- Free-revving six-cylinder engines (and last of the air-cooled engines)
- Newly introduced five-link rear suspension made for impressive dynamics
- Accurate, direct steering provides excellent feedback
- Responsive brakes
- Skewed driving position and offset pedals
- Controls and instruments obscured by steering wheel
- Engine noise at higher rpm
- Rear seats only for small children
Overview
Released in February 1994, the Porsche 993 911 Cabriolet was a two-door convertible with a power-operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Stuttgart, Germany, the 993 911 Cabriolet range initially consisted of the rear-wheel drive Carrera variants, but was expanded with all-wheel drive Carrera 4 variants in 1995. Both variants, however, were powered by 3.6-litre horizontally-opposed (or flat) six-cylinder petrol engines that were mated to either six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.
From October 1995, the M64/21 engine was fitted with Porsche’s ‘VarioRam’ system which varied the effective length of the inlet ducting according to engine load and speed. Hence, a longer intake length at low rpm provided higher intake air velocity and improved low-end torque.
Dimensions
Compared to the 964 911 Cabriolet , the 993 911 Cabriolet was 5 mm shorter (at 4245 mm), 83 mm wider (1735 mm) and 20 mm lower (1300 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2272 mm). Visually, the 993 911 Cabriolet could be identified by its more rounded styling.
Suspension
The 993 911 Cabriolet had MacPherson strut front suspension and a five-link rear suspension with double wishbones that was, mounted on an aluminium subframe and attached to the body via rubber bushings – this new rear suspension configuration was designed to reduce lift-off oversteer.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Drive | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrera | 1994-95 | 3.6-litre petrol F6 | RWD | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
200 kW at 6100 rpm | 330 Nm at 4800-5000 rpm |
| 1995-97 | 3.6-litre petrol F6 | RWD | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
210 kW at 6100 rpm | 340 Nm at 4800-5250 rpm | |
| Carrera 4 | 1995 | 3.6-litre petrol F6 | AWD | 6sp man. | 200 kW at 6100 rpm | 330 Nm at 4800-5000 rpm |
| 1995-97 | 3.6-litre petrol F6 | AWD | 6sp man. | 210 kW at 6100 rpm | 340 Nm at 4800-5250 rpm |
AWD system
The Carrera 4 variants were fitted with an automatic all-wheel drive system which utilised a viscous coupling (rather than the epicyclic centre gear differential of the 964 911’s all-wheel drive system). In normal conditions, 85 to 95 per cent of the engine’s torque was directed to the rear wheels. If, however, traction was lost, the viscous coupling would lock, engage the front axle and deliver torque to the front wheels.
The all-wheel drive system also incorporated an Automatic Brake Differential (ABD). In the event that a rear wheel lost traction, the ABS would brake the spinning wheel to send more torque to the opposing wheel.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the 911 Cabriolet included dual front airbags and ABS.
Features
Standard features for the 993 911 Cabriolet included 16-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, a power adjustable driver’s seat, leather seats, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, central locking, power mirrors, power windows and an alarm.
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