911Dave

Yes, you only have to check valve clearance every 15k miles, and adjust only if necessary. In my mind, that can hardly be called frequent, especially considering most owners don't drive these cars daily.

BigMikeATL

My opinions (that and $7 will buy you a cup of coffee)

911
Pros: Classic, icon, simplicity, raw
Cons: Bad A/C, comparatively slow compared to 964 and 993

964
Pros: Classic design, A/C that actually works, Power Steering, 3.6L, still has that raw feeling
Cons: Oil leaks (not difficult to address)
* Notes from an owner: Valve adjustments is an easy DIY job. The first one will take some time but after that, it is a Saturday in the garage. Don't let anyone turn you off because of this standard maintenance.

993:
Pros: Refined and retains much of the 964, Hydraulic valves, VarioCam, more power, nice ***
Cons: Refined*, Secondary Air Inject/CEL (not difficult to address), non-classic front end.

It will all come down to what turns you on about a 911. They are all great machines with their quirks. I have always been a fan of the classic 911 but chose the 964 because I felt it was the sweet spot in the line up.

I'll probably own a 997 one day (hopefully a turbo), but from the 996 on up, the 911 looks too much like a suppository and less like a 911.

Bill Verburg

I have owned a '76 Carrera 3.0 for 37yrs and a '95 993 for 8rs, running costs have been about the same over that period(C3 insurance has been much cheaper), both are reliable, fun cars. The difference other than appearance comes in when and if you modify them. The 993 is much more expensive in that case.

If I were looking today any of them could be great choices, it's just a matter of finding one the turns you on and has the setup that you want and has been maintained properly.

marcel964

Same story overhere: mantaince cost for 964 (3years) and 911 (2,5 years) more or less the same. Bought both in good condition, drive like 5000 miles a year with them.

niche

I've owned all three. 993 was my favorite. 964 best bang for the buck. Both made the 911 feel antiquated.

narkose

Alright, thanks for everything thus far. It has all been useful, especially BigMikeATL with the little pro/con.

Another question that I have is how much of a difference there is in the three eras when it comes to do DIY maintenance. Any opinions/experience?

The Brewmeister

Service on the 3.2L engines is less hassle than a 964 or 993. The 3.2L engine compartment is more accessible, the 964 and 993 engine compartments are very tight. Oil changes on the 964 and 993 are considerably more of a hassle requiring jacking, right rear wheel removal, partial inner fender liner removal and two filters.

On the plus side the 964 and 993 have AC systems that actually cool the car. Of course, an upgraded system in a 3.2L would erase that advantage, and the 993 requires no valve adjustments.

User 123

I've owned a 993 and couple of 3.2s.

For me, the 3.2 is the more fun to drive. And isn't that what it's all about?

Maintenance costs about the same between models. Virtually depreciation proof.

I truly believe the 3.2 is the value play of the vintage/sports car market.

All the best,

Doug

Art Caputo

Having owned all three, I think it's a matter of personal preference in driving characteristics, style, and design features. I personally favor the 3.2 Carrera' because I had previously owned and driven the 70's 911's. The feel that drew me to the 911 in the first place most closely represented to same experience over the 964 and later versions. All the models can have their idiosyncrasies, pick your poison.Drive all three if you can.

niche

debatable with prices of 964s being as low as they are and with its improvements.

They are all great, realistically.

Rick-A-Shay

I've had my 3.2 for seven years and truly enjoy driving it. Being a little more "primitive" than the 964, 993, one must be more "engaged" and work harder" in driving the car. Fully agree with previous comments on maintenance/AC. I also have a '96 C4S that is easier to drive on long trips, and has excellent handling and acceleration that exceeds the 3.2 due to suspension design and H.P. Again, maintenance is more complicated, along with the electronics (OBDII).

Kind of a comparison between pushing a slower car fast, or driving a faster car slow out on the highway

ChristianR

if you plan to drive the car a lot than the 993, the air works and its still a great car. if you can handle not having A/C that the 911 all the way. The lighter more nimble cars are just more fun IMO

I have a 993tt and a '68 that has no air. If the weather permits I find myself driving the '68 alot more often than the 993tt

racerbvd