G50 3.2 vs. 993

[Sonic dB]

""It was a lot of little stuff that had the car constantly in and out of the shop. The "major" problem was a camshaft solenoid (IIRC) that puzzled just about everyone until a regional-level mechanic figured it out. By then the car had been out of service for about 45 days during it's first year. Build quality was HORRIBLE and bits and pieces of interior trim kept coming loose. The car had rattling rear quarter windows and rear window that the dealer couldn't never 100% fix. The a/c compressor failed 3x. So in summary, I had cars built during Detroit's dark years of the 70s that were better built and more reliable. The 997 really soured me on Porsche for a good year, and now I'm just coming around again, and that's because I lusted after a 911 since I was a kid."""

Wow. Such a sad state of affairs for a $100K car.
Does Porsche Germany ever get notice of these kinds of issues from PCNA?
Do they care?

I have a 993, and used to have a 911 (86 year before the G50). Then I had
both for awhile.

I prefer the 911s sharper and more crisp handling. I also prefer the older
suspension and the older steering... it was just more responsive to me as
a driver. (i am in the minority regarding my opinions and experiences on this).

Overall though, the 993 is far superior. Faster, more torque, much less
of the little repair issues that all the older 911s seem to have. AC works...The car has
been rock solid for 2 years with nothing needed, other than tires.

I do miss the old 911 Sport Seats though....

[stlrj]

I have 74 with an 86 3.2 and my neighbor across the street just got himself a 95 993 tip that I took for a test drive today. Both feel remarkably similar but my 74 feels more nimble, my steering feels lighter and about the same amount of grunt where it counts.

Makes me feel quite lucky that I didn't have to spend $32K to have more fun.

Cheers,

Joe

[GrantG]

Originally Posted by aigel

The power steering in the 993 does not make the car less precise or nimble. However, it does help you in being more repeatable and less tired on your 50th road course lap or 500th mountain road turn.

Yes, but the power steering does not communicate as well as the chassis is loaded heavily in a corner the way the manual steering lets you know exactly when the front is exceeding the available grip. The message is more filtered with the 993.

[aigel]

Originally Posted by GrantG

Yes, but the power steering does not communicate as well as the chassis is loaded heavily in a corner the way the manual steering lets you know exactly when the front is exceeding the available grip. The message is more filtered with the 993.

Hasn't made me any slower, that's for sure.

George

[GrantG]

Originally Posted by aigel

Hasn't made me any slower, that's for sure.

George

Well, that's not really the point here. A 993 is faster than a 3.2 G50. That was never in doubt nor part of the debate. We're talking about what they feel like to drive. A Z06 is quite a bit faster than a 993, but it doesn't feel the same, right?

[fly4val]

JasonF

FWIW, I'm going to be posting my silver/burgundy '88 coupe for sale next week as
soon as I get the pics done and uploaded....114K, never wrecked, no rust ever
clean carfax, lots of recent work and new spring hub clutch....originally sold new
in Portland OR, records from 55k; always PNW owned until my move here to
western Colorado, everything works.

My ride improved considerably when I replaced the former Yokies with Yoki Avis V4S
alll four wheels...stil handles well though....really loves the Colorado Rockies, just
moved here two months ago.....

[aigel]

Originally Posted by GrantG

Well, that's not really the point here. A 993 is faster than a 3.2 G50. That was never in doubt nor part of the debate. We're talking about what they feel like to drive. A Z06 is quite a bit faster than a 993, but it doesn't feel the same, right?

I just wanted to point out that the "disconnect" some of you encounter is not going to hurt performance. Being disconnected certainly sounds like it's a bad thing for performance. That said, the 993 can be converted back to manual steering if you are so inclined.


George

[70SWT]

Originally Posted by Sonic dB

""It was a lot of little stuff...

Wow. Such a sad state of affairs for a $100K car.
Does Porsche Germany ever get notice of these kinds of issues from PCNA?
Do they care?
..

