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Porsche · Sports Car · 1993–1998

Porsche 911 993

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.8 / 5.0 · Based on 9 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

450 PS

3.6L Boxer Biturbo Turbo S Benzin

183 units — the pinnacle of air cooling

Legendary!
Problem Engine

430 PS

3.6L Boxer Biturbo GT2 Benzin

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Body Variants

The Porsche 911 993 is available as Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations


Engine Overview

The Porsche 911 993 is available with 12 engine variants — from 272 to 450 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

Carrera · Benziner· 272–285 PS Engine Change
1994 1995
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
1996 1998
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
Carrera 4 · Benziner· 272 PS
1994 1995
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
Carrera 4S · Benziner· 285 PS
1996 1998
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
Carrera Cabrio · Benziner· 272–285 PS Engine Change
1994 1995
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
1996 1998
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
Carrera Cabrio Tiptronic · Benziner· 272 PS
1994 1995
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
Carrera Cabrio Tiptronic S · Benziner· 285 PS
1996 1998
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
Carrera RS 3.8 · Benziner· 300 PS
1995 1996
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
Carrera Tiptronic · Benziner· 272 PS
1994 1995
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
Carrera Tiptronic S · Benziner· 285 PS
1996 1998
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
GT2 · Benziner· 430 PS
1995 1997
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Turbo · Benziner· 408 PS
1995 1998
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Turbo S · Benziner· 450 PS
1997 1998
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The Porsche Carrera (Benziner, 272–285 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M64/05 (1994–1995, Be Careful) und M64/21 (1996–1998, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Carrera!

The Porsche Carrera 4 (Benziner, 272 PS) has the M64/05 (3.6L Boxer) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Porsche Carrera 4S (Benziner, 285 PS) has the M64/21 (3.6L Boxer VarioRam) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Porsche Carrera Cabrio (Benziner, 272–285 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M64/05 (1994–1995, Be Careful) und M64/21 (1996–1998, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Carrera Cabrio!

The Porsche Carrera Cabrio Tiptronic (Benziner, 272 PS) has the M64/05 (3.6L Boxer) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Porsche Carrera Cabrio Tiptronic S (Benziner, 285 PS) has the M64/22 (3.6L Boxer VarioRam Tiptronic) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Porsche Carrera RS 3.8 (Benziner, 300 PS) has the M64/20 (3.8L Boxer VarioRam) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Porsche Carrera Tiptronic (Benziner, 272 PS) has the M64/05 (3.6L Boxer) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Porsche Carrera Tiptronic S (Benziner, 285 PS) has the M64/22 (3.6L Boxer VarioRam Tiptronic) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Porsche GT2 (Benziner, 430 PS) has the M64/60R (3.6L Boxer Biturbo GT2) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

The Porsche Turbo (Benziner, 408 PS) has the M64/60 (3.6L Boxer Biturbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Porsche Turbo S (Benziner, 450 PS) has the M64/60S (3.6L Boxer Biturbo Turbo S) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Rust window frame

Windscreen and rear window frames are prone to rust, especially if windows were replaced incorrectly. Moisture ingress and adhesive residue accelerate the attack.

Symptoms: Visible rust bubbles at the window edge, water ingress inside the cabin, rubber seal peeling off.
High
!Rust rear bumper support

Hollow sections of the rear bumper supports rust from the inside due to dirt accumulation. Regular cleaning and cavity preservation are essential.

Symptoms: Visible rust bubbles under the rear bumper trim, rotted hollow support tips visible during underside inspection.
Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
24 complaints · 1993–1998
Electrical
6
Airbags
4
Engine & Cooling
3
Brakes
3
Tires
3

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (6 complaints)
Airbags (4 complaints)
Engine & Cooling (3 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 87 weaknesses have been documented for the Porsche 911 993 (1993–1998) — 73 engine-related and 14 vehicle-related. One problem engine: M64/60R (3.6L Boxer Biturbo GT2). Typical issues affect Rust, Electronics, HVAC, Suspension.

911 (M64.50, 1993–1994) — Be Careful: Turbo bearings worn (cooldown required), Turbo bearing wear (KKK K27), K27 turbocharger bearing wear. Power: 360 PS.

911 (M64/05, 1994–1995) — Be Careful: Engine bay wiring harness — insulation brittle (recall), Valve cover gasket porous, Chain case gasket leaking. Power: 272 PS.

911 (M64/20, 1995–1996) — Be Careful: Engine bay wiring harness — insulation brittle (recall), Oil starvation under high-load track driving, Valve guides worn (oil consumption, blue smoke). Power: 300 PS.

911 (M64/60, 1995–1998) — Be Careful: Turbocharger bearings worn (both units), Engine bay wiring harness — insulation brittle (recall), Boost control hose faulty. Power: 408 PS.

911 (M64/60R, 1995–1997) — Stay Away!: Turbocharger bearings worn (both units), Valve cover gasket porous (oil loss), DME relay heat death — engine won't start. Power: 430 PS.

911 (M64/21, 1996–1998) — Be Careful: Engine bay wiring harness — insulation brittle (recall), Valve cover gasket porous, Chain case gasket leaking. Power: 285 PS.

911 (M64/22, 1996–1998) — Be Careful: Engine bay wiring harness — insulation brittle (recall), Valve cover gasket porous (oil loss), Chain case gasket leaking. Power: 285 PS.

911 (M96.01, 1997–2001) — Be Careful: IMS bearing single-row: engine failure risk, Bore scoring: cylinder bore wear, Cylinder head crack: oil in coolant. Power: 300 PS.

911 (M64/60S, 1997–1998) — Be Careful: Turbocharger bearings worn (both units), Valve cover gasket porous (oil loss), DME relay heat death — engine won't start. Power: 450 PS.

What to watch out for with the Porsche 911? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Porsche 911 993 have? +
The Porsche 911 993 has 73 known engine weaknesses and 14 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Porsche 911 993? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: M64.50 (3.6L Turbo), M96.01 (3.4L), M64/05 (3.6L Boxer), M64/21 (3.6L Boxer VarioRam), M64/22 (3.6L Boxer VarioRam Tiptronic), M64/20 (3.8L Boxer VarioRam), M64/60 (3.6L Boxer Biturbo), M64/60S (3.6L Boxer Biturbo Turbo S). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the M64/60S (3.6L Boxer Biturbo Turbo S). Problem engine: M64/60R (3.6L Boxer Biturbo GT2) — stay away!
Which Porsche 911 993 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Porsche 911 993 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The 993 Turbo S with M64/60S is the ultimate statement of air-cooled Porsche history: 331 kW, 183 built, AWD, sport exhaust standard. There is no better air-cooled car from Zuffenhausen. Prices are astronomical and climbing, the car is status symbol and driving machine in one. Drive a Turbo S and you drive the finale of an era.
Is the Porsche 911 993 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Porsche 911 993 — 1 of 9 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Porsche 911 993? +
The Porsche 911 993 is available with engine variants from 272 to 450 hp. Petrol: M64.50 (3.6L Turbo), M96.01 (3.4L), M64/05 (3.6L Boxer), M64/21 (3.6L Boxer VarioRam), M64/22 (3.6L Boxer VarioRam Tiptronic), M64/20 (3.8L Boxer VarioRam), M64/60 (3.6L Boxer Biturbo), M64/60R (3.6L Boxer Biturbo GT2), M64/60S (3.6L Boxer Biturbo Turbo S).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee