about to buy my first porsche and wondering what the pros/cons are to these two cars. i've found a beautiful sc and a nice c4 for about the same price. the sc has about 75k and the c4 a little over 100K. any feedback?

 

Hi there - Greenville is a great city! There have been a number of folks recently who have asked a similar question - see <a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=002578" target="_blank">this thread below as an example</a>and there are a number of similar ones which are searchable. Also Jon Kaminsky complied an excellent 964 FAQ

<a href="http://members.rennlist.com/jfk964/porsche_964_faq.htm" target="_blank">here</a>

Anyway, have a look and then fire away with your questions - I'm sure you'll find we are an opinionated lot - and good hunting <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

 

....yes we are an opinionated lot...

You haven't given us lots of info to work with, but for the sake of argument, let's say that both cars were well maintained and mechanically tip-top - that takes mileage out of the equation.

The next question is what kind of driver are you, will you take the car to the track and what do you want from a car?

There's not a heck of a lot of snow in Greenville, SC so there isn't a compelling reason that 4 wheel drive is a "must-have".

If you're going autocrossing or taking it to the track the lower weight of the SC is a definate plus. ...not to mention that the C4 is well known for understeering like a sow. (I drive one, I know!)

I think the C4 would be a much nicer daily driver - the air conditioning actually works in this model! Porsche made numerous improvements between the 930 and the 964. The SC for all intents & purposes is 2 seats, 5 speeds and 5 cylinders. (not that that's a bad thing!)

....that's my two cents worth! <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />

 

If you are seeing an 82 SC and a 89 C4 comparably priced, one or the other is mis-priced -- if the C4 is at the SC prices, I would without a doubt snag it, unless PPI shows problems.....

Some obvious things: the C4 has 249 HP, the SC is/should be 175.
C4 has good AC, which probably needs repair, but when fixed will keep you cool everywhere but Texas.
Both models should have pretty warm heat.
The C4 has power steering.
The C4 will under steer, the SC will oversteer. Pick your poison, but understeer is usually less dangerous....Oversteer is just a lot more fun.

The C4 is less "raw" feeling than an SC, people start talking about how genteel the 911 gets from the C4 and progressively more so as you go through the 90's models.

The C4 is more expensive to maintain, since your repair guy will need the Bosche hammer to bleed brakes, debug hydraulics, etc. Other maintenance between the two should be somewhat comparable, the 993/996 are rumored to have lower overall maint costs, since the valves are self-adjusting.

The SC will have a a**-heap of aftermarket options, while the C4 is relatively limited. Here I'm talking aobut lowering springs, performance enhancements, etc.

The C4 is said to have a ~12:1 pound to HP ratio, the SC is ~14:1, so you want to take advantage of the after market enhancements available to the SC......

 

[quote]Originally posted by Craig Green:
<strong>If you are seeing an 82 SC and a 89 C4 comparably priced, one or the other is mis-priced -- if the C4 is at the SC prices, I would without a doubt snag it, unless PPI shows problems...
</strong><hr></blockquote>

Good catch, Craig. Something is definitely not right, here.

There should be a significant price difference, $5K - $7K, if the cars are in similar condition. I don't believe many would pay much more than $15K for a very nice SC and a 100K-mile 964 should go for low 20s, unless it's due for a rebuild or other major repair.

 

Joe,
I hope you plan on explaining the sudden change of name... I can't wait to hear this one! I was fond of your alias.
Erick

 

Ah, the name change. I thought it would be a good idea after John Miles included my car's pic on his <a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=002613" target="_blank">website</a> using my true identity. I thought the name change might limit the confusion, you know, "Hey, I thought that was joey bagadonut's car? What's up with that?" That's about it ... maybe I'll go back.

So what's the latest on the cars, floodbkt?

 

still haven't decided. 20K seems like a lot for and SC, but this one is totally original and mint condition with about 80K. the c4 is in beautiful shape as well and both have full records. the c4 has about 105K and is about the same price. which one of these cars isn't priced right. the c4 is freshly serviced, no leaks, etc. obviously i'd want to get both inspected. will the c4 cost more to maintain? are there many problems with the awd system? what would be rebuild cost should that become necessary. just trying to figure which to go with.

 

This is strictly my opinion, but a $20,000 911SC better be a perfect example with relatively low miles. It should need NOTHING because if bought at that price, you're already at the very top of the range. If it is truely perfect, once you start driving it, it'll really drop in value. I would think a nice SC with 80k on the clock would bring somewhere in the mid teens for a price.

The 964 will cost more to maintain (just because it's a bit more complex) unless the SC has a bunch of age related problems. The AWD systems seem to be pretty bulletproof, but they do need proper maintenance. Hopefully Adrian or a C4 owner can shed more light on this.

SC's are great cars. But, I think for the money, the mint 964 is the better value in this situation.

Again, this is only my opinion.

Good luck,
Jay
90 964

 

As the owner of an '81SC, $20K is at the top of the range, but if it's an exceptional car it's worth it IMHO. SCs are great cars. I bought mine at 39K miles 8 years ago, and it has 67K now. Total cost for unscheduled repairs is $400 -- wonderful car.
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

 

The C4 will cost more to maintain -- AFAIK, your above-average do-it-yourselfer can do most of the service work on the SC, but the C4 must have it's brake blled, etc using the Bosch Hammer. Not all shops have one, and they can charge for the time. My last brake fluid replacement cost ~$200. If you take the car to the track, you'll be doing that avery year at least. Last I heard, they stopped making the Hammer for this model, and ran a clearance of them. It was a $4000 (+/-) tool at one time.

If you can't do your own work, then all other costs should be equal -- Valves, oil change, etc.

Every SC owner who has driven my car has raved over it -- you have more power, and more power/weight than in an SC. It seems to me that 20K is the very low-ball price I've seen for 964s -- I saw a 90 C4 with 94K listed last weekend at $24K.

So... potential good deal on a nice C4, bad deal on a great SC. You make the call.

 

[quote] Todd
1995 993 Carrera Coupe
1981 911SC Coupe
1971 Morgan Plus 8
1983 Saab Turbo w/263K

<hr></blockquote>

Todd, that is some collection of automobiles! I like it <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />