Year: 1994-1998 | Generation: 993 | Units built: 68,029 (all 993s)
Engine: 3.6/3.8L Air-cooled Flat-6 | Power: 268-444hp | 0–60mph: 3.7-5.2s | Top Speed: 165-187mph
The Porsche 911/Type 993 was sold between January 1994 and early 1998 (with US based models going on sale from 1995-1998. The Type 993 was developed by Porsche as the replacement to the Porsche 964 model (which had been introduced in 1990 as a successor to the earlier 911 platform). We’re being picky here by specifying our love for the 1996-1998 models specifically.
Considered by many Porsche enthusiasts as the “ultimate 911”, the type 993 represented a unique blend of power and simple elegance. The car had a more streamlined look and was “lower slung” than earlier versions of the 911. The styling was perfect, and it is still the best looking 911 series.
More importantly the 993 saw big improvements in chassis engineering and performance that was a big step up. Rear suspension geometry was a massive improvement over previous technology, specifically developed to produce improved handling characteristics during inclement weather while retaining the stability and this transformed the 911 driving experience.
This was the last of the “air-cooled” Porsche 911s (insert sad face here). The air-cooled engine was mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission – making the 993 the first-generation of 911 to feature a six-speed transmission (all earlier variants had either 4- or 5-speed gearboxes). A turbo-version of the Type 993 Porsche 911 was also introduced in 1995 and featured a bi-turbo engine that was at the top of the performance pack for the time. The discontinuation of the Porsche 993 in 1998 officially marked the end of the air-cooled Porsches.
993s got the standard M64/05(06) engine with 3.6 liter displacement. It basically carried over from the 964, making 268 hp and was used through model year 1995. In 1995 Porsche switched to the VarioRam -equipped M64/21(22) engine and power output increased to 282 hp. The RS got a more powerful version with 3.8 liter and 300 hp. For Turbo 993s the 3.6 liter got twin KKK K16 turbos and made 402 hp although you could customize your order (on Turbo S and GT2 models) to up that to 444 hp.
Powerful, comfortable, nicely balanced, air-cooled flat six and gorgeous looks. What’s not to like about the 993.