I’ve heard people on this site say things like, “People think our 964s are trouble” or “Our cars are considered ugly”. What is the real perception about these cars?

Here are my reasons why I think this is one of the greatest models ever:

1. Air cooled
2. Has more refined interior
3. Doesn’t have goofy “long” shifter
4. Has that classic 911 look with nicer bumpers and more of a sleek shape
5. It still has the flares down to the lights which was de-emphasized in the 993. 993 has a better a$$ but the 964 has a better face.
6. Cheap for the performance, art form and 911 heritage.
7. C4 has sophisticated drive train which can go in snow with snow tires
8. Rear deck spoiler

Things they could have done better:

1. 17” wheels
2. Refused to sell TipTronics (I’m struggling to find a C2/4 Coupe with a stick)
3. Sorted out all the DMF problems
4. Others????????

Cheers mates,

Lefty

 

<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=001445" target="_blank">http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=001445</a>

 

"7. C4 has sophisticated drive train which can go in snow with snow tires"

A lot of people dislike the 964-C4 drive train. It is complicated. The 964 AWD is more complicated and heavy than the 993 variety.

The 964 C4 was also known for a bad "push" (understeer) in stock form.

 

I'll second Bins link above, to a recent, excellent, in-depth thread on this very subject. I believe you'll find it to be interesting reading.

 

Lefty,

As a relative newbie to the 964, I was puzzled by the same question. Pour a beer (not a chardonnay; you'll figure it out) and check out the link that Bins provided. The thread is marvelous.

Re: understeer, etc., I wasn't real happy (scared, in fact) by the corner manners of my completely unmolested '91 C4 when I got it. I swapped out the stock springs for stiffer ones that lowered the car to just below Euro height, changed the stock 16" wheels for Cup 17's, and rolled the front fender lips to accomodate 235/45/17 rubber (vs. 255/40/17 in the rear). The whole set-up seemed to glue the car to the road and it feels much more neutral now - more how I had expected the factory to have set it up. I believe Porsche had some sort of DOT issue with the stock ride height, but I may be sharing ignorance. Someone on the board will know for certain.

Don't accept any BS about 964's. For the money, they're the most fun you can have fully clothed.

Cheers,

Mike
'91 C4

 

They ride and feel like they're chiseled from a solid block of steel!

I have a 1990 C4, stock. The understeer is not a big issue, and if its wet outside, the C4 outshines all.

Its the best of the original Porsche 911. More and more people are discovering this all the time.

 

In my opinion, the best looking 911 ever made is the 993, and a strong second place is the 964. Then would come the 3.2L Carreras and SCs. Of all the 911s made to date, I would (unfortunately) have to rate all variants of the 996 at the bottom of the heap. I don't like the looks of the 996 too much. I know the 996 is a great car that would kick my cars butt, but I just DON'T LIKE THE WAY THEY LOOK! Oddly, I don't mind the looks of the Boxter at all (but it ain't a 911!).

On the other hand, compare the 996 to some of the Bizzaro-world car designs being developed by other manufacturers. When compared to them it's a work of art, but then again so are the older (now out of production) Mazda RX-7, Mitsubishi 3000GT, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, etc.

Will we all have to buy Ferrari'$ in the future if we want a good looking car? What will the "contemporary" auto designers do next, put fins on the rear bumpers????

Just me being opinionated!!

Bill Wagner

 

[quote] They ride and feel like they're chiseled from a solid block of steel!
<hr></blockquote>

I would second that, I thought that my first 911 a 1977 Carrera 3.0 was a well built car, but the 964 is actually better engineered, the panel fit is superb and even after 10 years my RS is completely rattle free.

They just need loving and looking after!!!

 

I agree with Bill re: 993's and 964. I also don't care for the regular 996 bodywork. And it seems like everything sporty these days is looking like a 996. The new bug looks like a 996 coming at you, the Audi TT looks like a 996 leaving, and the Lexus 4xx series coupes, coming and going. IMO anyway.

 

A wise man once said:

'Opinions are like a**holes. Everybody's got one and they all stink'.

Who cares what other people think? I think Subaru Imprezas are ugly but people still buy them. At the end of the day, the important thing is that you like the car.

And for the record, I love my car. The colour means you don't even have to flash anyone on the motorway to get past.

 

I'm with Christer on this.

I'm toying with the idea of buying a 993 coupe to be the day car but, for me and IMHO, I doubt I'll ever sell my 964C4 silver cab.

Everything is a matter of personal choice and the balancing of irreconcilable needs but I just love the looks of my 964, it is the last of the classic 911 shape. And I just get a kick out of it either in my garage or looking down the bonnet. TO EACH THEIR OWN!!!!!

I do think (although I've heard very different views from 993 owners - who focus on the over-complicated AWD) that it was the last to be made in the traditional Porsche way. By the time the 993 was developed I sense (but do not know as a fact) that Porsche had been forced to follow the trend in the Automobile industry of seeking lowest cost suppliers even at the expense of quality.

...........and that Ruf conversion for the 964 is mighty tempting

 

Always preferred 993's until saw one side by side with a 964. But the 911 died when the water went in and the 5 dials came out.

and [quote] <hr></blockquote>I think Subaru Imprezas are ugly but people still buy them.

..right, Christer, outside, NOW. <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" />

 

Hey Johnny - I love the flat configuration connection running through your car collection - but are you really saying you like the looks of the Imprezas?

Mind you I bet you have some fun in the roads around Dundee in the 964 and the Suburu

 

I'm looking right in the price range of an early (95-96) 993 or a 964. I'm choosing the 964 because I prefer the classic narrow body. 993's just look strange past the trailing edge of the door.

 

Hello Everyone

My penny's worth too:

I had a 964 C4, slate grey. I loved the car. Being the last of that 'classic' 911 shape, it is, IMHO, the best 911 buy for the money. I must agree with the general sentiments about tiptronic, tho', I really prefer the manual.

In fact, I loved the look so much that when I went to get my second one, with more money to spend, I could have gone for the 993, but decided on a '91 Turbo instead.

Of all the 911's ever built, I believe the look of the 964 Turbo is the most stunning of all. The true 'Bad Boys' car!

964 a poor cousin - I think not! <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" />

And I'll say something else - I welcome this kind of debate, it is the very thing that creates a 'classic' in time. People will remember this car, and it will have value _because_ of this, not in spite of it. <img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" />

I get off the box now.