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Newbie's question: high mileage 964 vs G50 3.2?

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Old 02-17-2018, 12:05 PM
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moon48
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Default Newbie's question: high mileage 964 vs G50 3.2?

Hello,

I have a difficult dilemma and would like to kindly ask you to help me solve it.
Pretty much same money (approximately EUR 44k) can buy me:
1. An American 1990 964 C2 with about 150k miles on the clock. Engine was overhauled at 144k miles with new pistons, seals, gaskets, etc.
2. European spec 1989 911 with G50 gearbox, undergoing thorough overhaul.

I am concerned about the 964's mileage. I don't drive much, the car will be my second car, yet I want to do one or two trans-European trips per year, drive it all year long. 2-3 track days per year are very likely.

What to choose? Why? Should I worry about the mileage of the 964?

Thank you in advance, cheers,
Jacek
Old 02-17-2018, 12:10 PM
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GeorgeK
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There are 3 main criteria for you to make an infirmed choice:
Condition,
Condition, and
Condition.
If they are both in the same ...condition, then buy the one that sings to you the most.

That said, less electronic glitches likely in the 911.
Old 02-17-2018, 12:21 PM
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rkwfxd
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I think they are two very different cars. I was looking at a nice G50 but in the end decided I wanted a car with coil suspension, ABS and PS. And for me a Tip so I went with a 964.
Old 02-17-2018, 12:51 PM
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BHMav8r
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Assuming equal condition & price/value.

VERY different cars. Spend some time driving each and you will know which you like better.

The 89's seem to be more collectible right now. Last of the oldscool 911's. Pretty well sorted design.
The 90's first year of new design. some minor problems that your ppi will address (sounds like a whole motor overhaul has). More power, power steering/brakes, coilover suspension, better (haha) AC, better clutch (if you like that sort of thing).

Let us know what you decide & good luck. Sounds like fun.
Old 02-17-2018, 12:53 PM
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Jjm4life
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Already been mentioned but by on condition not mileage. They are fairy different cars considering they have the same model name. Drive them both back to back if you can, and choose the one you like best. Sounds like you have a fun dilemma on your hands
Old 02-17-2018, 12:54 PM
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BHMav8r
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How many miles on the 911 ?

The 964 could be more on the track.
Old 02-17-2018, 12:55 PM
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Marine Blue
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As noted, the 964 has more that could go wrong with it but if the car has been properly maintained and all issues have been resolved it does have some advantages including a working AC, better HVAC controls, power steering, coil over suspension which offers better handling without giving up the old school feel and ABS. 964 also has more power but being heavier negates some of that.

The 911’s advantage will be simplicity and reduced weight which will make it more tossable although the 964’s suspension may counter some of that.

I would check to see if the cars have had recent suspension work done as that can get costly and I would have the steering rack inspected on the 964.

Good luck, both are fun cars and really you can’t go wrong with either.
Old 02-17-2018, 03:22 PM
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walbum
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I had an '88 Targa that I planned to keep for the long run. My brother offered to sell me his '89 964 (with 993 engine) so I flew to Georgia and drove it home ~500 miles. By the time I got to WV I knew that the 964 was to be my choice. I spent some time driving each one under similar conditions which confirmed my decision. I eventually sold the Targa to my neighbor who had previously asked for "dibs". He has since had it painted, it looks awesome (black on black with 7s & 9s) but I am quite happy with the 964. My avatar photo shows both cars.

As others have stated, while apparently similar they are very different cars. Drive both to determine your personal preference. I also agree to place more value on condition than on mileage.
Old 02-17-2018, 03:45 PM
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mowaffaq
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Not sure I can add mcuh to what has been mentioed already. I had a 964 C2 and I currently have a 3.2 and a 964 C4.
The 964 is a more refined car. Civilized in traffic and steady on highways. You still get some of the old school feed back, but the steering isn’t as communicatve as that of the 3.2.
Assuming that both cars are in sound mechanical condition, if I’m going for a drive out town, I’d take the 964, no question.

If it’s an early morning ,back roads drive, or for an event; the 3.2 all day every day! It is very nimble, so agile, extremely communicative, sounds awsome and drives superbly. Old school, analog, no bills or whistles- cool car all around.

you can appreciate the total lack of objectivity in my comments for these cars are all about how they make YOU feel. So take both for a spin and regardless of miles or future value, whichever puts a bigger smile on your face should sleep in your garage!

all the best,
M
Old 02-17-2018, 06:35 PM
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GDOG8
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What M said above... I also have both and it’s hard to believe. The G50 really puts a smile on my face, but it’s not as civilized.

Last edited by GDOG8; 02-17-2018 at 06:35 PM. Reason: typo



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