993 vs Boxster S vs 3.4 996
Discussion
I dont want to get into the 993 vs 996 debate. Its been done to death - both good cars in my opinion and i still think the 993 is the prettiest porsche ever made, I just prefer the 996 as a package.
So to answer the original question: Id say 996, as ive already done the roadster drop top thing and i wanted the car id had as a poster on my wall as a kid. However if you are entertaining the idea of a drop top id seriously consider the Boxster. Ultimately test drive a decent example of each and see which suits your driving style, and you feel "at home" in.
Neither are bad cars IMHO, so you arent likely to be dissapointed by either.
R.
So to answer the original question: Id say 996, as ive already done the roadster drop top thing and i wanted the car id had as a poster on my wall as a kid. However if you are entertaining the idea of a drop top id seriously consider the Boxster. Ultimately test drive a decent example of each and see which suits your driving style, and you feel "at home" in.
Neither are bad cars IMHO, so you arent likely to be dissapointed by either.
R.
I would defenitly opt for the 996, I recently purchased a 996, i test drove all the above that u fancied and for practicality, reliablity, fuel consumption, speed, and comfort, I opted for the 996. It will probably feel slower than you scubby, but when they designed the 996, it was designed to feel slower than the speed you are travelling, I would give them 10/10 for that, they accomplised that feel......
I must be honest with you the one that has been posted on this topic, looks nice, would be worth a trip out to visit it and have a drive of it..............
I must be honest with you the one that has been posted on this topic, looks nice, would be worth a trip out to visit it and have a drive of it..............
woogie said:
ballcock said:
You 993 guys are sooooo tetchy ..
The 993 is a fabulous car .. Now relax ..
And when you lot get over yourselves , there'll always be a couple of well sorted 996's for sale , why you might even get one of those all hallowed warrantied items
freeshavingkitforevery993ownermovigUPto996
The 993 is a fabulous car .. Now relax ..
And when you lot get over yourselves , there'll always be a couple of well sorted 996's for sale , why you might even get one of those all hallowed warrantied items
freeshavingkitforevery993ownermovigUPto996
I agree it was a fabulous car 10 years ago
Dont be
!!! Why are they worth more then?
ryan_s3 said:
Hi guys,
Seems like i have opened pandoras box on this one!Again thanks for all the helpful comments and info. I think i can safetly eliminate the boxster as a soft-top is not a must for me. I think i'll test drive 993 and 996 and see which i prefer.
Seems like i have opened pandoras box on this one!Again thanks for all the helpful comments and info. I think i can safetly eliminate the boxster as a soft-top is not a must for me. I think i'll test drive 993 and 996 and see which i prefer.
Its the only way mate!
enjoy both good cars, afterall there Bloody Porkers.
Ed
ryan_s3 said:
Hi guys,
Seems like i have opened pandoras box on this one!Again thanks for all the helpful comments and info. I think i can safetly eliminate the boxster as a soft-top is not a must for me. I think i'll test drive 993 and 996 and see which i prefer.
Seems like i have opened pandoras box on this one!Again thanks for all the helpful comments and info. I think i can safetly eliminate the boxster as a soft-top is not a must for me. I think i'll test drive 993 and 996 and see which i prefer.
I think you've discounted the Box S because you've not had much feedback about it. Forget the stereotypical view that it's just a rag top for posing in. Those of us who drive them every day know that they are a serious driver's cars. The more neutral handling allows you to push harder on the twisty bits (but you can still get the back out
) and they won't be far behind an old 996 (all you can afford in your budget) on the straights. You'll get a Box S that is 3 years younger than a 996 and much younger than a 993 . Give one a test drive
Ive just purchased a 996 c4 CAB...pre-facelift,80k on the clock and excuse the pun, but its as tight as a knats chuff!! a completely different driving experience to the boxster, having owned
two previously, firstly a 2.7 then a 3.2 S both of which were incredible cars, but the 996 is just in another league!!, IMHO if value for money is also one of your buying considerations you
cannot go wrong with a 996, a true supercar for Boxster money and remember buy on condition everytime and dont let the mileage scare you off.
two previously, firstly a 2.7 then a 3.2 S both of which were incredible cars, but the 996 is just in another league!!, IMHO if value for money is also one of your buying considerations you
cannot go wrong with a 996, a true supercar for Boxster money and remember buy on condition everytime and dont let the mileage scare you off.
Well, I am a new member here, and just today I test drove both a 993 1996 year model in the morning (this one:
www.autoscout24.at/aut/detail.asp?ts=6860743&id=hujszs4rqh2 ) and a brand new 2006 Bosxter S 280bhp (from the dealer, I was alone for 50 minutes, autobahn and city) and I could write a book about my experience, and the differences between the two. I'll try to be brief because my girlfriend has been patient enough for me to read this whole thread
- I must say the Boxster is definitely a fabulous car, but sitting in the 911 old body and closing the door is by itself an experience. Am I wrong, or is the 911 cockpit carved in a one big piece of steel?
- At high speeds, both cars are scaringly powerful and characterful, but at slow speeds.... this is the difference. Every single gear change and move in the 993 whatever the speed, reminds you that this a special car, whereas the boxster, in traffic, doesn't feel more special than expected (which is granted, already fabulous). I'm not afraid to say that the Boxster is theh "softer" one whereas the 993 is basically slightly harder to operate, and more envolving, it has race car and race history written all over it. All that is nothing new. I understand the fact that the new cars are softer. Somehow I suspect a 996 or 997 feels more like a boxster than a 993 (can anyone confirm?). New cars are softer. A 1994 Ferrari also must feel more nevolving than the Enzo itself (or even the Veyron).
- Another difference: the 993 sounds special even without stepping, and when stepping on it, it inflicts a sound slightly more addictive than the boxster's, whereas the boxster's awesome sound is only there when you put your foot completely down. And what they say in magazines is also true: the water cooled flat six sounds different from the first second you hear it.
- Finally the chassis shell of the 993 feels as stiff as a pantzer, a race car with a cage, whereas the boxster, I found, wasn't as stiff-feeling.
- Related to modern cars again: the test car from the dealership with 2000km on it has the passenger seat rattling on bumps. I found myself slamming on that seat to make it shut up, and couldn't believe it rattled. The 993 has its small rattles too (at the back), but still feels like it was carved in stone, which makes it more enjoyable.
Therefore I think the 993 is the more enjoyable car! However I am in the same dilemna, and where will I find a 993 that has low miles, didn't have accidents, and is in excellent shape without hidden problems?
The 993 I tested today hit a deer 2 years ago, and had its owner install a Carrera S front spoiler. I asked the owner whether the fixing bill/parts is traceable and he said no But then if he wanted to hide this, why would he tell me that it was hit by a dear? Anyway I noticed that it pulls to the right, almost always, and I'm definitely not spending all my money on a car that has a question mark on its front wheels! But then, I did notice that the Boxster pulls too, it's a Porsche thing I guess. The only difference is that the Boxster pulls in either directions, and not only to the right. The dealer told me that the Boxster I drove is brand new, and that the wide wheels sometimes cause this. I would like to test drive the 993 again and make sure that it pulls in both directions, not always right, because this might have been a coincidence (and a wrong impression).
So that is my story! I am addicted to the 993, but the Boxster is a better daily tool for sure. Here's why: when I wanted to start the 993, it's owner thought that I already tried, and he said: 'its not working? ok look at this light, and we must now press... ' and as he was about to continue I interrupted him and said 'i havent tried yet', and he said ok forget it. But he already had a set of steps to do in the case that it doesn't start which doesn't sound too encouraging to me!
Where to find a clean 993? I am comparing to a new Bosxter S because I could purchase one at an advantageous price (no tax), therefore bringing a zero-mileage car awfully close to a 80 or 90K one...
And that's all, thanks for reading!!!
Kay
www.autoscout24.at/aut/detail.asp?ts=6860743&id=hujszs4rqh2 ) and a brand new 2006 Bosxter S 280bhp (from the dealer, I was alone for 50 minutes, autobahn and city) and I could write a book about my experience, and the differences between the two. I'll try to be brief because my girlfriend has been patient enough for me to read this whole thread
- I must say the Boxster is definitely a fabulous car, but sitting in the 911 old body and closing the door is by itself an experience. Am I wrong, or is the 911 cockpit carved in a one big piece of steel?
- At high speeds, both cars are scaringly powerful and characterful, but at slow speeds.... this is the difference. Every single gear change and move in the 993 whatever the speed, reminds you that this a special car, whereas the boxster, in traffic, doesn't feel more special than expected (which is granted, already fabulous). I'm not afraid to say that the Boxster is theh "softer" one whereas the 993 is basically slightly harder to operate, and more envolving, it has race car and race history written all over it. All that is nothing new. I understand the fact that the new cars are softer. Somehow I suspect a 996 or 997 feels more like a boxster than a 993 (can anyone confirm?). New cars are softer. A 1994 Ferrari also must feel more nevolving than the Enzo itself (or even the Veyron).
- Another difference: the 993 sounds special even without stepping, and when stepping on it, it inflicts a sound slightly more addictive than the boxster's, whereas the boxster's awesome sound is only there when you put your foot completely down. And what they say in magazines is also true: the water cooled flat six sounds different from the first second you hear it.
- Finally the chassis shell of the 993 feels as stiff as a pantzer, a race car with a cage, whereas the boxster, I found, wasn't as stiff-feeling.
- Related to modern cars again: the test car from the dealership with 2000km on it has the passenger seat rattling on bumps. I found myself slamming on that seat to make it shut up, and couldn't believe it rattled. The 993 has its small rattles too (at the back), but still feels like it was carved in stone, which makes it more enjoyable.
Therefore I think the 993 is the more enjoyable car! However I am in the same dilemna, and where will I find a 993 that has low miles, didn't have accidents, and is in excellent shape without hidden problems?
The 993 I tested today hit a deer 2 years ago, and had its owner install a Carrera S front spoiler. I asked the owner whether the fixing bill/parts is traceable and he said no
But then if he wanted to hide this, why would he tell me that it was hit by a dear? Anyway I noticed that it pulls to the right, almost always, and I'm definitely not spending all my money on a car that has a question mark on its front wheels! But then, I did notice that the Boxster pulls too, it's a Porsche thing I guess. The only difference is that the Boxster pulls in either directions, and not only to the right. The dealer told me that the Boxster I drove is brand new, and that the wide wheels sometimes cause this. I would like to test drive the 993 again and make sure that it pulls in both directions, not always right, because this might have been a coincidence (and a wrong impression). So that is my story! I am addicted to the 993, but the Boxster is a better daily tool for sure. Here's why: when I wanted to start the 993, it's owner thought that I already tried, and he said: 'its not working? ok look at this light, and we must now press... ' and as he was about to continue I interrupted him and said 'i havent tried yet', and he said ok forget it. But he already had a set of steps to do in the case that it doesn't start which doesn't sound too encouraging to me!
Where to find a clean 993? I am comparing to a new Bosxter S because I could purchase one at an advantageous price (no tax), therefore bringing a zero-mileage car awfully close to a 80 or 90K one...
And that's all, thanks for reading!!!
Kay
Edited by tonikaram on Tuesday 24th October 19:37
tonikaram said:
Well, I am a new member here, and just today I test drove both a 993 1996 year model in the morning (this one:
www.autoscout24.at/aut/detail.asp?ts=6860743&id=hujszs4rqh2 ) and a brand new 2006 Bosxter S 280bhp (from the dealer, I was alone for 50 minutes, autobahn and city) and I could write a book about my experience, and the differences between the two. I'll try to be brief because my girlfriend has been patient enough for me to read this whole thread
- I must say the Boxster is definitely a fabulous car, but sitting in the 911 old body and closing the door is by itself an experience. Am I wrong, or is the 911 cockpit carved in a one big piece of steel?
- At high speeds, both cars are scaringly powerful and characterful, but at slow speeds.... this is the difference. Every single gear change and move in the 993 whatever the speed, reminds you that this a special car, whereas the boxster, in traffic, doesn't feel more special than expected (which is granted, already fabulous). I'm not afraid to say that the Boxster is theh "softer" one whereas the 993 is basically slightly harder to operate, and more envolving, it has race car and race history written all over it. All that is nothing new. I understand the fact that the new cars are softer. Somehow I suspect a 996 or 997 feels more like a boxster than a 993 (can anyone confirm?). New cars are softer. A 1994 Ferrari also must feel more nevolving than the Enzo itself (or even the Veyron).
- Another difference: the 993 sounds special even without stepping, and when stepping on it, it inflicts a sound slightly more addictive than the boxster's, whereas the boxster's awesome sound is only there when you put your foot completely down. And what they say in magazines is also true: the water cooled flat six sounds different from the first second you hear it.
- Finally the chassis shell of the 993 feels as stiff as a pantzer, a race car with a cage, whereas the boxster, I found, wasn't as stiff-feeling.
- Related to modern cars again: the test car from the dealership with 2000km on it has the passenger seat rattling on bumps. I found myself slamming on that seat to make it shut up, and couldn't believe it rattled. The 993 has its small rattles too (at the back), but still feels like it was carved in stone, which makes it more enjoyable.
Therefore I think the 993 is the more enjoyable car! However I am in the same dilemna, and where will I find a 993 that has low miles, didn't have accidents, and is in excellent shape without hidden problems?
The 993 I tested today hit a deer 2 years ago, and had its owner install a Carrera S front spoiler. I asked the owner whether the fixing bill/parts is traceable and he said no But then if he wanted to hide this, why would he tell me that it was hit by a dear? Anyway I noticed that it pulls to the right, almost always, and I'm definitely not spending all my money on a car that has a question mark on its front wheels! But then, I did notice that the Boxster pulls too, it's a Porsche thing I guess. The only difference is that the Boxster pulls in either directions, and not only to the right. The dealer told me that the Boxster I drove is brand new, and that the wide wheels sometimes cause this. I would like to test drive the 993 again and make sure that it pulls in both directions, not always right, because this might have been a coincidence (and a wrong impression).
So that is my story! I am addicted to the 993, but the Boxster is a better daily tool for sure. Here's why: when I wanted to start the 993, it's owner thought that I already tried, and he said: 'its not working? ok look at this light, and we must now press... ' and as he was about to continue I interrupted him and said 'i havent tried yet', and he said ok forget it. But he already had a set of steps to do in the case that it doesn't start which doesn't sound too encouraging to me!
Where to find a clean 993? I am comparing to a new Bosxter S because I could purchase one at an advantageous price (no tax), therefore bringing a zero-mileage car awfully close to a 80 or 90K one...
And that's all, thanks for reading!!!
Kay
www.autoscout24.at/aut/detail.asp?ts=6860743&id=hujszs4rqh2 ) and a brand new 2006 Bosxter S 280bhp (from the dealer, I was alone for 50 minutes, autobahn and city) and I could write a book about my experience, and the differences between the two. I'll try to be brief because my girlfriend has been patient enough for me to read this whole thread
- I must say the Boxster is definitely a fabulous car, but sitting in the 911 old body and closing the door is by itself an experience. Am I wrong, or is the 911 cockpit carved in a one big piece of steel?
- At high speeds, both cars are scaringly powerful and characterful, but at slow speeds.... this is the difference. Every single gear change and move in the 993 whatever the speed, reminds you that this a special car, whereas the boxster, in traffic, doesn't feel more special than expected (which is granted, already fabulous). I'm not afraid to say that the Boxster is theh "softer" one whereas the 993 is basically slightly harder to operate, and more envolving, it has race car and race history written all over it. All that is nothing new. I understand the fact that the new cars are softer. Somehow I suspect a 996 or 997 feels more like a boxster than a 993 (can anyone confirm?). New cars are softer. A 1994 Ferrari also must feel more nevolving than the Enzo itself (or even the Veyron).
- Another difference: the 993 sounds special even without stepping, and when stepping on it, it inflicts a sound slightly more addictive than the boxster's, whereas the boxster's awesome sound is only there when you put your foot completely down. And what they say in magazines is also true: the water cooled flat six sounds different from the first second you hear it.
- Finally the chassis shell of the 993 feels as stiff as a pantzer, a race car with a cage, whereas the boxster, I found, wasn't as stiff-feeling.
- Related to modern cars again: the test car from the dealership with 2000km on it has the passenger seat rattling on bumps. I found myself slamming on that seat to make it shut up, and couldn't believe it rattled. The 993 has its small rattles too (at the back), but still feels like it was carved in stone, which makes it more enjoyable.
Therefore I think the 993 is the more enjoyable car! However I am in the same dilemna, and where will I find a 993 that has low miles, didn't have accidents, and is in excellent shape without hidden problems?
