TT Oversteer

I currently have a normally aspirated 911 and I do see forced induction in my future at some point. I have always lusted after the iconic 930 Turbo. I have driven a '76 3.0 and was not overwhelmed with it's performance. I have also driven a '86 3.3 and was favorably impressed by the intercooled version with the bigger brakes, etc. I have not driven the '89 with the G50 or any of the Euro versions. I have heard that the earlier cars are lighter and that the '78 and '79 are the best of the simple/lighter cars with the intercooled 3.3 before they got too "GT" oriented. I know there are varying opinions here and I'd like to hear them including pros and cons of each. Thanks!

JDHertz11

I was set on an 89 due to the G50, but to be honest with you I have rarely seen 5th gear in the short time that I've owned it. I would suggest the latest nicest car that you can afford. There are some beautiful cars out there for excellent prices.

powerlift330

I have owned both a 79' and now an 82' Euro. I, like many prefer the Euro models because of the stock 300HP and better fuel delivery. Either way you go, just make sure it was taken care of. Higher mileage doesn't necessarily mean a worser car either. A PPI should reveal everything you need to know about a particular car.

The first two pics are of my old 79' which I sold to I believe one of the forum members here. The next two are of my current 82' one when I got it, the other in the shop after getting lowered. Lastly is one with it's sister, the Z51 C6 Corvette. Attachment 328333

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My Fleet:
2007 Chevy Corvette Z51
2007 Honda Ruckus
2006 VW Passat VR6 4Motion
2002 Yamaha R1
1999 Dodge Ram
1998 Jeep Wrangler
1982 Porsche 930 Turbo

WPOZZZ

I had my 79 and 86 930s at the same time and I prefer the driving experience of the 86 much better. The 86 has a built 3.4, but if you take that out of the equation, the clutch feels much better as do the brakes. I can't explain it, but the 79 clutch felt rubbery and had some flex, whereas the 86 seems very sturdy. The brakes are similar. The 79 brakes left me wanting for better brakes, but the 86 has awesome stopping power. Plus, the 86 has the newer Carrera style front valence.

Cajun

I suggest you drive several examples. All of the years are great, but not all of the years will offer the driving experience you are searching for. Personally, I went with an '88 because I wanted all of the improvements & updates that were made over the years, but I wanted the "old school" four speed transmission.

Whatever you decide, one thing is for sure: the 930 delivers a more raw & visceral driving experience than 99.9% of the cars on the road today. Enjoy your search, and you will find what you are looking for.

slownrusty

'89 is the best year hands down. Modern hydraulic clutch, modern feeling tranny and shifting with a 5th gear, how could it not be. This has been discussed to death so pls do a search.

Yasin

Mark Houghton

Oh, I don't know....I'm still kinda partial to 1987 (admittedly because that's what I own!). As Yasin says there are reams of threads on the topic of 4 speed vs. 5 speed transmissions. I would love to have the hassle-free convenience of an hydraulic clutch, and that 5th gear may be nice, but then I'm in love with the long tall pull between my 4 gears - even if it is like shifting a tractor - and the mechanically linked clutch hasn't caused me any headaches.

Get the car with the best history of routine upkeep and the miles become a secondary concern. Euro if you can find it, and I would opt for the intercooled vs. the non-intercooled earlier models. My 2 pennys worth.

rsrfan

I would only add that you should look at a car that has been upgraded by the previous owner. You WILL go down this road, trust me. I bought a lightly modded 21,000 mile '86 turbo and have spent an additional $30,000, (upgrades only. No major repairs) on it in the last few years and am FAR from done. Although I love my car, I should have bought one where the previous owner took the hit. (for you regulars, I am still kicking myself for not buying Geoffreys car...)

JP

DDD

89s are going to be more expensive although I have really only seen one or two for sale recently.

The earlier cars can be had for a song right now. Really clean ones are mid 20s. Off the charts values.

Mark Houghton

+1 on the slippery slope of mods. But it's been fun, and at least I know clearly and in detail what's been done to my car.

Cajun

Yasin,

I looked at a few '89s when I was searching...

I agree that '89 was the most "modern" 930 produced, but whether or not it is the "best" depends on what you are looking for. Personally, I like the fact that my car is not as refined as the later turbos...I was searching for more of an old school feel...

tlarocque

I have an '89 (that's for sale, btw) and I can assure you that, if you've driven any kind of car made after about 1992, its still going to feel quite "old school". For comparison, drive an '89 944T. Much more modern feel.

DDD

I would buy a well modded 930 over any stock 930. So it really depends on what you want. I like value and bang for the buck and find stock 930s to be heavy and soft.

Modified cars are individually judged based on quality of mods and overall package. I prefer the most light weight possible in a modded car and that starts with a 1976 or maybe 1978 for the better brakes. I like the fact that my modded 1976 weighs 500 lbs less than a stock post-1978 930. The fact is that lighter weight trumps all other performance factors.

If the car is stock than a 1989 is the best finished product.

If I was to buy a modified car again I would look for a 1978, but that does not take away from also having a lighter early car. A well done 1976 is going to be better balanced and lighter than a 1978. You can add the same big red brakes or whatever that you add to a later car as well.

At the end of the day you should buy the right car and not the right 'year'. You won't see many pre-1978 cars set up correctly, they are rare.

Weissach911

+1 on what DDD said, try and find one with mods already performed and of course a solid PPI. I have a 1983 euro, at first I didn't like the tall gears of the 4-speed, now I love it, actually more so than the G-50 on my C2, it's weird but you get used to it and really adjust your driving style

WPOZZZ

Yup, I agree that it is best to get one that is already modded. Just make sure it was a quality job of modding the car with quality parts. For my 86, it had a fresh 3.4, sc cams, B&B IC, headers and muffler, Andial fuel enrichment, euro fuel head, rebuilt 4 spd... If I were to have all that done, it would be in excess of the $20k I paid for the car.