88911coupe

I've had 2 3.2's, (an '87 cab and my current '88 coupe) and really enjoy them but have driven friend's 930's, 993's and 996's and hands down everyone of them felt faster...probably b/c they are. The thing I really noticed was the strong torque feeling I notice when driving my friend's 993. If given the choice I'd prefer a 993 but I really enjoy the 3.2 and can't complain about the performance.

Rice

This is exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. Thank you for answering and keep them coming.

jwasbury

It had been part my plan for many years to get a 911. I was always focused on an '86 3.2 since that's what I had 1st hand experience with. I started looking in earnest and when I found out that an earlier 930 ('78 & '79) can be found in a similar price range to a good '86, I said "why the hell not." I never thought about a turbo, but this way, I figure there's less chance that I'll be looking for more power. Or if I do get the bug, big HP is a bit easier to achieve with a few simple mods. That's how the dream became a reality for me, but you certainly can't go wrong with a 3.2.

Mike Murphy

The good thing about these Porsches is that there is something for everyone. Even if you need an SUV, there is a section here.

ked

I've driven Porsches from '50s 356s, 904, 911 Turbo, 964/993/996/997, to the GT3. I'd like to have many of them, but I won't get rid of the 3.2.

spence88mph

I adore my 3.2 but yes, the power isn't anything special. On the upside, it's a very easy engine to turbo charge, arguably the easiest of the 911 engines, for around 5k you can have 360-400 proven, reliable hp.

CharlesJones

I've had my 3.2 for nearly 4 years now, and a couple of years ago I drove a friends 996. I was expecting to be blown away by it because I had heard all this talk about how much more powerful the newer 911s are, but really I couldn't tell if it was any faster or not - it just felt so refined. It was an excellent car - quiet, refined and comfortable - but personally that's not what I want a 911 for. I want something basic, raw and exciting, and that's my '84 3.2. It has way more performance than I can use on public roads, and if I nail the throttle the thing just flies - easily enough performance to get me into serious trouble very quickly!

Mike Murphy

It's a good point. When we talk about this car being 20-years-old, we tend to compare it to newer cars, but in reality, this 3.2 has 100 years on the first car ever made and 20-30 years newer than the powerful sports cars and muscle cars with V8 engines from the 50's & 60's. So relative to all the great cars ever made, these 3.2 is still fairly fresh/new.

DanS911

OK Rice
1st Join Rennlist
2nd The 3.2 car is arguably the most fun you can have in such a small environment
there are lots (and I do mean lots) of faster cars out there but none as fun and and as rewarding as a well sorted 3.2 car
3rd Join the PCA... do some autocross events then do some DE events and you will be well on your way to Driver Nirvana

DanS911

BTW
When you do join Rennlist get a new handle......Rice..........not so cool around here!

Rice

DanS911

I see your point with the handle - Rice (Ricer). Actually, didn't think that much about it since my last name is Rice. I own a Mercedes Benz and Hummer 3

Thanks, Rice

I actually may put a disclaimer for fun at the bottom of my posts.

kick7ca

This brings to light the true irony of performance cars. The faster and more capable they are, the less of those capabilities you get to use. The reality is we live in a world of enforced speed limits; we share the road with seniors, families and slow pokes and we must be safe out there.
I could never justify spending money on something like a GT3 where you'd never really touch the performance you're paying top dollar for. Cars like that are such a waste and IMO driven mostly by posers. Something that can be fun at or slightly above posted speed limits is the answer, and nothing does that better than a 80's 911 - which you could even argue is too fast.

Norske

[QUOTE=Jaws911;5143929] "WTH do those guys w/ twin turbos do"? -

Once you experience boost, you never go back. I loved my 3.2's but boost is like crack coke. Extremely addictive. IMHO, you can never have enough horse power.

Amber Gramps

Rice, My name is Bray. It is "the loud, harsh cry of a jackass".

I have never in my life had as much fun behind the wheel of a car as I am having with my '88. The only car that has put me in my place was an M5 on the freeway.

Mike Murphy

Thank god there are PCA DE & other track events where HP can be used up. But for the street, you're right, high horsepower is kind of a waste.