The following was posted on Rennlist yesterday by eclou. I am reprinting it here with permission from the author. I thought this was a nice, short comparison of two iconic cars and the fact that the 993 won out makes it all the better.
Having had the 993tt for a couple of weeks now and the 997tt for a year, I have had a chance to formulate some opinions of the differences/similarities between the 2 cars.
Body - the 993tt is a visual treat. Very sensual lines in a tidy package that is not overly garish. The shape of the car itself is pleasing to the eye and needs no tacky add-ons to make it a stunner. The 997tt is larger and more modern appearing, but has lost some of the distinctive lines. The 997tt looks like it needs some additional "flair" to catch the eye.
Interior - the 993tt has a nice "cockpit" feel, with the more upright windshield allowing the best visibility possible in a sportscar. Switchwork while not as ergonomic certainly still has a quality tactile feel. The materials are high in quality and the interior has held up very well to time. The 997tt interior has a better layout for the driver to reach all the controls, quality is high save for the annoying volcano-grey plastic trim paint.
Suspension - the 993tt HD/M030 setup is extremely compliant and great for a daily driver. It gives up very little comfort to a Mercedes, yet is amazingly free of waddle in cornering. This combo outshines any of the comfort/performance duality that BMW is so famous for in its sports sedans. The 997tt suspension feels tighter and more edgy. Turn-in is much crisper with less softness to the handling. Some of this may be attributable to the 19" roadwheels and short profile tires, but still the 997 setup is the sharper tool.
Engine - the 993tt motor is smooth, competent but not shocking anymore. There is mild lag and smooth firm torque thru the gears. The 997tt motor is much stronger and has more perceptible off-throttle lag, most likely since it is boosting to 1.2bar.
Overall the 993tt is a delight. I find myself reaching for these keys more than the 997tt. The car feels tight even at 75k miles. It does not rattle (I fixed the squeaking windshield trim with caulk filler foam), and the appearance is simply classic and majestic in a way that could never be dated (at the same time it could never be called garish). It is the "favorite blue jeans" vs the "chic European slacks" of the 997tt. I love this combo far more than the 997gt3/tt combo.
__________________
Rennlist #040131-4711
I'm really interested in continuing this category of comparison rides. If any of you out there would like to contribute and have done a comparison of your 993 to anything else, let me know. You can either contact me directly at paulacirving@gmail.com or by leaving comments right on the blog. My intent is to continue to give you my comparisons, as the opportunity allows. However, living in the NorthEast, my cars are away for the winter as are most of the cars of my friends that I would compare it too.
As a former 993 owner and current 996 tt S owner I can only say you are letting nostalgia get the better of you. As Paul Ferrer’s book points out, the 996-7 chassis is vastly more rigid torsionally and longitudinally. My 993 handled like a go-kart compared to my present car. Your comments about turbo lag are particularly perplexing given the VTG features and the attention Porsche has paid to reducing power lag. With my Kreisssieg vacuum controlled cutouts I get boost at about 2500 rpms. In summary, I loved my 993 but to say it was superior in any performance measure is pure fantasy. Why not love the 993 for what it is: a milestone achievement and the ultimate expression of the 964 chassis. I love it but technology marches on. BTW, either is more car than most can master. Cheers.
kezcaptain – I would have to say that was well said! I can honestly say I have never owned or driven a 993 Turbo but as Porsche puts it… Each new Porsche is a better Porsche. That said, they learn from there past and move forward. I honestly admire / love the 993 Turbo and the series as whole but it is dated. I own a 997 Turbo and would not trade it for an older models.
Cheers!