Porsche 993 vs 996: Owner of Both Reveals The Truth

The Porsche 993 vs 996…which is the better option for an enthusiast to own? Well...the answer isn't so obvious. This owner has both a 993 and a 996 and what he shares is pure gold.
The much maligned 996 has been the ugly stepchild ever since its release in 1999; however, as of late, it's been coming into its' own. It has a loyal following that seems to be growing and if you asked them the question of whether they'd rather own the 993 vs 996, they would look at you like you're crazy.
And for the air cooled crowd, the Porsche 993 is the absolute apex of driving engagement and if you asked them whether you should own a 993 vs 996, they would cry heresy and that would be that.
In this video, though, you're going to get a balanced, objective and rather surprising answer to the question of whether it's better to own a 993 vs 996.
0:00 Start
0:01 Intro
1:41 Porsche 993 history
3:34 Porsche 993 driving character
5:23 Porsche 996 history
9:54 Porsche 993 interior overview
12:33 Porsche 996 comfort
13:00 Porsche 996 driving character
14:04 Porsche 993 engine
15:02 Porsche 993 maintenance and issues
16:26 Porsche 996 engine
18:45 Porsche 993 or 996 - which is better?
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Porsche 911's I currently own or have owned:
- 1969 Porsche 911T Hot Rod in Ossi Blue (sold) - 1976 Porsche 911S in Ice Green Metallic
- 1977 Porsche 924 Martini Edition Safari Car
- 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera in guards red (SOLD) - 1992 Porsche 911 964 in Amazon Green metallic (SOLD)
- 1995 Porsche 911 993 Coupe in polar silver
- 1995 Porsche 911 993 in Grand Prix White
- 2007 Porsche 911 997.1 Turbo in guards red (SOLD)
- 2009 Porsche 911 997.2 C4S PDK (SOLD)
- 2014 Porsche Cayman S
- 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4
- 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder
- 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S
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[@els3261]

As a 996.1 enthusiast, your analysis couldn’t be more accurate. The best $ spent is properly sorting out a 996 from day 1. My prerequisites are oil fed IMS, RMS, AOS, clutch, coolant tank, engine mounts, lower dash delete, Numeric racing short shifter, fresh fluids, filters, low temperature thermostat, and clean or replace the radiators.

[@Stavr0ss]

What a hot take 😂

[@kickyadick]

Done most of the items listed there in the span of 3 years. But if fund isn’t too tight, I also think doing these shortly after obtaining the car is a great to the ownership

[@julioirizarry4262]

Couldn't agree more! So, happens that this morning mine 1998 996 ignition switch stop working LOL! Anyway, love diving it!

[@brandonwade5035]

Bore score inspection if in the market too ;) I just had my 3.6 built to stage 2 and 4.0L and the reason was failed bores. I don't have the numeric shifter but I do have 997ssk and it's ok. BMC air filter, GT3 tb, IPD plenum, Cargraphic exhaust manifolds, Cargraphic 200cell catted xpipe, muffler delete, bilstein b8/h&r lowering springs, 997 C2S 19" wheels, gt3 aero, rear seat delete, spare tire delete. The fuel pump, float, fuel filter, a headlight polish, CSF radiators and new fans area all planned for this winter.

[@Askgeez]

When I bought a 996 C4S , the potential for issues literally kept me awake at night and tainted my ownership experience …. So I had to book it in and get everything done at once. Then I had no worries .

[@stevetheodore_specialtycars]

You could look far and wide and not find a nicer guy or more well informed Porsche enthusiast than Nathan Merz. As I sat and watched this great video and listened to his well thought answers I could only nod my head in approval over and over again. A true enthusiast and wonderful custodian of Porsches and also their history, Nathan is always a treat to visit with and learn from. I'm very fortunate and proud to consider him a friend and mentor in the world of Porsche, and this video is a real testament to why I enjoy learning from him. Way to go!

[@trevormacdougall9385]

Terrific comment. We are all fortunate to learn from him.

[@stevewages]

My wife bought me a 02 996 for my 50th and I love it! Since then I’ve had the chance to drive a few of the other “contenders” I was thinking of, and am so happy I have the 996. I’ve put 20k on it in 4 years, including a recent 2k trip to Rennsport. I love it!

[@Boxsterox]

I owned and loved a 996.1. I currently own a 993, and that car is my preference. There’s always a faster Porsche. But if you want a car that triggers your sense of nostalgia in a daily drivable 911, you can’t beat a 993. Nathan that 996 is one of the nicest I’ve seen. I love it.

[@finnq]

This is exactly my vehicle position and you summed up my opinion perfectly 🫶🏼

[@thebulgarianguy8461]

The 996 is a better car in every measurable way. But it’s not a 993.

