I've been looking into getting a 96+ 993. Has anyone had one? Any things to know about these cars? What's the difference from a 993 and a 996?
Thinking of a 993
- Thread starter ryans
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You would probably get more knowledgeable responses if you post the questions on Rennlist, a popular Porsche forum http://www.rennlist.com/ryans said:
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I had a '97 993 tt, if you're unsure of the differance between the 993 and 996 you probably shouldn't be purchasing a 993 
6speedonline, rennlist, pelicanparts are your resources of choice for pcars... The main differance between the 993 and 996 is cooling, the 993 is aircooled, while the 996 is a waterpumper - the 996 will be more 'user friendly', while the '993' is a fantastic driving car, although perhaps a bit less-forgiving. Most 'crusty old porschefiles' consider the 993 tt the pinacle of porsche 911 development, and in many cases 993 turbos will sell for more than 996 turbos.
6speedonline, rennlist, pelicanparts are your resources of choice for pcars... The main differance between the 993 and 996 is cooling, the 993 is aircooled, while the 996 is a waterpumper - the 996 will be more 'user friendly', while the '993' is a fantastic driving car, although perhaps a bit less-forgiving. Most 'crusty old porschefiles' consider the 993 tt the pinacle of porsche 911 development, and in many cases 993 turbos will sell for more than 996 turbos.
TyraNSX said:
Yes it should be in off topic:smile:
ryans said:
Ryan to try and answer your question:
the 993 from what I have heard is that it is more of a drivers car versus the 996. The plus side for the 996 (I'm assuming turbo?)is that it's mod friendly with the capablilty to produce a lot more HP reliably vs the 993.
I can comment on the 996 turbo's since my brother owns one and lets me beat on it every now and then:biggrin: All I can say is
when it comes to the power that the car produces with a stage 4 turbo upgrade. The car just feels wonderful when you stomp on the gas pedal; feels like you're taking off on a jet:biggrin: As for the handling on a 996, well the car handles just as well or better than my NSX. The only negative thing I have to say against the 996 tt is that it does not offer you the same level of feedback that say an NSX offers.
If you don't plan on modifying the the 996, you should atleast consider purchasing one with the porsche sports seats: which provides you with better support and definetly add either a porsche or B&M short shifter. The gear throws are WAY TO LONG!
You can build either car for power, provided you have the green to do it... my 993 was modified, and was very fast... as far as comparing the car's handling to the nsx... it's not really that fair to do, they are both excellent sportscars, but they are different configurations (mid engine vs rear engine)... Drive examples of both, if you're serious about this route, and make your own decision - do NOT purchase a 993 because you percieve it will be less expensive than a 996, this will often times not hold true, due to the enthusiast preferance of the 993, and when it is true the car has probably not been well-cared-for. As with any high end vehicle out of warrenty get a purchase inspection, and drive as many examples as you can. The best bang/buck right now, from a porsche point of view, would probably be an early 996 with the aero kit, but get it inspected and check for recalls (iirc there are two big issues with the early 996, a problem with the engine wiring harness ($$$) and one with an oil seal, that on certain 'problem' cars goes out every 10k miles or so).
scorp965 said:
The fact that the 993 is held in higher regard by many porsche nuts:tongue: is very true. I recently went on a porsche drive and was talking to a owner who had a 996 GT2 and a 993 turbo that is currently in the shop awaiting upgraded turbos. His opinion on the whole 993 vs 996 turbo was that the 996's were definetly easier to modify than the 993's.
As to the oil seal problem, it is to my understanding limited to non turbo 911's and the boxters. the 996 turbos still have the GT1 block that does not have the oil seal "issue":smile:
Thank you for the great responses. In my original post I meant to post that I'm thinking of getting a Porsche in place of my NSX. The NSX is a great car but lately I feel cramped in it with no rear seats. Sometimes when i'm commuting home I feel as if I have to stop get out and stretch to wake myself up. I have upper back problems and need to stretch out often.
If I were to get a Porsche I would be looking for a plain 993 or 996, i'm not looking to mod it out. Maybe new seats would make me feel better but with the NSX a big guy like me is pretty limited.
If I were to get a Porsche I would be looking for a plain 993 or 996, i'm not looking to mod it out. Maybe new seats would make me feel better but with the NSX a big guy like me is pretty limited.
I would definitly NOT use 'back seat practicality' as a purchasing point for a porsche 911, if you want a sports car with a back seat purchase a BMW M3/M5, the 911 backseat sees use primarily as a method of decreasing insurance premiums, and as an occasional resting place for the odd piece of luggage.
I am also a 'big guy', and found doing little things, such as decreasing the height of the lower seat cushion by an inch, as well as installing a 'D' shaped steering wheel, greatly improved the comfort level in my nsx - perhaps you should try small methods of adjustment prior to making such a large decision? What problem are you running into, regarding comfort, in the nsx? The stock seats are by far more comfortable than most aftermarket alternatives, provided they're properly adjusted? Do you feel you are too close to the roof, too close to the steering wheel, etc?
I am also a 'big guy', and found doing little things, such as decreasing the height of the lower seat cushion by an inch, as well as installing a 'D' shaped steering wheel, greatly improved the comfort level in my nsx - perhaps you should try small methods of adjustment prior to making such a large decision? What problem are you running into, regarding comfort, in the nsx? The stock seats are by far more comfortable than most aftermarket alternatives, provided they're properly adjusted? Do you feel you are too close to the roof, too close to the steering wheel, etc?
My seats are worn in well, but I do find myself close to the roof and rear of the car. Maybe i'm hunching down and not realizing it and thus making myself uncomfortable. Sometimes I feel as if there isnt' enough air circulation in the car too. I'm one of those guys that loves to drive with my windows cracked down no matter how cold it is.
Well, I found the reduction in the seat cushion helped greatly with regard to fittiment - I am 6'1", and fit perfectly in the car with my cushion reduced, I also no longer have the seat semi-reclined and all the way back, as my rational for that was to get my driving position 'lower' - kind of makes you wish the seats could adjust for height, instead of making you play around to overcome the problem. What you could do, if you're interested in seeing if this solves your problem, is remove the stock cushion and put in a thin piece of foam, then adjust your seat and drive around - if it seems to work for you just take the car to an upholstry shop and point at the seat cushion, tell them to reduce 0.5", 1", etc., and your problem will be solved.
If your problem is one of being bored with the car no amount of seat adjustment will solve it for you, but before you decide to sell and purchase something else make sure you know what you are buying, and make sure you won't be in the same boat in 6 months. There are very few cars that offer all that the nsx has to offer, while still being in the same price range and offering the same drivability and reliability... something to think about.
If your problem is one of being bored with the car no amount of seat adjustment will solve it for you, but before you decide to sell and purchase something else make sure you know what you are buying, and make sure you won't be in the same boat in 6 months. There are very few cars that offer all that the nsx has to offer, while still being in the same price range and offering the same drivability and reliability... something to think about.
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Don't have much experience with these cars but somehow the quality feeling of a 993 is much better than a 996. The way doors closes, the way everything feels "heavy and very well built" and things like that, that the 996 does not have (maybe the 996 Turbo is better than a stock 996 Carrera but I don't know).
ryans said:
Porsche seats are definetly very very comfortable- Regardless if they are the sport or regular seats. Never had a "back pain/soreness" while in the P. Also it is nice to have the extra space behind your seats in the P since you can store/place things you may/might want on a extended drive.
Check out www.6speedonline.com - it's basically the NSX Prime version for Porschephiles and there is a forum dedicated to the 993. Just don't expect to hear any unbiased opinions there either. :smile:
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