[Rockafella]

I was in your exact situation, torn between an older 911 and something that is realistically usable. We can talk about the soul, heritage, and character of the air cooled 911, that is all fun. But, when you get into the office smelling like oil/gas or that you haven't taken a shower because your air doesn't work, that makes one consider the loyalty to tradition.

Many Pelicans blindly say get a 993....like it's a cult mantra. If you are a non believer (one who thinks water in a 911 is ok), then they will burn you at the stake (also known as flame you in the marketplace discussion board). I drove my my friend's 993. Nice for sure, but really not a big enough leap for me to give up my 3.2L Carrera. I still am very much a traditionalist and still felt the 993 has a bit too much hype in it.

996s and 997s are modern technology, bottom line. They will run rings around any of the 911s before it, just as every generation has done to the one before. The are representative of the time they are built...bigger cars because of bigger people, electronics to optimize power and efficiency, sanitized handling for the primary non-enthusiast demographic. I am sure enthusiast oriented factory settings disappeared after the 930 experience.

I often feel that earlier car owners (myself included since I still own a 911SC and am track prepping) forget that these did not all leave the factory as hot rods. Yes, they became hot rods over time and in stock guise were heavy, big, and full of electronics for their day.

I have driven Porsches from the 356 to the 996 (let me count: 356, 912 swb, 912 lwb, 914, 911 swb, 911 lwb/longhood, 911SC, 911 Carrera, 944, 964, 993, and now 996). Each subsequent change has the same complaint...more power, more weight, less spry handling. As the cars evolve, they become more capable in their own right demanding less of the driver to accomplish the same or more.

A modern vette will also probably need a racetrack to feel connected...otherwise they are just crazy fast especially off the line. But I also considered a Z06 as a daily/weekend toy. You will get all kinds of opinions here.

I got tired of having to chase problems, improve the car, stay on top of "old car" maintenance, etc. Get something you will enjoy in the way you use it and live happy.