[@lukeagostini5487]

Not even 4 min into the video and I cannot fully agree more with Nathan’s friend that the 993 is actually a 911 Classic restomod - directly from factory! It’s THE original 911 restomod! 😄Happy that someone else thought the same about 993s 😊

[@uweheinrich6784]

I think this particular 996 with the OEM aerokit actually looks stunning. Since the 996 has been disliked by so many, it is actually a very unique 911. No other 911 has running egglights....LOL....and it actually looks now miles ahead of its time. A bit of 959 flavor in a much lower price category. I think this 996 is a keeper for life especially since it will become very rare.....

[@cspl6134]

I think the 996 has already shook the Headlight Nazis and most if not all true 'porsche people' have come around on the fact that it's a great car.

[@rodgraff1782]

How will a 996 be rare? They made tons of these. We have both the 993 and 6. I cannot get past the Taurus interior, bulbous nose and slab sides. I don’t even like to drive it. The 993 has been lowered to EURO RS ride height and corner balanced, has the Bilstien PSS10 adjustable coil overs and much wider 18” wheels, and handles much better than the 996, which feels large and clumsy by comparison.

[@seshelbow336]

996 is ageing so well. In fact parked next to that 964, it’s hard to understand the price difference. I never thought I’d say this but to my eyes, today, watching this video…..the 996 just looks more special to my eyes. I see big 996 price appreciation coming over next 2-10 years.

[@rodgraff1782]

I think the 996 will always be the cheapest 911 variant to buy. It was a mass produced water cooled car. I disagree that they will go up significantly in value. They may have bottomed out, but they will end up just like the boxer and 944, being the least expensive Porsches. The 993, like, the other air cooled cars will continue to appreciate, and a 98 is the last year. We own a 98 and 99 what a world of difference

[@brightenupcc]

I’ve watched hundreds of 911 videos. THIS one is one of the vert best. Nathan clearly understands these cars and is highly articulate in sharing his knowledge. Well done on this world class content!

[@danstimelessclassics5899]

996.1 aero has become the most beautiful 911 over time and yours is a stunning example 💛 as you say they have aged so well and are pure timelessclassics 👌

[@cookiepuss4104]

To me the combination of full aerokit, speed yellow, and black interior with yellow accents, make all the difference here. I agree this car is stunning. I also think the 996 C4S and Turbo body are quite attractive cars. If I could own any 996 it would be a TT in speed yellow over black. However, when I see a plain-jane 996 C2 in ubiquitous Arctic silver over grey (as Nathan commented as well), I think more "Honda" or "Hertz rental car" than I do 911 - they inspire none of my usual lust for Porsches. The good part of all that is it makes a basic 996 C2 one of the best deals in the used sports car universe. Prices on them have started to creep up, but nothing like the stratospheric prices on 993 and 964 over the past 10 years.

[@seshelbow336]

996 is a grower. I always hated the 996 front end…..then I started to really love the look of the 996 GT2…..never thought I’d ever grow to like the 996.1 front end….or narrow body…..but now I find the .1 narrow bodies with the GT3/Aero front bumper really really stunning.

[@robertjurado5239]

After riding in my friend’s 2001 986 and subsequently one myself, I have really come to appreciate the Porsche sports cars of that era. I used to think that I wanted a 997.2, 991.2, or an air cooled car. Now, I think that the only 911 I’ll be able to afford-as I look at my financial picture-is the 996, and I’m no longer disappointed by that idea. One day, I might try to make my boyhood dream of 911 ownership come true with a 996.

[@joeracer302]

They aren’t getting any cheaper.

[@DrBIeed]

Don’t let the Porsche purists scare you. I’m looking at a 2014 911 Carrera S coupe (991) right now for 64k. Only 35k miles on the clock. If you can get a 991 that cheap you’ll have no problem getting ahold of a 996.

[@scottklandl488]

I have one In rainforest green just for you, Just turned 58k . It’s delightful. Better than air cooled by a long shot in driving by miles. Visually as good as a 993. Interior is mediocre for a $100,000 car, but better than Mercedes 100k cars from 2000 . My SL500 is sticky. I have a shot at air cooled so shoot me an offer!

[@pandp5489]

With how the economy is going (imo very strange), You still have about 5 years before the 996 will creep up…or down

[@mousetik51]

As an owner of a 993.1 C4 (speed yellow too❤), I would clearly recommend to review the tuning of rear axle. I saw it's wrongly tuned because the left rear wheel is not right centered in the arch. It's frequent because not so many guys know how to tune the rear axle of the 993. It's tricky because the computer can output that the tuning is ok but it's wrong because guys are not using the right screw to tune it.

[@ScreamingEagle-xl3tw]

I really enjoyed this. I'm 40 now and I remember both these cars very fondly. My father owned a small exotic car shop in central FL. I visited frequently and worked there for a time as a teenager. There are a handful of cars at his dealership that (maybe 2 handfuls) will never leave my mind. These 2 cars and the 1st gen Boxster stand at the top for me. I got behind the wheel of these cars at a very early age. The other notables for me were the NSX, TR, M3(e36 fav), C4, C5, RX7, 355, 328, 348, esprit, 500SL, Countach. The cars that I felt the strongest connection to were the porsches. Those particular porsches. The best part of the 993 is the door closing! (PS my father owned a 275GTB and never let me behind the wheel)

[@waynecunning5733]

That 993 sits a little high, I would have to drop it a little, but apart from that perfect!

[@Thegowfer65]

It sure does and I’m surprised he said it was an M030 car.

[@nathanmerz]

​ @georgepatterson7251 @waynecunning5733 yes, the car is a US delivery car with M030 Sport Suspension, which in that era still had US ride height. I have debated doing suspension on thi car and am 90% sure I am going to, but hesitated as its so original, but yes that ride height bothers me for sure!

[@JeepCherokeeful]

@@nathanmerzmy first thought...

[@original2758]

As an owner of an 02 986 Boxster S ( midnight metalic Blue BBS Sport Classics etc.) I completely agree that the original .1 headlights are better looking than the .2 version... They are simply more clean and timeless looking. They were also featured on the Porsche GT1 which is my favorite Porsche Lemans car.

[@junktionfet]

I agree 101.99% with everything Nathan said. What a great comparison. Thank you for putting this together!

[@dkjens0705]

The US market dictates that this 993 is worth ten times more than this 996. This has absolutely no relevance to real value in relation to capability, performance and comfort. The 993 is a wonderful car but an old 911 long hood is a better car. The 996 got a bad rep which made it very affordable to people who recognize good cars. I worked on these in the US from 2015 to 2021 and one of the best deals tp be found on a sports car woulld be to pick up a 996 coupe 6 speed manual with a blown engine at the auction for $3k - $5k. If the owner had blown the engine by tracking it, even better since then maybe it already had a $3.5k suspension upgrade. Get the engine rebuilt with a steel resleeve job and possibly a 3.8S crankshaft and for less than $20,000 you would have a 4.2 liter engine with close to 400HP and none of the original M96 engine problems. Now that's a lot of car for $25k. I will say that the 996 Turbo in all stock configuration is also a great daily driver for the money and you have an unbeatable Mezger engine.

[@DGI82]

Thank you for bringing up the reality that all generations of 911 have their inherent/potentially catastrophic issues. I previously owned a 996.1 and absolutely enjoyed it. Better interior and faster than the older cars. Lighter and more analog and newer cars. It’s the Goldilocks 911.

[@JCMusicwriter]

I'm more of a Chevy guy but always loved the Porsche 911. The air cooled cars from the 80s have one of the best profiles of all time. You have to respect the build quality and always loved the door click... His advice at the end of the video pertaining to low mile collector grade cars, performance, ability to park the car and use it on the street, etc is something all enthusiasts should listen to. A lot of people think they need more car than they do, a more rare and expensive model, lower miles, and then never end up using the car. This guy cuts right through the snobbery and elitism you see out there. I like this guy's advice and attitude towards cars.

[@shaunybenso]

My 986 S gets so much more time than my 1985 3.2 carerra The Carrera is arguably cooler but the boxster is hands down better handling, throttle response, comfort while still feeling raw and the SOUND is sooooo gooooood

[@jameswalter3136]

Great comparison! I have and enjoy a speed yellow 993. Among other things, I love the seating position and view from the driver's seat. It's like being in the cockpit of a small airplane with the upright windscreen and 360 views.

[@Rennthusiast]

@a.c.e.7568 when I threw the “964 as the last analog” statement it was really just as a hypothetical position someone might take. Nowadays I’m hearing that the 997 is the last analog Porsche. Soon we’ll hear that the 991.1 is 😂 Thanks for watching

[@eddiejones-fm7pr]

Very nice comparison. Love listening to Nathan and absorbing his experience and silky smooth delivery. He's the only one that convinces me to take a second look at the 996. I have to admit, this is the best specemin Iv'e seen yet. Keep'm coming guys!

[@stevesmith866]

silky smooth? I thought he was reading a children's book. I made it 60 seconds and had to pull the plug

[@justinmckeown9029]

Love my speed yellow 996.1! I bought it as my ‘beginner’ 911, but after 6+ years, I don’t think I could ever part with it. Well, after an engine failure and subsequent rebuild, I don’t think I’ll ever afford another one, but I’m ok with it.

[@jonwarshawsky5288]

964 fan/owner here, but Nathan makes a compelling case for the 996. I do agree that the spec matters: I remember test driving an arctic silver/black back in 2002 or so, and it felt boring and cheap. Great shifter, decent power, but I ended up buying a used ‘96 993.

[@thebulgarianguy8461]

You did good!

[@rodgraff1782]

Nothing more mundane than a silver 996 coupe. I’d rather have the ford Taurus.

[@clchan1953]

Guy wrote his own death warrant saying his 993 was too precious to take out on a date with his wife

[@MorningNapalm]

I have a very similar reaction to the 993 to what you pointed out in one spot: they modernised it, but kept one foot in each camp, and for me it just doesn't work, neither the look, nor the spec. I much prefer the G-series or 964, or the 996, first generation. I love the way they integrated the 996.1 headlights into the hood and bumper area, and although they aren't oval, I still think they are gorgeous. The 996.2 loses it for me again, I don't get the shape, I don't understand why they did it that way, other than trying to appease the oval mob. I also don't like the sharper edges on the bottoms of the two bumpers on the 996.2. The 996 drives sooooo nicely, keep the engine well maintained and the IMS bearing fresh and it is just so good.

[@DannerBanks]

That is the nicest specced 996 I have ever seen. So true that the headlights of the .1 are nicer than the .2.

[@GP-cd4ui]

I'm fortunate to own a 911SC, 993 C4S, and a 996 Turbo S. I love all 3. Each is different but all are clearly Porsche. There are more mechanical sounds and faint oil smells from the air cooled cars. I've had my SC 40 years. One thing people never mention is the front hood crease present on the air cooled cars. That crease always said 911 to me. It disappeared on the 996, 997, and 991, but interestingly was brought back on the 992. As far as the slab side comment, the 996 Turbo is just as wide as the hips on the wide 993. They just brought the doors out more to be even with the hips giving more cockpit room inside.

[@orbeaorca7498]

Great segment Will, long time viewer of your channel, first time to comment. I own a 2003 996.2 C2 and 2007 997.1 4S..I drive both of them to work, alternately…but I tend to favor the 996, it is more fun and tend to be more playful than my 997 which feels like driving on rails..(good during winter time out here in PNW…needless to say a mere 50mi south of where Merz is based. This video validates and refutes the much maligned reputation of 996…they are fun to drive and you don’t have to treat them as ‘garage queens’ !!! Keep those great videos coming, thanks!

[@Rennthusiast]

Thanks for watching!

[@thomaspetrovich6498]

Very relatable speaking about how he usually finds himself picking the 996 to take out. The great thing about them is they are easy to live with, they beckon you to drive them, AND you don’t have to treat them like a princess! I can’t emphasize this enough about how important that factor of not worrying adds to the overall enjoyment of a vehicle. Thank you for this review! I love the look of a 993 still, its classic sculpted styling is tough to beat. Did I notice that burgundy(?) red 991 on Autotrader recently? As having owned a couple 991’s, I’m curious to hear your thoughts. I’ve had the 3.4l and the 3.8l, and I’m a bit undecided in thinking that maybe the “base” is the one to have.

[@Rennthusiast]

We shot a video on the 991. Will be coming soon.

[@richards.5663]

I own both cars as well and I believe this comparison to be spot on. The 996 is an engineering masterpiece that set the stage for all the great water cooled cars that followed.

[@geoffclarke3796]

Great comparison. I has a Speed Yellow 996 GT3 for many years with a few minor modifications and I loved it. It was a weekend car which was very reliable and great on track though I wouldn't have wanted to use as a daily driver due to the low ride height and harsh ride. I agree that the 996 is very sensitive to colour and specification and while this example looks stunning a silver car on the smaller wheels with no aero kit would look rather bland. The one area where the 993 is clearly superior is in build quality it has to be said.

[@paulrose6359]

My 99 996 has 127K miles and runs strong. The IMS and clutch have been done and I have driven it as a daily for the last 5 years. I do have to admit that I am a maintenance nut and always check the fluids and such, and do most of lite/moderate work on my car myself. This is my first and only Porsche and I love the looks and performance. It has been as reliable as a rock, comfy on long road trips, and the A/C works great when it's 117f in Vegas. I also like that with regular maintenance, I do not have to worry about over heating here in the southwest deserts. I went to one PCA meeting and many of the "Airheads" gave the car snide comments. Never went back to a meeting.

[@michaeljohncox3898]

That was my experience exactly at the PCA cars and coffee with my 996.1 aero. All these snide negative comments from guys and my total cost of my car is less than one of their rims. Like you I quit going. There should be the PCA and the PMPCA - Poor Man's Porsche Club of America.

[@Inazuma68]

I drive a 996.2 GT3 Clubsport for some years and it is an absolut blast. Of course most of the fun comes from that crazy engine but on twisty Swiss mountain roads you barely find anything better 👌

[@guillaumegras2200]

Interesting ... I sold my 996 because I found the gearing too long for Swiss mountains roads ... 2nd gear is too slow to have fun in hairpins and engaging 1st gear while at speed feels painful for the gearbox.

[@TorneroCarlos]

“As if God himself designed that door”… 😂 Nathan is the best. Great video.

[@kwebmail2007]

Thanks so much for this video! Great perspective and glad to see that people have come around on the early 996's! Twenty-odd years ago I was comparing 993 vs 996 and the 996 was by far the more comfortable, modern and .. de rigeur for living in Florida... had much better air conditioning! If I recall it was the first 911 up to that point that weighed less than its predecessor. Mine was a 99, very minimal options also center console delete (but not a fan of the taco wing!) and definitely more care-free when driving it to brunch in midtown, leaving it at the airport, etc. It ended with about 113,000 miles on it and other than having a crowded storage space I wouldve kept it just for the low cost and high fun quotient. It was just a fun car to me so I was always a little surprised that regular folks would still take photos standing next to it, but I always believed it was such a beautiful, elegant and clean design that I'm glad it's finally getting some recognition for what a transformative car it was for the company. Good work Pinky!

[@user-qw5fl9dw6k]

Nathan's back... let's watch, this is gonna be good!

[@scottfindley1345]

Duder.Exactly 100% right on the money. I never *hated* the 996 (even had one for 3 years) but time has been very, very kind to the original 996.The 'refresh' looks horrendous to me now, the original has kind of a punky defiance to it, which i love.Mine blew up despite having done all of the preventative stuff (did IMS all that... Porous cylinder heads :( ruined me financially. Cant wait to get another one.. (yeah, seriously)

[@grantatkinson1202]

It is so refreshing to listen to someone like Nathan extol the virtues of the 996, instead of blah blah fried eggs, blah blah IMS, blah blah shitty dash etc etc etc....... I have a 1999, 3.4 Carrera 996.1 in Paladeo metallic, (often called Mirage) - I chose it over a 993, and a 997, both high on my wish list. I am absolutely besotted with my 'bastard' child of the 911 family. I think it is one of the most beautiful 911 designs ever. (thank you Pinky Lai) And I agree with Nathan that the 3.4 headlights are a softer, more cohesive & integrated version than the turbo/3.6 update. Brilliant report guys.

[@johnice2157]

The "ugly" head light (first edition) aged so wel,l it's crazy.

[@sgttombailes3380]

I had a 1980 911 SC w/ 98K on the clock and now have a 1999 996.1 w/ 50K on the clock. I loved my old SC but I love even more my 996. I live in the South and the 996 A/C is AWESOME !! I'm 72 and I need that cold air conditioning down here in the GA summer heat. My '80 SC did have factory air but was as weak as well you know the old saying~~~. Also, I love the GT1 headlights. I worked at Road Atlanta for many years and I've seen them all.

[@512TXSDIY]

And… here goes the 996 values… up, up, up after Nathan’s comment.

[@TechnoloG84]

the 996 is getting a lot of luv lately.

[@SF_Native]

I loved this video! Great comparison, between two very different, yet very similar cars! I wholeheartedly agreed when he said that time has aged the 996 headlights really nicely. I much prefer those over the 996.2. The lines just flow with the front end really beautifully.

[@Rennthusiast]

Agreed. It’s like the lobster claw wheels…I used to despise them but now I like and appreciate them.

[@gaffle-411]

Naw… the 996.1 has grown on me but they improved it with the 996.2.

[@AMV12S]

996.2 to me only the Turbo, because of Need For Speed Porsche Unleashed on PC. 😅

[@christopherhearn]

If blindfolded and being introduced to these 2 specific cars for the first time, my choice would be the 996. Prior to this video my choice would always have been the 993. A great real-world drivers appraisal video.

[@MW-uy3np]

Don't hate to say it. Ihave them all. Including the best looking 993S and GT4 RS, GT3 touring. I prefer my white early build 996 and a close second is my rare one year color only 996.1 seal gray aero car. Same setup as Nathans actually. GT3 buckets from Walter Rohrl's car, same roll bar, factory aero kit etc. The 996 is the best 911.

[@NewShockerGuy]

Very enjoyable to watch. You have a very calm and soothing demeanor. Glad I found your channel! EDIT: 16:49 Just realised to the left of the Porsche is w209 CLK63 black series!! Awesome!

[@OsirisPL]

Man he is such an eloquent person. Very easy to listen to!

[@Kongzi93]

Thanks for your honest and plausible revue on both. Lucky guy having the pleasure to ride and own both and even more 911's. I'm happy with my 996 mk 1 C2 MY1999. 6 speed manual. Fully standard with heated seats and park distance warning beeps. No rear window wiper thank god. In my possession for 9 years now. Had the IMS bearing replaced(oil fed) , AOS and cooling modification as preventive measures. It only has done 148K km( 92k Miles) by now. Still going strong. It's my second Porsche. My first was a G model. 911SC cabriolet MY 1983. Still regret I sold it back then for far too cheap after owning and maintaining it for also 9-10 years. It had done 240k KM ( 149k miles) . The sound, the smell and as mentioned the clunk when you close the door. 🙏 But the interior is cramped. Flimsy door openers on the inside. It fogs up real quick inside in damp rainy conditions. Defrosting is a challenge . Besides that, when I was looking for my second Porsche after years, in between owning a SLK 230 Kompressor and enjoyed it very much, I knew it would not be an open top one anymore. Because when the sun is really going to shine and it's getting hot I would close the top anyway and let the aircon do it's useful job. Besides that I'm kind of a shy guy . I didn't like to sit in plain view with top down in my 911SC or SLK feeling a poser which I am certainly not. I could physically feel the prying eyes 😒 I'm only a petrol head.😊 Same feelings for my partner. My 996 gives me all of that and more. Credits to Pinky Lai he might have just saved Porsche from bankruptcy . But I still miss my 911sc MY 1983 cabriolet with all of it's deficits.

