Porsche 993 test drive?
Discussion
Thanks for the info. I understand the differences, but am not worried about getting one without varioram. I see a lot of Targas though. Is that more of a thing to worry about? Is the difference between a coupe and a targa significant in terms of road noise, handling etc?
P.s. I contacted porsche driving experience at silverdtone and they don't have a 993, only the latest. Anyone think of another place I can test drive one?
P.s. I contacted porsche driving experience at silverdtone and they don't have a 993, only the latest. Anyone think of another place I can test drive one?
The simpler the better for me. The cars that come up in the cheaper range tend to be targas. Like this one.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020071613...
It looks great, really like the black interior with the silver. Have no idea about the drive, but seems like i need to drive both a coupe and targa. Its all subjective though, as I presume a well setup targa would drive better than a badly setup coupe...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020071613...
It looks great, really like the black interior with the silver. Have no idea about the drive, but seems like i need to drive both a coupe and targa. Its all subjective though, as I presume a well setup targa would drive better than a badly setup coupe...
Thats part of the problem in being able to drive one, and know whether its something I want. I like the idea of it having its own charm, but like you say, can I lobe with it. I'm by no means a racer and would never track the car. I'd like to use it to tour around with the occasion trip to Europe when things improve. I remember trying to hire a 964 not so long ago, and the prices were coming back as £1200 for 2 days hire!
I'm in Hertfordshire, so the Scottish trip would be too far. Anyone know something closer?
I'm in Hertfordshire, so the Scottish trip would be too far. Anyone know something closer?
996Targa said:
Interestingly that's where the car i was looking at is. I think I may just have to bite the biscuit and go for a test drive to get a feel for them.Thanks for the comments, really useful. I've been pretty indifferent whether its a coupe or targa, but it brings forward important discussions about maintenance/issues hence my 'simpler statement earlier. Ideally I'd go for a coupe - not even a sunroof if I could help it. Aircon I would give a miss also and even have manual windows/seats 
pretty sure its not an option. Its all about the drive and sound. I've got to be able to use it as a GT and also take the little ones to school in the morning.
pretty sure its not an option. Its all about the drive and sound. I've got to be able to use it as a GT and also take the little ones to school in the morning. Orangecurry said:
Sunroof is not an issue - most have it. A/C you can strip out if you really want to save some weight, but pointless unless lightening everything else as well. Kids love being in the back.
That's sold it for me! Thanks for the picture Interestingly took a drive to Hatfield porsche today just to take a quick look in the flesh of some of their cars. A blue 964 RS in the window. My 6yr old agreed it was the best one by far.
It begs the question which has been raging with the two cars being compared. Anyone experienced both a 964 and 993, and gone with a particular one? I know its been done to death before, but something that's a consideration.
Slippydiff said:
Your 6 year old has impeccable taste !!
I've owned the RS versions of them, both are wonderful cars. The 993 was slightly more refined and easier to live with, but I still preferred the 964 ...
Can I ask why you prefer it? I hear this alot when the cars are compared. In terms of looks the 964 has it for me. I've owned the RS versions of them, both are wonderful cars. The 993 was slightly more refined and easier to live with, but I still preferred the 964 ...
gtsralph said:
Wow, even more rare...1 of 2! Fantastic car! Orangecurry said:
Two things should ye think about, Mr Jina, is that
1) any 23-31 year old car will drive and behave utterly on the suspension that it has today, and that such suspension can (and should) be tuned to your own specific requirements - as Wozzer said above, this will make or break your connection with either car.
Also, as I presume you are a newbie to 911s
2) the 964 has rear trailing arms, a somewhat older design that does tend to give more for the driver to do when pressing-on, whereas the 993 got the stillborn 989's rear multi-link setup, which by no means removes the fun of the car, but makes it more manageable when things get interesting. IMO.
(The different suspension is why the 993 narrow-bodied version is fatter in the rear wings than the 964 narrow-bodied version)
Think BMW E30 vs E36, if you have any experience of those cars.
