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Drive a 964 and a 993 and see which one you like better. If I had $80K to spend on an air-cooled 911 I'd pick a narrow-body 993 coupe with a few upgrades.
Your budget buys just about any 3.2 Carrera so you could be picky.
Having owned an 86;3.2 and a 92 964 turbo, they both are cars I notice. I owned my 964 pre price hike and would love to get another one and will someday. The 964’s are pretty high priced right now in general, but there are some solid cars out there. I would lean towards a 964 C2 or an 87-89 3.2 Carrera knowing it’s just going to be a fun car. I have never been a 993 fan for some reason.
If I could have only one 911 and it has to be air-cooled, then a 964 coupe is my choice; it was my favorite air-cooled street car (drove daily).
Given that you have two others that are modern, I’d go for a slightly modded lwb longhood like a 72E. I would even lean towards a period-correct historic race car if budget is >$80k. Early 911s are the “purest” of the 911s and one would be a great compliment to what you have. Lightweight, no power steering, skinny tires to push to limits without going to jail, responsive MFI, etc.
I loved my ‘81 SC but passed on a ‘79 930 I should have bought. I would get a G50 Carrera or 964 C2. Whatever you do - don’t get a 915 gearbox car. The 915 has character, and it’s bad. The 915 sucking so bad is why I sold my otherwise perfect 911 SC. RSAs could be had for 30-40K at one point - not sure what they go for now.
As a Porsche and 911 fan, I can’t somehow like the 993. The only 911s I would kick out of my garage are ‘99s and ‘90-997 targas and 993
Owned a 964 for a couple years and a 993 for a couple years. Both are great cars. 964 more
tiresome to drive but more connected, 993 more refined and comfortable . 964 more go-cart, 993 simply better all around car. I always felt the 993 is a better car but with all the internet information about how good the 964 is, my mind plays tricks on me. IMO, the 993 is still the better of the two in looks,power, handling. The 964 gained a lot of traction because it wasn’t as expensive as 993 so custom shops bought them, personalized them or Re-branded them and basically thinned the herd creating more value on what’s left in original condition.
The reality of why we love Porsche is not because of the way they look because they are
very similar and beautiful. We love them because of the way they make us feel when we drive them. Some are more more connected, some more comfortable so this decision you will make is more about who you are and what you want to feel in your third Porsche.
I have always wanted a trio of PCars that all had their own unique experiences. I was debating an air cooled model before picking up a 997.2 RS and now that I have the RS the air cooled search is starting up again. There are so many models to choose from and I’m not an AC expert so I don’t know where to begin.
I have a few flimsy requirements for the next car so they are not set in stone. Feel free to throw out any suggestions as the below is a simple guide to keep the recommendations somewhat on track.
Use would be for tooling around town and the occasional drive up and down the coast in NorCal.
- air cooled
- coupe
- $80k or less
Current Pcars:
- 2015 GTS PDK Cab
- 2011 GT3 RS
- ?
I currently have a 997.2 3S, 991.2 3RS, 993TT and 981 Cayman S. Plan on trading the Cayman S in on the new Boxter Spyder. If I had to narrow to 3, I would still buy the boxer Spyder, but probably sell the 997 3RS. Love it, but love the other ones more. 993 would be my next buy in your case. Love my air cooled car. My wife's favorite P car as well.
Thanks for chiming in everyone. I have a thread on this topic posted in the 997, 964 and here on the 993 forum and based on the feedback I've narrowed it down to the following in no particular order.
- 993 - 97' Carrera S, Coupe, Manual - This is the only model where I have a clear pick of year and type. I like the wide hips of the S and with the 993 being the last air cooled 911 it could be a choice that I wouldn't regret. I pulled these pictures off the www ---- Stunning. It would require a bump in budget but exploring the models I really 'need' the wide hips of the S. Just makes the look IMO.
964 Turbo / 930 Turbo - These are my other two options but I'm a bit lost on year and engine options.
I did absolutely love the 79' 930 turbo in the Schandling episode of Comedians in Cars:
Any help on sorting out the two turbo choices would be much appreciated. I will also post over in the 964/930 turbo forums for more feedback as well.
