ztarum

I know, probably a silly question but I could use the help. I'm new to Porsche and have been shopping for my first P-car. So far I have been focused on 993s, but the 964 Turbo has recently caught my eye.

I've spent a bit of time driving the 993, which I liked, but I am curious how the 964 Turbo compares. I love the way it looks, half vintage and half modern, but have no idea how they drive. Thoughts?

Since this is my first post, I'll give a little automotive back ground. I've always been into cars and have had a few interesting ones. I had a Superformance Cobra replica for a bit (always dreamed of having one as a kid), but tired of it pretty quickly. I sold that and bought a euro spec Ferrari 308 GTB QV that I really really enjoy and still have. I also ran a Lotus Elise for a while. That was a fantastic driver's car, but it was hard as nails and the build quality was weak. In the end I'm looking for a car to compliment the Ferrari and share weekend fun car duty. Something a bit more modern, with better creature comforts, but still fun and unique and an occasion to drive. Seems like a 90's or later Porsche would fit the bill, so that is where I have been looking.

That's about it. What do you think?

ztarum

Oops, I should have searched first. I see there are already a couple threads on the same topic. I'll give those a read first and post back here if I have any specific questions.

pmo75

I recently sold a 94 turbo 3.6 and bought a 993 cab...very different cars of course.
In essence:
The turbo is more special
The turbo is much much faster
Both have that outstanding build quality

Overall, there were two downsides with the 964 that made me let it go:
1-the new systems (abs and power steering) are less developped in the 964 than the 993. They feel old but not yet vintage, IMHO.

2- the rear LSA suspension in the 993 is night and day for me. The 993 is a much nimbler car.

I miss the gigantic thrust of the Turbo, but I like the more relaxed approach of the 993. Now, if you have a de restricted autobahn around, I would find it difficult to resist the to turbo.

That's just my unscientific experience...

Boeing 717

Well id go with the turbo hands down. If its performace your after that is. I loved my 964 turbo but to be honest, for me, it did not feel like a modern car although it was very fun to drive. Its much more modern than a 930 however. Its really the only thing keeping me from buying another one. Dont have any experience with 993's but they are pretty dang cool!!

MielsOnWheels

I have a 993 and I've never driven a 964. Having said that, I would say that the 964 Turbo is an absolutely beautiful car, perhaps one of the all-time greatest looking 911s. I don't think the 964 NBs are that aestetically pleasing and the 993 NB really got the proportions right as the widened the rear on the NB cars really looks right. I think the 993 TT proportions are slightly off, for me the rear is a little too wide. I think it really depends on what you are looking for. If you want the performance, the 964 is the way to go, although the 993 is no slouch. There's also the fact that the 993s are the last of the air-cooled cars, if that means something to you.

TT Surgeon

964 turbo hands down. The power and handling are tight, it's the perfect mix between a 930 and a 993. Modern yet vintage.....and it's a turbo!
The turbo has always been the top of the line porsche, period.

ztarum

Thanks for the info. I too would give the 964 Turbo the nod in the looks department, although I really dislike the 964 narrow body cars. The NB 993 a also nice looking in my opinion.

I suppose one of my dislikes when it comes to turbo cars is the way they sound. I certainly prefer an NA engine in that respect. However the extra shove is nice and the elastic feel of a turbo car can be fun. I have a VW GTI as a daily driver which is a turbo car.

I supposed the only real way to find out is to go for a drive, so I'll try to arrange one and see how it goes.

Sharker

The 964 Turbo on boost will kick you in the chest.. It is fun, fast, and a head turner.. I too am a widebody snob, never having liked the narrrow bodies cars. What is comes down to is.. What do you like the looks of better, how are you planning on driving it.. and how much time are you willing to spend talking to rubberneckers about it

ztarum

Well, I drove a 964 Turbo today and all the impressions were positive. I didn't get a chance to really wind it out, but it had good power. I was concerned about the way it would sound, and it WAS different but in a good way. Almost like a oversized sewing machine. The NA 993 was louder and a bit more 'fizzy'.

I thought the 964 steering was heavier with not as much feel as the 993, and over all the car felt a bit less nimble. Just a different personality. The 964 felt more like a highway blaster where as the 993 seemed like a better twisty road car.

Cool car. Now to decide.....

ztarum

The other question comes down to value. Asking prices for comps seem to be all over the board. The 964 Turbo I looked at had 45K miles. Paint/body I would call 8.5/10, no dents or dings, one minor paint blemish. Interior I would call 7/10, some driver's seat wear and some general soiling that shows on the light colored leather. No rips or other damage. It ran and drove well with no apparent issues. All stock, or stock parts included except the original wheels. The ones on the car look much better than the factory set-up. What would be a ballpark range for selling price in the current market?

TT Surgeon

50s

rstarga

I thought that a 964 Turbo in good condition could be bought for 35-45

ztarum

If you know of any, please point me in that direction.

TT Surgeon

I think that is more the price range for a good 930. There are a few on fleabay now, 50-70 range.

ztarum

Well, I've all but made up my mind that the 964 Turbo is the car for me. I am going to pursue the car that I test drove and see how that pans out, but would certainly consider others. The 3.6 cars are out of my range (unless someone is really giving one away), so I'll need to focus on the 3.3s. I've seen the 4 or 5 out there on ebay, but if anyone knows of others for sale through dealers or private parties please let me know.