The 993 I tested today hit a deer 2 years ago, and had its owner install a Carrera S front spoiler. I asked the owner whether the fixing bill/parts is traceable and he said no
But then if he wanted to hide this, why would he tell me that it was hit by a dear? Anyway I noticed that it pulls to the right, almost always, and I'm definitely not spending all my money on a car that has a question mark on its front wheels! But then, I did notice that the Boxster pulls too, it's a Porsche thing I guess. The only difference is that the Boxster pulls in either directions, and not only to the right. The dealer told me that the Boxster I drove is brand new, and that the wide wheels sometimes cause this. I would like to test drive the 993 again and make sure that it pulls in both directions, not always right, because this might have been a coincidence (and a wrong impression). So that is my story! I am addicted to the 993, but the Boxster is a better daily tool for sure. Here's why: when I wanted to start the 993, it's owner thought that I already tried, and he said: 'its not working? ok look at this light, and we must now press... ' and as he was about to continue I interrupted him and said 'i havent tried yet', and he said ok forget it. But he already had a set of steps to do in the case that it doesn't start which doesn't sound too encouraging to me!
Where to find a clean 993? I am comparing to a new Bosxter S because I could purchase one at an advantageous price (no tax), therefore bringing a zero-mileage car awfully close to a 80 or 90K one...
And that's all, thanks for reading!!!
Kay
Edited by tonikaram on Tuesday 24th October 19:37
hey Kay, thanks for the detailed write up of your experiences. I owned a Boxster S but it was a 2000 model. That was a great car. However, I drove a number of 993s some of which were turbos. I decided to sell the Boxtser and by the 993. That was 3 years ago and I have no regrets. The dashboard has a metal frame which gives it that solid feel you experienced. It's the last of the mostly hand made Porsches.
Anyway, try some more 993's first. Because of their age, each one might feel different, maybe also due to the wheel alignment to which the 993 is very sensitive. It might explian the pulling to the right. This is a 200 euro job to correct, so not too expensive!
Anyway, you live in a lovely country. I lived there for some years an each year I take my car over the Grossklockner pass
Edited by silver993tt on Tuesday 24th October 20:04
Hey Silver993tt,
Thanks I think so too and can't wait to drive around once I finally settle on the model I get!
Regarding the wheel alignment, I once hit a curb with a BMW I had and wheel alignment was never recovered no matter how I tried (and a deer, in the case of this Porsche, is quite a big animal!). I have a bad history with that problem. I think that having to counter the force with my hand ln the steering wheel takes away my attention and ruins the pleasure of accelerating...
Kay
Thanks I think so too and can't wait to drive around once I finally settle on the model I get!
Regarding the wheel alignment, I once hit a curb with a BMW I had and wheel alignment was never recovered no matter how I tried (and a deer, in the case of this Porsche, is quite a big animal!). I have a bad history with that problem. I think that having to counter the force with my hand ln the steering wheel takes away my attention and ruins the pleasure of accelerating...
Kay
ED965 said:
993 all day.
More reliable than a 3.4 996
More reliable than a 3.4 996
Internet Bs
996 will do 0-100 in 11 seconds.
