Mein 14

Yikes!
I've had 2 P cars in the past and loved them (74 914 2.0 and 71 911 RS-look).
I've had one Vette in the past and loved it (92 Z07 6-speed coupe).

Now I have lines on two great cars:

1) 86 911 with 100k miles, black-black, with all record from new and in great 100k mile condition

2) 90 ZR-1 with 30k miles, red-black, with all record from new and in great 30k mile condition

I would use the car for driving around on nice days, driving to work on Fridays, 2-4 autoxes / year and 1 track event / year.

I've always wanted a ZR-1 (375hp!) but the 911 lurks in my mind like your last girlfriend - you know, the one you REALLY would have been better off with.

What should I choose and why?

<img src="confused.gif" border="0">

Mr Michael B

Well,

I think the ZR1 would be a "best pic" between it & a 1986 Carrera.

However, your topic heading states "96 911" and if that is the case, then the nod would have to go to the 993 ('96 911).

I luv the classic "Carrera" but a ZR1 is a special machine (and I am no Vette fan - so that is high praise indeed).

I have a pal w/ a ZR1. They are gobs of fun, and the power is nice. My 993 can just edge him out on a quick run to 100 though. Very special cars, and priced right in todays market IMHO.

Jay H

The '86 Carrera will have a higher build quality than the '90 vette. I'll bet you'll find that the '86 with 100k miles is tighter and will have less rattles than the ZR1.

But, performance wise, I would assume the ZR1 will beat the normally aspirated 911 all day, all week. Both are unique cars and the ZR1 is probably more rare. I can't remember the last time I saw one on the street...

You could drive the 911 tons and not loose much value due to the higher miles already on the car. The ZR1 might drop a bit more if miles start to creap up.

Good luck on your choice.

Jay
<a href="http://www.jays911.com" target="_blank">My 90 964</a>

gerry100

I'm a former Vette guy who moved on to a bwtter long tern relationship with an '86 Carrera.

ZR1 is a great machine but consider the following-

- It was killed off by the LT1 Vette which was only 1/2 second slower to 60 and $30K cheaper. The LT1 wouldn't reach 200mph but who cares.

- The LT5 in the ZR1 is not your typical small block Chevy but a special limited production motor built for GM by Mercury marine. I think this makes people nervous when the miles start ot add up.

- Despite monstrous torque and grip, the mass and lack of steering feedback probably wouldn't be as much fun in AutoX. Also, the C4 Vette frame is twisty. I think you'd be quicker sooner in the '86 Carrera.

I find my '86 3.2 much more engaging/enjoyable to drive than my '94 LT1. I averaged 2500 miles/yr in the four years I owned the Vette, I've had my Pcar a year and put on over 7,000 miles.

I don't think the Taliban had to wrestle with these difficult choices.

Alan Herod

I agree with what has been said before. It really depends on what you will really end up doing. All numbers match, pristine Vettes command high dollars 20 years down the road, but that means no performance driving events, unless you are willing to upgrade the brakes, which means all numbers don't match. When the numbers don't match any more, I think the Porsche is a better value. But, I can't imagine doing only one track event a year. I can imagine doing none or many. You can't buy either of these cars and expect a return on your investment, so you have to maximize the fun factor.

gerry100

One more thing -

When I was looking I noticed a lot of Vette's for sale around 30K miles, a contibuting factor I'm sure was the $1k rubber bill coming due. Probably $1500 for the "king of the hill" due to the big tires on the back.

4 yokohamas for my '86 cost $600, less than $450 if you go with the Dunlops.

Douglas_T

I agree that you might enjoy the driving experence of the Porsche more then the ZR1. However their was only one King of the Hill! It broke the 24 hour speed record back then! Values might climb or depending on where you buy you might be ok after years of driving enjoyment. Speaking of ZR1's, I have a 1990 listed with my service by the orig. owner, #17 with just 683 miles! He is asking for $41,900 or best offer. I would say, drive both & decide what your tastes prefer. Good luck & happy motoring!

KLehmann

The point about the LT5 motor being a limited production motor is an important issue. Meaning, service information and parts are going to be a little scarce. Also, if you were to take it to a shop for a major service? Good luck finding any of the techs. at the local Chevrolet dealer having a good grasp of what ails your precious 4 cam, 32 valve powerplant. This is uncharted territory for a lot of those guys! The last ZR-1 was built almost 8 yrs. ago.

Limited production definitely makes the ZR-1 unique, but limited production also makes the ZR-1 a bit of a mystery to most. Thank god for the internet to help you diagnose one of these. Find a message board like Rennlist and see what the ZR-1 gurus have to say.

I can see your interest in this car. When I was looking for my future 911, I ran across a really nice redder than red 91 ZR-1 with only 20something K on it. I believe the asking price was $29995. The car was very tempting, but I had the feeling of uncertainty about how I would be able service the car (I do pretty much all my own work on my cars). I just couldn't do it.