Griff 500 v 993

Griff 500 v 993

Author
Discussion

craig

Original Poster:

1,181 posts

290 months

Tuesday 5th March 2002
quotequote all
Currently running a 1998 Griff 500 but thinking about changing for a 993 Carrera. I'd be interested to hear comments from anyone who has done a similar swap or has experience of both cars.

domster

8,431 posts

276 months

Tuesday 5th March 2002
quotequote all
I think the general consensus will be:

1) It won't break down as much
2) It'll be a bit slower and a bit more boring on occasions

and also

3) you will have two tiny rear seats

I have tried to get 1) and 2) in quickly as they are pretty obvious, and I don't think *anybody* wants yet another Porsche vs Tiv thread. If you want a deep and philosophical answer regarding the different ownership experiences, I'd search this site for previous threads of this nature, and failing that ask Bennno and Flasher for their opinions off-list and then stand well back!

From a personal perspective I'd say you were being very sensible (although some would say *too* sensible!).

Rgds
Domster





>> Edited by domster on Tuesday 5th March 12:07

craig

Original Poster:

1,181 posts

290 months

Tuesday 5th March 2002
quotequote all
thanks domster

I didn't want to start off another huge debate but I could see how this might happen.

As an fyi I love driving the Griff but don't feel very comfortable in it at speed or on track days (car is a bit nervous). Also would appreciate better build quality - although not too bad overall there are some things that are not acceptable such as the flimsy bonnet and the fact that the chassis is already corroding.

domster

8,431 posts

276 months

Tuesday 5th March 2002
quotequote all
Yes, I can see where you are coming from. I also found the Griff (4.0) a bit twitchy to drive.

The 993 is a remarkably able car. I don't think you will be disappointed as they still have a lot of character (exhaust note, big rev counter bang in front of you) and handle/go pretty well.

The variants that meet the Griff 500 performance-wise are the 993 RS (about 37-40k LHD) and the 993 Twin Turbo (about 35k-45k LHD). The 993TT is as quick as a Tuscan (0-60 in 3.9, 0-100 in 9), whereas the RS is more of a track proposition.

Even the standard C2 is nippy - low fives to sixty and a top whack over 160. Maintenance is v cheap, and parts are readily available. JZ Maztech, a respected Porsche independent, charge 34 quid an hour for servicing.

If you don't like the TVR build attitude (treating front wishbones as 'wear items' on Chimps) because of rust problems, then a Porshce will hit the spot.

Rgds
Domster

ultra violent

2,827 posts

275 months

Tuesday 5th March 2002
quotequote all
If you keen not too sacrifice performance why not consider a Turbo 2. Exclusivity and go like stink. My first drive of one ended an on going search for a 993.

Oh, Dom just given the go-a-head for a full Roock sport suspension upgrade... Now just the small matter of finding ££££

domster

8,431 posts

276 months

Tuesday 5th March 2002
quotequote all
Hi UV,

Yeah, only you would upgrade the upgraded suspension! Still, let me know how you get on, as I may give them another T2 to sort out at some point...

Still quite like that yellow 3.6 but Greg not keen. Will have to see. Quest continues methinks.

Rgds
Domster
PS If you fancy alternative wheels, then BBS Direct are doing decent deals on wheel and tyre packages - about 1300 for four 18 inchers with rubber (damn sight cheaper than the official 3.6 Speedlines) and almost as good looking. Alternatively, save some unsprung weight and go for billet aluminium Image split rims... as used on Ultimas... about 380 quid each wheel excluding rubber.

bosshog

1,634 posts

282 months

Wednesday 6th March 2002
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craig,

if you want to use it with the track in mind. Then definitly go for a 993 RS Clubsport (not 993 RS). I have a friend you has one of these and we've been to the track at the same time. The RS is *much* for focused than a standard 993 or 993TT. The turbo may be faster down the straights but the RS is much more rewarding in the corners - and has a much more direct feel and faster around the track. The downside is that you don't have back seat (for what they are worth) or any creature comforts like elecy windows, air con, more noisy etc. But you get roll cage more downforce, lower suspension, the 993TT brakes, its 300 bhp rather tan 275 bhp and a 100 Kg lighter. Its the better track car of the family by far.
If you're going to use the car everyday (in the wet) then the 993TT is the best. (Not that I'm biased ;-) )

Roadrunner

2,690 posts

273 months

Wednesday 6th March 2002
quotequote all
bosshog - I've been thinking about the 993 RS v T4 recently. I've decided this would be the ultimate 911 ever made in terms of looks, noise, ability etc: A T4 stripped out and fitted with RS steering rack, suspension etc, etc. Sod practicality, just out and out ability all round - no compromise.

bosshog

1,634 posts

282 months

Thursday 7th March 2002
quotequote all
quote:

bosshog - I've been thinking about the 993 RS v T4 recently. I've decided this would be the ultimate 911 ever made in terms of looks, noise, ability etc: A T4 stripped out and fitted with RS steering rack, suspension etc, etc. Sod practicality, just out and out ability all round - no compromise.



