Sergio Juan

I wonder if anyone's willing to share their thoughts on these 3.0s. I'm in europe and run accross them once in a while, some in excellent original condition (60 km).
Main differences:

1. Body exactly the same no?
2. CIS vs. DME
3. a couple of more horses in the 3.2, but heavier.
4. Lots more creature conforts in the 3.2 (therefore the weight).

Can anyone comment on the handling differences. Any practical comparisons.

Any thoughs on the collectibility potential of the 3.0? should be more than the SC or 3.2, but not as much as the 2.7 MFI I suspect.

My reasons for comparison is that the are (roughly) the same price, around $20,000 or so.

Anyone imported these from europe recently, OK on DOT and EPA? My assumption is that 25 + older cars will 'bypass' these tests. Does it also mean that they're exempt from annual emissions tests (Texas)?

Thanks.

Christian K

The early ROW 3.2 Carreras where not very much heavier, according to litterature; the ROW -84 and -85 3.2 in standard apperence weighed 1160 kg. For the 75-76 Carrera the weight was 1120 kg. And in the ROW version you will not only get a couple of more horses, you'd get quite a lot more power in the 3.2 Carrera than in the 3.0; 231 vs 200 bhp, and 284 vs 255 NM in tourque. However the later 3.2:s got heavier and all of the US models where also heavier. I believe because of all the luxury equpment that was put into the cars.

The body structure is the same. Some details vary, like the fog lights on the 3.2.

However, if you can find an original Carrera 3.0 with low milage in good shape, prefferably with the Carrera-striping, that is a helluva nice car. As you mention, even better if you can find a Carrera 2.7 from 74 or 75. It will have the RS engine! The 74 will be ligher (1075 kg) and have the ducktail in original apperance.

Don't know anything about importing to the US. Maybe someone else can help.

cheers

/christian

-84 Carrera
-96 MB 200T (family car)

NP993

I have a '77 Carrera 3.0 and can perhaps offer some insight into your comparison. The C3's, compared to the 3.2 Carreras, are definately older technology when it comes to fuel injection/ignition, but that's about it. Otherwise, they're very similar cars. I prefer a lighter and more agile car, and would definately choose a C3 over a 3.2. That said, there are a few things to know about the C3's before buying one. First, they were made with the 2.7 valve guides, which means that their engines need top end work at low mileage (the 3.2's, of course, had the same problems). I had to rebuild the top end of my motor at 142,000 Km (about 75,000 miles), so just figure a top end job into your budget if you're looking at a car that hasn't had one yet. The early C3's also weren't made of galvanized steel--I believe the switch was made in mid-1976.

Regarding importing them from Europe, it's no problem. A friend who occasionally imports Porsches from Europe has brought several over in recent years, and recently sold an absolutely stunning black-on-tan '77 C3 for about $17K that he had picked up in Germany (and that, of course, needed a valve job). $20K is a pretty steep price. I bought mine (from the original owner, and in outstanding condition) for about $15K several years ago (I got a good deal, though). The importer friend I mentioned is very active in the Porsche community and, I'm sure, would gladly help you find a car or import one for you. His email is eurotech@together.net, name is Rick Cabell.

Bill Verburg

I brought a 76 Carrera 3.0 over in the late 70s. It is a nice light not too many frills car that just keeps on going. It is much lighter and more sparten than any of the newer cars. If it were a commuter that might bother me, but for nice day joy riding its the nuts! <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

That said an 84-86 Euro 911 is pretty darn nice too. Motronic is a big plus over CIS in my eyes.