996 V 993

Did you write the 996/993 story ( 911&PW Oct 2017) with me in mind? Unusually, perhaps, I own both a 996 C2 and a 993 C2, so I reckon I'm qualified to comment on Porsche’s transition from old-school air-cooled to modern water-cooled.

For me, both cars perform different rolls. As time has progressed, the 993 feels and drives more like the classic that it has become. When I first got it, in 1995, it was every bit the modern 911 and not even the arrival of a 996 in 2001 changed that particularly for me. But then familiarity with the 996 began to change my perception and use of the 993.

Sure, value is part of that and it irks me that I've become precious about how I use the 993. It has become very much a third car now. It's very satisfying and involving to drive, makes a great noise and is a reminder of the old 911 order. The 996 is equally satisfying in its own right, easier to live with and runs rings around the 993 dynamically. Sure, it lacks a bit of the 993’s character, but it's no poor relation. Throw it down a country road and it’s still astonishingly fast.

Both cars have done a similar mileage – around 60,000-miles. Both are garaged, but the 996 has spent more time as an everyday car in all weathers. Underneath it's not a pretty sight and it’s on its second nearly full set of suspension components and other consumables like air con rads. That said it’s showing no signs of body corrosion, unlike the 993. All-in-all, though, I reckon running costs have been slightly cheaper for the 993, but there's not much in it.

Which would I rescue if the garage was burning down? Well, the 993 obviously, but only because of its value. The fact that it’s probably worth three times the value of the 996 is crazy, but telling of Porsche's move into the mass market with the arrival of the water-cooled cars. Supply and demand and all that. John Lawrence, via email