Matt C

I was wondering if you knowledge guys could help me out with some advise. I've been thinking about an addition to my garage in the form of an older beauty. A pre-964 Targa it should be.

Now, a dealer in my area happen to have two of them. A 1980 SC Targa and a 1970 T 2.0 Targa. The later about 10k more expensive. Both with about the same mileage.

Unfortunately, I'm not really a tools guy but am keen on learning these things and doing some stuff myself.

Which one would you recommend, provided that both are in a reasonable condition? And what do I have to look for (besides the mandatory extensive testdrive)? Are they comparable in terms of maintenance work/cost?

Thanks very much for any advise in advance.

Peter Zimmermann

The two cars you mention are light years apart! The T, by the way, should be 2.2 liter. It's impossible to compare them, except to say that you should pursue the one that you like the best. A thorough PPI, including a leak down test, applies in either case. Once the PPIs are done then you can make an informed desicion.
Pete

JCP911S

Some generalizations, assuming both cars are in equal condition (a big assumption since one is 10 years older):

1) The SC will have significantly more performance in all areas.
2) The SC has a fully galvanized body... rust should be a non-issue if the body has not been wrecked.
3) The "T" will be prone to rust, so you would need to be much more careful about storage and weather.... especially in a Targa... they can be prone to leak in rain if the seals are not in top shape
3) The SC will probably be more reliable to drive daily... the fuel injection will probably be less finnicky than the carbs on the T.
4) The T is a lighter car and will feel a bit more nimble handling.
5) The T is entering collectable status and if it is in really good origional condition will probably appreciate. The SC will at best hold its value or drop $1k or so a year.
6) The T is a more "classic" looking car IMHO wiht the smaller bumpers... but this is a matter of taste.

Bottom line if you are looking for a "hobby" car to drive on nice Sundays and take to car shows, the T is more collectable. If you are looking for a more reliable driver that can be used as a second car... the SC is probably more reliable and practical.

They are both old cars, so condition is really key here, though... you can pour alot of money into either of these cars if they have not been maintained... in good shape they are both cool cars so I would lean toward the car that turns you on more....have fun

JCP911S

Also, with any Targa, make sure the top and seals are in good condition.it can cost alot to redo these

dmw44

I have to "vote" for the SC. All other things being equal, the 3.0 motor is one of the best Porsche produced. My SC has run many DE's at Sebring and has been bullet-proof. The only thing I've done is routine maintenance. I also prefer the slight flares on the SC. As per previous posts, have a thorough PPI done, check records, etc., then see which way your heart and head lean...
Regards, Doug

Julia

Hi Matt,

I have been in your shoes! I now own a 1980 911SC and LOVE it and I used to own a 1970 911T. Rust is a huge issue with the older cars. Mine ended up having more than met the eye, so check very carefully: under carpets, battery area, undercarriage. Take a magnet with you and check for bondo. I still love the earlies, but my '80 is great. A/C is huge here in Sacramento (103 today) and most of the older ones do not have that. Someday I would like another early but probably a '72. The older ones are going way up in value, just check E-Bay and take a look. If I had two equal cars I would go with the SC for reliabilty, performance, just enough creature comforts, but still the 911 "feel". And I have to agree with Doug, I think the rear end looks good!!

mxbanker

Old ones are cool and "raw"
I do love my 964 though

Matt C

Wow, thanks guys for these informative replies.

I do not plan to use it as daily driver nor for going to the track. It would be just for some weekend fun.

At the moment I am also leaning towards the SC. However, the "T" would allow me to participate in some oldtimer events.

Below is a small pic of the two cars we're talking about. What do you think?

r911

you already have two reliable cars - get the '70 car. It is the true sports car that Porsche originally made. The later SC is more of a GT and is also more ponderous and has a less responsive engine. It is cushier - but you already have that. The older cars are harder to find. You can always buy an SC.

Doug&Julie

I agree with Randy. The '70 would be the best compliment to your garage. Early cars are something special.

Peter Zimmermann

Wow, the T looks great. The outside mirror is not correct, and I know that pictures often don't tell the whole story. Be aware that the early seats will not give you the comfort and support that you will find in the SC. With the older cars becoming harder and harder to find, and SCs still plentiful, this might be the right time to add the early car to your garage - BUT ONLY AFTER A THOROUGH PPI!!!
Pete

JackOlsen

JCP911S's points are very well made. The SC will be quicker, and less trouble, and (eventually, if current trends continue) worth 1/2 to 1/3 the value of the early car.

Pete's point about a PPI is advice you shouldn't ignore. And while it should be obvious, I'll say it anyway: do not have the PPI performed by the dealer selling the car.

84_Carrera

That's not a Weissach color on the '80, is it? Whatever it is, I like it in that light.

r911

seats can be changed to newer or aftermarket ones - the newer ones are lighter too.

- or buy them both and rob parts off the SC to put on the T...

I'll echo the PPI advice above: professional, competent, independent PPI

JCP911S

IF you don;t like the stock seats you can replace them with period Recaro sport seats.... they are very nice, but unfortunately hard to find and pricey.... figure $2K+ for a set that needs to be re-done. Also there are some very good repros out there at about $1K a piece.