TVR S6 - 911 964

[Diablos-666]

I'd be interested to hear any comments from any owners who have gone from a speed 6 tvr to a 964.

Have you found it cheaper to run? Does the 964 generally have better build quality?

Is there a recommended buyers guide I should get?

Thanks

[Beety]

Your miss the speed six !!!!

[Markh]

Beety said:

Your miss the speed six !!!!

but not when it goes BANG

[RWA441]

Can't comment on a 964 but I've had a Boxster S and now have a Carrera 4 and build is vastly better than the 6 TVR's I've had but............. fun and sense of occasion not even in the same league as a TVR.

Funily enough I asked a local specialist how to make the 996 sound better and mentioned I'm a TVR fan at heart, he said you'll never make it sound any where near as good as any TVR!!

[blueg33]

Totally different cars from different eras.

I have just gone from a Tuscan to a 1988 Renault GTA Turbo, Renault actually feels as fast to about 80 as its so close to the ground and its nicer to drive. (when the Renault came out it ran the 911 close in Car's road test).

But very little has the visceral nature and noise of the speed 6 engine. You will drive the Porsche very differently IMO

[Porsche964fp]

Diablos-666 said:

I'd be interested to hear any comments from any owners who have gone from a speed 6 tvr to a 964.

Have you found it cheaper to run? Does the 964 generally have better build quality?

Is there a recommended buyers guide I should get?

Thanks

The 964 was the last hand built production 911 - it is built like a tank. The build quality is second to none.

However with all old cars they have their pitfall so buy the best you can afford having had a pre purchase inspection and leak down/ compression test on the engine by a reputable/ recommended specialist.

Go out and drive a good example - you'll never look back. A tidy 964 will be rigid, glued to the tarmac, seriously reliable, and have a torquey engine.

If you need inspiration here are two videos.

1. Review of the 964 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V72GmoZRss&fea...
2. 964 Owners - Go to Spa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_SBZ6YoVzA&fea...

We have a big UK presence on Rennlist:
http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/964-forum-59...

Edited by Porsche964fp on Tuesday 6th November 09:52

[Biggriff]

Have done this. Went from a Tuscan S to a 964 Turbo.

Porsche felt more solid and TVR more exciting (although the Porsche was stupidly quick). In summary I would say stick with TVR if just fun, but Porsche if used more often.

[black11s]

I had a 964 Carrera 4 about 8 years ago for 3years, and now have a T350.

The Porsche felt much more old-fashioned.
The clutch was far heavier (leg ache in traffic heavy), also in traffic it would overheat (being air-cooled).

As far as being a driver's car, it was a very different kettle of fish.
Being fitted with 4WD made it much more stable, although if really provoked you could feel the weight hanging way out back.
Noise wise, mine had a cup pipe so made a lovely flat 6 wail, but as others have said, it comes no-where close to the T350 with the sports pipe mine has. Comparisons there are pointless. It would be like comparing Kate Moss and Susan Boyle in a beauty contest (or probably a singing contest the other way around).

As far as an ownership prospect...
I loved my 964, I really did. It was wonderful and always felt special, in a way that 996's and 997's I have driven since just simply don't.
Reliability-wise, I had the same number of problems with it I have had with the TVR... The hydraulics went within the first week, although Portiacraft swapped all that out under warrenty (they are brilliant btw - one of the huge bonuses of Porsche ownership is having those guys around to look after the car). I must say that was a scary moment - no brakes or steering, and it all suddenly went whilst approaching a T-Junction.

The TVR however is in another league. It is SO much more pretty, powerful, noisy, outrageous, sexy... I could go on. Most of all, its a lot more fun to be in and drive. It puts a far bigger grin on my face than the Porsche ever did.
Women love the TVR. Kids love the TVR. Even random blokes in the street give you a thumbs up in the TVR.
The Porsche got the occasional sneer but that was about it.

[boxsey]

black11s said:

I had a 964 Carrera 4 about 8 years ago for 3years, and now have a T350.

black11s said:

The Porsche got the occasional sneer but that was about it.

I think you'll find that compared to 8 years ago, reactions have changed. 964s (and older 911s) get much more favourable reactions now. People seemed to have warmed to the classic 911 look that ended with the 964 and have a greater appreciation of the 911 as being part of motoring history. Glad to hear that you enjoyed yours when you had it.

