driving comparisons (archive)

While I haven't driven the turbo's (yet), I have driven both a 993 C4 and a 996 C4, and from talking to other P-car people the differences are pretty similar to the turbo differences. The 993 is a much more involving car, the clutch was touchier, etc. Overall I felt the 996 was too smooth, while I wasn't able to experiment with the high speed effects (only got each up to ~100mph or so) the 993 seemed noisier (one element though was that beautiful engine noise which became much more muted with the 996).

In terms of twisties, the 996 seemed easier to throw through tight turns, with the 993 being again more involving (steering actually seemed more tighter w/ greater feedback in the 993) but both cornered basically the same in my book.

Overall, the 993 reminded me of the M3/Mcoupe (more like the Mcoupe though) in handling and engine/throttle feel, while the 996 reminded me more of....well, the S4. Both cars are easy to drive fast, and don't quite give me the feedback I want.

These are just my opinions, and I'm sure the Turbo is different enough in some respects (accleration feel for sure) that these may not be valid , but again, they are just opinions

-marc

Yes the 996 is cheaper to produce than the 993, it's also cheaper to buy. The 996 has a clear and present performance advantage over the 993. It has 200 fewer pounds and a much better weight distribution. The chassis is stiffer and there's much more interior space. The 993 follows the romantic ideals and traditional values of the Porsche 911, by abandoning some of those traditions the 996 is certainly a superior car. Perhaps the 993 was the last true 911, but the 996 is better for it.

PS: A used 996 (98) is now more expensive than a used 993 (97).

If you have not owned both you just don't know. Have you? Honestly? E.O.D.

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