Christian K

Just would like some impressions from you guys who have owned a 3.2 and moved to 964. On paper the 964 is slightly quicker, but the power to weight ratio actually is better on the 3.2, especially when looking at the C4. I understand that the better aerodynamics of the 964 makes a lot of difference at high speeds, but what about in lower speeds. Is there a big difference in the "shoves in the back"-feeling? Also, what about the C2 vs C4? Big difference?

Adrian

Dear Christian,
You are asking questions which require totally subjective answers. I recommend you check the archives where this and similar subjects have been discussed before.
You cannot seriously compare a 3.2 to a C4. The C4 is AWD and a completely different beast. The only way you are ever going to get a true answer to satisfy yourself is to test drive all three.
I have driven examples of all three and own a C4 but I still advise to try them yourself. Mind you if you live in Sweden and want to drive all year round, purchase a C4,
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4

Christian K

[quote]Originally posted by Adrian:
<strong>Dear Christian,
You are asking questions which require totally subjective answers. I recommend you check the archives where this and similar subjects have been discussed before.
You cannot seriously compare a 3.2 to a C4. The C4 is AWD and a completely different beast. The only way you are ever going to get a true answer to satisfy yourself is to test drive all three.
I have driven examples of all three and own a C4 but I still advise to try them yourself. Mind you if you live in Sweden and want to drive all year round, purchase a C4,
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4</strong><hr></blockquote>

Christian K

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Adrian:
[QB]Dear Christian,
You are asking questions which require totally subjective answers. I recommend you check the archives where this and similar subjects have been discussed before.
You cannot seriously compare a 3.2 to a C4. The C4 is AWD and a completely different beast. The only way you are ever going to get a true answer to satisfy yourself is to test drive all three.
I have driven examples of all three and own a C4 but I still advise to try them yourself. Mind you if you live in Sweden and want to drive all year round, purchase a C4,
Ciao,

Sorry for the last post, hasn't got used to the commands yet. Anyway, thank's for the answer, I did a more thouroghly check and found some intersting threads. Just came back from a C2 -90 testdrive and it was very satisfying. I currently own a 3.2 -84 and has been thinking about moving "up" to a 964 C2 or C4 for more performance. And yes, I wanted subjective opinions Also I'm only planning on driving it in the spring/summer/fall.

cheers

Christian

Jay H

Christian:

Here's my subjective opinion:

I sold my '86 3.2 about two years ago and moved to a 1990 C2.

The 3.2 cars have quite a bit more 'feel' to them if you will. The 964 is more refined in most aspects. It's quieter, smoother, and less raw feeling. That was by design by Porsche.

But, the traditional 911 traits are still there, though somewhat muted. Still the same flat six note (a bit deeper and throatier), same precise steering and brakes... etc.

Power to weight ratios may favor the 3.2 cars, but the torque is increased on the 3.6 motors and the torque curve seems to be lower (comes on stronger at lower rev's). Torque is the 'shove in the back' feel you get and the 964 certainly has plenty of that.

Get a 964 on some back roads, and you'll definitely know which car you prefer.

Good Luck!

Jay
90 964

Carrera51

I have an 84 Carrera. My dad has a 93 C2. The C2 does have a more refined feel. The torque of the 3.6 is a plus. Much better A/C. Better brakes, silky smooth G-50. My major dislike is the power steering. In my opinion, it is unnecessary in a rear engine car. Bolt on a better exhaust system and get a real kick in the pants under acceleration. My car feels a little more nimble than the C2. I do like the slightly less refined feeling, plus I have grown to love the 915 gearbox. I am partial to my car (who isn't partial to there own car) but I do have first dibbs on dad's when and if he decides to sell it. (I see him only replacing it with a 993 at some point).

On the maintenance issue, other than needing to replace 12 spark plugs at major service time, he doesn't seem to spend that much more $$$ than I do on maintenance since both require the every 15K miles valve adjustment.

Randall G.

Hi Christian,

The Euro Carrera, with its 231 hp (compared to the US's 217), may have a better power/weight ratio than a 964. But, here in the US, the 964 C2 has a better P/W ratio than the 3.2L Carrera it replaced. More importantly--as Jay has pointed out--the torque curve on the 964 is fatter, improving acceleration more than peak hp numbers reveal.

I used to own an '84 (US) Carrera, and the difference in acceleration is impressive. By Porsche's own numbers, the 964 runs 0-60 mph in 5.5s, the 3.2L Carrera in 6.1s. 0.6s is a difference you can really feel. Putting it in perspective, 0.7s is the difference between factory 0-60 times for a N/A 964 and a 964 3.3L Turbo.

Now, I can't speak for comparisons between a Euro Carrera and 964 ... I assume the difference in power to be less dramatic. But, perhaps some of our Euro owners can weigh in here?

Besides the more powerful engine, the 964 is also a more modern car, with ABS, airbags and effective (but complicated/expensive) HVAC. These could be good things or bad things, depending on what you're looking for. The ABS, airbags, HVAC, etc. all (eventually) add to the cost of ownership. Of course, this is also true for the 993. Or, any modern sportscar, for that matter.

Good luck with your choice!

Targamike

My advice is to not get too hung up on the added torque of the 964. Compare the actual road feel of the two cars. The power is great in the 964's compared to the earlier car (this is pretty much why I bought mine when I was test driving). However, you get used to the power VERY quickly and soon feel like you need even more (at least that's how I feel). As that point, I've asked myself countless times if I should have gotten an earlier car. I like the style more (more classic in my opinion). The steering has a much more connected feeling. And I actually think the sound of the earlier cars is a little better (Again, this is my opinion). My C2 is a great car and is probably a little easier to live with as a daily driver. But just try not to let the additional power be your main reason for switching. Look at the whole picture. Power is great, but only one facet of a car. Just my 2 cents.
I hope I don't sound like I'm bashing the 964. They are great cars. <img src="graemlins/icon501.gif" border="0" alt="[icon501]" />

Jay H

To add more to this topic...

I feel the 964 is a better car for daily driving vs. a pre G50 3.2 car. The tranny shifts so much better and the ventilation is greatly improved, especially for warmer climates where you have to rely on A/C a lot. You certainly can drive a pre G50 car every day and do just fine, but the G50 trans cars are a bit more easy to deal with.

Though, I agree with Carrera51 above that the 915 has a learning curve and 'fighting' with that transmission is definitely enjoyable if you're not in rush hour traffic. The 915 makes those era cars feel more classic.

Too bad they did not make the power steering optional in C2 cars... I agree again with Carrera51 in that the power steering does reduce the road feel vs. the older cars.

These types of comparisions are VERY subjective. I tend to feel my 3.6 exhaust note sounds much better than my 3.2 motor. But TargaMike feels the 3.2 sounds better. Neither one of us is wrong, showing that it's really up to you to determine what you like better.

The ultimate solution would be the 20 car garage with one Porsche from each era...