Which would you buy? 993TT or 06 997

356robo · 10-30-2006, 04:31 PM

I'm strongly leaning to selling a 70 T Targa (original) and a quality 64 C coupe, adding cash and getting a 993 TT or 06 997. Opinions on pros and cons of each would really help make a decision.

Jay H · 10-30-2006, 04:45 PM

The 2006 will be under warranty, so you'll have zero out of pocket costs to run the 997 for a few years. I'll bet any 993 TT will need something at this stage of the game. The newest 993TT is almost 10 years old now. No matter what people say, they all need something (or will need something in a short order of time).

The 993TT will relatively raw yet as compared to the 997 and was Porsche's last air cooled Turbo. You'll have sounds and feel that is missing from the water cooled cars.

Are you considering a 997 S or just the 'base' 997? Even being 9-10 years old, the Twin Turbo will still be producing more hp than even the "S".

I personally would choose the 993 Twin Turbo if I wanted a toy. I'd take a 997 if I needed a 911 for everyday. Both good cars. I love how the 997 looks.

Jay
90 964, 84 3.2

356robo · 10-30-2006, 04:54 PM

Thanks Jay. If a 997, the best I could fit in a budget of 70-75K. I wasn't aware of the warranty situation. I'm tending toward the 993 TT because I'm partial to air cooled and yes, it will be an occasional use car.

Rob

racer · 11-01-2006, 04:03 PM

How do you plan to use the car? Stop and go commuter traffic? Sunday morning blasts down the highway or mountain roads? Autocross or DE events?

How important is it to have the "latest and greatest" gadget?

More importantly, these two cars are incredibly different to drive. The feel, sounds, seating position, engine characteristics.. you get the point.

Is a warranty important for you?
Do you like the spool of turbos?
Do you mind a 10 year old car?
Do you want to "order" a car to your liking? Want that new car smell?

You really need to make an honest assesment of how you will use the car and then go test drive a few in those conditions, if possible.

356robo · 11-01-2006, 04:16 PM

Racer,

Good questions.

The car will be strictly for fun use on twisties, open highway, etc.

As evidenced by my current 64 356 and 70 911, "latest and greatest" is certainly not important to me.

I would'nt choose a car simply for a warranty.

I certainly don't mind a 10 year old car, hell, my current cars are likely older than a high percentage of those that use this board.

Don't really care about a new car.

Sounds like the 993 is for me. The only question now is sell both the 356 and 911, add cash to get a TT or sell only the 356, add cash, and end up with a NA 993 AND keep my 911.

Rob

Porsche · Porsche's Garage

Decisions decisions.

I wish I had your dilemma!

If it was me, I'd keep the 356, sell the 911, and buy the 993 (TT if possible).

Although I would be very tempted by the 997.

356robo · 11-01-2006, 04:39 PM

Ewin,

The 997 option is off the table. I'm just not comfortable with water in my engine. As to keeping the 356, I believe that the 356 is worth more today than my 911 and I would need the cash. Also, after driving the 911 for a few years and driving a 97 993 Turbo S recently, the 356 just feels way underpowered.

Rob

EarlyPorsche · 11-02-2006, 06:13 PM

I am biased as I have an 06 997 but I must say that the reason I bought that first was because it was an 06 997. My next addition will be a 98 993TT or S or maybe just carrera but its always nice having the sleek fast and more reliable one before the nostalgic one. Of course thats just how I think.

goat · goat's Garage

993 TT.
I like the lines.
If I had the 356 I would hate to let it go. Yes way underpowered but its so classic. Drove a few and loved it for what it is.
Maybe a late 80's turbo? less cash and may only have to sell one car.

356robo · 11-03-2006, 03:31 PM

Tim,

You're right about the 356, however, after many years of enjoyment, the truth for me is that I've lost interest in them. I've now experienced the early 911 and find that I choose to drive it much more offen than the 356. Recently I drove a new Corvette and a Porsche Turbo S. I now have the power bug. An 89 Turbo is still a possibility but there's nothing like the last air-cooled turbo.

kilodawg · kilodawg's Garage

No brainer, get the 993TT. It's a rarer car, more desirable and it's an easier move to go to a 997 at a later date if you should choose to do so. Besides the 993TT will hold value better than the newer car.

Can't see cutting loose the other two though at least keep one if at all possible.

ZAMIRZ · ZAMIRZ's Garage

Get the 993TT. At the rate they're making 997s, your car will be worth $45K in 5 years, probably less.

ccoleymd · ccoleymd's Garage

Interesting, I was just about to make a post about a similar topic. I'm deciding on a new 2006 997S versus a 2003 TT. The prices are about the same. I just drove the 997S and it was NICE, but still have that urge to feel the acceleration of the turbo? Any suggestions?
Thanks.

kilodawg · kilodawg's Garage

Initially, I thought this a much more difficult decision (going for the 993 TT is easy). However, after a moment of thought, for me personally, I'd enjoy the other benefits of 997 ownership more than the Turbo performance that the 996 offers. I guess it depends where your focus is.

creator8 · 11-20-2006, 07:19 PM

993TT. Its the best car Porsche ever made. If you like your current old 911 you'll love the 993. It still has the same DNA. I just bought a 993 Targa to use as a daily and I love it. Today I was driving my brother's 996 and it just didn't have the same feel--it may have the same concept and vaguely the same shape but its so different in so many ways.

The 993 is like a handmade leather shoe. The 997 is like a Prada loafer. Which would you prefer?