As for the OP's original question about how a 964 would compare to a TVR, I can't answer that one. However, it seems that those getting in to a 964 these days, are really enjoying the driving pleasure they provide.

[davek_964]

black11s said:

I had a 964 Carrera 4 about 8 years ago for 3years, and now have a T350.

The Porsche felt much more old-fashioned.
The clutch was far heavier (leg ache in traffic heavy), also in traffic it would overheat (being air-cooled).

I think perhaps your car needed a few issues addressing. A heavy clutch on a 964 simply means it's an old clutch. Mine had a heavy clutch for several years, until it annoyed me enough that I had it replaced. An unworn 964 clutch is very very light - lighter than the Ford Focus I was using as a daily at the time in fact.

And mine never even got close to overheating, even stuck in traffic in 30 degree August days. Temp gauge never went above half way.

I've never driven a TVR, but I would expect the 964 to feel a lot less raw and exciting, and probably significantly slower too. They are good cars, but very different from TVRs.

[black11s]

I hope my earlier comments didn't seem to negative.
I absolutely loved that car, but it was a design 10-15 years older than the TVR and things move on.

I went for a 964 becasue I loved the shape of the traditional 911, and I wanted something a bit older with more character.

These cars are now up to 20+ years old, and can't be compared to a late TVR.
The TVR as you say, is far more exciting to drive.

A better comparison would be between a Griffith and 964...

Anyway, what a lovely problem we all have - trying to decide what sports cars to buy ourselves!!!
Have fun everyone!

[ras62]

black11s said:

I hope my earlier comments didn't seem to negative.
I absolutely loved that car, but it was a design 10-15 years older than the TVR and things move on.

I went for a 964 becasue I loved the shape of the traditional 911, and I wanted something a bit older with more character.

These cars are now up to 20+ years old, and can't be compared to a late TVR.
The TVR as you say, is far more exciting to drive.

A better comparison would be between a Griffith and 964...

Anyway, what a lovely problem we all have - trying to decide what sports cars to buy ourselves!!!
Have fun everyone!

I cant take your comments seriously. Overheating in traffic because it was aircooled? What kind of stupid nonsense is this? Ahh the memories of sweating my balls off as my V8 got hot and temperamental in traffic...oh what fun it was..Not
I have owned and driven TVR's and yes they sound great, as does an aircooled 911, difference being and the speed six engine is chocolate, the handling an unresolved mare and the build "quality" laughable. TVR more fun to drive? Again I am wondering what on earth you are talking about. Perhaps you drive only on straight roads.
Leaks...did I mention leaks......

[blueg33]

ras62 said:

I cant take your comments seriously. Overheating in traffic because it was aircooled? What kind of stupid nonsense is this? Ahh the memories of sweating my balls off as my V8 got hot and temperamental in traffic...oh what fun it was..Not
I have owned and driven TVR's and yes they sound great, as does an aircooled 911, difference being and the speed six engine is chocolate, the handling an unresolved mare and the build "quality" laughable. TVR more fun to drive? Again I am wondering what on earth you are talking about. Perhaps you drive only on straight roads.
Leaks...did I mention leaks......

I think you are wrong about Speed 6 TVR's

Most have had the engines sorted, if not £1000 buys yiou a 5 year 100k warranty from TVR Power - would a Porsche dealer warrant an engine like that?

Handling on Tuscans can be challenging as can pre 996 Porsches which are tail heavy, but I agree better than a Tuscan

Build quality on my Tuscan was pretty good and T350's look pretty good too.

Speed 6 TVR is easily more fun to drive, as much as anything because of the way it delivers power, a 964 will feel pretty slow in comparison, the 993 c2S certainly does and I back to back tested a 997 C2S with the Tuscan, and for pure enjoyment the Tusc was the winner.

[ras62]

Dear blueg33, if I were to google speed six reliability I would probably crash the google servers. Great warranty from TVR btw but you did not mention this is applied post rebuild!
Quality is not in the vocabulary of TVR. Longevity also. Fast does not equal fun, the TVR's I have used have all been fast but every one had handling and traction issues that detracted from the fun element. In the wet you would have to be brave or stupid to push on, again this is not my idea of fun.

[Diablos-666]

Thanks for all the comments, I didn't intend my post to be a TVR vs Porsche slanging contest.

