What makes the 993 cost as much or more then a 996?

Question

What makes the 993 cost as much or more then a 996?

Answer 1

Many true points so far here... but ultimately, it's about supply and demand. On the supply side, the 993 was made at a time when Porsche was somewhat struggling in terms of sales. While the 911 family has always been a strong seller, the 1990s were a period where Porsche had less sales than it wanted - mostly in models other than the 993, but 993 sales were still less than might be hoped for. Thus, years later, there are not as many 993s as you might find for other Carreras. The 996 generally has had better sales, and was produced for a longer period of time, meaning there are more 996s than 993s.

As for demand, the 996 is an excellent car... and in terms of performance, better in every way than the 993. But the 993 is an air cooled Porsche, and the last of the truelly handbuilt models too. It's considered by many to be the best, or at least among the best, in terms of appearance (the 997 going back to many of the design elements of the 993).

Many buyers will therefore gravitate to the 993 if they are looking for an older, "classic" 911... while those looking for a newer car will often gravitate towards the 997. The end result is that 996s often sell for less than you would otherwise think (there have been similar trends in the past involving the 964 and the '74-'77 911S).

Answer 2

all the above points are very true except the one where someone said that the 996 911 is a bit faulty, I think that 996's have been the most secussfull generation among the Porsche's 911 family.

these days I am looking for 993 Twin Turbo's and the other day I came across one and the seller was asking for $70,000 which I couldnt agree more as the car was a stunner and I'd prefer the 993 to the 996 my self as it was as pure as it can get and back then these werent mass production cars like today's 996 and 997 generation.

back in the 90's they were very truly among Ferrari's I am not saying that they arent now but 996 and 997 dont hold that special place in the hearts of Porsche enthusiast like me I mean you dont see 911 C4S and CS going head to head with 430's and Gallardo's where as back in the day I'd love to have traffic light drags with my 993's vs a 355's and/or 348 Ferrari's, even though I own a "08 997 911 Cerrera S which is a stunning car in every possible, imaginable way but I'd still love to own a 993 or a 964 or even a 930 over a 996 or a 997 and for that reason alone instead of going out and purchasing a new 997 Turbo I am going to go for a 993 Twin Turbo or a 993 Turbo and by the end of January next year I'll be having 4 Porsche's.

2005 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.
2008 997 Porsche Carrera S.
a 993 Twin Turbo (still looking)
2008 997 GT2 which I'll be taking delivery of in early January 2008.

Answer 3

Supply and Demand.

For many of the reasons stated above the 993 model is seen by many to be the last 'real' Porsche eg Air cooled. It is a great car and did have a direct line back to the original 911 in many of its parts. The 996 was an all new design and as such suffered from some initial problems (RMS being one key one) plus with the move to water cooled it was no longer seen as pure.

With the Boxster being popular the 996 was the natural upgrade for many first timers so there are many more about than the 993 generation - supply and demand...

Answer 4

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RE:
What makes the 993 cost as much or more then a 996?
What makes the 993 cost as much or more then a 996?

Answer 5

Alot of it is that the 993 was the last and "best" of the old style 911s (mean, air cooled, tailhappy 911s). They wont ever be topped in what they do, while the 996 doesnt have any tricks the 997 cant do.

Alot of it is just the purists. There were also alot fewer 993s made.

Answer 6

What they said. I think you have your answers. I would think the focus is on:
- relative rarity = investment protection
- novelty of air-cooling (purist, etc)
- looks (classic, mean as someone said)
- pinnacle of the air-cooled Porsches

However, I would also say, as an owner of a 964 (previous generation to the 993) that I've also heard that the 996 is a great car and I've seen many on track that have done very well. I would consider buying a 996, and if I was buying a used Porsche today, that would be my first choice becasue of value.

Answer 7

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 8

It's a better car with a much higher quality engine. You'd have to take the engines apart to see the decline in quality in a 996.

Besides, when Porsche goes racing, which basic engine block do you think they use, adding watercooling to it?

Exactly.

Aside from that, 996s are plagued with rear main seal issues which are, sometimes, incurable except with a replacement block.

Answer 9

the parts have better quality and they are different models

Answer 10

Soul...