My recommendation? - Wait till your budget allows for $100k purchase,
Tell us more about your previous air-cooled search, and the decisions you made back then,... and how they've changed now.
=Steve
Thanks, Steve. I agree with you and based on the car options that I'm gravitating towards I will most likely bump up the budget to 100k. And to confirm your statement, yes it must be a manual.
The reality of why we love Porsche is not because of the way they look because they are
very similar and beautiful. We love them because of the way they make us feel when we drive them. Some are more more connected, some more comfortable so this decision you will make is more about who you are and what you want to feel in your third Porsche..
Very well said. I'm looking for the AC feeling and don't mind a less refined model. Maybe a 3.2L G50 964 should be an option worth considering.
Originally Posted by joejenie
I currently have a 997.2 3S, 991.2 3RS, 993TT and 981 Cayman S. Plan on trading the Cayman S in on the new Boxter Spyder. If I had to narrow to 3, I would still buy the boxer Spyder, but probably sell the 997 3RS. Love it, but love the other ones more. 993 would be my next buy in your case. Love my air cooled car. My wife's favorite P car as well.
Boxter Spyder is a model that could replace the GTS. I need to stay focused joejenie. This is not helpful...
Originally Posted by The Greek
I think nothing beats the 964 for an aircooled experience minus a badass longhood 911. But 964's can be more realistic and less troublesome than a carbed/mfi longhood. Modern working a/c, electric door locks and windows, upgraded suspension but classic 911 steering feel, classic 911 lines, and a lot of character. It really is the best of both worlds.
Some argue 993 has more tech and reliability, but I just don't love the looks. An 80's G body has an outdated suspension compared to 964, a/c barely works and I just like the 964 lines better. Plus the torque of the 3.6 makes driving around town great. Personally for me, I love driving my 1972 the most, but its also the most limited, due to no a/c. Has to be ideal conditions to drive. 964, you can drive it anytime anywhere.
My current line is a 2011 GT3 RS, 1991 964 C2, and a 1972 911 with a 2.7 MFI motor. To me, these cars represent the best of all the 911 series.
Thx Greek. I should have re read these posts. 964 has some strong responses.
Originally Posted by stussy1616
G50 Targa... i miss mine more often then I care to admit
Beauty!
Originally Posted by JustinS
94 3.6 Turbo.
Bring a trailer
Originally Posted by Brandon_
A well sorted 964 would be a great addition and a nice compliment to the 997.
Agreed
Originally Posted by noro78
My perfect line up includes 7.2 GT3 (check), 993 Carrera S (not Turbo as real men drive RWD cars.. ok go ahead pick on me) and RS America (considering regular 964RS is not available).
993 Carrera S is looking good along with the 964
Originally Posted by Bxstr
993 C2S or a 964.
I'm seeing some consistency in responses.
Originally Posted by Kermit_the_Frog
Owning a 993 C2S i would recommend a non-S 993 C2. The wider rear track makes it just a little bit more "truckish" imo. Perfect 993 is obv the RS with it's narrow body etc.
Need the S hips
Originally Posted by JustinS
I missed the $80K part. Oops.
I need to bump it up a bit. Or a lot of bits.
Originally Posted by ilko
Drive a 964 and a 993 and see which one you like better. If I had $80K to spend on an air-cooled 911 I'd pick a narrow-body 993 coupe with a few upgrades.
Originally Posted by Colorado964turbo
Your budget buys just about any 3.2 Carrera so you could be picky.
Having owned an 86;3.2 and a 92 964 turbo, they both are cars I notice. I owned my 964 pre price hike and would love to get another one and will someday. The 964’s are pretty high priced right now in general, but there are some solid cars out there. I would lean towards a 964 C2 or an 87-89 3.2 Carrera knowing it’s just going to be a fun car. I have never been a 993 fan for some reason.
Originally Posted by mclaudio
If I could have only one 911 and it has to be air-cooled, then a 964 coupe is my choice; it was my favorite air-cooled street car (drove daily).