Test
Testing Date 5/2004 1/1998
Defects during Test keine. -
Temperature (Air) 22 Degree Celsius - Degree Celsius
Temperature (Asphalt) 17 Degree Celsius - Degree Celsius
Air Pressure 1024 mbar - mbar
The Car
Type Subaru
Impreza WRX STi Porsche
911 Carrera (996)
Base Price € 38280 € 69161
Manufacturer Subaru Deutschland GmbH
Mielestrasse 6
D-61169 Friedberg
Japan Dr. Ing. h.c. F.Porsche AG
Porschestrasse 42
70435 Stuttgart
Deutschland
Manufacturer Website www.subaru.com www.porsche.com
Engine
Displacement 1994 cccm 3387 cccm
Cylinders 4 6
Valves 16 24
Supercharger 1 -
Bore x Stroke 92 x 75 mm 96 x 78 mm
Compression Ratio 8:1 11,3:1
Power 265 PS (195 KW) @ 6000/min 300 PS (221 KW) @ 6800/min
Torque 343 Nm @ 4000/min 350 Nm @ 4600/min
Bhp / Liter 132,9 PS / L 85,6 PS / L
Transmission
Transmission Type 0 0
Number of Gears 6 6
Power Transmission 2 0
Gear Ratio 3,55 3,44
Chassis / Body
Length 4415 mm 4430 mm
Width 1740 mm 1765 mm
Height 1440 mm 1305 mm
Wheel Base 2525 mm 0 mm
Tank Volume 60 L 64 L
Weight 1487 Kg 1399 Kg
Weight Distribution Kg 877 Kg / 610 Kg 0 Kg / 0 Kg
Weight Distribution % 59%/41% 0%/0%
Weight / Bhp 5,6 Kg / PS 4,7 Kg / PS
Wheels/ Tires
Wheels (Front/Rear) 7,5" / 7,5" 7,5" / 10"
Tires Bridgestone Potenza RE 070 Pirelli
P Zero
Dimension Front 225/45/17 225/40/18
Dimension Rear 225/45/17 265/35/18
Nuerburgring
Round time 8.24 min 8.17 min
Schwedenkreuz 220 Km/h 229 Km/h
Aremberg 96 Km/h (1,2g) 99 Km/h (1g)
Fuchsroehre 217 Km/h 218 Km/h
Metzgesfeld 151 Km/h 189 Km/h
Bergwerk 101 Km/h (1,2g) 101 Km/h (1,1g)
Kesselchen 196 Km/h 216 Km/h
Klostertal 1 154 Km/h (0,95g) 176 Km/h (1,2g)
Klostertal 2 84 Km/h (1,1g) 90 Km/h (1,1g)
Pflanzgarten 173 Km/h (0g) 171 Km/h (1,1g)
Galgenkopf 131 Km/h (1g) 140 Km/h (1,2g)
Doettinger Hoehe 232 Km/h 249 Km/h
Hockenheim
Round time 1.17,9 min 1.15,9 min
Nordkurve 119 Km/h (1,05g) 120 Km/h (1,1g)
Ausg. Querspange 81 Km/h (1g) 84 Km/h (1,17g)
Sachskurve 80 Km/h (1,1g) 86 Km/h (1,2g)
Opelkurve 104 Km/h (1,05g) 103 Km/h (1g)
Goal Straight Line 169 Km/h 182 Km/h
Max. Delay* 10,5 ms/2 11,1 ms/2
*Ameisenkurve
Acceleration
0 - 40 Km/h 1,4 s 1,4 s
0 - 60 Km/h 2,3 s 2,3 s
0 - 80 Km/h 3,9 s 3,5 s
0 - 100 Km/h 5,9 s 4,9 s
0 - 120 Km/h 8 s 6,8 s
0 - 140 Km/h 11 s 8,8 s
0 - 160 Km/h 14,2 s 11 s
0 - 180 Km/h 19,6 s 14,2 s
0 - 200 Km/h 25,9 s 17,9 s
Top Speed 244 Km/h 280 Km/h
Elasticity (4./5./6.)
Edited by bumcrack on Tuesday 24th October 22:34
tonikaram said:
Well, I am a new member here, and just today I test drove both a 993 1996 year model in the morning (this one:
www.autoscout24.at/aut/detail.asp?ts=6860743&id=hujszs4rqh2 ) and a brand new 2006 Bosxter S 280bhp (from the dealer, I was alone for 50 minutes, autobahn and city) and I could write a book about my experience, and the differences between the two. I'll try to be brief because my girlfriend has been patient enough for me to read this whole thread
- I must say the Boxster is definitely a fabulous car, but sitting in the 911 old body and closing the door is by itself an experience. Am I wrong, or is the 911 cockpit carved in a one big piece of steel?
- At high speeds, both cars are scaringly powerful and characterful, but at slow speeds.... this is the difference. Every single gear change and move in the 993 whatever the speed, reminds you that this a special car, whereas the boxster, in traffic, doesn't feel more special than expected (which is granted, already fabulous). I'm not afraid to say that the Boxster is theh "softer" one whereas the 993 is basically slightly harder to operate, and more envolving, it has race car and race history written all over it. All that is nothing new. I understand the fact that the new cars are softer. Somehow I suspect a 996 or 997 feels more like a boxster than a 993 (can anyone confirm?). New cars are softer. A 1994 Ferrari also must feel more nevolving than the Enzo itself (or even the Veyron).
