911: pre 89 Carrera Performance?
Discussion
Hi All,
In recent years I've spent my time behind the wheel of TVRs & M series BMW's.
I'm considering a change - something thats kind of classic but still capable. Less all out grunt, and more driving fun with a dose of retro style.
Which has got me thinking - maybe an early 3.2 Cabriolet 911 might fit the bill. A car to cherish, but still capable of a daily drive, and the odd sunday blast?
My concern is that I've been spoilt for power in recent years, (currently E39 M5) and I'm wondering if this type of Porsche might feel a bit 'flat' in comparison.
Anyone with similar vehicle experience that can draw some comparisons?
What does a 3.2 deliver in terms of 0-60 and 0-100 performance? (not that this is the be-all and end-all, just gives some feel for overall pace)
THANKS!
In recent years I've spent my time behind the wheel of TVRs & M series BMW's.
I'm considering a change - something thats kind of classic but still capable. Less all out grunt, and more driving fun with a dose of retro style.
Which has got me thinking - maybe an early 3.2 Cabriolet 911 might fit the bill. A car to cherish, but still capable of a daily drive, and the odd sunday blast?
My concern is that I've been spoilt for power in recent years, (currently E39 M5) and I'm wondering if this type of Porsche might feel a bit 'flat' in comparison.
Anyone with similar vehicle experience that can draw some comparisons?
What does a 3.2 deliver in terms of 0-60 and 0-100 performance? (not that this is the be-all and end-all, just gives some feel for overall pace)
THANKS!
Hi Trellis,
I had an '86 3.2 cabriolet for 3 years until my recent switch to a Mk1 GT3. The 3.2 was a great daily drive and pleasure to take on trips around Europe and on the track (Zandvoort (NL) and the Ring). I drove it about 10,000 km a year, including to the office every day. The car had around 220,000 km when I sold it and ran without a fault during my ownership.
The car gave lots a feedback and always felt a lot faster than it actually was. The 3.2 is a fantastic car and if I would have parking spaces for it AND the GT3 I would have kept it. The only issue was some water leaking into the cabin when the car was street-parked (it rains a lot in Holland) and having the roof replaced did not fix the problem. A better solution was a half car cover. Also, the roof was a bit noisy on the autobahn at over 220 km/h (max indicated was 260 km/h on a run from Berlin), but I did not mind that.
Cheers,
Brno
I had an '86 3.2 cabriolet for 3 years until my recent switch to a Mk1 GT3. The 3.2 was a great daily drive and pleasure to take on trips around Europe and on the track (Zandvoort (NL) and the Ring). I drove it about 10,000 km a year, including to the office every day. The car had around 220,000 km when I sold it and ran without a fault during my ownership.
The car gave lots a feedback and always felt a lot faster than it actually was. The 3.2 is a fantastic car and if I would have parking spaces for it AND the GT3 I would have kept it. The only issue was some water leaking into the cabin when the car was street-parked (it rains a lot in Holland) and having the roof replaced did not fix the problem. A better solution was a half car cover. Also, the roof was a bit noisy on the autobahn at over 220 km/h (max indicated was 260 km/h on a run from Berlin), but I did not mind that.
Cheers,
Brno
I notice from your profile you have owned a Chimera 4.0.
My dad had a mint 3.2 1989, and sold it to buy a 4 litre Chimera, which he has also since sold, but deep down he regrets selling the 911.
Anyway in terms of performance there was not a lot of difference if any between the TVR and the 911.
M5 is a different beast though.
What you have to remember is the 3.2 is now a modern classic which is basically an all rounder, albeit finding a good one is getting harder, unless you want to pay silly prices, then be frightened to use it.
My dad had a mint 3.2 1989, and sold it to buy a 4 litre Chimera, which he has also since sold, but deep down he regrets selling the 911.
Anyway in terms of performance there was not a lot of difference if any between the TVR and the 911.
M5 is a different beast though.
What you have to remember is the 3.2 is now a modern classic which is basically an all rounder, albeit finding a good one is getting harder, unless you want to pay silly prices, then be frightened to use it.
Just do it, I doubt you'll regret it.
As poor(really means loaded
)cardealer said, they offer an intoxiating drive with a glorious soundtrack and by today's standards, their modest power still delivers plenty of thrills and total driver involvment.
I'm sure Burriana amongst others will be along soon to give their thoughts.
As poor(really means loaded
)cardealer said, they offer an intoxiating drive with a glorious soundtrack and by today's standards, their modest power still delivers plenty of thrills and total driver involvment.I'm sure Burriana amongst others will be along soon to give their thoughts.
Does it really have to be a cab? The coupe is quite a lot lighter and stiffer, so it handles and accelerates better. If the standard 231 hp isn't quite enough for you, there's a fair bit you can do to increase power. Fitting a supercharger is one such option. But they're pretty quick in standard spec anyway, especially off the line.