Given that you have two others that are modern, I’d go for a slightly modded lwb longhood like a 72E. I would even lean towards a period-correct historic race car if budget is >$80k. Early 911s are the “purest” of the 911s and one would be a great compliment to what you have. Lightweight, no power steering, skinny tires to push to limits without going to jail, responsive MFI, etc.
Originally Posted by 74goldtarga
I loved my ‘81 SC but passed on a ‘79 930 I should have bought. I would get a G50 Carrera or 964 C2. Whatever you do - don’t get a 915 gearbox car. The 915 has character, and it’s bad. The 915 sucking so bad is why I sold my otherwise perfect 911 SC. RSAs could be had for 30-40K at one point - not sure what they go for now.
As a Porsche and 911 fan, I can’t somehow like the 993. The only 911s I would kick out of my garage are ‘99s and ‘90-997 targas and 993
After going back & re-reading through all the posts, and now the further clarifications from CA-NJ-Boy, it appears the front runners are those with WIDE HIPS - I am in TOTAL agreement. I love that look too.
..... In fact, I absolutely LOVE everything about my more street-oriented 997.2 GT3 (verses the RS),... except just one thing,.... I wish that Porsche had given it wider hips like the RS (40mm I think).
I also think that even though the 930 is the same core 3.3 engine as the 964 Turbo, there are quite a few improvements that really made the 964T more reliable, smoother, and just an overall better variation of that 3.3 Turbo engine. Then you also have ALL the other creature comfort improvements that others here have already mentioned for the 964. PLUS, the 964 Turbo is a 5 speed G50 Tranny. Most all of the 930's, except the 1989 930, are 4 speeds. Back 15 yrs ago when my wife & I drove a LOT of 930's & 964 Turbo's, it became quite clear that the 964 Turbo STILL gave us all the scary widow-maker feelings as the 930, but was just a better car overall. And the 5-Speed G50 was the BIGGEST icing on the cake. That sealed the deal. And our rationale has proven true by a long shot after 14+ years of owning it with essentially ZERO problems with the car and 78K miles!! 930's are great for collections,... but if you want to drive it and enjoy for decades,.. the 964 Turbo wins hands down. AND the 964 Turbo is CHEAPER than most folks are asking for 930's (ESP the '89 G50 5-speed 930!!!).
.... Ok, so having said all that,... the next wide-body car your are considering, and rightfully so, is the widebody 993 S. Although I have never owned one, my good friend (beer league ice hockey teammate for 30 yrs now) does,.. and it's stable mates are a CGT (daaaamn that thing is fun to drive!!), GT3RS and a couple other P cars that he likes in particular. So why the 993 S. It is just a VERY good car. Even though I LOVE the torque and pull of my 964 Turbo,... the 993 S is a very playful car. Small, super tight, fun low end for dancing around small back roads, and we don't seem to need the high rev rpm's in his 993 S, as compared to when I'm trying to keep my turbo spun up in my 964 Turbo (caveat: 993 could use a little lower gearing in each of the gears though). Both are very fun, and both worthy of owning. Just slightly different driving experiences. .... and for me personally, I do not particularly care for the rolled-under look of the 993 front end. Looks too soft for me. I like the harder meaner looks of the 964 Turbo.
Now when it comes down to choices,... seems you would have a LOT more choices on colors & interiors when shopping for a 993 S. If you decided on a 964 Turbo, there will be VERY few for you to choose from. Question: What PRICE do the 993 S's run now? I need to know this, so I can adjust my standing offer price to my buddy on his Silver 993 S. He keeps saying that his son eventually wants it. Doh!!
As others have said, this will be a personal decision. But I am certainly enjoying the RIDE with you along the way on your decisions. Thanks for continuing to post replies here, and take us along with your train of thoughts....
=Steve
Agree on the 993 choice, that will be my next purchase. Admittedly I do not have a ton of seat-time in 964s to compare, but I prefer the more modern look and performance of the 993. To me it is the perfect blend of old and new, classic and modern.
07-12-2019, 08:54 PM
I have a thread on this topic posted in the 997, 964 and here on the 993 forum and based on the feedback I've narrowed it down to the following in no particular order.
Spyder is awesome car that I would certainly consider swapping with the GTS.