Are you guys really saying that in any way other than objective speed/performance, that the 996 is more desirable than the 993?!
I've owned both.
It REALLY depends what you're looking for and who the car is for IMO.
When I was shopping for a replacement for my air cooled, I of course was comparing 996 vs 964/993 (and other air cooled). This was before the prices went completely bananas for daily driver level cars.
Now keep in mind my air cooled was my daily driver. In most every regard, the 996 was "better" than the old cars. And in many areas, significantly better. No shocker, newer 911s always tend to raise the bar over their predecessors.
But if nostalgia, classic ownership and "old" car feel is what matters most to you (and you're flat out wealthy), nothing but an air cooled 911 will do! The styling of the 993 is better (and maybe not better in a 964. YMMV). If you loathe the fried egger headlights of the 996, that might be reason alone for a hard pass! And again, the 993 has an air cooled engine; that's where it begins and ends for some people. It's also makes delightful clinking, pings and other such noises as it cools down in the garage. I'd be lying if I didn't say I spent HOURS just sitting in my Porsche (or the garage) as it cooled down just to listen to the symphony of the metal-cooling sounds.
Apart from those (and those might be big for some people! ), the 996 was a far better daily. And it's not close. Also, Regular Joe Stiff like me can actually still own a 996/997 vs an air cooled. And some people say a dream car you can actually afford/own is "better" than one you can't.
So it depends what you're looking for and what your primary needs/wants are.
And for me personally, I think a 996 TT is near the high water mark of 996 and daily driver cars I'd like to own in general. It still feels a bit "old" Porsche, yet modern. You can daily it, year round, no problem. Easy to maintain and most mechanical bits aren't eye watering to replace. Loads of aftermarket support. Metzger engine bomb proof.
Very important (to me) it still feels very analog (in a good way) when you drive it. Because that feeling went away post 997.2 It felt digital and a bit more lifeless despite the increase in performance. For me, the 997.2 TT is the absolute high water 911 for MY needs/wants. But my 996 endeared itself to me in such a way that I'm ALWAYS on the look out for a high mileage 996 TT as a daily. I think it's a great car.
And I really think 996 are undervalued for what they are: a great daily sports car.
FWIW, I'd have this convo about a zillion a year with PCA guys at events.
