Keeper - Ferrari 456 or Porsche 993 Turbo?

[Penguinracer]

Do any current of former 456 owners wish to share their ownership experiences.As a keeper I'm tempted by the 456 & the 993 turbo - both very different, but appealing. I already have a car for the track - so this would be for road-only enjoyment. Any thoughts.

[911Thrasher]

a good 993turbo beats the 456 anytime...reliability, a lot quicker, amortization (if it's a good one it will appreciate - mine made 13k£ in one year! bought it and sold it w/ an extra 10kmiles and 13k£ in the pocket)

i ran my 993TT all over the place and every road/condition possible - check my track record here on PHead and the pictures (also on www.911uk.com) - trying to do the same w/ the 360M, but it is proving a lot more stressful and nerve wrecking

Edited by 911Thrasher on Thursday 28th October 15:34

[Big Raff]

My old man had a 456 MGTA (well i drove it much more than he did...25 y/o in the 456 was an awesome thing), and i will be honest it was absolutley gorgeous. TDF Blue with tan interior...and it was stunning...to look at! The drive was good, you sat in a place you wanted to be, the power delivery was strong, but lacked the ooomph and character you would associate with Ferraris. This may have been completely down to the gearbox choice...however it was relatively cheap to run, until something goes...the last service was close to £9k...

In the right home it would be a great runner, understated and drop dead gorgeous (especially from the back)

I have been a passenger in the 993 turbo, and i have thoroughly enjoyed it. It gives you more of a feeling that you are in a sports car...and probably a better everyday car

But which ever option you go for...pick a manual.

Just my very loose ended 2p

[456mgt]

This depends on whether you want sophistication & a bit of glamour, or aggression & B road hoonage. I ran a 456 (manual) for 10 years and it really is a lovely, lovely thing. It's an old school Bentley with a prancing horse on the front, and somehow the world is a far more agreeable place when seen from the inside of one of these cars. It's forte is creamy power delivery and class; it's not a B road hooner even though it does this surprisingly well. The reason I said goodbye to it in the end was that I just wasn't using it, and that's because as I've got older, I'm more in touch with my inner hooligan. So I now have a little 930 and it's a proper hooligans motor, a rorty, snorty little bd. I absolutely love it, but it would look a bit odd parked outside Harrods. The 993 turbo is basically the same IMO, classy & sophisticated it is not

[456GD]

The 456 will probably be better for long trips offering proper cabin space for a family of 4 and boot.
It is a large car but not as heavy as people think, (e.g. Compare with new 2+2 maserati, or new M3) while it is a v12, so pretty reasonable IMO.
If you aim for an early example remember that it is 15+ years old so even in a good example expect some bills but once sorted should be ok.

[rs48635]

Don't assume the 993 turbo will be "cheap to run" compared to the 456. Similarly a decent 456 need not ruin you, but there are few low priced components fitted to a V12 Ferrari.

Each 911 turbo model is so different to the same era N/A cars, as to be almost a new model. ALways updated engine, brakes and suspension (natch), but usually wider bodied and perhaps unique panels inside and out. Just check any website for prices on regular Vs Turbo spares.

That said they are both on my hit list for a keeper. I like to fettle my own cars, and was warned off the 993 turbo as home mechanic. Porsche introduced their multi-link rear end on this model. Many engine / gearbox / exhaust jobs disturb this setup.

Both are special, buy the one that makes you feel best

[JazzyO]

Very good post, rs!