Porsche 993 vs 964: Air-Cooled 911 Comparison

Comparison

993 Carrera

n=378 sold12-mo +23.0%

Avg Price

$114k

Range

$49k – $217k

Avg Mileage

67,806

Manual Premium

+92%

Avg Bids

37

964 Carrera

n=193 sold12-mo -1.0%

Avg Price

$118k

Range

$46k – $280k

Avg Mileage

76,274

Manual Premium

+77%

Avg Bids

37

964 Carrera 4

n=127 sold12-mo +26.4%

Avg Price

$116k

Range

$50k – $285k

Avg Mileage

86,758

Avg Bids

38

993 Carrera 4S

n=106 sold12-mo +27.0%

Avg Price

$171k

Range

$102k – $282k

Avg Mileage

63,243

Avg Bids

41

993 Turbo

n=106 sold12-mo +2.8%

Avg Price

$306k

Range

$177k – $556k

Avg Mileage

47,698

Avg Bids

47

964 Turbo

n=70 sold12-mo +12.9%

Avg Price

$359k

Range

$159k – $745k

Avg Mileage

52,688

Avg Bids

64

993 Carrera S

n=59 sold12-mo +15.2%

Avg Price

$194k

Range

$93k – $326k

Avg Mileage

50,095

Manual Premium

+68%

Avg Bids

39

964 Carrera RS

n=37 sold

Avg Price

$451k

Range

$145k – $887k

Avg Mileage

40,673

Avg Bids

51

993 Carrera 4

n=32 sold12-mo +16.7%

Avg Price

$104k

Range

$49k – $197k

Avg Mileage

72,753

Avg Bids

35

964 Carrera RS America

n=22 sold12-mo +4.0%

Avg Price

$169k

Range

$97k – $253k

Avg Mileage

54,327

Avg Bids

36

964 Speedster

n=16 sold

Avg Price

$234k

Range

$150k – $504k

Avg Mileage

32,820

Avg Bids

49

993 Targa

n=16 sold

Avg Price

$102k

Range

$48k – $166k

Avg Mileage

71,105

Avg Bids

43

993 Turbo S

n=6 sold

Avg Price

$732k

Range

$507k – $936k

Avg Mileage

28,640

How to Choose

• Averages are closer than the old rules of thumb: 993 Carrera $110K and 964 Carrera $118K in our sold data. Spec and condition now matter more than generation.
• Transmission is the biggest price lever on both generations — Tiptronic cars trade around 40-45% below manuals in our data.
• Driving character: the 964 is rawer and more mechanical, while the 993 is more refined and easier to drive fast.
• Momentum currently favors the 993: its Carrera sales over the last 12 months average roughly 20% above the year before, while the 964 Carrera is flat.
• The 964 RS and 993 RS are in a different league — lightweight homologation specials, with the 964 Carrera RS averaging $421K in our data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Porsche 993 or 964 a better buy?

Depends on priorities. The 993 is more refined, better to drive, and carries the last-air-cooled cachet — and its 12-month sales average about 20% above the year before. The 964 offers the rawer experience, and its average price now sits right alongside the 993's, so neither is the automatic bargain anymore.

Why is the Porsche 993 so expensive?

The 993 is the last air-cooled Porsche 911, giving it unique collector status. It's also considered the most refined air-cooled 911 with beautiful design, excellent handling, and enough civility for daily use. Scarcity (only 4 model years) adds to the premium.

How much is a Porsche 964 worth?

In our data the 964 Carrera averages $118K and the Carrera 4 $116K — with the top of both ranges driven by backdated and reimagined builds rather than stock cars. The 964 Turbo averages $361K, and the 964 Carrera RS $421K.

Are air-cooled Porsches a good investment?

Historically, yes. Air-cooled 911 values climbed dramatically after 2015 and have settled since the 2022 peak. In our last 12 months of sales, the 993 Carrera averages about 20% above the prior year and the 993 Carrera 4S about 26% — while 964 Carrera prices are flat.

Is the Porsche 964 hard to maintain?

Not particularly. The air-cooled flat-six is mechanically simple. Key items are valve adjustments, oil changes, and checking for oil leaks. Find a specialist who knows air-cooled Porsches and budget $3K-$5K/year for maintenance.