Assuming they all cost about the same, would you rather have a 993 turbo, 996 turbo, 996 GT3, or a new 997?

Question

They're all converging in the same price range right now, which makes for interesting comparisons. I have my own opinion on the subject, and my mechanic has given me his answer; but just for fun, how about you other P-car fans? The ultimate air-cooled monster Porsche (that refuses to depreciate)? The faster-than-you-need but still civilized 996TT, with its threat of high maintenance costs? The rough but rewarding, track-focused GT3? Or the thoroughly modern, depreciation-prone but still under warranty base 997 Carrera? Throw purchase price out the window... which would you want to own and why?

Answer 1

A group of cars that are going to appeal to different people for different reasons. Which someone takes probably says more about what they expect or their tastes than it does the car. So, with that said?

I'd go for the GT3. I've driven all of these cars with the exception of the 997. The GT3 is by far the funnest car to drive at the track, and easily the best handling and most confidence inspiring with it's crisp turn in and excellent road feel. It lacks the 996TT's instant all over torque, but for me, I find this to be a plus as it requires some thought and finesse to work the car and keep it in the power band (though it's still way more power than I have in the 911 I usually drive at the track... and still alot more comfortable and soft as well).

So, looking at it as any Porsche I own is going to see alot of it's miles at the track, the GT3 is the best choice. I will add though, if I was planning to have a car to use for a weekend toy or even a daily driver, I would probably lean towards the 996TT - modern, comfortable, AWD, and gobs of power to spare. It's biggest fault is that it lacks the stunning looks of the 993TT. Yet, as much as I love the 993's looks, it comes up short in the driving catagory compared to the newer version. Though a modern 997S would also be a tempting alternative, giving a return of some of those gorgeous 993 lines, and delivery alot of power without the potential problems of forced induction.

For me though, the bottom line is GT3. The "purest" of the modern breed in my eyes, and the most appealing.

Oh, and which engine do they use when they go racing? The same block that is in the 996TT and the GT3. This is the block that is derived from the 962 and GT1, and is used just in the Twin Turbo, GT2, and GT3 now. It is not the same block used in the other 996/986 cars. And while I personally love the charm of the older air cooled cars, there is no doubt that the newer engines have a lot more potential for power (though I do wish they had remained true dry sumps rather than the new "hybrid" design).

Answer 2

i personally would take the 993 turbo if you can find the one you want. I choose this because its the timeless and most traditional to the purists alas why its price is being held high up to now. my second choice would be the 997. To me the 996 is the most bland 911 of them all

Answer 3

I would get the 993TT because everyone and their mothers have 996's. The newer models are beautiful I admit, but around every corner in my area I see either a rising up business man in their 996's, or the people with money but no care as to what they drive, driving the "new hotness"

Answer 4

I think I'd go with the 993. I think the 996 engine is of inferior quality in every way, is more cheaply made and has persistent rear main seal issues.

When Porsche goes racing, which engine block do THEY use?

Exactly.......

Answer 5

As much as I'd like to say the GT3 for it's track goodies I have to go with the other guys with the 993tt. It's just more "911ish" ...I dunno- Since I'm dreaming how bout a 993C2 S with a 3.8 upgrade?