Hi - if your thinking about stripping out a turbo then your really thinking about turning it into a GT2 - why not just buy one of these (if you can afford it). To me its THE 911 to have. Monsterous power and total track cabability with great looks and sound.

The thing to remember though is if you're gonna strip down a t4 then it AWD not rear wheel drive so it'll always rob you of some feel from the front. You'll need to do the suspension, roll cage, and the GT2 oil coolers, and prehaps a modest power hike ~450 bhp .

>> Edited by bosshog on Thursday 7th March 09:51

bennno

12,496 posts

275 months

Thursday 7th March 2002
quotequote all

go for the porker, after the first hour, perhaps day you may think it a bit boring in comparison to the more in your face Griffith...

...after a couple of weeks of driving you will never look back

bennno

buster

1,060 posts

290 months

Thursday 7th March 2002
quotequote all
I sold my Griff500 for a 996 C2 (et al the GT3 bits) ...

Suffered the boredom (granted v reliable boredom) for 12 months -

Sold - purchased a 4.5 Cerby & a '69 Healy.

Yes reliability IS a problem - but scream per mile the TVR wins over & over again.

BE really careful B4 you take the Porsche route....granted tho the 993 is more of a "real" car IMO than the 996.

Just my two penny worth.....

kevinday

12,039 posts

286 months

Thursday 7th March 2002
quotequote all
quote:


go for the porker, after the first hour, perhaps day you may think it a bit boring in comparison to the more in your face Griffith...

...after a couple of weeks of driving you will never look back

bennno



Bennno, I thought you were interested in a Tamora now?

buster

1,060 posts

290 months

Thursday 7th March 2002
quotequote all
Porsche is dull, dull , dull -

Unless my IOM bank account would allow a GT2

No chance

craig

Original Poster:

1,181 posts

290 months

Thursday 7th March 2002
quotequote all
thanks for your comments guys

I think I'll test drive a 993 this weekend to see how it compares to the Griff

thom

2,745 posts

279 months

Thursday 7th March 2002
quotequote all
quote:

Porsche is dull, dull , dull -



That's not the subject here

Ultra Violent

2,827 posts

275 months

Friday 8th March 2002
quotequote all
I was in the market for a lesser 911 only a month-ago. Either a 964RS (RHD 20K miles) or a T2. The RS was by far the best car I have ever driven. Before any Gay-lord shite pipes up I have had the fortune to drive a number of tres-rapied cars.

Summary (in I cant be arsed to post becaause i'm in pissedmode) the RS is fan-bloody-tastic if your going to track. Close to perfect. Significantly better than most modern sports Cars (read the EVO article, which I have a copy of if any one wants). It's a 'proper'race car. The T2 is very much more like a TVR, very quick but without the composure (never driven a Tamora so don't get arsie (sic)) .

If I had the money i'd buy a EVO VI for day-day and a 964 RS for track days....

And a hangover cure for tomorroew.....Burrrrrp....

fu(*k I feel illllll.......

Don

28,377 posts

290 months

Friday 8th March 2002
quotequote all
You didn't really barf did you UV?

"Resolve" this morning then.....

Ultra Violent

2,827 posts

275 months

Friday 8th March 2002
quotequote all
urgggg......

buster

1,060 posts

290 months

Friday 8th March 2002
quotequote all
No offence intended - purely my experience with the 996.....still purchase a 996 Turbo or GT2 tomorrow if the numbers worked.

TVR's are amazing tho - am I allowed to say that here

GregE240

10,857 posts

273 months

Friday 8th March 2002
quotequote all
quote:

TVR's are amazing tho - am I allowed to say that here


Oh, alright then...just this once.
But one more violation, and we'll have the Porker evangelists at your door quicker than you can say Cayenne !

Actually, watching Wrong Car Right Car last night when they showed the Chim and price, Emma blurted out "Oh s*** ! I could have had one of them"

Here we go again......