- Another difference: the 993 sounds special even without stepping, and when stepping on it, it inflicts a sound slightly more addictive than the boxster's, whereas the boxster's awesome sound is only there when you put your foot completely down. And what they say in magazines is also true: the water cooled flat six sounds different from the first second you hear it.
- Finally the chassis shell of the 993 feels as stiff as a pantzer, a race car with a cage, whereas the boxster, I found, wasn't as stiff-feeling.
- Related to modern cars again: the test car from the dealership with 2000km on it has the passenger seat rattling on bumps. I found myself slamming on that seat to make it shut up, and couldn't believe it rattled. The 993 has its small rattles too (at the back), but still feels like it was carved in stone, which makes it more enjoyable.
Therefore I think the 993 is the more enjoyable car! However I am in the same dilemna, and where will I find a 993 that has low miles, didn't have accidents, and is in excellent shape without hidden problems?
The 993 I tested today hit a deer 2 years ago, and had its owner install a Carrera S front spoiler. I asked the owner whether the fixing bill/parts is traceable and he said no But then if he wanted to hide this, why would he tell me that it was hit by a dear? Anyway I noticed that it pulls to the right, almost always, and I'm definitely not spending all my money on a car that has a question mark on its front wheels! But then, I did notice that the Boxster pulls too, it's a Porsche thing I guess. The only difference is that the Boxster pulls in either directions, and not only to the right. The dealer told me that the Boxster I drove is brand new, and that the wide wheels sometimes cause this. I would like to test drive the 993 again and make sure that it pulls in both directions, not always right, because this might have been a coincidence (and a wrong impression).
So that is my story! I am addicted to the 993, but the Boxster is a better daily tool for sure. Here's why: when I wanted to start the 993, it's owner thought that I already tried, and he said: 'its not working? ok look at this light, and we must now press... ' and as he was about to continue I interrupted him and said 'i havent tried yet', and he said ok forget it. But he already had a set of steps to do in the case that it doesn't start which doesn't sound too encouraging to me!
Where to find a clean 993? I am comparing to a new Bosxter S because I could purchase one at an advantageous price (no tax), therefore bringing a zero-mileage car awfully close to a 80 or 90K one...
And that's all, thanks for reading!!!
Kay
www.autoscout24.at/aut/detail.asp?ts=6860743&id=hujszs4rqh2 ) and a brand new 2006 Bosxter S 280bhp (from the dealer, I was alone for 50 minutes, autobahn and city) and I could write a book about my experience, and the differences between the two. I'll try to be brief because my girlfriend has been patient enough for me to read this whole thread
- I must say the Boxster is definitely a fabulous car, but sitting in the 911 old body and closing the door is by itself an experience. Am I wrong, or is the 911 cockpit carved in a one big piece of steel?
- At high speeds, both cars are scaringly powerful and characterful, but at slow speeds.... this is the difference. Every single gear change and move in the 993 whatever the speed, reminds you that this a special car, whereas the boxster, in traffic, doesn't feel more special than expected (which is granted, already fabulous). I'm not afraid to say that the Boxster is theh "softer" one whereas the 993 is basically slightly harder to operate, and more envolving, it has race car and race history written all over it. All that is nothing new. I understand the fact that the new cars are softer. Somehow I suspect a 996 or 997 feels more like a boxster than a 993 (can anyone confirm?). New cars are softer. A 1994 Ferrari also must feel more nevolving than the Enzo itself (or even the Veyron).
- Another difference: the 993 sounds special even without stepping, and when stepping on it, it inflicts a sound slightly more addictive than the boxster's, whereas the boxster's awesome sound is only there when you put your foot completely down. And what they say in magazines is also true: the water cooled flat six sounds different from the first second you hear it.
- Finally the chassis shell of the 993 feels as stiff as a pantzer, a race car with a cage, whereas the boxster, I found, wasn't as stiff-feeling.
- Related to modern cars again: the test car from the dealership with 2000km on it has the passenger seat rattling on bumps. I found myself slamming on that seat to make it shut up, and couldn't believe it rattled. The 993 has its small rattles too (at the back), but still feels like it was carved in stone, which makes it more enjoyable.
