w00tPORSCHE

My 997.2 feels lonely and it now needs a companion in the garage. I've now narrowed my choice to a Carrera 3.2 w/ G50 gearbox and a late model 964. I want something that is very old school, fun to drive, somewhat archetypal, inexpensive (relatievely speaking) to maintain. The Carrera 3.2 looks like a classic feel all the way...no ABS, power steering and that is what I am leaning towards.

Need your thoughts on (1) Am I crazy to want another Porsche. (2) Is Carrera 3.2 a good choice and (3) Anyone who you know that is wanting to let their baby to go a new and caring home.

pmgoodwin

I have a 2005 997 C2S and an 87 Targa 3.2.

I, by far, prefer driving the '87. Granted the Targa is set up for the track but the difference between it at the 997 is like the difference between the 997 and a Lincoln town car. I'm thinking of getting another 87-9, 911 as a daily driver and putting the 997 in the garage.

w00tPORSCHE

Paul, on a side note...I just love your avatar and have it copied to my list of i-phone folder that has my best car related pics. Curious how you got that great effect

Ya, I want a completely different driving experience and feel that the 993's w ould be more refined plus the smoothened exterior (makes it look almost like a 997)..not that I want to spend an additional 20 K for a nice 993.

ivangene

ouch

kusee pee

The Carrera 3.2 is a great car to drive, I loved mine - a real physical driving experience, particularly with the 915 box (try one to compare with the G50 to see if you could learn to love it, I wouldn't be without one). My current 964 is very different to drive, mainly cos of power steering plus the later G50 box. Still great though - and, with a g-pipe, THE most gorgeous sound to come out of any 911 IMO (much, much nicer than the carrera 3.2). The noise alone makes me love driving my 964 more than I did the Carrera 3.2.

However, may I suggest you try a good 911SC to compare to the 3.2? It is a similar driving experience but some find the engine more revvy and more vocal. And they're great value. I regard myself very lucky to have an SC alongside the 964.

Good luck and enjoy the search - the more examples you can drive the more you'll be able to pin-down which model is for you.

911Dave

+1. I just sold my 997 C2S because it's boring compared to my '86. I can't imagine ever wanting another water-pumping 911 again.

whalebird

There are as many different opinions to what 911 is best as there are different 911s. All the aircooled cars are in a camp all to themselves, and if the 997 is your first "911", you will learn a lot about the marque in your search. I recommend asking a lot of questions and not ruling out any particular version of the 911. Drive them all with an open mind. The 915 trans cars are great...it is a small detail and the 915 is a brutally reliable and SERVICABLE unit. In my mind, I do like the 964 and 993 cars. In the epic evolution of the 911, these are a natural progression and should be considered.
Good luck.

rusnak

Oh my gosh. I thought the '87 Targa was the Town Car. I was aghast.

deadhead1960

I listed my 86 3.2 coupe on cars.com (white/black with carrera logo). I know you mentioned wanting a G-50, however you'll quickly find out why many prefer the 915 and especially the 1986 model year. I'd let it go for $20k to a RLer! Send me a pm if you're interested.

deadhead1960

Here's the text to the ad...plus some of the photos...

Longtime collector/enthusiast offering rare and pristine quality sunroof coupe with factory "Carerra" side stripes, limited slip, short shift, very rare Porsche script seats (code 2CZ same as in 1988 Club Sport) and factory alarm option. No expense spared upgrade approx 10,000 miles ago, as follows: 16" Porsche "phone dial" wheels, new clutch, steel brake lines, metal master brake pads, cross drilled rotors, sport shocks, ball joints, turbo tie rods, sport torsion bars, manifold gaskets, hoses, ignition wires and Cambermeister anti-sway bar. A/C conversion; updated headlights. Lowered to Euro specs. Work by Porsche certified shop. Objective was to create the best handling and performing Porsche possible while maintaining integrity of the car. Original paint; no accidents. All books, keys, compressor and cove

ivangene

OK - so my story is I cant have 2 Porsche's so about a month ago I traded my 996 which I had modded a bunch - for the 86 w/915 mostly stock but the radio.

many of my friends think I am crazy, all the people at the Porsche shop think I am smart, my wife likes it better, and i have NO REGRETS. So far its been wonderful. I have some things to sort out - but I have begun to look at the 996-997's in a much differant light. I see them as ver LARGE and COMFY dispite the fact that they are a sports car still....

I am really liking the 86' - if you get one you will too (keep in mind they need attention and are not as much of a "get in and drive" for months on end...some tweaking seems normal and things are old, worn, fail, need fixing, upgraded)

pmgoodwin

I was passing a friend and tried to snap a picture with my iPhone. I missed and was about to delete it when I noticed the wheel. That is an artifact of a digital camera scanning rows of elements. The spokes on the left were rotating away from the scan as the spokes on the right were rotating into the scan. This stretched the gap in front and compressed them in the rear.


Another comment on the older vs the newer cars. I've learned a lot more about driving on the track with the '87 than I ever would have with the 997. The 997 makes you fast because it's doing a lot of the driving for you. in the 87 you have to learn how to drive.

dshepp806

True,...the driver "connection" is different (results aside and for all of the known reasons)...it just,..............FEELS good,..YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

great avatar pic.

Best,

Doyle

full_garage

I have a 2002 996 and an 88 Carrera 3.2

I think you'll find the 997 has remarkably more power and pure acceleration, bags more torque and tons more creature comforts- certainly my 996 does.

That said- the 88 is tremendously entertaining to drive. Mine revs like crazy and handles like a go kart. The unassisted steering feels totally organic, and people smile at you when you're driving a cool older 911.

I test drove like 100 cars- for the life of me I never could get comfortable with the 915 box- when I finally drove a really good fresh G50 I bought the car on the spot- at least on my car, shifts are crisp and authoritative, second nature really- I don't pause in neutral not even for a second- it;s pure butter.

Find a good 3.2 that you love- and keep it forever.

Ed Hughes

You can't go wrong with a 3.2. However, I'd not limit my search to just G50's.

Also, any year of Carrera 3.2 is definitely not "very old school". Certainly, "old school" when compared to a 997 though.