switching 911 for 993?

[Canada Kev]

I am thinking I might like to change my '87 911 for a 993. Am I crazy for even considering this? I really love my car, and enjoy driving, and even just sitting in it. But there's something about the looks of the 993. They're just so damn sexy. I'm a little scared to even drive one as that might just push me over the edge...

I'm wondering if the additional complexities of the later car would bugger up the ease of maintenance. I mean really, the 911 is just so simple to work on.

Could this just be a case of the grass is greener...? I'm so torn.

[GrantG]

It's definitely worth driving one and see how you like it. There is a trade-off: they're heavier, have power-steering, but they also have better power, brakes, no valve adjusts, etc.

I've had both (but never a Carrera 3.2) and I prefer the early 911, but I certainly enjoyed my time with the 993. A good one is not very maintenance intensive.

[Halm]

The 993 is a much more refined car. Minimal visceral feel to it. A/C is good, more sound proofing, much better transmission. The 993 is the logical end point in the evolution of the air cooled motor.

But to be clear, it is a totally different animal. Get as much seat time in one as you can before you buy.

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

They are different animals! I really like the 915 and G-50 transmissions better! The 993 is heavier, more power, steering is different, more creature comfort stuff, more removed from the vehicle (but still more connected to the vehicle than other cars). The older cars have a different type of feel to them.

My Wife likes the 993 better, I like the SC better. Both have A/C, but the SC really does not have A/C...

If you want more refinement and comfort then a 993 would be a good place to go, the 964 would not be bad either! For more feel of the car, stick with the '87.

I have not had to do much work on the 993. But replacing the oil sender unit did not require removal of any parts nor did it require a partial engine drop! But, changing the oil is easier in the older cars!

[GrantG]

Originally Posted by Groesbeck Hurricane

They are different animals! I really like the 915 and G-50 transmissions better!

The 993 uses a G-50 tranny too (6spd versions).

[g_vaxed]

I have both. 993's are incredible!!! And, as others have said - ice cold AC - gotta love it! And, how about a windshield defroster that actually works. The power differnce is enormous. The 3.6 pulls like a ****! Roll the windows down and hear the awesome exhaust note. Or, roll em up, blast the AC and it feels like you're in a soundproof room. My answer, have one of each... No valve adjustments in the 993 as noted above but have fun changing the oil in one... easily a two hour job without a lift. Good Luck.

[vintage guy]

I recently made the same move and am happy I did. I loved my '87 and hated to see it go but the 993 better fits my needs. As mentioned, it is a somewhat less connected but more comfortable driving experience mainly due to the revised rear suspension.

The 993 is a more complex car with more electronics, ABS and power steering so potentially more expensive things to go wrong but it also has modern heating/air conditioning which works if that sort of thing is important.......and of course there are the looks

You need to drive some to decide if it is right for you but keep in mind that many people upgrade the suspension to meet their needs. There will be a huge difference in how one with a stock set-up and worn shocks drives compared to one with a properly set up, upgraded suspension. These changes can easily run $2-3k or even more and are usually the first thing on the list to do when you buy a car.

If you do decide on a 993, try to find one that already has the upgrades you want.

[jkarolyi]

I traded my '89 3.2 Carrera for my '96 993 about three years ago, and I had spend three years with my 3.2, so I got to know them both quite well.

My thoughts echo many of the above, and I do miss the raw feel of the '89 on occasion...the 993 just feels a bit heavier, which it is.

Is this car your daily driver? Mine is, so the choice to upgrade included the advantages of good A/C and more comfort features.

As far as looks go, yes the 993 is gorgeous and still looks fresh and modern even today. But the 3.2 is a timeless classic, and honestly over time I think the looks will age better than the 993 which has more modern, trendy styling.

[Carrerax]

I would do it in a second! Just make sure you have a PPI. I sold my 993 and have been kicking myself ever since!

[jackb911]

I had a 993 for about 4 years, sold it, and came back to a 3.2. They are very different animals.

The 993 has "real" air conditioning which was its strong point and arguably was better looking.

The 3.2 provides a more involving driving experience and is a friendlier car to work on, if that is a consideration. And they don't have the aggravating SAI issues that the '96-98 993's do. If I bought another 993, it would be a 1995 model.

Being a long-time Porsche owner (38+ years), my observation is that the newer the Porsche, the "softer" it is. GT3's being the exception. I'd LOVE to have one of those!

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

Right G-50... I'm thinking of mine where I do not like the gearing but have really liked the gearing in the 5speed G-50. First gear feels slow in my car compared to the SC.

[RoninLB]

Originally Posted by syzygy

I am thinking I might like to change my '87 911 for a 993

if your '87 is real clean bring it to LA Calif to sell

plenty of 993/996 guys there sorry they sold their 87, 88, 89 911 and are sniffing around for a another nice one and will pay a premium

[R K T]

I've had three 993's over the years....Great cars!
I now have an 87 that I truly love!

They are different, YOU have to drive several and decide for yourself.
Good Luck!

[KCTarga3.2]

Unless you can get a Carrera S or Turbo 993, stick with the 87. Porsche's are like women I guess. Some guys like to trade up for the younger models, the good guys stay with their old lady. That is, unless you can afford both.

[TARGAJACK]

Stick with your 87 and get a 993 hahahaha. Seriously, I own a 1995-993 that I love. BUT the handling of my 3.2 with the precise steering response, a 911 is a car you can't forget the feeling of driving, they are realy different cars, but for my daily driving I prefer my 993, for the performance at high speed I prefer my 993, for the handling I prefered my 3.2, for the luxury and the the effortless of driving, because you don't need to be 100% in it for driving the 993, I like it but I miss my 1986 3.2. that had a elephant racing suspension with a turbo tie rod kit, 9'' fuchs...

[mede8er]

Neither....get a Turbo....

[bpu699]

I have owned a 76 911s, an sc, and pondered getting a 993. I love the outside shape, especially the widebody.

But when I drove them, it was a let down. Drove some 993 hardtops, and some convertibles. There is something odd about getting into a car that is 15 years newer, and still seeing the same interior as the 70's and 80's models. The interior also felt a bit more flimsy (perception?).

The 993 turbo was a different ball of wax. That car is sex on wheels ... but in its own price range...

I erred, and bought a 996 with the aerokit . Soon realized my mistake and sold that...

Bought a 911 turbo instead. Seems the best of all worlds. Classic style, fast as stink, easy to modify and fix, and way coooool . Couldn't be happier...

[sl951]

Put a 993 Vram motor in your 87... trust me you'll love it!

[Kidasters]

993 is pretty cool. I have a friend that has 3. Last of the air-cooled. That said - cost of ownership is higher. 993 parts are more expensive than 911 (or 930) parts. And - if you live in a place with emissions, and you get the "Check Engine Light" because the secondary air ports have plugged - have fun with that.

Depends on what you want? Do you want the classic? Stick with the 3.2. Want something a bit more modern and refined? Get the 993.

[flskala]

the SAI port problems are so overblown it's pathetic.... If you are one to be that concerned over it - good - there will be more 993's I can pick up for myself.

Here is a link to fix the issue.

CLEANING SECONDARY AIR INJECTION PORTS

also, IMHO future prices for the last air-cooled era 993's will skyrocket.