Newbie with a newbie question
03-10-2003, 04:09 PM
#1
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Newbie with a newbie question
I suddenly realized that I must have a 911. I'm looking at late 80's to early 90's models, and I need some info on the differences between the models. Can anybody point me to a website with a detailed history of changes and available options for different year models? Also, some info on what problem areas to be aware of would be helpful. Thanks!
03-10-2003, 04:59 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
Calvin -
I used the Zimmerman book (see attached link) when I too realized a 911 was a must have. Good background and excellent comparisons between the years. Good expertise on what to look for in a used 911.
<a href="http://www.912registry.org/sponsors/used911.htm" target="_blank">http://www.912registry.org/sponsors/used911.htm</a>
Joe
79SC Coupe
I used the Zimmerman book (see attached link) when I too realized a 911 was a must have. Good background and excellent comparisons between the years. Good expertise on what to look for in a used 911.
<a href="http://www.912registry.org/sponsors/used911.htm" target="_blank">http://www.912registry.org/sponsors/used911.htm</a>
Joe
79SC Coupe
03-10-2003, 05:05 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
Welcome Calvin.
There are many, many websites that cover these cars - just do a search on these boards, or on Pelican, and youll come up with a boatload of information.
The short and skinny of it is this: The 87-89 G-50 Carrera's are considered more solid and "raw" than the early 90's C2's and C4's (Carrera 2 and Carrera 4) but are also considered to be underpowered in comparison.
The 964 (1990-1994) has a few extra touches that the 911 doesnt: power steering, airbags, better AC, etc just to name a few. However, they also have their problem areas. The early 964's have a cylinder head leakage issue that is rather expensive to fix, and they arent the easiest cars to work on.
By contrast, however, the 3.2L Carreras have issues with premature valve guide wear, so each car has its potential issues.
The 964 is argueably the better car - more capable all around, more power, and more advanced, but its hard to go wrong with a late 80's Carrera either. Drive examples of both and see which you prefer.
Try making a trip to your local Barnes and Noble or Borders book store and take a look at the following:
Used Porsche Buyers Guide
Original Porsche 911
Porsche 911 Road Cars
They will give you a very thourough understanding of the cars and their differences.
Good luck!
There are many, many websites that cover these cars - just do a search on these boards, or on Pelican, and youll come up with a boatload of information.
The short and skinny of it is this: The 87-89 G-50 Carrera's are considered more solid and "raw" than the early 90's C2's and C4's (Carrera 2 and Carrera 4) but are also considered to be underpowered in comparison.
The 964 (1990-1994) has a few extra touches that the 911 doesnt: power steering, airbags, better AC, etc just to name a few. However, they also have their problem areas. The early 964's have a cylinder head leakage issue that is rather expensive to fix, and they arent the easiest cars to work on.
By contrast, however, the 3.2L Carreras have issues with premature valve guide wear, so each car has its potential issues.
The 964 is argueably the better car - more capable all around, more power, and more advanced, but its hard to go wrong with a late 80's Carrera either. Drive examples of both and see which you prefer.
Try making a trip to your local Barnes and Noble or Borders book store and take a look at the following:
Used Porsche Buyers Guide
Original Porsche 911
Porsche 911 Road Cars
They will give you a very thourough understanding of the cars and their differences.
Good luck!
03-11-2003, 12:26 AM
#4
Calvin:
If you want some great info on the 964 (1989/90 - 1994), check out John Miles excellent site at <a href="http://www.porsche964.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.Porsche964.co.uk</a> .
Good Luck
Jay
<a href="http://www.jays911.com" target="_blank">My 90 964</a>
If you want some great info on the 964 (1989/90 - 1994), check out John Miles excellent site at <a href="http://www.porsche964.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.Porsche964.co.uk</a> .
Good Luck
Jay
<a href="http://www.jays911.com" target="_blank">My 90 964</a>
03-11-2003, 12:47 AM
#5
For more academic stuff
<a href="http://www.idee.demon.nl/" target="_blank">http://www.idee.demon.nl/</a>
try this one.
Also this site has a good buyer's FAQ
<a href="http://tech.rennlist.com/subfiles/content.html" target="_blank">http://tech.rennlist.com/subfiles/content.html</a>
you may want to check out.
<a href="http://www.idee.demon.nl/" target="_blank">http://www.idee.demon.nl/</a>
try this one.
Also this site has a good buyer's FAQ
<a href="http://tech.rennlist.com/subfiles/content.html" target="_blank">http://tech.rennlist.com/subfiles/content.html</a>
you may want to check out.
03-12-2003, 05:48 AM
#6
Burning Brakes
Interesting comments from the guys on the benefits of the 964 - in the UK they do not have a good reputation. Oil leaks abound, particularly from the diffs on the 4's. In the UK it is believed the 3.2 Carrera was well sorted and the 993 is the best of the bunch but the 964 is a bit of a dog. Secondhand opinion however as I've not owned a 964.
Peter
Peter
03-12-2003, 06:04 AM
#7
Rennlist Member
Calvin,
Peter Morgan's book Original 911 is probably the best place to start. But before this, you really must set yourself a budget and ascertain what you can buy based on that. And remember that as Bruce Andersen has said in Excellence many times, buy the BEST example of the NEWEST car that you can afford. Dont buy a dog just because it is a NEWER model---you may end up with so many problems that you'd just give up 911 ownership all together.
I have personally owned a 3.2 Carrera, 964 Carrera 4 and currently a 993 Carrera 2.
To tell you which is the best for you is impossible, only you will know. What I suggest is go through the archives of Rennlist to learn of the various problems of the various year cars that you are looking at, then ask more questions on Rennlist-- some of these problems are NOT as bad as they are made out to be as most of the better cars you will look at should have had the required work already done.
Once you know what potential issues to look out for (and ask the prospective seller about), go around and drive a few to get a feel as to what suits you. But dont let your heart guide you. Often times the first 911 you see and drive will have you extremely excited even though it may be a rusted hulk with half an engine left).
By slowly going through the process, you will almost certainly end up with a gem that you will cherish for years.
Good luck.
Peter Morgan's book Original 911 is probably the best place to start. But before this, you really must set yourself a budget and ascertain what you can buy based on that. And remember that as Bruce Andersen has said in Excellence many times, buy the BEST example of the NEWEST car that you can afford. Dont buy a dog just because it is a NEWER model---you may end up with so many problems that you'd just give up 911 ownership all together.
I have personally owned a 3.2 Carrera, 964 Carrera 4 and currently a 993 Carrera 2.
To tell you which is the best for you is impossible, only you will know. What I suggest is go through the archives of Rennlist to learn of the various problems of the various year cars that you are looking at, then ask more questions on Rennlist-- some of these problems are NOT as bad as they are made out to be as most of the better cars you will look at should have had the required work already done.
Once you know what potential issues to look out for (and ask the prospective seller about), go around and drive a few to get a feel as to what suits you. But dont let your heart guide you. Often times the first 911 you see and drive will have you extremely excited even though it may be a rusted hulk with half an engine left).
By slowly going through the process, you will almost certainly end up with a gem that you will cherish for years.
Good luck.
Trending Topics
03-12-2003, 06:41 PM
#8
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone - I hadn't expected so many thoughtful responses!
I'm still trying to make up my mind - this is a second car, so I don't want to spend a lot, but the 964 is tempting. I'll drive one of each and decide whether it's worth the extra $, and probably pick up a book or 2.
I'm still trying to make up my mind - this is a second car, so I don't want to spend a lot, but the 964 is tempting. I'll drive one of each and decide whether it's worth the extra $, and probably pick up a book or 2.
03-12-2003, 08:00 PM
#9
Rennlist Member
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Calvin:
<strong>Thanks everyone - I hadn't expected so many thoughtful responses!
I'm still trying to make up my mind - this is a second car, so I don't want to spend a lot, but the 964 is tempting. I'll drive one of each and decide whether it's worth the extra $, and probably pick up a book or 2.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Good luck Calvin, and if you go with the 964 I dont think you will make a mistake- to my mind it was (and still is) a wonderful car! <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />
<strong>Thanks everyone - I hadn't expected so many thoughtful responses!
I'm still trying to make up my mind - this is a second car, so I don't want to spend a lot, but the 964 is tempting. I'll drive one of each and decide whether it's worth the extra $, and probably pick up a book or 2.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Good luck Calvin, and if you go with the 964 I dont think you will make a mistake- to my mind it was (and still is) a wonderful car! <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />
03-13-2003, 12:07 PM
#10
Super Guru
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by pjc:
<strong>Interesting comments from the guys on the benefits of the 964 - in the UK they do not have a good reputation. Oil leaks abound, particularly from the diffs on the 4's. In the UK it is believed the 3.2 Carrera was well sorted and the 993 is the best of the bunch but the 964 is a bit of a dog. Secondhand opinion however as I've not owned a 964.
Peter</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Secondhand opinion indeed.
Also somewhat less precise feedback than usual on these boards: "oil leaks abound" "bit of a dog".
I've owned my C4 cab for some three years - still regard it as the best - bar none - combination of classic 911 look and feel with modern safer technology. I may add a tin-topped 993 at some stage but I don't see selling my cab.
And those are first hand experiences.
<strong>Interesting comments from the guys on the benefits of the 964 - in the UK they do not have a good reputation. Oil leaks abound, particularly from the diffs on the 4's. In the UK it is believed the 3.2 Carrera was well sorted and the 993 is the best of the bunch but the 964 is a bit of a dog. Secondhand opinion however as I've not owned a 964.
Peter</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Secondhand opinion indeed.
Also somewhat less precise feedback than usual on these boards: "oil leaks abound" "bit of a dog".
I've owned my C4 cab for some three years - still regard it as the best - bar none - combination of classic 911 look and feel with modern safer technology. I may add a tin-topped 993 at some stage but I don't see selling my cab.
And those are first hand experiences.
03-13-2003, 08:06 PM
#11
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
I do not think we are posting here to hear "secondhand" remarks. I post and ask questions on this board so I can learn from those with "firsthand" experience.
By "bit of a dog", what do you mean? My 964 has more HP and torque than a 3.2. However, it and for that matter, all 911's are no dogs.
I have posted before stating my opinion on very subjective things like looks, driving experience, etc, but not some stupid "secondhand" comment that you probably read somewhere. So unless you have some "firsthand" experience with a 3.2, 964 or 993 for that matter, please keep your "secondhand" opinions to yourself. Sheesh!
By "bit of a dog", what do you mean? My 964 has more HP and torque than a 3.2. However, it and for that matter, all 911's are no dogs.
I have posted before stating my opinion on very subjective things like looks, driving experience, etc, but not some stupid "secondhand" comment that you probably read somewhere. So unless you have some "firsthand" experience with a 3.2, 964 or 993 for that matter, please keep your "secondhand" opinions to yourself. Sheesh!
03-13-2003, 08:19 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
No need to jump on him guys - all years have their quirks, and the 964's are well documented (as are the 2.0's, 2.2's, 2.4's, 2.7's, 3.0's... you get the idea).
Since this gentleman has 'no' experience, second hand is better than nothing.
No need to take offense.
Since this gentleman has 'no' experience, second hand is better than nothing.
No need to take offense.
03-13-2003, 08:27 PM
#13
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Hey Stuttgart951,
Didn't mean to jump on him and I am infinitely aware of the quirks of my 964 as I also read all the posts, articles, etc, listened to all opinions, feedback, etc and still decided to make the purchase.
However, in this case, I think nothing is better than secondhand.
Didn't mean to jump on him and I am infinitely aware of the quirks of my 964 as I also read all the posts, articles, etc, listened to all opinions, feedback, etc and still decided to make the purchase.
However, in this case, I think nothing is better than secondhand.