[@Paul_F_C]

Nice video and refreshing to see someone talking the virtues of the 996 , as a proud owner of a 996 of ten years I love the car and the way it drives , but it must be said I love all versions of the 911 over the last 60 years

[@wesleycarusos8225]

I have a 02 996.2 Coupe 6-speed Aero... upgrade suspension and maybe I'm just a little bit biased but seeing the two cars together the 996 to me is a more beautiful car. The 993 is beautiful too. I bought my 996 without really knowing what I was getting. I just knew that they were a good deal... after owning the car for a year I can't imagine anything that I would rather have other than maybe a GT3. I just got back from 3 days in North Carolina doing the Dragon and many other amazing roads in the area. The car was absolutely amazing and I had no trouble holding my own with much more modern cars. I went for a while without owning a Porsche due to having children ... I used to have several air cooled 911 SC s... anyway thank you for a great comparison. One that I've been looking for. And very spot on. I go to Seattle to see my daughter quite often I'll know if I see your car😊

[@richharr]

I have a 170k on my 996.2 6spd coupe. Daily drove it to work for years, now it just sits in the garage, but one of the best cars I ever owned, I bought it because it was a modern enough 911 to daily drive for not much money. The maintenance costs were extremely low, in the last 7 years I changed a coil, starter and clutch safety switch besides routine of coarse.

[@996Revival]

Great video. Great comparison. Funny there’s a CLK next to the 996. I had a CLK 500 that was pretty enjoyable. I wanted the first time I ever saw one, when they first came out. His collection is pretty sweet!

[@georgem5589]

The early 996's were very well built. I have a 99 996 built in 98 Glacier White (somehow color is very important with this car). Will never sell it. IMO better than my 997S and a 'funner' drive than heavier 964 and 993 air cooled cars. I do agree that the 11K 993 is mechanical history personified and will always be more valuable. Thumbs up with this vid.

[@henrikfalkner6619]

Brilliant video and so well explained. Having had both types, currently a 993, I could not agree more with the analysis.

[@Acquit808]

Brilliant review. I daily my 996.2 AeroKit and absolutely love the car. I drive my 718 Spyder on the weekends, but absolutely love the 996. It’s aged exceptionally well.

[@TheSeanMichael]

I own a 997, and before buying it I looked closely at a 993. I honestly preferred the driving dynamics and experience of the 997. Which is basically a 996 with 993 cosmetic DNA. :O

[@ChrisPhillips-q9m]

I own a 02 996 Turbo. Black/Black w/carbon fiber package. Awesome car. Really enjoy driving it.

[@nornibres]

I'd be thrilled with either. I purchased my first Porsche this summer, a 2009 guards red Boxster S with a PDK. Looking forward to my next Porsche purchase. Maybe a 996, or possibly a 928.

[@user-jy8mo5fi5q]

I have a series two Porsche 996 convertible showing 49k which is considered low mileage having purchased it 4 months ago. It had just had the intermediate shaft bearing replaced that helped make my mind up to purchase. I found your presentation and soft voice very pleasant to listen to and your comments extremely interesting.

[@owenoconnor2700]

One of the best comparisons I’ve ever seen, and mint examples of both , the spec on the 996.1 is unreal, very close ( maybe even better) to the .1gt3 we got elsewhere in the world

[@Bungletronics]

I love the 993 and especially that arena red (?) example in the back. And I love the 996’s Fikse wheels

[@briand2507]

Excellent video! I’ve ordered a 992 T, thinking that was all I would ever need. Now I’m thinking I might work my way back in time.

[@Euphorica]

996s have always been spectacular

[@edmonds.7147]

What an interview! This guy is very informed which a lot of ppl are, But he can deliver the info eloquently and I can "FEEL" through the screen what he means and what he's talking about. I'm so glad he didn't pick the 996 OVER The LEGEND !

[@docfink]

Thanks so much for posting this video. I could hear this guy speak about every car in that sick garage of his all day. He’s got incredible knowledge and passion for the brand.

[@franzhuber7361]

Quality of 993 generation is unbeatable but the performance of any successor Porsche is always better.

[@1ongava]

Great reviewer! He's awesome and has some incredible cars. Keen to have a 996.1 on the drive soon

[@rayborg7378]

I beg to differ I always go for the 993 version.That unique air cooled sound just gets me hooked for good.

[@canyonaro]

Yup. He doesn't drive it because it's too valuable. I get why that led to an affection for the 996 he drives more often, but the quality gap is huge. The 993 build quality is what made me a Porsche fan many years ago. That door sound speaks to me.

