964 vs 3.2 Carrera

[MadmaxGTI]

Hi, I'm reeeal new here and want to throw this out to anyone who cares to help.
I've been into Porsche for more time I care to remember and decided this is the time to get one, however.....my dilemma is do I go 3.2 Carrera or 964???
Now I love the shape and styling of the 964, but a few "rumours" make you think about it, and on the other hand I've always loved the retro cool, styling and of the 3.2.
I've read about both but would be interested in any relevant feedback to aid my decision.
Hello again, and many thanks in anticipation!
Regards

Jamie (age 40 and definately not having a mid-life crisis!)

[g7jhp]

3.2 I'm biased as I've had two, see the pic in my profile!

[MadmaxGTI]

I understand where you're coming from and they do look great, nice and original out the box. Also, they must have pushed the right bells if you've had 2!
I've been a Golf nut for many years, and still into them, running a 300hp Mk5 GTi at present, but want "something for the weekend" and my brother-in-law is a serious petrol head and tapping me for info on what I've decided so very keen to show him around the classic and tear him away from his Ferrari's!

But I doubt if I will /

Thanks for the input, that's 1-0 3.2!

[graemel]

Hi Jamie, good choice. You really need to go and drive good examples of both. 964's have power steering and abs brakes. The 3.2 does not and is the rawer drive. Steering that loads through corners, you feel more connected to the road. The 964 does have a more modern feel with a better heating ventilation system. Personally I prefer the look and the drive of the 3.2. Buy carefully as tin worm on both is your enemy.

[MadmaxGTI]

Great advice. I am pondering on an 87 targa which looks great and has a slight oil leak from what sounds like the 2 casings. Spoke to a specialist(who has just built the engine for a beautiful 73 RS - Genuine!) and he has estimated about 2k to fix or an 8k engine rebuild.
Like the thought of the safety, but sc's always hit the button on the classic stakes.

[graemel]

I know I'll get flamed for this but targa's are renowned for water leaks. Good ones don't but they will be hard to find. 87 it might have the later G50 gearbox as per 964. Hydraulic clutch and a stronger box. Reverse is next to first rather than below fifth for ease of identification.

[MadmaxGTI]

I must admit the coupe floats my boat, but the targa was a great price, great colour and G50 equipped, bodywork looked great too. Maybe the targa will make a flying come back if the 991 comes up trumps with the original targa design as rumoured???

[graemel]

No come back. The coupe looks purer. Never been a targa fan I'm afraid.

[MadmaxGTI]

No come back needed, in the back of my mind I know you're right and would never be happy. I'm after a keeper, so got to be right. Also, after a conversation with my 2 & 6 year old it needs to be guards red or grey with "sport" spec. 3.2 winning so far........

[kusee pee]

Both are great but are very different to drive. I'd strongly suggest test driving both as the decision may be an easier one afterwards. I've had both and both are great so you won't be going wrong either way - just very different!

[MadmaxGTI]

That's got to be the best advice. I have driven the SC, however, it was a long time ago and a 3.0 '81 model and felt fast and easy enough to me as I was driving a TR7 at the time!
The safety features were a thing for me on the 964 but it's the ownership, noise and drive I'm after along with the way it looks poised in the garage!
I need to find 2 potentials and will definately post up my final decision.

[kusee pee]

MadmaxGTI said:

That's got to be the best advice. I have driven the SC, however, it was a long time ago and a 3.0 '81 model and felt fast and easy enough to me as I was driving a TR7 at the time!
The safety features were a thing for me on the 964 but it's the ownership, noise and drive I'm after along with the way it looks poised in the garage!
I need to find 2 potentials and will definately post up my final decision.

Ownership, noise and drive are all quite different on these two models - particularly the noise and drive! I prefer the noise of the 964 (particularly with a g pipe!) but the drive of the 3.2! Good luck with the search. Of course, the SC is the best really!

[graemel]

Safety features not so sure. Yes 964 has abs brakes but the brain that controls it was often swapped for the turbo brain. Much better. Shell is the same, both incredibly strong. 964 inherited the additional strengthening in the corner foot wells as per 3.2 targa and cab. Later 964's had driver air bag, very few had passenger as well. 964 also had large rubber mountings in rear trailing arms. A sort of poor mans rear wheel steer to supposedly help prevent you loosing the tail. Not very effective which is why 964RS's don't share the same rear arms. Best advice is go drive both and enjoy.

[MadmaxGTI]

Hey that's 3-0 to the SC. I've seen an 82 for 10k but wondered if that was too old for a starter. I will drive the 964 and make the decision then. Very exciting but anxious, as I'm no pro on what to look out for to ensure a good one! Thanks again for your help, it sure helps.

[kusee pee]

MadmaxGTI said:

Hey that's 3-0 to the SC. I've seen an 82 for 10k but wondered if that was too old for a starter. I will drive the 964 and make the decision then. Very exciting but anxious, as I'm no pro on what to look out for to ensure a good one! Thanks again for your help, it sure helps.

I've got 2 SCs at the moment, one for the road and one for the track. Love them both. Have had various other 911s in the past including turbos but, for me, the SC gives the best driving experience for the money. That said, I've loved all my 964s and they do look and sound great. Good luck and enjoy the process!

[MadmaxGTI]

Once again, you really have a good point and great advice. I'm overwhelmed with the help offered and gives me more an idea what I'm looking for. I will be looking forward to getting it down to the Silverstone Classics. Watch this space.

[MadmaxGTI]

I noted your impressive past motoring ventures and was impressed, however, your liking for the 964 clouds my decision slightly as my heart is looking at the 964 as I love the slightly smoother shape, but aware of the servicing costs and on the other hand the SC is the true classic I know and the original pure 911. My quandry contiues until I drive.

[anonymous-user]

At this age it's all about the condition of individual cars. If you prefer the classic look of the SC/C3.2 then I'd go down that route with a good example of either. When I was last looking for one of these a mint SC was the first to pop up and it was also a fair bit cheaper than an equivalent condition C3.2 and certainly no less a car. I'm not totally sold on the 915 gearbox to be honest, even after owning 3 classic 911s with this box. It just feels like something out of a tractor. But despite that it's a lot of fun to drive and very rewarding when you get it right.

[therevday]

I wonder if there are any targas that don't leak? I have had four over the years and they all leaked.One of them had really really bad wind noise,there is definately a reason why Targas are cheaper than coupes

[MadmaxGTI]

Never driven a G50 equipped car so wouldn't know the difference only what I've read and discussed. Not turned off either as it's just something in good condition, genuine and original I'm after.
I must admit this forum seems full of good, relevant info, so thanks to all.