Ah, interesting...you have me on two counts - I haven't a clue when it comes to 911's, and yes I have had a couple of BMs in my time. Admittedly I have not been a massive car person, but somehow have developed an itch for a car that I grew up with. The newer ones I understand are in a different league altogether, but its more than going around a corner faster. Comfort is a part of it now, and like you say setup is important.1) any 23-31 year old car will drive and behave utterly on the suspension that it has today, and that such suspension can (and should) be tuned to your own specific requirements - as Wozzer said above, this will make or break your connection with either car.
Also, as I presume you are a newbie to 911s
2) the 964 has rear trailing arms, a somewhat older design that does tend to give more for the driver to do when pressing-on, whereas the 993 got the stillborn 989's rear multi-link setup, which by no means removes the fun of the car, but makes it more manageable when things get interesting. IMO.
(The different suspension is why the 993 narrow-bodied version is fatter in the rear wings than the 964 narrow-bodied version)
Think BMW E30 vs E36, if you have any experience of those cars.
Edited by Orangecurry on Sunday 25th October 21:35
I have a feeling going on extended drives with each of these cars is going to be difficult in terms of finding someone who will hire them out. There is only so much setup that can be done
I'd like to think that it doesn't matter too much about the retained value (once of course its a keeper). I don't change my cars often.
The only thing I can compare it to was an old w reg Z3 I use to drive around in the day. Then I had a choice between that and a 911. Scared away of the prospect of driving an old porsche I went for the Z3. Regretted now, but there you go, but really enjoyed driving that thing. It was like sitting on the back axle and was so nimble. The straight six engine was really nice. Never had the radio on so I could listen to the engine. The steering gave a lot of feedback which was odd at first, but then you understand why.
The porsche I imagine to be like that, but enhanced to a whole new level.
The only thing I can compare it to was an old w reg Z3 I use to drive around in the day. Then I had a choice between that and a 911. Scared away of the prospect of driving an old porsche I went for the Z3. Regretted now, but there you go, but really enjoyed driving that thing. It was like sitting on the back axle and was so nimble. The straight six engine was really nice. Never had the radio on so I could listen to the engine. The steering gave a lot of feedback which was odd at first, but then you understand why.
The porsche I imagine to be like that, but enhanced to a whole new level.
BubblesNW said:
911 Virgin have a few in stock. I'm sure they would like the opportunity to let you try one if there was a potential sale there.
Thanks, will certainly take a look. I always wonder what they would think if I turned up and asked to drive one of their cars to see if I liked it not having driven one before 
Fat hippo said:
OP, I was in the same position back in 2007. Had an e36 M3 and wanted to get a 993. The more I read about them the more I became interested.
But I had some doubts as they were not any quicker than the M3, looked old fashioned and wasn’t sure if I could live with it.
Firstly, forget the performance, they are quick enough for UK roads. The decision is easier now as modern cars are getting too quick Tesla, C63 (mine included) have way more performance than you actually need).
I called up Paragon Porsche and arranged to test drive a 993 and 996 back to back one Sunday afternoon. Good examples of both cars and no pressure from them to buy. Very accommodating and cars presented very well.
I also went to have a look at a few including Shirley’s in the Midlands but couldn’t get comfortable with a deal.
Ended up getting one from Portiacraft - I was dithering and Harry made my mind up for me. Told me to get the one with the best service history he had in stock. Had several manual C2 coupes at the time. Didnt help that my dad said yep, we’ll take that one as well!
Anyway, not regretted it. They are unique. Forget 0-60 times and top speed, they are like a living breathing machine, the sound, smell, even now the size, they are unique and get under your skin.
I find with mine that you dont take it for a drive like my old M3 or current c63 even though these might be a lot more powerful. There are no driver aids, no TC and it is a relatively short wheelbase car. I find that I need to be in the right mood for driving it (partly because mine is kept in storage so is a faff to access). Its more physical - you steer with your arms rather than wrists. But you enjoy each journey more. As Nike say, just do it.
That's a great response, that's for that! I live a couple of miles away from Portiacraft so that's an easy journey for me. Harry i guess is the owner - I have taken a look at some of his cars in the past week or so. He's got a blue targa for sale at just below 40k. I'll tell him your story if I make it down at the weekend But I had some doubts as they were not any quicker than the M3, looked old fashioned and wasn’t sure if I could live with it.