C2look said:
I'm sure Burriana amongst others will be along soon to give their thoughts.
Evenin!I had a Griff 500 - superb
I then had a Ferrari 348 Spider - don't even ask ... I kick myself daily for ever selling that, however ...
I then had an '89 3.2 Carrera. Jaysus that car was a revelation. OK, the first thing that I would have done was chip it up to about 250bhp, but some kind soul had done it for me, and VERY well (we reckon it was nearer 260-270). 18 years old and it still pulled red line ion top (at 162 thats 10mph more than it came out of the factory with!)
Yes, I spent a bit getting it handling exactly how I wanted, but shod with Goodyear Eagle F1s and no PAS, the steering feedback was just sublime, and the road holding ... like superglue.
I bazzed 3000 miles down through the Alps to Monaco and back on MegaHoon '06 in a very high speed group - Dazren in his 996TT - Shadey in his AMV8 - JSG in his DB7 Vantage and Oggs in his Chimaera, and the 911 had a whale of a time happily cruising cross country at speeds between 1 and 1.5 leptons
I then, rather supidly went and sold it as I thought I quite fancied another Griff 500. I got a very good one ... and still wished I hadn't swapped it for the 911.
Get a good one and OK, it will be slower than an M5, and marginally slower than an M3 ... but it will feel just as fast and be loads more fun, AND, make you feel like a Monte Carlo rally driver every time you get behind the wheel
It might however be a bit basic for everyday use ... for that I'd go for the next one along, the 964
Oh yes ... but personally I would never have a Cab ... the Coupes are just too good!
Edited by burriana on Thursday 9th August 21:12
One of my favourite all time 911s is the '88/89 'Club Sport' 
Coupe only (not available as a cab or targa), lightweight (1160 kg), simplified spec, blueprinted and optimised 3.2, giving c.245bhp (0-60 in 5.1 secs / 0-100 in 12 secs / 153 mph), enhanced bilstein running gear, numerous other tweeks, very tough, brilliant road/occasional track car.
Rare - only 53 UK/rhd examples were built. Expensive - £25-40k, but hold their value, and may even appreciate as all the very best Porsches do.
Apparently, Autofarm have a nice one owner 'Club Sport' for sale for, I believe, c.£25k - and it's only done 380,000 miles
Coupe only (not available as a cab or targa), lightweight (1160 kg), simplified spec, blueprinted and optimised 3.2, giving c.245bhp (0-60 in 5.1 secs / 0-100 in 12 secs / 153 mph), enhanced bilstein running gear, numerous other tweeks, very tough, brilliant road/occasional track car.
Rare - only 53 UK/rhd examples were built. Expensive - £25-40k, but hold their value, and may even appreciate as all the very best Porsches do.
Apparently, Autofarm have a nice one owner 'Club Sport' for sale for, I believe, c.£25k - and it's only done 380,000 miles
Edited by Geneve on Thursday 9th August 22:01
burriana said:
C2look said:
I'm sure Burriana amongst others will be along soon to give their thoughts.
Evenin!I had a Griff 500 - superb
I then had a Ferrari 348 Spider - don't even ask ... I kick myself daily for ever selling that, however ...
I then had an '89 3.2 Carrera. Jaysus that car was a revelation. OK, the first thing that I would have done was chip it up to about 250bhp, but some kind soul had done it for me, and VERY well (we reckon it was nearer 260-270). 18 years old and it still pulled red line ion top (at 162 thats 10mph more than it came out of the factory with!)
Yes, I spent a bit getting it handling exactly how I wanted, but shod with Goodyear Eagle F1s and no PAS, the steering feedback was just sublime, and the road holding ... like superglue.
I bazzed 3000 miles down through the Alps to Monaco and back on MegaHoon '06 in a very high speed group - Dazren in his 996TT - Shadey in his AMV8 - JSG in his DB7 Vantage and Oggs in his Chimaera, and the 911 had a whale of a time happily cruising cross country at speeds between 1 and 1.5 leptons
I then, rather supidly went and sold it as I thought I quite fancied another Griff 500. I got a very good one ... and still wished I hadn't swapped it for the 911.
Get a good one and OK, it will be slower than an M5, and marginally slower than an M3 ... but it will feel just as fast and be loads more fun, AND, make you feel like a Monte Carlo rally driver every time you get behind the wheel
It might however be a bit basic for everyday use ... for that I'd go for the next one along, the 964
Oh yes ... but personally I would never have a Cab ... the Coupes are just too good!
Edited by burriana on Thursday 9th August 21:12
Great pics you must have had a great time hooning in some good company/great settings.
When you coming back to the Pork fold then?
