Carrera 3.2- bought another after 10 year gap
Discussion
In '89 I was fortunate enough to be able to buy a '87 3.2 carrera SC. At the time I reckoned it was an all time great and wondered if time and my maturity would diminish it's appeal.
After 12 monthes of running a supposedly 'awesome' Audi RS6 Avant, I was hankering to get back into a sports car where the driver fully controls the drivng progress. Despite it's undoubted continent gobbling ability, to me the 450bhp RS6 was almost uncontrollably fast and during acceleration I always felt like a passenger in a 747 at take off.
Lickilly, I had the opportunity to resample one of the final 3.2 Carrera's of '89. The love affair with this simple (by todays standards) machine was rekindled and I snapped it up, on the spot.
It is so good, that I've sold on the Audi and use the 16 year old Porsche as my every day driver. My friends think I've hit hard times, but they're mistaken and I couldn't care less.
As they say in McDonalds, 'I'm lovin' it'
A third of the price of the Audi and it's 10 times the drivers car.
It's great to report that, IMHO at least, progress in car design and technology isn't necessarilly a step forward in driver appeal.
I've reviewed it under PH-Members Reviews-Cars-Porsche-'87-'89 carrera 3.2. If any other owners would like to add their viewpoints, plese do - I don't want to sound too positive!
After 12 monthes of running a supposedly 'awesome' Audi RS6 Avant, I was hankering to get back into a sports car where the driver fully controls the drivng progress. Despite it's undoubted continent gobbling ability, to me the 450bhp RS6 was almost uncontrollably fast and during acceleration I always felt like a passenger in a 747 at take off.
Lickilly, I had the opportunity to resample one of the final 3.2 Carrera's of '89. The love affair with this simple (by todays standards) machine was rekindled and I snapped it up, on the spot.
It is so good, that I've sold on the Audi and use the 16 year old Porsche as my every day driver. My friends think I've hit hard times, but they're mistaken and I couldn't care less.
As they say in McDonalds, 'I'm lovin' it'
A third of the price of the Audi and it's 10 times the drivers car.
It's great to report that, IMHO at least, progress in car design and technology isn't necessarilly a step forward in driver appeal.
I've reviewed it under PH-Members Reviews-Cars-Porsche-'87-'89 carrera 3.2. If any other owners would like to add their viewpoints, plese do - I don't want to sound too positive!
Hi Mike
I drive my '88 3.2 daily and I'm totally with you.
Today's cars are too advanced and require so little driver input that boredom soon sets in at normal everyday driving speeds.
I once wrote a letter to TG mag (which got published) saying that the roads would be so much safer if we all drove around in 1 star NCAP cars rather than 5 star as the average driver nowadays is as complacent about his safety and as ignorant about that of others as the Volvo drivers of the 80's that I'm sure we all used to complain about.
The 3.2 is not only a quick car, it actually feels a quick car. You utterly understand how fast you're going and how close to the edge you are and I really think that if new cars were made this way then the standard of driving on our roads would improve dramatically - it's why bikers are generally quite skilled, they know that it's either that or die!
I drive my '88 3.2 daily and I'm totally with you.
Today's cars are too advanced and require so little driver input that boredom soon sets in at normal everyday driving speeds.
I once wrote a letter to TG mag (which got published) saying that the roads would be so much safer if we all drove around in 1 star NCAP cars rather than 5 star as the average driver nowadays is as complacent about his safety and as ignorant about that of others as the Volvo drivers of the 80's that I'm sure we all used to complain about.
The 3.2 is not only a quick car, it actually feels a quick car. You utterly understand how fast you're going and how close to the edge you are and I really think that if new cars were made this way then the standard of driving on our roads would improve dramatically - it's why bikers are generally quite skilled, they know that it's either that or die!
Hi Mike
Bought my '87 3.2 last December to replace an 18 month old Audi TT 225 which had every electronic gizmo ever invented to keep me out of the hedge, but it was boring..
The 3.2 has no driver aids and is a complete thrill to drive every time, and although it's 18 years old it has more road presence than the TT, is better looking IMHO and other drivers seem to love it(as opposed to sneering at the TT).. So much for progress!
Bought my '87 3.2 last December to replace an 18 month old Audi TT 225 which had every electronic gizmo ever invented to keep me out of the hedge, but it was boring..
The 3.2 has no driver aids and is a complete thrill to drive every time, and although it's 18 years old it has more road presence than the TT, is better looking IMHO and other drivers seem to love it(as opposed to sneering at the TT).. So much for progress!
Hi Mike,
Couldnt agree more... I too drive an 89' 3.2C on a daily basis and enjoy (almost) every minute.
Its unbelieveable how this beautiful bit of engineering manages to still 'fit in' to modern living and appeals to both young and old for its Looks, Perceived Value, and on road abilities.
One phrase which I said to a mate recently whilst on a B road hoon I think sums it up:
'I dont know know if I'll ever be able to not have one of these things.'
Dom
Couldnt agree more... I too drive an 89' 3.2C on a daily basis and enjoy (almost) every minute.
Its unbelieveable how this beautiful bit of engineering manages to still 'fit in' to modern living and appeals to both young and old for its Looks, Perceived Value, and on road abilities.
One phrase which I said to a mate recently whilst on a B road hoon I think sums it up:
'I dont know know if I'll ever be able to not have one of these things.'
Dom
Some advice please guys.
I've come to the conclusion that I need a 911.
I've been looking at going for the 964 as it would be my everyday car.
I've been told that the suspension setup is far better/modern and that the feel of the original 911's is a little agricultural.
Now DMF/servicing issues aside. Would any of you say a 964 is a better proposition than a say as 911 3.2 Carerra?
Thanx in advance!
Bob.
>> Edited by bobfrance on Monday 26th September 22:18
I've come to the conclusion that I need a 911.
I've been looking at going for the 964 as it would be my everyday car.
I've been told that the suspension setup is far better/modern and that the feel of the original 911's is a little agricultural.
Now DMF/servicing issues aside. Would any of you say a 964 is a better proposition than a say as 911 3.2 Carerra?
Thanx in advance!
Bob.
>> Edited by bobfrance on Monday 26th September 22:18
a few Years ago I bought an '81 S.C. and it turned out to be a total disaster costing lots of money and even bursting into flames at one point!! So I vowed never to have an old car again - This one even passed an expensive inspection by a so called expert. I have been browsing the classifieds and seen a car -'87 coupe, That I can't stop thinking about! I really am considering getting one to run as a daily driver and these very positive forum's are doing nothing to help talk me out of it. - please tell me your all mad and buying an 18 year old car is a very silly thing to do else I may join you. Some of you must have had problems??
Thanks for the replies guys. It's good to know that others use the cars everyday and not just preserve them for polishing competitions.
As for pix I may post in time. However the car is a standard '89 Sport Coupe in GP white with colour coded wheels. This model has the fatter rear tyres and is from the last 3 weeks of production.I had intended to change to the std black centers - but everybody seems to like the white centred effect, although it's a bit Saturday Night Fever for me! It's only done 62K miles and all appears genuine - endorsed by dave at JZ Machtech. Interior almost as new and now I have somewhere to play all my old cassettes!
Sorry to hear about high running costs. I know that that's not the usual for well a maintained cars. My last one had done 130K and still used no oil. As to the 911 being agricultural - sorry can't agree; my controls are well weighted and the unassisted steering easy to get used to - just persevere. Back in the eighties, I knew several female owner drivers who could drive them with liitle trouble, inc. my missus. It's refined at town speeds and racer on the back roads - designed by the same team that knocked up the 917 in their spare time......
As for pix I may post in time. However the car is a standard '89 Sport Coupe in GP white with colour coded wheels. This model has the fatter rear tyres and is from the last 3 weeks of production.I had intended to change to the std black centers - but everybody seems to like the white centred effect, although it's a bit Saturday Night Fever for me! It's only done 62K miles and all appears genuine - endorsed by dave at JZ Machtech. Interior almost as new and now I have somewhere to play all my old cassettes!
Sorry to hear about high running costs. I know that that's not the usual for well a maintained cars. My last one had done 130K and still used no oil. As to the 911 being agricultural - sorry can't agree; my controls are well weighted and the unassisted steering easy to get used to - just persevere. Back in the eighties, I knew several female owner drivers who could drive them with liitle trouble, inc. my missus. It's refined at town speeds and racer on the back roads - designed by the same team that knocked up the 917 in their spare time......
As another 1989 3.2 owner I think you are absolutely spot on. Not wanting to be a stickler, but your review is not quite correct on the weight of a G50 3.2. Book weight, dry, is 1250kg and a more realistic weight with 3/4 of a tank of gas, 11 litres of oil, some washer fluid and a sunroof is more like 1320kg, but then all car makers list their weights as poverty spec dry weights so comparing apples to apples, 1250kg is probably the right weight to use.
My personal take on the 3.2 is that it gets even better if you take 120kg out of it and bump the horsepower by 10% or so. Then you start to get close to something that frightens most anything short of a supercar.
Buy one now, they are not making any more of them.
My personal take on the 3.2 is that it gets even better if you take 120kg out of it and bump the horsepower by 10% or so. Then you start to get close to something that frightens most anything short of a supercar.
Buy one now, they are not making any more of them.
bobfrance said:
Some advice please guys.
I've come to the conclusion that I need a 911.
I've been looking at going for the 964 as it would be my everyday car.
I've been told that the suspension setup is far better/modern and that the feel of the original 911's is a little agricultural.
Now DMF/servicing issues aside. Would any of you say a 964 is a better proposition than a say as 911 3.2 Carerra?
Thanx in advance!
Bob.
>> Edited by bobfrance on Monday 26th September 22:18
I've been involved in previous threads on this subject and it really comes down to opinion and preferences.
