Porsche911fan

I know this subject has been beaten to death, but is the 964 really a better car than the 3.2? Besides the usual ills of the 964 (DMF, oil leaks, distributor etc.) is the 964 more faillure prone then a 3.2? How much more money is needed to properly maintain a 964? For those who have driven both, what are the main differences in the driving experience between the two?

jimq

DMF probably long ago replaced if it ever was a problem on early cars, oil leaks way over rated on early cars. Leaks the same as any aircooled 911. Some do more the others. Again way over stated. Distributor? Change the belt for $12 every 50K miles and no issue. More electonics so chance of some failures maybe but again its not all cars. Still have to adjust valves, dump huge amounts of oil in them. 2 sets of plugs and dist caps so more expense when changed. Power steering is great around town. Some dont like it most probably do. Better heating and cooling normally. More power and comfort . It comes down to a personal choice if you want a more modern car that takes some of the driver feel away ,which isnt always a bad thing, or something more raw.

gunlover05

I've heard this a lot - buy the newest 911 you can aford. Why is that? well maintenance and overall performance usually....

so I would say yes, the 964s are "better" overall than the previous models...

Jay H

I've got a 1990 964 C2 and a 1984 3.2 Carrera.

All of Jimg's statements are correct.

The main difference between these two cars is that the 964 drives much more like a modern automobile. The 964 shifts easier, rides just a bit more compliant, has more torque at lower revs for better driveability around town, etc.

The 964 is much quicker too (comparing stock US spec cars) in all aspects. The 3.6 liter motor pulls like a train. The handling limits for a 964 are higher as well. Braking is exceptional on both cars.

The 964 is quieter in most aspects. You don't hear the motor as much (less fan and valve train noises) and the body has a much lower co-efficent of drag, making for less wind noise at speed.

All in all, the 964 is a much more buttoned down 911 and is more like a modern car verses an old school 911 as the previous generations were. That can be bad or good depending on what you want out of a 911.

Just my $.02.

Jay
My '90 and '84

skruggs964

I'm not sure that this statement is necessarily true.....from what I have seen....the price of older 996's are coming way down so that they are not much more than a well maintained and documented 964. I wouldn't thank you for a 996!

skruggs964

Oops.....sorry Jim! I didn't mean 996 twin turbos.....that I would gladly thank you for!

Jay H

However, if you are after a more raw feel, the older you get, the more raw they are... I find my 964 just a bit too civil for a fun car. I definitely enjoy the older generations. Long hoods are the most fun to drive as a toy/fair weather/Sunday afternoon car.

That being said, if I had to have a 911 for everyday, I'd choose a 964 or new model.

ked

fan, as the years go by, the age difference isn't as meaningful as the history & condition aspects (964s are almost 15+ yrs old now) of the specific examples - but one ought to determine which version appeals by personal experience. Jay's analysis is on target. I would add that the 911 feels more dynamic (it is lighter) - more analog-like, directly communicating the road to the driver & the driver's control inputs to the chassis. so, for me it's the car from which I derive the greatest pleasure driving... that's the 911 - I believe I'll always own one. if I were to consider a newer used Porsche, I suppose it might be a 993 (a plain coupe for me), until I could spring for a GT3. hmmm, forget the 993... I'll just get the GT3 - park it next to my 911 (& 356s... never really wanted a 928).

pu911rsr

Well the real issue with the early 964's isn't so much an issue with normal oil leaks but the heads can leak and it's a very expensive repair. I think the answer to your question really depends on how you intend to use car.
Phil

Rick964

I owned a 90 C4 and now I have an 80 SC. The 964 makes a much better daily driver with its more modern nature and comfort but the SC is more of a drivers car. I use the car mostly for autox and some track events so the SC is more fun to me. As others have said, it depends what you intend to use the car for.

plymouthcolt

From a performance standpoint each 911 evolution is always better than the previous. People have their favorites, but you can't deny the handling, braking, etc. of the 996 over the 993, over the 964 etc.

ked

I've always been impressed by the fact that early hi-perf, non-turbo 911's perf specs remain so close to follow-on iterations. Check Frere's "911 Story", appendix 11... the '73 RS stands up pretty well for a quarter century... & for many of us, metrics aren't quite as significant as experience.

Porsche911fan

Aren't the 964's still falling in price while the 3.2's are appreciating? Are the electrics in the 964 generally reliable?

Loaded

whats a 964

http://www.porsche964.co.uk/


Nice web site and links

oceanvue

I say buy the best oldest Porsche you can afford