I realise that the newer TVR would be the more exciting car to drive as opposed to a 20 year Porsche.

The reason for my post was because the TVR is my only car and as such it can be a bit of a compromise, especially in these winter months. I've also recently bought my first property and I now don't have a garage. I assume the Porsche would be happier siting in the elements than the TVR?

I do like the traditional looking Porsche especially the 964, and wanted people’s opinions on owning one as an only car.

Would they be as expensive to run and maintain as a S6 TVR?

I don't like taking the TVR for a quick 5 min drive to the shops and back whereas I don't I’d mind in the Porsche?

Basically I think I'd use the 964 more often and wouldn't worry about it breaking down or not starting.

[davek_964]

I did use my 964 as a daily for about 5 years and I think many other people still do.

I wouldn't want to now - but that's more to do with my age and wanting a bit more comfort. If you're going from a TVR, then I don't think you'd have any problem at all using one as a daily - just make sure you buy a decent one.

[blueg33]

ras62 said:

Dear blueg33, if I were to google speed six reliability I would probably crash the google servers. Great warranty from TVR btw but you did not mention this is applied post rebuild!
Quality is not in the vocabulary of TVR. Longevity also. Fast does not equal fun, the TVR's I have used have all been fast but every one had handling and traction issues that detracted from the fun element. In the wet you would have to be brave or stupid to push on, again this is not my idea of fun.

Hi

If I were to Google 996 reliability I would get loads of hits including a video of a bloke shooting his up because its so unreliable.

The TVR Power warranty is FREE with a rebuild, on non rebuilt cars you can buy the warranty from them, all they will do is inspect the engine.

TVR quality in the later cars is way better than earlier cars, but as I acknowledge not as good as Porsche, although I can tell some stories about issues with the 993 that are down to quality particularly electronics.

Of course fast doesn't equal fun, but that doesnt mean that TVR's are not fun. Of all the Speed 6 cars I have driven and all the Porsche's for fun I would choose the Speed 6 car every time. For a relaxed long distance run, or to hold a conversation with my passenger I would choose the Porsche.

Ant powerful car in the wet is a handful for those with a heavy right foot. The 993 I refer to above had many £££'s of damage after sliding off a wet track arse first. Interestingly, on the same day at the same track the Tuscan was lapping quicker and sliding less. (IMO Tuscan is better on a track than a road in handling terms) The T350 , Tamora and Sag are much better than the Tuscan.

So I stand by my opinion. 9 times out of 10 the TVR is more fun, gives a bigger adrenalin rush etc. For a bloody good all round sportscar IMO the 911's of all eras have very few equals, for me 964 and 993 being the best (newers ones seem too mucj like fast company cars, they are too good)

[mr sagman]

ras62 said:

Dear blueg33, if I were to google speed six reliability I would probably crash the google servers. Great warranty from TVR btw but you did not mention this is applied post rebuild!
Quality is not in the vocabulary of TVR. Longevity also. Fast does not equal fun, the TVR's I have used have all been fast but every one had handling and traction issues that detracted from the fun element. In the wet you would have to be brave or stupid to push on, again this is not my idea of fun.

Ha Ha have you tried googling 997 Carrera engine problems!!!! You will definately crash the server!
Tell me what colour are your spectacles? Rose tinted by any chance.

[blueg33]

mr sagman said:

ras62 said:

Dear blueg33, if I were to google speed six reliability I would probably crash the google servers. Great warranty from TVR btw but you did not mention this is applied post rebuild!
Quality is not in the vocabulary of TVR. Longevity also. Fast does not equal fun, the TVR's I have used have all been fast but every one had handling and traction issues that detracted from the fun element. In the wet you would have to be brave or stupid to push on, again this is not my idea of fun.

Ha Ha have you tried googling 997 Carrera engine problems!!!! You will definately crash the server!
Tell me what colour are your spectacles? Rose tinted by any chance.

Just googled "Porsche Engine Problems" got 18,100,000 hits
"TVR Engine Problems" 518,000 hits

[bigunit00]

964 has its own foibles but it's hardly comparable in quality to a 996 / 997 which have engines made from chocolate. The 964 bottom end is what is still used in the 996/997 GT cars and is basically indestructible.

Get the 964 - it's build quality is fantastic and they are going up in value by the day. I can't see you being disappointed if you get a nice one. Good ones start at around 16k and go right up to about 28k