997 or high mileage 993

[Sam]

3.2/964/early 993 sports seats are the greatest seats of all time.

The high shoulder hardback sports seats in a late 993/996 have always felt flat, uncomfortable and lacking in side bolster support to me.

Get an early 993 for this reason. And that they have shorter gearing. And the pre-vario engine is more fun when it gets lively above 4000rpm.

On 16s or 17s for the best ride and handling.

I did Stuttgart - Switzerland - Le Mans two years ago in a 997 and it was perhaps a bit too Audi like. Great on the Autobahn (it feels swift and 140, where I agree the 993’s natural pace is 110-120) but lacking edge and thrill at sensible speeds on single lane roads.

The only tricky thing is finding an early 993 with air con, which I’d say is essential for keeping passengers happy.

[inaglasshouse]

The only tricky thing is finding an early 993 with air con, which I’d say is essential for keeping passengers happy.

I'd tend to agree for summer euro drives, even though mine doesn't have aircon and we survive.

I don't think the factory system has a stellar reputation for effectiveness or reliability?
I've been toying with the idea of fitting Jonny's system to mine:
https://www.classicretrofit.com/collect ... 64-and-993

Not cheap, obviously, but it does work (based on a very cold ride to the pub in Jonny's car on a fairly hot day).
From the OP's point of view, I guess it opens up a wider range of candidate cars, with aircon then being a plausible "add later when funds permit" option.

[Sam]

I guess it depends on your passenger’s levels of tolerance. I’m perfectly happy to sweat it out, I actively like a bit of temperature variation, but Mrs Sam wouldn’t fancy 8 hours in a hot car.

The factory 993 air con is totally fine for anything Europe can chuck at it. It’s not like the tundra wind you get in a JDM Honda but works perfectly well in cooling 30+ degree heat to comfortable levels.

[hot66]

My 996 seats were just awesome!

these were comfort rather than sports .. everything about them was bad for me, where as the 993 hardback sports seats before that seats were brilliant , could spend hours in them.

[stuarts]

Well, I'm going to buck the trend here.

Given the choice of a 'entry level' 993 that will most definitely need regular work or a very nice, well maintained 997 for a similar price, it'd be the 997 every day.

My 997.1 C2S manual sport chassis is the best car I've ever owned - and that includes many air cooled and transaxle Porsches as daily drivers over the years.

The 997 just does everything so well - very civilised around town, remarkably practical, extremely reliable & cheap to run, and most importantly, it is still instantly recognised as a 911 - the most iconic sports car of all time. You always feel like your in a 911, it still has that 911 'feel' both in ergonomics, driving behaviour & sound and on an open road they really come alive - just like any air cooled 911. Don't take my word for it, get a long drive in one (when this current situation is over, you're more than welcome to have a good drive in mine).

Just get one with good history and for peace of mind a rebuilt motor by a reputable builder and it'll be a friend for life.

[KS]

TBH at that money, I'd be looking at a Cayman...

Plenty on Pistonheads, manual and PDK.

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds ... 4/10247019

[hot66]

and how long did your Cayman last with you Keith ??

[KS]

Ah but a ropey 993 or a 997 would have lasted even less! I miss the Cayman but unlike many others on here, I can only have one costly toy at a time – if I were better off, the Cayman would still be outside the house. Great cars.

[Sam]

> (must be 2 plus 2)

[KS]

Oh yeah - should have gone to SpecSavers...

[stichill99]

Re Early sports seats. My wife who is a physiotherapist had a client who was complaining of his car seat and asked her what sort of car she had. She has a Tiguan but told him he will need to get a 993 as they are the most comfortable car seats she has sat in. And she is not into cars at all!

[Nine One One]

Oh yeah - should have gone to SpecSavers...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX3R42yIZHU

[slipslide]

Thanks for the replies.
That is a very compelling case for the 993. The head says the 997 would probably do everything I want it to perfectly and I would really enjoy it. But the heart says I want the 993. I think I would enjoy the process of getting it how I want it.
And isn’t the hunt for a decent car (no matter which way I go) half the fun?

[Sam]

More. I prefer the research, hunt, acquire, tweak bit to the actual ownership.

[sng45]

More. I prefer the research, hunt, acquire, tweak bit to the actual ownership.

Exactly this - after you've done the looking, the research, the comparing etc - all seems to fall a bit flat when you actually get what you wanted - or what you thought you wanted ! then onto the next one and the cycle starts again ( this probably explains why I've had 143 cars - I should probably have spent the money on a psychiatrist instead ! )

This year my New Years resolution was to actually enjoy what I already have and not buy anymore cars - so far I've stuck to it, but I'm inclined to think that it's more due to the corona virus shutdown than self discipline !

Anyway, back on track, I've had about six 993's and a couple of 997's - go for the 993.