

[RedCoupe]

You need to drive them yourself and form your own opinion. I have a 964 and there is a 1986 3.2 Carrera in the family as well. I've both driven and ridden as a passenger in the 3.2, and I think it is as least as comfortable for long drives as the 964. The 86 has electric windows, cruise control, power seats, etc. so it's got pretty much the same amenities as the 964. I've only ridden in a 993, but it didn't seem night and day different from my 964 as a passenger. I think that if you get a good example of any of the later air-cooled cars, you and your wife will both love it. Condition is the key!

[awdbandito]

I have an '88 coupe and a '96 coupe. My wife doesn't like the 88 because it has no ABS, manual steering, non-functional AC, and rides a bit stiff.

She loves driving the 993.
Power steering, awesome brakes with ABS, good AC, and it rides smoother.

She also prefers being a passenger in the 993.

I like them both for different reasons.

[earlyapex]

You are not going to find night and day differences in the handling of these cars. Each model improved on the previous one. My 98 C2S is noticeably more refined in all aspects than my 91 C2. My 78 SC is very basic in comparison to the 964. The HVAC in all the cars is primitive compared to modern cars so don't expect too much. The one in the 993 is at least tolerable. In the end, I would rather go touring in my 993.

[bri450sl]

My wife and I have gone on many trips in my 993. On one trip, we drove in 100+ degree heat with the air on for 12 hours. When we arrived at the hotel, my wife commented on how she has never driven that far in a more comfortable vehicle. We are both in our 50's, so I was surprised that I too, didn't have any aches or pains after sitting and driving that long. I really can't understand why the 993 is a great road car (buy all means, it shouldn't be), but we both enjoy it so much that we take it for vacations as much as we can.

[wesleyc]

The Wife and I have taken several 1000 mile trips in the Oklahoma/Texas summer heat in our 95 993. The AC worked excellent. Engine never got too hot. And it's our most comfortable car. and I've had two hip replacements. I KNOW what uncomfortable feels like. What was going to be the weekend car has become my daily driver.

[csmab]

The 993 is a pretty comfortable highway cruiser. AC is decent at highway speeds. if you let if get heat soaked in a parking lot it can take a while to cool the interior.