Jordan_4WS

I am a newbie, and dont own a porsche. I was wondering what the pros and cons are of each model of 911s? Aside from age, how do the early 911's, 911sc's and 911 3.2's all compare to one another in terms of performance, handling, braking, etc.

Im just wondering which would make a good project car since they all look equally good, and the looks arent that important to me. Basically what are the pros and cons of each?

Thanks, Jordan

JackOlsen

Start with these links:

<a href="http://www.rennlist.org/FAQ/" target="_blank">The 911 FAQ</a>
<a href="http://www.idee.demon.nl/inh-story.htm" target="_blank">The 911 Story</a>
<a href="http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/lancia/58/911/911_6.htm" target="_blank">911 History</a>

Stephen Masraum

pretty much an impossible question to answer except to say that if performance is your only set of factors (braking handling, acceleration, etc...) then the newest is the best. I depends on other factors too including what you enjoy.

JonT.

my black 1980sc targa is definitely the best porsche 911 ever without a doubt. no question.

pick the one you like the best and can afford. its the only correct answer. they're all great!

Laurent

The 73 911 Carrera RS is an impressive machine. you might be surprised to learn that (according to a well respected car critic & ex-racer Jacques Duval) this 2.7 will outperform even a 98 3.8 on a 80 - 150km/h and 100-200km/h accel.

<a href="http://www.rennsport.ca/articles/duval/Duval%20RS27%20Belisle.htm" target="_blank">http://www.rennsport.ca/articles/duval/Duval%20RS27%20Belisle.htm</a>

look at the numbers! and read- if you can read FRENCH!

This is my new dream car. + I love that ducktail. <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />

Bill Gregory

[quote]<strong>Im just wondering which would make a good project car </strong><hr></blockquote>

Jordan,

You ask a broad question that doesn't have a quick answer. What do you want to accomplish as a project? Racing? Time trials? Autocross? Restoration? Mean street machine? Concours? or ? Do you have a ballpark budget?

You may want to also read the 911SC FAQ at <a href="http://tech.rennlist.com," target="_blank">http://tech.rennlist.com,</a> noting that there are some good resources listed in the back to further your research.

Jordan_4WS

[quote]Originally posted by Bill Gregory:
<strong>

Jordan,

You ask a broad question that doesn't have a quick answer. What do you want to accomplish as a project? Racing? Time trials? Autocross? Restoration? Mean street machine? Concours? or ? Do you have a ballpark budget?

You may want to also read the 911SC FAQ at <a href="http://tech.rennlist.com," target="_blank">http://tech.rennlist.com,</a> noting that there are some good resources listed in the back to further your research.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I looked at the FAQ. This project would be more of a weekend driver, with some track racing (autocross and maybe some club racing).

I guess the only answer to go out and test drive a few different models to see what feels the best. My ballpark isnt really determined, it is flexible depending on the car. I figure I will probably be considering 72-83's as a generally range (maybe some early 3.2s). I have always admired porsches, but never real known too much detail about them. I am looking for a project to start within the next year or so, as a change from my daily driver Honda Prelude 4WS (4 wheel steering). I was thinking of turbocharging the prelude, but I think a porsche might be a better option (especially since the prelude is FWD).

Also are there any Porsche models to avoid, or to give extra attention to? I have heard bad things about the 2.7s, but that did seem like one of the more appealing options (soley from a specification perspective).

-Jordan

my911.net

hi jordan

I know the feeling - I like them all too. I finally decided on what to get based on budget. I figured I could spend years saving for a really decent 993 - but in the end my impatience got the better of me and I decided I will "wait and save" while enjoying a "lesser" beast - so I am now seriously looking for a 3.2 lt 1986 911.

The faq mentioned above is good, but I found this website also excellent to read and get an idea of the history - easy to read and plenty of colour photos:

<a href="http://www.performance2and4.co.uk/evo_models.htm" target="_blank">http://www.performance2and4.co.uk/evo_models.htm</a>

good luck and talk to you all again

pwd72s

The "best" 911? The one YOU own at the time, of course. What else? My fantasy 911? the "If I win a lottery" car? Nothing less than a '73 RS. And believe me, Porsche has made 911 (and 996) models that are less.

sb944

Just a quick rundown.

A mid 70's 2.7 911 S will give you a lightweight 911 with a good 175 HP S engine (not sure if Australia is different to USA specs). It's light, responsive and powerful, but is a little bit raw compared to the later 911's in terms of features and comfort.

The SC is a popular choice with many enhancements over the S, including the 3.0 L. More power, more weight, similar raw feeling.

The Carrera 3.2 is a more refined beast, once again more power, more weight, more standard features. Possibly less exhillerating than the 70's 911 even with more power, and being slightly quicker.

A chipped 944 turbo (prefferably 1988-89 S), is cheap to buy, and will give you more power than the 3.2. Totally different type of car though and hardly comparable with the 911. Easier to drive because of the even front and rear weight. Try this car out, as some swear by them.

A 928 S4 is yet another Porsche worth looking at with 300 HP and every feature comfort a Porsche gives. Brilliant if you drive automatics.

The 911 turbo (930) is the ultimate step up in power and may be in your price range but choose carefully. Much more power, therefore a dangerous car if you don't drive it properly. Allow for more ongoing costs also.

Give yourself a couple of months at least to try all the different models. If you like the 930 for example, you may want to save up some more to get that, rather than buying a 911 and then dreaming of the 930. A thorough inspection by yourself, followed by a pre purchase inspection by a Porsche specialist can save you from buying a money pit. It also allows you to get a $ figure to fix "everything" on the car which will help when negotiating prices and give you an idea of what you want to do with the car. Don't fall for the "This is the best example..." because most of us take care of their car and we all think we have the best example which can't be true for all of us.

During this whole process smile, as you'll never be a Porsche virgin ever again, and never want to be hopefully.

Good luck,

Sam.

RS 2.7

My favorite has always been the RS 2.7

JackOlsen

Sam, you missed about ten years of the 911's history, there, including what most fans consider the greatest of them all, the 1973 Carrera RS (which had 210 hp and weighed something like 975 kg).

The early cars are well-loved by a small and devoted crowd. <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />



It's not hard to see why.

my911.net

HI Jack

Is that photo "original" - it seems to me out of aspect ratio - it looks more like an E-type jag.

Here is a similar model, and it looks definitely more beefed up.



cheers if you can clarify this

JackOlsen

It does look skinny. it may be the angle, or it may be something that happened between taking the picture with my video camera and turning it into a still. Maybe it got squished.

Carrera51

It really is a toss up. I have an 84 Carrera that is pretty much a dedicated track car. Its an absolute blast to drive. Last year, a friend let me drive his 72 911T at VIR (north course). His car has a modified 2.2 with Weber 46s and 906 cams (he got the 2.2 for free and had it built up, sold the 2.4) It was an absolute blast on the track. Plus I loved the sound of the carburated engine.

It didn't have the straightaway speed of my 3.2, but weighing only 2,200 lbs it had a different feel. Man I love the early cars. My next 911 is definately going to be a 72 (I like the external oil filler door. It looks cool).