Firstly, forget the performance, they are quick enough for UK roads. The decision is easier now as modern cars are getting too quick Tesla, C63 (mine included) have way more performance than you actually need).
I called up Paragon Porsche and arranged to test drive a 993 and 996 back to back one Sunday afternoon. Good examples of both cars and no pressure from them to buy. Very accommodating and cars presented very well.
I also went to have a look at a few including Shirley’s in the Midlands but couldn’t get comfortable with a deal.
Ended up getting one from Portiacraft - I was dithering and Harry made my mind up for me. Told me to get the one with the best service history he had in stock. Had several manual C2 coupes at the time. Didnt help that my dad said yep, we’ll take that one as well!
Anyway, not regretted it. They are unique. Forget 0-60 times and top speed, they are like a living breathing machine, the sound, smell, even now the size, they are unique and get under your skin.
I find with mine that you dont take it for a drive like my old M3 or current c63 even though these might be a lot more powerful. There are no driver aids, no TC and it is a relatively short wheelbase car. I find that I need to be in the right mood for driving it (partly because mine is kept in storage so is a faff to access). Its more physical - you steer with your arms rather than wrists. But you enjoy each journey more. As Nike say, just do it.
andylaight said:
Slight thread hijack
Has anyone bought a car from 911V and had a PPI carried out?
I know they appear to have a good reputation but admit I only know the basic things to look for on a 993
thanks
Is this the car per chance: http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/1227/993C4...Has anyone bought a car from 911V and had a PPI carried out?
I know they appear to have a good reputation but admit I only know the basic things to look for on a 993
thanks
Be interested to see how you get on, and the people you talk to.
Fat hippo said:
Ah yes, forgot about driving it in the throttle. Point was really that it is a more physical car to drive than modern cars.
Regarding your experience with the seller on a test drive, I had a similar experience when I went to the Porsche Experience Centre in Silverstone. Booked myself on the Evolution package where I got to drive a 3.2, 993 then 991 back to back. Did this after I bought my car to see what a 993 is like on track without risk if damaging mine.
At first I drove round the track with the instructor pointing out advice on braking and turning points and encouraging me to go faster. Then he showed me how it should be done. The guy knew how to drive and literally threw the 3.2 around and likewise the 993. I must have been driving like a learner. Everything you have read about, the rear bias, pendulum effect, traction out of corners, lift off oversteer etc was going through my mind as the guy literally flung it around from corner to corner the car rolling and taking advantage of the weight transfers to find grip out of the next corner. It was shocking but very effective and impressive. I think its worth getting yourself on a session with them to show you how to drive a 911.
I’ve done other courses like the AMG day at Brooklands when I got my C63 which was good, bit ultimately front engined rear wheel drive cars all feel similar whereas you need a knowledgeable instructor to show you what a 911 is capable of.
That does remind me when I went on a rally course with an old mk2 escort. It was probably my best time in a car. By the end we were doing continuous figure of eights, controlling the car with the way the weight was being thrown about...Great control. Then you get taken around the course by the instruction...special!Regarding your experience with the seller on a test drive, I had a similar experience when I went to the Porsche Experience Centre in Silverstone. Booked myself on the Evolution package where I got to drive a 3.2, 993 then 991 back to back. Did this after I bought my car to see what a 993 is like on track without risk if damaging mine.
At first I drove round the track with the instructor pointing out advice on braking and turning points and encouraging me to go faster. Then he showed me how it should be done. The guy knew how to drive and literally threw the 3.2 around and likewise the 993. I must have been driving like a learner. Everything you have read about, the rear bias, pendulum effect, traction out of corners, lift off oversteer etc was going through my mind as the guy literally flung it around from corner to corner the car rolling and taking advantage of the weight transfers to find grip out of the next corner. It was shocking but very effective and impressive. I think its worth getting yourself on a session with them to show you how to drive a 911.
I’ve done other courses like the AMG day at Brooklands when I got my C63 which was good, bit ultimately front engined rear wheel drive cars all feel similar whereas you need a knowledgeable instructor to show you what a 911 is capable of.
Gassing Station | Porsche Classics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff