badbilly

I am looking at a 1990 Carrera 4 Coupe. Can someone run down the differences between that and the 1986 Carrera. I know the engine is larger (3.6 vs. 3.2) but does it still have torsion bar suspension? The interior looks almost exactly the same (except the shift lever is shorter). I like the bumpers much better. Any other differences? Thanks.

Ruairidh

Try this site - in particular the "reviews" section

http://www.porsche964.co.uk/

bhensarl

Lot's of differences. The 964 (89 through 94 Carrera 2s and Carrera 4s in the US) was composed of 85% new parts. Some of the standouts are the coilover suspension, an all-wheel drive transmission for the first time on a production Porsche, 4 piston disc brakes front and rear (for C4s, C2s got 2 piston brakes on the rear axle), an improved climate control system, and a really neat rear spoiler that automatically raises at 50mph.
Brian

Andy Roe

Also, from '87 onwards, a new & improved gearbox was used, called the G50. If you're after a 3.2 Carerra, it's worth trying for an 1987 onwards car. The G50 is also used in the Carerra 2's of 90-94.

The interior of the 89-94 cars is also much more modern & they have heating & aircon that works!

Dave R.

Vastly improved coefficient of drag, went from something like 0.37, 0.38 down to 0.32 (better even than the 993's cd of 0.33).

eddychan

Also
tiptronic gear box with up/down shift
cremic coated cylinder with anti-knock sensor
hydraulic tensioned chain drive
......

Eddie
91 C-2

Richard-Dublin

I know I'm going to shot for this but ........ I think it is fair to say that 3.2 Carerras give less hassle than 964s!!!
The oil leak issues and clutch problems are well known and even today many Independent Specialists on this side of the pond will not get involved in selling 964s. I accept that these problems have been sorted on a lot of cars but a potential puchaser should be very aware of the possible issues.
Having said that, a sorted 964 is probably a better car for everyday driving being much more modern in terms of comfort and ease of use.

Arjan B.

A late 80's 911 is a good car. A early 964 can be good too if the modifications where done by the owner. Cilinder head gaskets, Dual Mass flywheel, ignition distrubutor belt and ventilation mods.
If I had to make a choice, I would go for the 964, because a understanding is the newer you can affort, the better.....

Phil Raby

Drive an example of each and see which you prefer. They're two completely different machines.

Cheers

Johan K

I would definitely advice you to take the 964 route! OTOH a 3.2 means a lot of fun for less $$. Listen to Phil and try both before you decide.

phayze one

Does the 3.2 have power door locks? If not, I'd get the 964 based on that alone! I had been without them for too long, and forgot how much I appreciated them.

Johan K

My 964 does not have power door locks. Neither does it have power windows nor power seats, power steering or power mirrors. Instead it has a lot of driving power. I don't miss that stuff for a second...

eddychan

Well, Richard, I believe that the oil leak does affect every oil-cooled P car since you have a powerful boxer engine sits low in the rear and your cooling system runs miles to the front and back. You are talking about a 10-15 years old car and the mount/joint/gasket will fail after such time. As to the DMF, most people changed them already and it only offered in a short period of time.
I am really surprise that some dealer would not like them in Irland, they are selling like hot cake here in Hong Kong. It's a lot cheaper than the 993, a vast improvement to the old SC and still looks classic and great and a lot of fun. Money for fun value is incredible!
Interesting to hear about the power lock, alas, I always find some article of putting cup-holder in 964 amusing. BUt honestly, a good alarm to safegaurd your P car is a MUST!

Cheers!