Porsche911fan

Looking to buy a 911 for travelling across the country next year. I have my heart set on a older 87-89 911 cabriolet but I'm willing to shoot for a 964. Something tells me that the 964 will be a bit more pleasant than the 87-89 with a few more creature comforts; better HVAC, power assisted steering, ABS etc. As I understand the 3.2 Carrera's and for that matter all older 911's had a primitive tubed bar suspension. Just how drastic are the braking and handling characteristics going from a 87-89 to a 964? I know there is much debate about the two models, but I've have even been looking at a few 993's. Can't really decide which one to buy. I know wer're told to go for the newest model but that can be hard when each model has so much going for it.

ked

there's nothing wrong w/ the Carrera 3.2's suspension, however one might describe it. braking / handling distinctions w/ the 964 are not drastic. {a Benz is more comfortable than all 911s for driving interstates cross-continent.} seems to me that you might want to drive good examples of all 3, decide which type you prefer, then (w/ your budget in mind) focus in on selecting the most appealing example you can find (& don't overlook the ppi). good luck!

last toy

have had a 95 500SL, 95 993 and a 90 C4. The 500SL is definitely a nice touring car and you won't know you are going 100mph unless you look at the speedo or hear a siren. Drives better on zero rated 18 inch wheels than on stock wheels. The top works hands free and folds into the trunk. That was the only thing I did not like about the 993 cab, looks too much like a VW with the top down. . Drove my 993 1200 miles non stop from Dallas s to Cleveland to deal with a personal matter and it was quite comfortable and I have lower back pains sitting. The 964 is also comfortable with the sports seats but not sure about cross country. The suspension is a little more stiffer than the 993 and little more noise from the engine. I would go with a 95 -97 993 coupe.

Daniel Dudley

I would tour a Boxter in the summer, depending on your luggage. There is also a thread running in the General topic forum about first Porsche purchases.

joey c

i might be crazy,but i find the 3.2 totally comfortable.its a ton of fun for the twisties and fine on the highway...i have read so many posts about a 3.2 as a daily driver..its been mine for a year and a half..its not a 996 but its fun as hell..j

jackb911

My 928 was the best "touring" Porsche of the 20 I have owned. Yes, I know it's not a 911.

The best of those would be a tie between the 993 and the 964's.

Loaded

I have owned a 2 928s and now a 911. Hands down I wold take a 911 Esp. a cabriolet like I have. rough underpinnings dont bother me and frankly most of the highways are pretty decent.

Edgy01

I assume that you're somewhat handy with a wrench. The 3.2 911s from 1984 through 1989 and fantastic cars. Keep in mind that they are getting up there and will need some knowledge before you set off on a cross country tour,--but I would never hesitate in a 911 from that era. Lots of storage space for luggage makes it a true GT.

Loaded

Bingo,


If you take a 928 and eventhe smallest issue will incapacitate your car. Good luck finding parts on the fly also.

I love the 928 and the 500sl but far as I am concerned the 911 is the best

Mike Murphy

You know, it might sound crazy, but one of the most important aspects of a good, comfortable touring car is quite simply the seats. I can take my 3.2 Carrera and drive forever because the seats are unbelievable. My girlfriend's BMW seats start hurting my back after 4 hours, and my sister's Mercedes is even worse than the BMW. I'm only 28 years old with no back problems at all. It's just that the seats make all the difference in the world.

Speaking of seats, did you ever hear the story of Buddy Lazier and his special seat that allowed him to win the Indianapolis 500 race in 1996? Basically, without the seat, he wouldn't have been able to do more than 50 or 60 laps, much less win the race. Additionally, computers have compiled data that show than Buddy would have been a hard man to beat no matter who was on the track that day.

This story was taken from Speed Secrets: Professional Race Driving Techniques by Ross Bentley

Daniel Dudley

Don't get me wrong, I think the 911 is one of the finest cars ever made, esp. the 3.2. I just think Boxters are all that plus ten years. I own a 911 SC, and I chose it over a Boxter. I don't think I could ever take my wife touring in it though. An 89 carrera with good AC and stock suspension, yes. Any Boxter, yes. 993, yes, but I am almost as scared of the costs as 928s. BTW, a really nice 944S or S2, or a really nice 944 turbo is a great car with super AC and good on the highway. That would also include the 968, with the six speed. I just think it is harder to go wrong with a late Carrera or Boxter.

Mike Murphy

Well, to prove your point, "buy the newest..."

I originally started looking at a Boxster, but was not happy with the early non-S Boxster horsepower levels. After driving the Boxster S, however, I concur that it is indeed a great car. The only problem I have with the 928 is the cost of replacement parts and the cost of maintenance. Otherwise, I like that car as well. I've never driven any of the 924/44/68 models.

gaijin

For me, hands down, the Porsche 928 S4 for cross country trips. The 911 are also great cars for long trips and surprising enough, even the 930 (on boost with only road ahead of you).

With both rear seats folded down, the 928 can carry a ton of stuff. The S4 with stock 300+ hp makes for easy passing on the left lane at almost 22 mpg.

Yes. They require good maintenance regimen but what Porsche doesn't.

You want something cheap and easily repaired while on a trip...go with an appliance. If you like to drive like I do, then go with a Porsche.

Jay Gratton

I always say this to people, I would buy the nicest newest Porsche you can afford. If you find an '88 3.2 and it is perfect I would buy that over a 964 C4 that might need a little work.

DAVISRILEY

My first 911 was an 84, and my current ride is a 91 C4. Both have been my daily drivers. I think that if I had to pick one for long distance touring, I would probably pick the C4. Hvac makes a little more sense, little more comfortable over all. That being said, jay's suggestion of buying the nicest car, and not always the newest is the best advice I have seen.