One thing is undisputed though - the 3.2 is a cheaper and more robust option. Other than that it all boils down to whether you want the slightly quicker and slightly more refined 964 or, dare I say, you want the real thing. Do you like the new Mini or the old Mini, the new Beetle or the old Beetle - it's really that kind of argument, although the 964-993-996-997 progression is far more subtle.
MW666 said:
a few Years ago I bought an '81 S.C. and it turned out to be a total disaster costing lots of money and even bursting into flames at one point!! So I vowed never to have an old car again - This one even passed an expensive inspection by a so called expert. I have been browsing the classifieds and seen a car -'87 coupe, That I can't stop thinking about! I really am considering getting one to run as a daily driver and these very positive forum's are doing nothing to help talk me out of it. - please tell me your all mad and buying an 18 year old car is a very silly thing to do else I may join you. Some of you must have had problems??
The funny thing is, I reckon it's the most sensible car I've ever owned:-
Maintenance for daily use including servicing approx £800 p.a.
Tyres around £400 the lot
Insurance (I'm 39) £400
It really never goes wrong and the best bit is that depreciation is practically zero. I switched from Targa to Coupe in March because of noise/leaks and lost precisely £250 after 18 months and 20k miles of ownership.
Although not a daily user, I do intend on using every single one of my limited 5000 miles year in my 87 3.2 supersport. I have only had the car 4 or 5 months, but it is the absolute business.
Going in the garage makes me grin like idiot and driving it is pure pleasure. If it wasn't for small child, I could use it as every day car. Would also make going to DIY stores and the like somewhat difficult though. It really is so easy to drive, I don't know where all these odd descriptions such as agricultural etc come from. I was even warned off becuase of it not having ABS.
Well if it did, surely it would only make a difference under extreme braking when the ABS is activated.
If you don't have one, get one, you will never regret it, automotive porn at its best.
S
Going in the garage makes me grin like idiot and driving it is pure pleasure. If it wasn't for small child, I could use it as every day car. Would also make going to DIY stores and the like somewhat difficult though. It really is so easy to drive, I don't know where all these odd descriptions such as agricultural etc come from. I was even warned off becuase of it not having ABS.
Well if it did, surely it would only make a difference under extreme braking when the ABS is activated.
If you don't have one, get one, you will never regret it, automotive porn at its best.
S
911-32 said:
As another 1989 3.2 owner I think you are absolutely spot on. Not wanting to be a stickler, but your review is not quite correct on the weight of a G50 3.2. Book weight, dry, is 1250kg and a more realistic weight with 3/4 of a tank of gas, 11 litres of oil, some washer fluid and a sunroof is more like 1320kg, but then all car makers list their weights as poverty spec dry weights so comparing apples to apples, 1250kg is probably the right weight to use.
My personal take on the 3.2 is that it gets even better if you take 120kg out of it and bump the horsepower by 10% or so. Then you start to get close to something that frightens most anything short of a supercar.
Buy one now, they are not making any more of them.
I am sure that you are correct that if you chip the car 10bhp and shed some easilly removable weight, carpets rear seats, then you will have the feel of an 2.7RS at a quarter of the price.The 0-60 is already comparable with the std car. I think that when people rattle on about the 2.7 they don't appreciate
that the std 3.2 offers the same performance level, it's just that the experince is not so raw and to get that you simply need to remove the sounddeadening etc.
Look how well recieved 55K Autofarms RS rep has been recieved and that's a 3.2 under the skin.
See Autofarms site for the review.
I found these sites really useful when researching the 3.2. The Former is useful for all Porsche requirements and the later is just for 3.2's and where a kerb weight of 1210kg is listed - but I accept that it could be incorrect.
www.performance2and4.co.uk/index.html
www.vingoe.com/
>> Edited by crbox on Tuesday 27th September 10:36
Ten years, I could only wait two!
Had an 1987 3.2 Carrera Sport Coupe which I sold for an 1996 993 Carrera 4 which was faster but no where near as fun, I've now just got my second 1987 3.2 Carrera Sport Coupe (pic on my page) which is replacing an Audi S3, I also have a 7 for the weekends.
The 3.2 sounds great, smells great and gives you a real sense of occasion every time you drive.
I'd agree it is quite agricultural and raw, but it feels like a real car.
I've just had a new clutch, bilstein shocks, strut brace and turbo tie rods fitted by JZ Machtech and the handling is unbelievable.
Plus other road users like it because it's a classic Porsche!
>> Edited by g7jhp on Tuesday 27th September 17:51
Had an 1987 3.2 Carrera Sport Coupe which I sold for an 1996 993 Carrera 4 which was faster but no where near as fun, I've now just got my second 1987 3.2 Carrera Sport Coupe (pic on my page) which is replacing an Audi S3, I also have a 7 for the weekends.
The 3.2 sounds great, smells great and gives you a real sense of occasion every time you drive.
I'd agree it is quite agricultural and raw, but it feels like a real car.
I've just had a new clutch, bilstein shocks, strut brace and turbo tie rods fitted by JZ Machtech and the handling is unbelievable.
Plus other road users like it because it's a classic Porsche!
>> Edited by g7jhp on Tuesday 27th September 17:51
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff