What to buy 87 e.2 or 74 2.7
01-08-2019, 08:56 AM
#1
What to buy 87 e.2 or 74 2.7
i have narrowed my search down to two cars the first is a 1974 coupe with a 2.7 engine from a 1977. The car is red and colour is red, the owner restored it in 1998 and engine rebuilt in 2008. Since restoration he has only put 150 miles on it, and paint appears flawless. The second car is a 1987 911 3.2 ( original engine) coupe also red, the owner has had her for over 20 yea and drove it had it regularly serviced, paint is not perfect and just put in a new starter when serviced around 6 weeks ago. Both have around 140000 miles on the odometer, and both are going for around the same price range. Just wondering what is a better car I know they are both 911s, I’m looking for a car that I can hop in and go and drive, take on a road trip to car events and driving trips. Any suggestions or help will be greatly appreciated since I’m new to buying a Porsche.
Eddie
Eddie
01-08-2019, 09:14 AM
#2
Rennlist Member
I would buy the 87 3.2 with the G50..... you don't start it for a week and you hop in....it starts right up. I am a fan of the G50 transmission too. There are going to be fans of the 915 tranny and the G50 and opinions differ. I think that both have their fans here and you can't go wrong with either. model. Please drive them both prior to purchase and get them both checked out. The 77 will need tires and hoses,brakes and several other items from a lack of being driven. A regularly driven 87 should have fewer issues then a car that has been sitting.
01-08-2019, 01:06 PM
#5
For what you want the 87, if you were just going for a Sunday fun day car the 74 narrow body would be more unique and a more slowed down driving experience. Added bonus if your in CA no smog law to deal with.
01-08-2019, 01:51 PM
#6
I’m in Canada no smog (emissions test) for classic cars. The owner of the 74 said the car is European specs and rear fenders are steel flares believes car was imported to Canada from Europe in 1989. I’m leaning at the 87 only for the gear box.
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01-08-2019, 07:29 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
given you're new to the brand/old cars I'd go for the 87. Just have it fully inspected so you know what it needs. They all need something. Sometimes a lot.
The older car may be great. And some might argue it's the better car as it's lighter, less complicated. But it also has a motor from a later year, those 77's had some issues, they are largely worked through by now but the 2.7mag motors could be a bit weapy. And the 915 has character. The G50 will shift like any modern car you've driven. Frankly I like the 901/915, I get it now :-)
The older car may be great. And some might argue it's the better car as it's lighter, less complicated. But it also has a motor from a later year, those 77's had some issues, they are largely worked through by now but the 2.7mag motors could be a bit weapy. And the 915 has character. The G50 will shift like any modern car you've driven. Frankly I like the 901/915, I get it now :-)
01-08-2019, 09:21 PM
#9
Much of the beauty of middies is the elegant narrow body. If that '74 has flares, that beauty is lost.
Having said that, I would recommend that you drive both. They're very different cars. I love how old school my '74 is, with unassisted steering and braking and power nothing, and I would not swap it for a 3.2, but I understand why many people feel different.
Having said that, I would recommend that you drive both. They're very different cars. I love how old school my '74 is, with unassisted steering and braking and power nothing, and I would not swap it for a 3.2, but I understand why many people feel different.
01-08-2019, 09:24 PM
#10
Rennlist Member
Am I the only one who noticed that the 74 has a rebuilt engine with 150 miles on it, and the '87 engine is still original with 140,000 miles? Considering the cost of rebuilding a 911 engine, this is a significant point. If the 74 paint is really that good, and the interior restored as well, those would be huge points in its favor. Plus, the 74 chassis and 2.7 engine is lighter and thus a bit more nimble than the 87. I'm all for the G50 Carreras (I own one and wouldn't let it go), but if I were faced with this choice I wouldn't be so quick to prefer the high mile G50 over a rebuilt 2.7 with "flawless" paint. I'd want to see and drive both.
01-08-2019, 09:31 PM
#11
Drifting
Originally Posted by 911Dave
Am I the only one who noticed that the 74 has a rebuilt engine with 150 miles on it, and the '87 engine is still original with 140,000 miles? Considering the cost of rebuilding a 911 engine, this is a significant point. If the 74 paint is really that good, and the interior restored as well, those would be huge points in its favor. Plus, the 74 chassis and 2.7 engine is lighter and thus a bit more nimble than the 87. I'm all for the G50 Carreras (I own one and wouldn't let it go), but if I were faced with this choice I wouldn't be so quick to prefer the high mile G50 over a rebuilt 2.7 with "flawless" paint. I'd want to see and drive both.
01-08-2019, 10:54 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
G50 and 3.2 can't go wrong if it checks out. 2.7 an 915 is a cool & fun combo too.... but the '87 would be considered the blue chip stock, "74 not so much. I have a '74 that is a blast to drive, light and more raw....... also have a '90 which is refined and reliable. If you can only have one go with the refined and reliable which if it was maintained properly would be the '87
01-09-2019, 09:40 AM
#14
Update, just had someone check out the 87, it was serviced 200km ago before that it sat for about a year and a half the owner got to busy to drive it. Steering column loose but owner has new bushing, sun roof not operational and air needs recharging, wipers didn’t work believe possible fuse, paint has chips will need to be done one day but could wait. The mechanic said car ran strong and started rate away and shifted easy. Had compression test done at previous service and was 175lb per valve, the owner said that when he had the car serviced he thought there may be a stuck valve because it sat for a year and a half, but the car started and ran strong for my mechanic, there are a few minor issues with interior like missing rear view mirror and sunroof off the tracks will not open electrically. I’m still leaning towards the 87 as I may be able to get it at a good price but just wondering if ther is a stuck valve how much will that cost to repair. The other stuff is minor I could probably handle those myself besides the air conditioning lol.
thanks
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