What's your preference air cooled or water cooled 911's?

Question

Since 1999 Porsche 911 incl turbo have swicth to watercooling vice air cooling.

Answer 1

The watercooled Porsches are much more refined and with the 996 came a big step in redesign for the 911 from engine to interior. Technologically it just didn't make sense to continue with a non-water cooled motor. The only reason they were non-water cooled to start with was due to the cold temperatures in Germany in Porsches early beginnings and they were concerned about the block freezing. They were also able to keep it cool enough during the summer as Germany doesn't get as hot as the southern countries.

There are many Porsche fans that claim the 993 was the last true 911 because it was the last water cooled but the advances Porsche has made since has quieted them all down. Take a look at the 997, Carrera GT and even the RS Spyder.

It all boils down to a personal preference. I like them both not because they are air cooled or water cooled but because the 911 has come in many flavors over the years and I like those cars for what they were not how much water was in the engine.

By the way, the 996 Turbo didn't come out until a few years later, not 1999.

Answer 2

My preference? Or which is better? As a generalization, I prefer the older air cooled Porsches as they are in so many ways the definition of what is Porsche. They have a certain character and uniqueness... and (the earlier examples especially) are challenging cars to drive; but also extremely rewarding. These cars were also hand built and have quite a few engineering features not found on the newer cars (true dry sump engines for example, which is a definite step up from the hybrid sumps used in the basic 996/997 generation).

But Porsche made a descision to move to water cooling for a reason. And while the newer cars may lack some of the attention to detail or character of the earlier cars, there is no doubt they are still Porsches, and they are faster and more capable in just about every aspect. They are fantastic all around cars, and definitely more modern than the air cooled cars (even the 993 was still based on the same chasis that was introduced in 1964).

Both are great cars, fun to drive, funner to drive fast, and they are well built and extremely reliable. I've driven quite a few examples of both, and I am always amazed at the performance limits of the newer cars, but it's still the earlier cars that get me on other levels.

Oh - and just for the record, Porsche does not use the 993 block when they race. The block that is used for the GT3 Cup and RSR cars is developed from the GT1 engine (which evolved from the 962). The same block is used in the GT2/GT3 and Turbo street cars as well. The other race engine, which is used in the RS Spyder, was built for that car alone, and has absolutely no relation to the 993 engine.

Answer 3

I think the 993 air-cooled engines are stronger. The 996 is simply not the quality engine that the 993 is. Haven't taken apart a 997 so I don't know. But internally you can see how much cheaper a 996 is, in castings and quality.

When Porsche races, they take the air cooled 993 block and water cool it. What does THAT tell you?

Answer 4

I`m a factory Porsche tech and i`m kinda fond of air cooled eng. All those mechanical sounds are music to my ears. The water cooled eng is quieter but more reliable over time. Though parts like water pumps are quite more expensive. In the end its a personal decision.

Answer 5

Air cooled

Answer 6

go with water cooling.. that way u can be assured that u get a cooled charge everytime... if the air really hott and its air cooled u can be assure your getting a cold enough charge so go with water cooling

Answer 7

air cooled all the way

Answer 8

My preference is a car that runs, and no porsche qualifies regardless of cooling system used.