ttreat

I am looking to get a 911 and curious for some suggestions as to which is recommended to best fit my situation. For my price range, I am looking at both '87-89 911s and '89-91 Carrera 2s. I am mostly interested in a coupe but I could be persuaded to buy a targa. The car will be a 3rd vehicle and driven on nice days about 6-8 months per year. I also would use it for a few autocrosses per year and would like to do a few track days. I am not interested in modding it as I would like to run stock class for SCCA Solo events.

I am not shy about doing my own maintenance even though I have never done any on a Porsche before. I am a mechanical engineer, not a automotive technician but I am quite resourceful and mechanically inclined. I typically do my own maintenance on my current vehicles as much as possible because I enjoy doing it and because I do not trust the work of many mechanics.

My 3rd vehicle is currently a '91 Toyota MR2 Turbo that has served me very well for the last 4 years. I know I am on a 911 forum but I truly do question whether I will regret the switch. The MR2 has been reliable, it is fairly fast and handles great. My wife doesn't like the MR2 because she thinks the engine is loud being right behind your seat.

Any suggestions?

Amber Gramps

Welcome to rennlist...

just to make the decision a little easier

https://rennlist.com/forums/autocros...ad-2009-a.html

TroyN

My ex owned an MR2, fun car but nowhere near the soul of a 911. Drive both to see which gen's character you like better. I like the 911's character: the sound, the torsion bar suspension, manual steering rack, but it's probably not for everyone.

ttreat

Which one would cost more to own and maintain? Which is easier to work on? Is one more bullet proof than the other? As I said, I don't mind doing my own work but I do have limited time and I don't want a car that is like a hole in my wallet for the amount of use it will get.

ricster

3.2l is a car that will be stronger in my opinion and easier and less expensive to maintain

Marc Gelefsky

Welcome to Rennlist!

Ric is correct, the 3.2 will be easiest to maintain for sure but I would drive both models and pick the one you enjoy most!

Good luck!

red89

The 3.2 has proven to be bullet proof.
The only real downside is A/C and airbag. A/C can be updated.

BlueHeeler

You might want to also post this in the 964 forum, for a balanced view. A lot of those guys have owned or have extensive first hand knowledge of both cars.

rusnak

We can help you with the 3.2. I think the 3.2 AC weakness would be the condenser location and the evaporator size. Both can be corrected, but it can become costly.

ron mcatee

+1 for 3.2.

911vet

I owned an MR2 way back when. Nice car but I wouldn't trade my 911 for one now.

As far as maintenance... I hated trying to work on the MR2. (though to be fair, being a new Toyota it hardly ever needed work) The 3.2 911 is easy. Remember, during the true 911s (until the 964), Porsche evolved the car slowly in small itirations. I think it shows when it comes time to do work. The car is logical and well engineered for maintenance. I can say it's the first car I've owned that actually enjoy working on.

They did a major re-design with the 964. They claimed it was an 80% new car. So some of it wasn't really sorted out over a 30-year timespan like the 911 had been.

However, it seems your wife is a factor in this equation? Is that right? Because if she thinks the mid-engine MR2 is "loud right behind the seat" then I'm not sure a 911 is going to go over any better. I personally love the sound of the rear engine. Mine's a Cabriolet so it's even louder and that's fine by me. But if your MR2 is stock then I am guessing it's quieter than a 911.

Personally, that sounds like a rather silly consideration, but hey I don't have a wife to please. Btw, how do you guys live with them?

One other consideration: if your wife is indeed going to be a driver of this vehicle, and if comfort is a factor for either of you, then you may want to seriously consider the 964 over a 911. The 964 is a more "civilized" machine. The environmental controls are much, much better. (for example: there are 6 levers/***** to turn to switch on the defroster in my 911). (there are people who've owned a 911 for years and still can't figure out which lever to slide where, etc!)

The shorter throws of the 964 tranny may be a benefit as well. More like a modern car.

The 964 is more tame and civilized. That's precisely why I will stay with my 3.2
But you shouldn't discount it. Good car. Perhaps a bit more expensive to maintain on average (but that's just average, every car will be different).

And, oh yeah, if you are inclined to do track events, then you are going to fall in love with a 911/964 vs your MR2. They are a blast on track day. And PCA runs truly fantastic DE events.

Or, I could just sum up by saying, +1 3.2

Helios59

I believe I've finally figured out the climate controls for my 3.2...but the acid test will happen when autumn comes and I actually have to use them!

It's such an eccentric car. Part of why I love it, but I could never DD it. I really want to try a 964 to see how Porsche handled its first 911 with power steering.

Scott Lenger

For a fun, raw driving experience it is hard to beat the 3.2 Carrera - and the car is absolutely bulletproof. I've been tempted to pick up a 964 or newer but to use as a DD but I won't part w/ my Carrera - it is too much fun!

ttreat

I would have thought that the MR2 would be louder than the 911s. The MR2 is a two seater and considered a mid engine. The 911s have a larger space behind the front driver and passengers seats and isn't it considered a rear engine car?

Nine11

Can a mouse roar as loud as a lion? That little 4 banger/lawnmower engine will not rumble like the mighty flat 6.