jsrieck

I am trying to decide between a post-'91 964 C2 and a 88/89 3.2. For those that have owned a 3.2, and then later acquired a 964, why did you do it? Do you regret it? What caused you to go for the 964 or start looking for something other than the 3.2?

Thanks!

DAVISRILEY

Have had both, and started in a 3.2. Enjoyed both. The 3.2 had great steering feel, felt lighter, and was a blast to drive. The down sides for me were the climate control defied logic, it was a targa and leaked, and I needed a car that I could use as a daily driver, as I was in the northeast at the time. The 964 has a much better climate control system, has a better gear change(my 3.2 had the 915), has more power, and is all wheel frive, so it's a snowmobile in the winter. The down sides of the 964 are it's heavier and feels it, the steering feel isn't quite as sharp, and parts are more expensive. Would I go back to a 3.2? Probably not, I really like the 964. I may go to a c2 at some point, as I am doing more and more track stuff. Try and get some seat time in both, and a good ppi. Good luck.

elbeee964

Owned both. Before buying the 964, I test drove 3.2L, 993, and Boxster S.

3.2L: Too little grunt. Old-school, twitchy-at-limit torsion bar suspension.
964: FINALLY -- I can break the rear loose in corner with throttle. And coil over suspension makes that tail-out a fun & easy 'catch' & drift. Hero-feeling stuff. Wonderful.
993: Same as 964, only a little number.
Boxster S: Power enough, Speed, Suspension -- sure. But I walked away feeling less responsible for a perfectly carved turn... (What fun is 'perfect' execution, but handled by someone else?) Didn't feel accomplishment with it.

3.2L is less expensive for parts, but same expense for maintenance. (And I do miss the simplicity of their cable clutch releases... But that's just me...)

964 works best for me.

dan79brooklyn

I had an 1979 SC Targa prior to my 964...
I miss the big bumpers on the SC, the painted bumpers on my 964 are all scratched up from parking idiots.
I miss the sound of the dual out muffler on the SC.
The 915 shifter is more difficult but has a better feel; more mechanical.
The 88/89 3.2 will have a similar gearbox though.
The targa was fun, but noisy and leaked.
The 964 rides a bit smoother than torsion bar cars, but lacks a bit of 'feel'.
The Heat and AC on the 964 are pretty good.
Brakes and engine are very strong on a 964.

Do some research and drive a few cars to help make up your mind...

DanielT

had an '84 3.2 with 915 gear box, '87 3.2 with the G50 gear box and now I have a 1990 C2 with G50.

loved my 3.2s, especially the '87 since it had factory Carrera tail and factory LSD.
Climate controls and A/C sucked. At least now when I ask for A/C I get cold air...that cools the cabin.

for me the 964 is the best of the bunch all around, and you can't beat the low end torque.

I also owned a Boxster and it was a wonderful car, but did not have the same soul as the older 911s.

sold the Boxster to get the 964, and I am very pleased with my trade.

lapu01

I've tried several 88 and 89 3.2s before I settled on a 964 C2.
Steering and braking is far superior on the 964.

Streetfighter

I own a 964 and I am biased to it, but the 3.2 is a great car a lot of fun to drive. Feels like a go kart on steriods, handles well, acelerates well. Looks classic. I drove the 915 gearbox and took some getting used to. I ended up buying a 964 because it is a little bit more modern and I personally like the looks of it. More power, better AC and heat, and I like the gauges on it. Test out both and see what you like.

Chulo

What are you going to do with the car? I own both currently, although my C2 has has been built into a racer. More modern car? 964. More feel? Carrera. Do you want a car with A/C that actually works? Do you like the classic 911 look? Are you going to track it?

RS 197

964 no comparison

J richard

Had both for years, daily drivers. The 3.2 will feel lighter and nimbler than the 964, but the C2 is an all around better car than the Carrera, better brakes, better handling, better power, and if you do live in a hot area the first real AC in a 911 (factory anyway). For a daily driver no question I'd take the 964. If you track it both will take some work to make them really good for the track. I've regretted trading up everytime I have, but going back and driving the older car, ultimately I wouldn't go back, maybe add one...

Turbohead

I have owned many 911s over years includsing 3.2 and 964s. Generally the newer the more advanced and more capable.

Now they call me Turbohead...... this is a sickness!

Elliot

pete000

I have had a 3.0 SC, 84 3.2, 87 3.2 and the 964 3.6

The later 3.2 with the G50 and hydraulic clutch is the best of the the 3.2 years, but the 964 is a much more refined car. The engine is just better and the suspension and brakes are much better.

Agreed all 911's are great cars but I have to say the 964 is the better car (it is faster too).

I have driven the 993 with Varioram and it was just bairly noticeable better. The suspension felt even more refined.

As for the late Boxster S cars I had an 03 S and it was really refined, whole different league. Engineering has come a long way and you can feel it.