limitup

I've always wanted a Porsche, and I've saved up some cash for a fun 2nd car. I love turbos, but I only have about 35-40k to spend, so I would be looking at a 91/92 911 Turbo, etc. Or should I be looking at a newer model year non-turbo car? I'm still doing my research ... I guess I'm wondering if I bought a 91 Turbo in great condition should I still expect problems, huge maintenance costs, etc. etc.?

Dean

For myself being a boost-a-holic, I would say go drive a turbo then a N/A car and you make the choice. I know which I would choose. The turbo may cost a little more for maint. but who cares when you have a big *** smile on yer face.

James Herne

I think there's no cost difference on maintaining if it's a Turbo or not. If you change oil regularly etc., then the Turbo engine and turbine itself are protected.

Turbo is turbo. As they said: nothing replaces the turbo... only a bigger one!

911 without turbo is just a nice car to drive. Turbo makes Porsche a Porsche. I think even slightly moded 951 is better car than regular Carrera. But 911 Turbo...

Christer

Turbos are for straightline jockeys, n/a are for drivers who appreciate the overall feel of the car. Ask any 3.3 Turbo 2 how many 964RS's he has beaten on a track recently.

Ragin' Bajan

Probably best to talk to the 965 owners (964 turbos, one of which you're considering). I know someone with one and he's not super happy with it--they're single turbo and the smaller engine off boost clearly isn't as powerful as the N/A version. He's now in the process of selling it and trying to get a TT. If you go for a 965, get the 3.6 engine, otherwise definitely N/A.

Kevin Ross

Limitup

I might poke my nose in here if that's ok...

I owned a '90 C4 Coupe as my first Porsche. I loved the car - it was agile, quick and very responsive. No doubt, the n/a Porsches are simply wonderful cars. And I agree with the comment about the 964T vs the 964RS... in terms of instant power - the RS is fantastic. Although I don't think it comes down to just the turbo vs n/a difference in the 964 RS vs Turbo comparison....

But - and this is where it get's personal... for me, the Turbo has always been the top of the 911 tree. I really wanted to own one, even though a friend of mine who is a 911 fanatic tried hard to talk me out of it. He claimed that I'd get sick of the Turbo's personality, that it is not a daily driver... but now that I own a 91 Turbo, I wouldn't give it up for all the tea in China! I love this car. It is extremely quick, just as responsive, has breathtaking acceleration... the 964 Turbo also has those classic looks, is rear wheel drive and air-cooled.... it is, I believe, the last of an era.

If you can afford the 3.6l Turbo - even better...

I don't think you'll be disappointed with any 911 you buy... they all have their own personality, they are all special.

Good luck! <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

Kevin Ross

...oh yeah... and just for the record:

The Turbo has cost me LESS in maintenance than my C4. And by quite a margin....

<img border="0" alt="[jumper]" title="" src="graemlins/jumper.gif" />

FW

Agree with Kevin Ross;

the most enjoyable Porsche-to-drive that I owned was a 964 C4. My 993 C4 n/a was d/numbed-down and soft by comparison - yes it was quicker and ultimately had more grip at the limit than the 964 but the rawness, fun and communication got somehow washed down the plug-hole...

Have recently moved on to a stock 993TT but for whatever reason, I do not feel (as) comfortable hustling it along like an n/a 993. Communication handling with a electric/nervous feel (which enduces an upper-lip/sweat) is thankfully back, but the car is heavier & bigger and I find just demands much more commitment and restraint.

As always be careful what you wish for!

Good luck.

Frank

DaveK

Frank,
Any time you decide that the 993TT isn't for you and you just can't live without a 964 C4, just let me know! We can even do a straight swap and I won't charge you extra for your dream car.....

FW

Dave,

Hhhhhmmmm, I have to say my 964 was a glacier white C4 targa and I loved the colour - better than the baltic black that I have now, which literally requires cleaning every other day...

...But er, no, no, I just couldn't. I mean, it's a very kind, thoughtful and considerate offer but I wouldn't feel comfortable in the knowledge that you had made such a sacrifice!

Would add tho, that at the meeting earlier this week, Brian brought along a beautiful dark blue 965 Turbo 2, very rare and what a raw "gurgle" it had on tickover - could even make a TVR blush.

You must come along to the next meeting?

Kind regards

Frank

DaveK

I will try to. I've met up with a couple of 964 owners a few times now, but haven't made it to one of the big meetings yet.

By the way, all turbos should be black in my opinion - you've definitely got the right colour. I don't think Porsche should even have been allowed to make non-black turbos! (Not that I'm narrow minded or anything....).

And people who have black TTs and think it would be nice if they had white TTs..... Well, really!!!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />