I am curious how both of these cars compare. I owned a 1995 993 from 96 to 99. I got my Z two weeks ago. My impression is that the Z is more powerful, faster and handles better. Can't recall well about the 993 though so I am not 100% sure. I think the 993 of 1995 was 270hp?? Other things come to consideration for sure...

Any ideas on this?

MoZi

 

I've got one of each in the garage - '04 350ZR 6MT, '96 C4 Cab. I don't have the Z broken in yet (850 miles) so I haven't been above 4000 rpm. I also had a '95 C2. The 95 993 had 270 hp and the '96 - '98 993 had 282 hp. The big difference in the 2 engines though is the addition of variocam (variable length intake runners) in 1996 that broadened the torque band. The cars with the variocam pull stronger up to redline than those without. I think that the Z is slightly slower than the 993's. The best 0-60 time I have seen on a Z is 5.3, with most being in the 5.7 range. The best 0-60 times for the 993 are 4.9-5.0 with most being in the 5.3 range. The handling dynamics of the 2 cars though is vastly different with the 993 having a 40/60 weight distribution and the Z at 53/47. In a race on a road course I would put my money on the car with the better driver as the 2 cars are so close in performance.
rich
'03 FX 45 w/tech, Black/Brick
'96 911 C4 Cab, Iris Blue/Marble/Marble
'04 350ZR 6MT, SS/BO w/18's & NAV

 

Very interesting feedback, thanks.

One interesting thing you noted about weight distribution. Perhaps the 40/60 of the 993 made me feel less glued in the twisties than with the Z....

Does the 996 wax the Z (stock vs. stock) big time? What about with N/A mods on the Z?

MoZi

 

[mag racing] Both cars handle very differently, as a 996 Carrera has a rather large rearward weight bias while the Z is slightly nose heavy, but with a good driver in each their handling is probably very similar. The 996 is more powerful and lighter than the Z, so as far as straightline speed goes the 911 should win by a decent amount. I think that they run low 13s in the 1/4, but I'm not too sure on that number. [/mag racing]

 

Last year Road and Track magazine put a Z around a race course faster than a 996 Targa with the same driver even though the individual stats of the 996 were better. I think this is because the Z is an easier car to drive fast. In any case, the performance difference is small and price difference is huge.