Yes.
No.

The bean counters have won at Porsche Inc. Relish the old cars; those days will likely never return.

This post to be followed by the apologists saying how the bean counter approach saved Porsche in the early nineties etc. I hope their stock is doing well!

Anyhow, my vote is for the 3.2 unless you can find/make a stripped-down RS-style 993. I came very close to buying a 993 a couple of years ago, it was impressive, but it just seemed too plush; its a GT car, not a true sports car. By comparison, the 3.2, in stock form, is more of a driver's car by a narrow margin.

[GrantG]

Originally Posted by aigel

That said, the 993 can be converted back to manual steering if you are so inclined.

True, but manual steering works much better on a light car with relatively skinny tires (works best on the pre-74's in my opinion...)

[aigel]

Originally Posted by RSflared72E

I came very close to buying a 993 a couple of years ago, it was impressive, but it just seemed too plush; its a GT car, not a true sports car. By comparison, the 3.2, in stock form, is more of a driver's car by a narrow margin.

Sorry, but calling the 993 a non sports car is a bit much. Not sure what you almost bougth there. Have you ever driven a 3.2 G50 carrera? A 3.2 G50 car has gained significant weight over the earlier cars both due to the heavier transmission and the added power items. It is in the same weight class as the 993!

George

[aigel]

Originally Posted by GrantG

True, but manual steering works much better on a light car with relatively skinny tires (works best on the pre-74's in my opinion...)

How much does an 88 G50 carrera weigh? I bet it is not much less than a 993. Anyone?

George

[GrantG]

Originally Posted by aigel

How much does an 88 G50 carrera weigh? I bet it is not much less than a 993. Anyone?

George

I think the weight difference is around 300 lbs or so...

[aigel]

Well, lets wait until someone gets a number. 993 is 3065 pounds. No way a stock US 88 is under 2800.

George

[GrantG]

Originally Posted by aigel

Well, lets wait until someone gets a number. 993 is 3065 pounds. No way a stock US 88 is under 2800.

George

This site says US 1988 3.2 is 1,250kg which is 2,750 lbs (click Technical Specs)
http://www.idee.demon.nl/carrera32/carrera32.htm

[Joe Bob]

Get an SC and hot rod it......

[MOMO3.2]

Sorry George, but my loaded G50 Carrera Targa WAS 2,880 lbs with a half tank of fuel. I am sure there are/were lighter G50 Coupes.

I am not going to bash the 993 at all, but you want it both ways. When you had your SC, it was the lightest, fastest, most pure, and best 911 Porsche ever built. Now, with the 993, you are suddenly defending power steering and THE HEAVIEST "911" EVER built! The 993 is even heavier than a 996 or 997 for gosh sakes!

That said, I love the 993. Stock the 993 IS "better" than a G50 Carrera IMO. Stripped, the 993 IS "better" than a G50 stripped. But, when you defend ANY negative aspect of the 993, it is silly and shows your bias.

Mike

[JeremyD]

drive several of each example then decide. After my C2 got totaled I drove 17 cars before deciding on my 1987 cab. From a 1970T to a 1998 C2s and everything inbetween. They are all different levels of good.

[GrantG]

If anyone is interested in a REALLY light car, only 660 lbs., check this thing out:
www.roadrazer.com

[dd74]

G50 3.2 vs. 993 - I'm not sure. Wouldn't the best of both worlds be a stripped out 964?

[burgermeister]

A C5 or C6 'vette will outperform either a 911 or a 993 in almost any number you can come up with, for a lot less money and maintenance. Do you want to be 0.4 seconds faster on your morningly commute or do you want to have fun? Drive what you like, and damn the specs.

In the real world (not the racetrack), where everyone has a top speed limited by their LEO risk aversion, the difference between a 7 second 0-60 and a 6 second 0-60 car is negligible, and so is another 0.05g of cornering capability (worth a staggering 1.7 MPH increase for a 60 MPH turn)...