Classic Sports Car and Almost a Monster

I've had my 1996 Porsche 911 (designation 993 body -- coupe) for a year and a half now, and put over 8,000 miles on it. If that mileage seems low, consider that the first owner only put 11,100 on the car in nearly six years on the road. Many people treat these cars that way.

First off: Yes, the car is bulletproof. Nothing ever breaks, and Porsche only wants the car serviced every 15,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. My local dealer virtually refuses to change the oil (TWELVE quarts of Mobile 1 only, please) more frequently than this. I hear that the same is not necessarily true for other model Porsches. This is, after all, the original air-cooled 911 that's been in production for about 40 years.

My car produces 282 HP from a 3.6 liter engine (about 220 cu. in.). The newer, water-cooled (since 1999) ones come with 320 HP in the normally-aspirated engines; however, at about 300 pounds heavier they need more ponies to get around as quickly. This car is very fast, but not a "monster" like the 400 to 450 HP factory Turbos. Many Corvettes can beat my car in a "drag." NONE can come close running either up or down a twisty canyon. As expected.

This car is not really a 'modern' sports car. Sure, it's got air conditioning, a fine sound system, and power windows/central locking standard. However, it takes some effort to operate the clutch smoothly; it takes downright skill to blast off from a dead stop without killing the engine. Shifter strokes are not short and 'silky.' It has the Porsche sound of steel evenly engaging steel all around when you close the doors, not the perfectly balanced 'snick' of newer cars' door locks engaging. Some finer creature comforts like heated seats were available, as options, in 1996, however, my car hasn't got 'em. Nobody built cooled seats then, and the computer control/information/navigation centers are to be found only on the latest Porsches. Oh yes, my driver's seat is full power; the passenger seat is partly manually positioned.

Virtually NOTHING else on the road corners like this car. The brakes are AWESOME. (When you can go this fast, you ought to be able to stop at least as quickly.) With its six-speed manual transmission, the car isn't even breathing hard at 100 miles per -- with 2 gears yet to engage. It's older and people know it; but it still draws stares and thumbs up on the highway and people stop you on the street as you get out and ask about the car. These cars are GORGEOUS. Frankly, they're prettier (sexier) than the newer 996 body style. (I like to call the 996s "Vulcan" cars.)

If you're taller than 6'-0" (my height), don't buy this car without sitting in it and CAREFULLY evaluating how you'll do on longer outings. The 911s built since 1999 are about nine inches longer (Now you know where that 300 pounds comes from.) and easily accommodate taller people.

Bottom line: This air-cooled 911 is the Classic sports car. It demands that you drive it, not just steer. Unlike many other sports cars of the era, it is very solid and incredibly reliable. (I hear Ferraris of the period are like helicopters: two hours in the shop for every one on the road.) I love this car!