I have an 89 - wonderful drive and have just complete a few track days. Car can hold its own even after 20 years but I am now looking to upgrade the exhaust system and put in new shocks -. The exhaust will give another 25% mid range power (excellent fun in a porshe) and the shocks allow you to apply greater power earlier when you exit the corners. Have been in a M3 etc but you "live" in a porshe when cornering at 200k ! Hope that helps ! Good luck
anguspatterson said:
I have an 89 - wonderful drive and have just complete a few track days. Car can hold its own even after 20 years but I am now looking to upgrade the exhaust system and put in new shocks -. The exhaust will give another 25% mid range power (excellent fun in a porshe) and the shocks allow you to apply greater power earlier when you exit the corners. Have been in a M3 etc but you "live" in a porshe when cornering at 200k ! Hope that helps ! Good luck
I previously tracked an '89 coupe and clubsport 3.2, you are right to upgrade the shocks, the next upgrade should be brakes, even when in good condition that is the main area these cars fall behind on trackdays. Although the SSI is highly regarded, an exhaust system alone is unlikely to provide much (if any) improved performance. I think you need to look at intake and re-mapping as well. Didn't Amd used to do a package with a 'hot film' system?
Mind you, I agree with 'Clubsport', for track use I'd spend the money on brakes, running gear, seat/harness, weight saving and tuition before looking at power increases.
Mind you, I agree with 'Clubsport', for track use I'd spend the money on brakes, running gear, seat/harness, weight saving and tuition before looking at power increases.
Edited by Geneve on Friday 10th August 10:20
Crimp a Length said:
Great pics you must have had a great time hooning in some good company/great settings.
When you coming back to the Pork fold then?
yep, had a brilliant time with that car ... practically everybody loved it when they saw it and praised it to the rafters when they drove with it!When you coming back to the Pork fold then?
Kennyboy asked asked if I could see myself ever returning to Porsche when I put it up for sale and I said No ... I changed my mind within the month.
I will definitely have another 911 ... but I don't think it will happen until after I have managed to persuade Vicki to let me re-visit the Ferrari... however, this may take some time so you never know
Geneve said:
One of my favourite all time 911s is the '88/89 'Club Sport'
Coupe only (not available as a cab or targa), lightweight (1160 kg), simplified spec, blueprinted and optimised 3.2, giving c.245bhp (0-60 in 5.1 secs / 0-100 in 12 secs / 153 mph), enhanced bilstein running gear, numerous other tweeks, very tough, brilliant road/occasional track car.
Rare - only 53 UK/rhd examples were built. Expensive - £25-40k, but hold their value, and may even appreciate as all the very best Porsches do.
Apparently, Autofarm have a nice one owner 'Club Sport' for sale for, I believe, c.£25k - and it's only done 380,000 miles
As a very happy 944 owner I still think the 3.2 911 is a classic car I'd like to own one day. Reality for me would make it a weekend car, not a daily driver as I'm to soft and like my creature comforts, like A/C !!Coupe only (not available as a cab or targa), lightweight (1160 kg), simplified spec, blueprinted and optimised 3.2, giving c.245bhp (0-60 in 5.1 secs / 0-100 in 12 secs / 153 mph), enhanced bilstein running gear, numerous other tweeks, very tough, brilliant road/occasional track car.
Rare - only 53 UK/rhd examples were built. Expensive - £25-40k, but hold their value, and may even appreciate as all the very best Porsches do.
Apparently, Autofarm have a nice one owner 'Club Sport' for sale for, I believe, c.£25k - and it's only done 380,000 miles
Edited by Geneve on Thursday 9th August 22:01
Anyway to cut a long story short I meet a nice chap outside Eporsche the other week, he is one of the inspectors for Peter Morgan (?) Turns out he only lives around the corner from me and has a 3.2 CS with less than 30K miles on the clock. I went around for a look the other night, sure looks good !
Trellis said:
Hi All,
Anyone with similar vehicle experience that can draw some comparisons?
What does a 3.2 deliver in terms of 0-60 and 0-100 performance? (not that this is the be-all and end-all, just gives some feel for overall pace)
THANKS!
Anyone with similar vehicle experience that can draw some comparisons?
What does a 3.2 deliver in terms of 0-60 and 0-100 performance? (not that this is the be-all and end-all, just gives some feel for overall pace)
THANKS!
Many 3.2s have A/C although it needs recharging quite often.
Interior facelift occurred about 1986.
G50 gearbox is stronger (5 speed) but original 4 speed feels great to use.
If you want to uprated brakes etc and a brutal power curve to order than try the 930 (911 turbo), tricker to drive as fast but a very involving drive.
Both have bags of character.
I'd go for the coupe and get a boxster if you really want a convertible, the coupes have such tight handling and feel it's a shame to waste it.
Be prepared to get attached to them..
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff