[jackb911]

I've owned both and both are great cars. Each have their strong/weak points. A brief synopsis based on my experiences with each:

3.2 Carrera:

The good: More involving to drive due to less weight to move around and torsion bar suspension, relatively easy to work on. The G50 transmissions on the '87-89 models are a vast improvement...although 915 owners will violently disagree.

The bad: Air conditioning is horrible unless you spend megabucks on an aftermarket upgrade. Some cars have valve guide wear and head stud breakage issues. The newest 3.2 is approaching 25 years old. Old cars almost always have problems.

993:

The good: Air conditioning that is useful...not as effective as any late model Honda or Chevrolet, though. The 3.6 engine has nice torque and power. The interior is nicer, better lighting in the instruments, very stable handling, especially at higher speeds. The bumpers are better integrated into the body than the 3.2 Carrera but some don't care for the rear quarter styling. Looks are subjective. No valve adjustments needed. But see below.

The bad: A heavier, comparatively complex car that is more difficult to work on for the home mechanic. Power steering in an air-cooled Porsche...UGH! But it needs it due to the weight. Transmission gear ratios on the USA 993's were driven by EPA fuel economy rules and make the car less lively than it should be. Oil changes are a PITA compared to a 3.2. Lots of plastic that is absent from the earlier cars. Many if not most '96-later models have Secondary Air Injection issues due to coking of the air injection passages which generate a check engine light, making these cars difficult to pass emissions inspections if that is an issue in your state. Some 993's also have premature valve guide wear.

My humble opinion: Between your two choices, it depends on how you will be using the car. If you need a daily driver with decent A/C, go with the 993. Otherwise, a clean, well-maintained 3.2 is less expensive to own and is (arguably) more fun to drive.

I've had 21 Porsches since 1972. My current one is a 3.2 Carrera. My next one will be a Cayman S.