I ***** love mine. Had a 964 originally which I loved and incidentally was no slower than a 997 in the real world. I remember taking it to North Wales with two friends who had 997s and was struggling to get my keys back off them. Eventually sold it as I got fed up with oil leaks and the maintenance costs. Bought a 987 Spyder which was a brilliant car to drive but ultimately not as enjoyable overall as the air-cooled car. Went back to an air-cooled 911 in the shape of a 993S, it being the one that I loved the most and it hasn't disappointed.
What I like about it:
It's a 911 (as is a 997).
Practical enough to use (as is a 997).
Air-cooled. The noise, smell, 'feel' of the engine is unique.
It reminds me of a VW Beetle I once had. Like a guilty pleasure.
I've lusted after one since they first came out.
They are super classy and you can turn up anywhere in one. To most people they don't even look valuable.
It will cross Europe without an issue, or equally be fun on a track day (as would a 997)
Fast enough to enjoy. And you feel the speed you are doing.
Small. You can hustle one along a B road still
Electronics have not taken over.
It has a 'man and machine' feeling.
The doors shut with a 'thunk'.
The upright windscreen.
993s are beautiful. It makes me smile just looking at one.
What I don't like (but am happy to put up with):
Holy Mother of God the maintenance bills can be eye watering.
Coming out of a 997, you will probably notice the smell of oil and the ancient looking cabin most. The cabin feels much older in places than the late 1990s. But then the 997 cabin looks dated now compared modern stuff. Other than that I can't see what's not to like.
Have had so many highlights in mine in the last couple of years. It has seen some of the best roads in Ireland, Scotland, Wales (multiple times)... even took it on a couple of business meetings just outside Nice in the South of France collecting speeding tickets from the Gendarmes along the Route Napoleon. Sunroof open, windows down up in the mountains listening to the engine and a bit of Serge Gainsbourg on the crappy stereo on my way back home is something I will never forget. Was still able to hit 160 chasing a new Audi coupe thing en route to the Tunnel.
Currently starting to hatch a plan to ship it to the States for a few weeks to do a road trip. I can tell you hand on heart that if I owned a 997 (and very, very good cars they are) I would not be doing this. Nor would I be doing it with any car I have ever owned before. There is just something special about it. They are both charming and engaging to drive. Some people get them, others don't.