Riz

I'm looking for either a 911 SC or Carrera 78-89. What are the main differences between the two? Any differences between early SC's and later SC's, also early Carreras vs the later ones before the 964.

Bill Gregory

You can read up on differences in the 911SC line in the 911SC faq at tech.rennlist.com. The Carrera's had, as major improvements, a more powerful engine, Motronic fuel injection, and later, the G-50 transmission.

PS. If your budget includes the late Carrera (they tend to carry a price premium as some view them as the 'last' of the original 911 body style), you might also consider 964's, as their prices have come down in the last year or so.

Secret Squirrel

While still a relative newbie to the p-Car family.. I have both a 95 Carerra, and a 82 SC (Euro). Differences abound, but I love both of them... If I understand things correctly, the Carerra was when they went away from the Torsion bar suspension.

Comparing the cars.. the 993 I sit a little lower. It's easier to shift, the hydraulic clutch is much smoother. Switching between the 2 cars is a pain because the clutch engagements are so different..

For long trips, the 993 is IMO better, more "tame"... the SC is just RAW.. but its a fun RAW, and at about 700lbs lighter, the power difference is not that noticeable...

rushSC

I think he meant the 3.2 Carreras, anyways, I haven't experienced both so I can't comment...But either one you choose, you won't be disappointed...Provided you pick a good example.

fixnprsh

SC's and Carrera's both have bullet proof engines, I prefer the 3.2 due to its simple injection rather than CIS and 95mm bore on both but the 74.4 stroke from the turbo in the 3.2.
Both cars are relativly cheap to keep up (major motor work excluded) for little things and maintaince.
A G50 gearbox has a hydraulic clutch (I prefer the cable for the feel personaly) and shifts no better than a 915 IMO when you know how to drive a stick.
As the years go by they just kept getting better so by the nicest, newest one you can afford,
My 84 is a cream puff but has 180K on the clock before the rod bearing went. (see my pic in the sig). it was in such good shape I bought it from the customer (he has a 993 and didn't want to dump $12-15K on a proper rebuild) and I'm doing the motor myself to last forever.
964 is when they dumped torsion bars, they handle better but with the weight increase performance difference is negligable. 964's are very oil leak prone and this can cost thousands. but they are a very nice car, a leap and bound away from the early cars and right on the tail of a 993 for cheap.
I wouldn't pass over an SC or early Carrera if its in really nice shape though, as they are getting increasingly hard to find. They will run circles around in early car reliably and more comfortably, will keep up with most 964's and not to far behind a 993 if you know how to wheel. More importantly get the car that "feels right" to you, after you sit in it and drive it and poke aorund it you'll know.
Lastly, get a PPi done at a dealer or reputable independant.

Dan Cobb

I went with the 84 Carrera over the later (86-89) and the SC simply because it was newer with fewer miles than any of the SCs that I looked at and it was in better condition and less $$ than any of the later Carreras. You almost can't go wrong with either an CS or Carrera (regardless of year) unless it was not maintained.
Buy the one that suits you for the $$ after a PPI.
BTW, I saved $ on PPIs by being EXTREMELY picky about the car BEFORE even taking it to my mechanic. If you can find more than 3-5 things that you will want to repair immediately, then chances are your PPI may reveal more hidden requirements. (IMO)

My Dad once told me it was always cheaper to buy the better car. This is advice that I will never forget as it has ALWAYS proven to be true for me.

Jay H

The 964's are heavier, but the performance increase is quite tangible when going from a 3.2 to a 964 (stock US 3.2 Carrera verses a stock US 964). Even factory published times for the 3.2 and 964's show an increase in performance when going to the 964. It was Porsche's intent to increase the performance of the 911 when the 964 was introduced.

964's can leak, but there are plenty of dry ones out there too. I've seen plenty of leaking 3.2's and SC's over the years. All 911's have the ability to leak oil, not just 964's.

I do agree with fixnprsh that the 964 is right on the tail of the 993 in regards to similar performance for less money.

Regards,

Jay
90 964

2002M3Drew

I thought common wisdom was that all 911's leak, just to varying degrees!

911SCs and 3.2 Carreras are very similar to drive, based on my fifteeen or so test drives of various coupes before settling on a low mileage SC. The power increased with the 3.2, but the low end power of the Sc is a touch better, and the cars all became progressively heavier through the years, The suspensions are nearly identical...only torsion bar and sway bar specs changed a bit through the years. They say that with the SSIs and a less restrictive exhaust that an SC actually has more punch than a Carerra.

A major improvement worth considering, as pointed out elsewhere above, is the 87-89 model hydraulic clutch and G50 tranny. I had driven a G50 targa and passed on it becuase despite the obvious improvement in shifting and clutch action, I didn't like the heavier feel. It is quite noticable compared with an SC, for example.

I love my coupe, though. I go into the garage and just look at it sometimes and think about how lucky I am to own such a beautiful automobile. Good luck in your search!

classic911

I have an SC, drove several 915 equipped Carreras and found that the everyday street performance was similar between the two-certainly not night and day. As Bruce Anderson says "I would certainly take a nice SC over a tired Carrera" and he is correct. If I were to get rid of my SC, I'd do an 86-89 Turbo or maybe an F-car.

Both cars have their issues. SCs have head stud, chain tensioner and airbox issues;Carreras have premature valve guide problems and if you plan on a lot of high revs the rod bolts should be replaced.

I'm partial to all 911s up to and including the 1989s', the last year of the classic body style.

Riz

Thanks for all the great info. Let the search begin.

r911

I think you first need to think about why you narrowed to just those two cars. Why not an early car? Why not a 964? Why not a 2.7L car? Then focus on differences between the two.

JCP911S

SC is a bit lighter and sportier, the Carrara a bit heavier and smoother... but these differences are like two identical twins with different hair styles... if you like one, you will like the other.

CIS can get a bit finnicky with age. Carrara is faster, but you probably won't notice the difference in real world driving.

BUy the best condition car you can find and enjoy. Personally I would not pay premium for the G50, but if money is no object they are a bit nicer to shift.

2.7 is older, has some issues, but is cheaper... unless budget is an issue, I would pay the extra $4-6K for the SC/Carrara... I think they will hold there price differential.

964 is a totaly different car... more modern and confortable... heavier.... power steering... much better A/C....higher maintenance bills more potential risk on price.... distinctly different car.... drive both and make up your mind... you will probably have a clear preference here.... its devinately an either or deciision

fixnprsh

the 964 has to be one of the bargins of the century It's essentially a Carrera with 993 underpinings for 10K less than a 993, I keep waiting for one to come through as a trade-in but too bad they (one this past weekend) are all cabs.
The 964 C4 has always felt slower to me than a 3.2, maybe it just has something to do with the comfort factor of the 964, but more likely the AWD and the added mass, but they do go once they get going.
I did a PPI on a 964 C4 widebody with 36K on it about a month ago, what a car! handled like it was on rails. Thats a rare car, as the only other widebody non-turbo I've ever seen was a 964 Roadster. I'm not sure of the production numbers but I verified the VIN with Porsche and It was real.
I clicked on your Link and you have a very nice car. It doesn't enen have the typical 964 frown on the lower bumper! thats like one I would like

Jay H

Thank you for the kind words! Unfortunately it's tucked away already for the winter and I won't get to enjoy it until probably May next year...

Jay
90 964

g-50cab

Luv your car Jay - makes me miss my Baltic Blue 964 Targa!