Therefore I think the 993 is the more enjoyable car! However I am in the same dilemna, and where will I find a 993 that has low miles, didn't have accidents, and is in excellent shape without hidden problems?
The 993 I tested today hit a deer 2 years ago, and had its owner install a Carrera S front spoiler. I asked the owner whether the fixing bill/parts is traceable and he said no
But then if he wanted to hide this, why would he tell me that it was hit by a dear? Anyway I noticed that it pulls to the right, almost always, and I'm definitely not spending all my money on a car that has a question mark on its front wheels! But then, I did notice that the Boxster pulls too, it's a Porsche thing I guess. The only difference is that the Boxster pulls in either directions, and not only to the right. The dealer told me that the Boxster I drove is brand new, and that the wide wheels sometimes cause this. I would like to test drive the 993 again and make sure that it pulls in both directions, not always right, because this might have been a coincidence (and a wrong impression). So that is my story! I am addicted to the 993, but the Boxster is a better daily tool for sure. Here's why: when I wanted to start the 993, it's owner thought that I already tried, and he said: 'its not working? ok look at this light, and we must now press... ' and as he was about to continue I interrupted him and said 'i havent tried yet', and he said ok forget it. But he already had a set of steps to do in the case that it doesn't start which doesn't sound too encouraging to me!
Where to find a clean 993? I am comparing to a new Bosxter S because I could purchase one at an advantageous price (no tax), therefore bringing a zero-mileage car awfully close to a 80 or 90K one...
And that's all, thanks for reading!!!
Kay
Edited by tonikaram on Tuesday 24th October 19:37
A good write up, you have captured just why I like the 993 so much.
With regard to the "pulling to one side"; it may well be the tracking and I would always expect a seller not to present a car for sale with the tracking out, it makes it difficult to judge the car. Perhaps suggest they get the tracking done and then re-test to see if it's made any difference. Hitting a deer (how big I wonder) may cause quite some damage.
I also enjoyed the write-up above and it provoked some thoughts to myself about when I'm ready to move on that I might just spend a few minutes considering a 993 before buying a 996. 
Regarding the cars pulling to the right during your test drives. A correctly aligned car will always slightly pull in the direction of the camber of the road (especially with bigger tyres). So it's to the right for you and to the left for us. I don't think you were seeing anything too unusual if it was only a slight pull.
Regarding the cars pulling to the right during your test drives. A correctly aligned car will always slightly pull in the direction of the camber of the road (especially with bigger tyres). So it's to the right for you and to the left for us. I don't think you were seeing anything too unusual if it was only a slight pull.
woogie said:
ryan_s3 said:
Thanks for the replies guys,Sounds like they all have there benefits,993;resale value/rawness 996;handling(it's a 911!) boxster;open top/neutral handling.
I'm leaning towards the 996 3.4 at the moment. Perhaps i could learn something from the people who have these cars ,i see alot of people you have had a 3.4 now have a turbo.What about 993/boxster s owners?
Also do you suggest getting a 996 with a sports pack?c2/c4?
I've heard there were some seal problems with the early 3.4's but surely with cars with 50/60k on these niggles have been rectified?
thanks you have all been very helpful.
I'm leaning towards the 996 3.4 at the moment. Perhaps i could learn something from the people who have these cars ,i see alot of people you have had a 3.4 now have a turbo.What about 993/boxster s owners?
Also do you suggest getting a 996 with a sports pack?c2/c4?
I've heard there were some seal problems with the early 3.4's but surely with cars with 50/60k on these niggles have been rectified?
thanks you have all been very helpful.
Ryan if you live near me I will take you for a spin in a 996 3.4 c2. south west. PM if you live near. Boxsters are good too but the stigma about them put me off, as for 993's!!!! don't make me laugh
993's are so funny!.........but going up in price, strange that, wonder why 996's are so cheap? obviously not much demand or Porsche made to many. www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?act=module&module=gallery&cmd=si&img=345022
993's are so funny!.........but going up in price, strange that, wonder why 996's are so cheap? obviously not much demand or Porsche made to many. They made many more 996's than 993's so that may be the reason 993's hold there price, I just didn't want to buy a 10 year old car. You pays your money as they say. Also 993's look very dated to me but it's just an opinion and everyone has one on this board !!!
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