[@Kmh0277]

That maritime blue 911 in the background has my attention.

[@evanwheeler7687]

The front 3/4 view on that aero kit 996 is gorgeous.

[@Beard_Motors]

Yellow Porsche owner here : 1966 Bahama Yellow 912 and Speed Yellow 987 Cayman and I totally understand why you have both ! Fantastic review, like it !

[@wolfjr1717]

Great video and commentary. I skipped over the 996 for a 997 turbo and have been very pleased.

[@cookiepuss4104]

Having owned both models and put in a lot of seat time in both, this is the best overall comparison I've ever seen. Well done sir! The only aspect on which I differ is that my preference overall goes to the 993. The 993 still offers some of the design, feel, sound, and even the smell (just turn on the heater you'll know what I mean lol) of the the air cooled 911's going back to 1963. The 996 is a more capable and easier to live with car no doubt, but feels more generic/modern/mass produced and doesn't quite capture the 911 history and magic like the 993 does. If I had room for a lot of cars in my garage, I might be tempted to own the combo of a 964 and a 996 instead, but for me the 993 bridges that gap well. It has enough of the feel and build quality of the earlier cars, combined with enough of the comfort and performance of the later cars, to be the 911 for me if it has to be only one of them. Thanks for taking the time to make this video, and share Nathan's thoughts. I'd love to see more of these with him comparing different Porsches.

[@Rennthusiast]

Nathan is great and it’s always fun collaborating, but since he’s on the west coast and I am on the east coast it’s a little tough.

[@corychecketts]

I’ve been daily driving my ‘99 996 for over six years. I stay on top of maintenance but I mostly just drive my car. I’m pushing almost 150k miles and plan on getting it to 200k in the next few years.

[@jb678901]

Owned a Silver 993C2 with full blue leather interior and carbon interior accents. Sold it about 15 years ago; with regret to this day. Last month of 993 production That car was sweeeeeeeeet.

[@daviddees4541]

What a great walk around on both cars, the most impressive description of both cars

[@amanyejote]

Another wonderful video. When is the 991.1 segment coming? 21:08

[@DrTimWhatleyDDS]

It’s striking how good looking the 996 is compared to the 993 when you put them side by side. Personally, I don’t think there’s any comparison - the 996 is much better looking. And that’s just the front end. Even more true from the rear in my opinion. Everyone talks about the 996 being the ugly duckling - it isn’t!!

[@Rennthusiast]

Spec matters for sure but I don’t hate the 996 like so many others do

[@rusty911s2]

Was just thinking the same.

[@rotfuchs9824]

I agree that this is a very well founded assessment from Nathan. I retired recently and was looking for a Porsche 911. Two months ago I bought a 996.1 with 48.000 mls in guards red spected similar to Nathan's car. My car has also the aero kit, the 18'' GT3 wheels, the 3-spoke steering wheel in addition to a factory 320 HP WLS. Instead of the bucket seats, it has an interior from the Porsche Exclusive Manufakture, i.e. Alcantara wheel and roof, extended leather interior with red stitching, and silver tachometer dials. I can hardly await that the winter in Gernany ends and that I can experience this car on twisty back roads, and eventually on the Nürburgring 😎.

[@bradyoast5363]

Side by side with typical 993 vs 996 I think the 993 is more thrilling and entertaining.

[@youngtimerdriver]

I also own 2 speed yellow 911, a 993 4S that was a press car, and a 996 GT3. I love both but they are really different. I believe that the biggest contrast between 2 generation of 911 is between the 993 and the 996.

[@yaserkhamis5282]

Very cool video. I just bought a 997.1 Carrera 2. I'm not lucky enough to drive all the different 911s so I can't objectively compare, but I love the 997 - not too modern and digital, and not too old and super valuable.

[@robmckean7531]

Bought my first 911 in 1978, owned 10 long hood S cars from 1967-1973, one ‘73 RS and maybe 8 911E models . I was born at the right time and place to enjoy the light long hoods . I cannot even imagine owning any “Porsche “ made after 1998 unless it has a Mezger bottom end to remind me of the early design 911 engine . I will admit the 4 valve late design is superior in terms of air flow and thus makes more power . I also finally came to terms with DME computer control as being superior in many ways such as cold start and altitude air pressure fuel metering , but I sure love the sound of a 2.0/2.2/2.4 engine be it MFI or Weber induction . I will leave the ‘98 up cars to the doctors , lawyers and others who can afford them . We purists prefer the old school look , feel and sound of the air cooled Porsches .

[@aregal]

996.1s are looking better and better as time goes on. I used to not prefer them but now they've fully grown on me.

[@LeeH-Ranger83]

I like the air cool cars - HOWEVER I live 1.5 hours from Austin, TX and 1.5 hours from San Antonio so, I’m unfortunately going to have to consider the water cooled because of the lack of Porsche certified shops in my area. Great video.

[@CAM4IV]

Thank you for that video. I would love to see a comparison video with Nathan on the longhoods vs the 964. Thanks again!

[@davidmorais2394]

It’s unfortunate that your hesitation to use the 993 more regularly is weight against its exceptional investment value. I don’t own cars of quite the same value but my philosophy is that all cars are to be driven and enjoyed regularly. If not, sell them on.

[@grecopena]

Thank you Will and Nathan for giving us this dedicated 993/996 video! Will , you are a classy guy and fortunate to have our guru team up with you. The 993 has always been my dream 911, but financial realities kept me from buying one. So I first settled for a 68 912 back in 1983-85. It was a beauty even though not a lot of power or AC, but I had sell it for the $7,000 I spent on it for the new new home. Fast forward to retiring in 2018, the 996 was the only practical 911 option I could afford… And that’s the point for so many of us lovers of sports cars with limited budgets. The 996 is the perfect answer. So I bought a black 04 C4S Cabriolet with 97,000 miles from the original owner, dealer serviced. Living by the beach the top is often down and the car is still running strong five years later and 138,000 miles, regular servicing, IMS/RMS done with the clutch, which were fine. I’m not losing sleep over how some may feel about the headlights. The car runs 100% Porsche, and when I drive to the desert, the AC blows ice cold. Im planning on considering my options when it hits 200,000 miles. Love the one your with! 😀🕺🏽👍🏼

[@Rennthusiast]

lol I flew across the country to shoot this video (and 2 others with Nathan)….so appreciate the recognition for the effort. 🙏🏼😄

[@grecopena]

Your appreciation of Porsche cars is like a sommelier of wine.

[@beardedgarage]

Great comparison, I haven't seen the comparison between these two many times and there are a lot of good points, much appreciated!

[@kszendi]

Another great video! Thanks Will and Nate

[@BijanIzadi]

11:09 definitely feels familiar, I’ve driven 2 or 3 Porsches so far and not yet this one, but it still is nostalgic

[@jakkovaningen8350]

They had to put switches in random places 😂 so hilariously true. Brilliant video as always, thanks a lot!

[@bb57365]

Had an early year 996 with aero kit. Was not a great fan of the car. Very cheap interior with horrible seats. Replaced it with a BMW E46 M3 manual. Preferred the BMW performance and interior. Have since moved up to an Audi R8 v10 manual. Finally driving my dream car. I was able to drive my friends 95 993. Very serious drivers car. Absolutely loved the drive and interior.

[@AMV12S]

I really like the 993, but the 996 have a special place in my heart... I saw this car launching in late 90's, grown up seeing this car and thinking it's gorgeous because the headlamps were similar to Aston Martin and Maserati. When I go to buy a Porsche, the 996 will be on the top of my list.

[@colin5577]

Having owned a couple of each from new, it’s 993 all day long and twice on Sunday. It’s a much, much, much more special car than the 996. Not to say the 996 isn’t fantastic to drive - it is. But it is a monument from stem to stern to Wendelin Wiedeking’s cost-cutting - especially the earlier cars. I got my first new one in 1997 and was so disappointed in it after the 993. It felt quick, but it also felt really cheap. It got better as time went on, but I never loved them as much as the earlier cars. I did love the 997 and do love my current 991, mind.

[@t.s.9592]

I was privileged to own both 993 C2 and 996 4S at the same time and I must agree that compared to its predecessor a 996 is a modern era car. It lacks built quality, perhaps a plasticky interior and front lights are not great but at every other aspect 996 is much better. It’s faster, corners better, driving position is like in a modern car. The pedals are positioned ergonomically, shifts better, not to mention location of switches etc. Saying all that I’ll take a 993. It’s a magic of an air cooled sound, the smell of the interior, the handling which needs your effort to keep it on the track, and most of all the gorgeous look it has. My 996 4S went to friend of mine - as his first 911. I hope he’ll enjoy it the way I did. Both a great cars. Many thanks for great video, regards to all

[@checkmate1996]

I have driven both but not owned. I really appreciated your pace and coverage of all the key aspects. For me, I have stayed away from the 993 due to cost and the 996 due to many of the engine issues EVEN IF you replace all the key components.

[@rickdelmonte1682]

I was a track rat running an ‘87 3.2 Carrera in the early 2000’s. We were all running air cooled cars and having a great time. This was the time when you could pick up an SC for about $10k, a mint Carrera 3.2 for low $20’s, and a 964 RS America for the low $30’s. Guys started showing up in 996’s, and they just blew our doors off. They were in another zip code when it came to performance. Of course I saw more than a few of them grenade on the track, but there was no doubting the technical advancement. However I’m not totally convinced the looks have improved over time, especially the interior.

[@ronp1524]

996.2 Cab … great fun to drive … as he said , less worrisome as to actually using / driving which is the point of a Porsche! I’m always puzzled by people who tell you how much they dislike the 996… who cares what they think, I have my reasons and I enjoy mine and have for many years .