Which Porsche to buy....993 or 964? (asking for a friend)

[Baz]

Met a super nice "car and motorcycle guy" a while back over at the tag office. Funny we should meet because the house he lived in at the time was on a regularly traveled route of mine and I always noticed his cool vehicles....various VW's - lowered single cabs, a Ghia, and others.

We exchanged contact info and now he just contacted me asking for my opinions on which Porsche model he should consider buying.

I've always loved the 993 myself but lot of years have gone by since these cars were made so curious what your opinions are.

I have no idea what his budget is and I know that's a major factor, but maybe the question is......which model is the best bang for the buck?

TIA!

[911boost]

They have both gotten expensive but I would lean towards the 964, I really miss my 964 turbo.

[WPOZZZ]

993 and 964 are expensive. Bang for the buck would be a Cayman, and more fun.

[Bill Douglas]

The 993 is the better car. But the 964 is more of a Porsche.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

993 and 964 are expensive. Bang for the buck would be a Cayman, and more fun.

and faster

[look 171]

993, based on look alone is head and shoulders above the 964. My stupid opinion of course. I agree it is a better car.

[porsche tech]

993 for less problems, hands down. Only real concern I’d have with a 993 is if the valve guides have been replaced. Some of them had a real problem with valve guide wear which would result in oil in the combustion chamber, causing major carbon build up and ultimately plugging up the secondary air passages making the check engine light illuminate. If that’s already taken care of, 993 for sure IMHO.

[KNS]

I own a 993. I was shopping for a 964 or 993 at the time (11 years ago) and while they both look good, I would have preferred the 964 for the classic body style.

I was amazed at the modern suspension of the 993 first time I drove one; it rides so well yet corners nice and flat. Also no valve adjustments with the 993. Mine has been amazingly trouble free - currently at about 116,000 miles. It is much more complex compared to the cars built pre 1989 however, bone simple next to a 991 or 992.

Good luck finding a 964 for sale at a sane price…

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by KNS

Good luck finding a 964 for sale at a sane price…

The Bruce called them the red headed step-child.

[Baz]

Thanks for all the replies so far.

Agree the market for these cars is crazy right now.

Seems like a Boxster is the most affordable "sports car model" Porsche right now, although clearly not in the same league as a 911.

I'm glad I hung onto my '83 SC Targa although it has some cosmetic issues I don't know if I would ever pay for another 911 myself the way these prices have become!

I also like the idea of a Cayman and will mention that to him. I love the look of a White Cayman!

[1990C4S]

My 964 is my favorite air-cooled Porsche. It feels 'right', in every respect, power, transmission feel, steering, and cockpit fit.

I have a C4, I think I would buy a C2 if I were to go back in time.

[911 Rod]

Funny how no one wanted a 964 20 years ago.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by KNS

Good luck finding a 964 for sale at a sane price…

Had the chance to pick one up at a steal of a price and passed on it.

Still kicking myself.

Those things appreciated way more than I think any of us could have predicted.

[GH85Carrera]

The 964 models are all being bought up by Singer. Good luck finding one for sale at any reasonable price

[LWJ]

I know you didn’t ask, but damn, my SC coupe was a great car. Simple. Light. Mechanical.

My Boxster S is faster, quieter, and all around more wife friendly but it is 75% soul-free.

[3rd_gear_Ted]

Cayman GTS series is my fave.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

The 964 models are all being bought up by Singer. Good luck finding one for sale at any reasonable price

How many cars does he build a year? But, he's not the only builder. You may have a point. I say get a pristine '87 to '89 Carrera. He'd have all the money for the best of the best. Or step up to a 997.

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by Zeke

I say get a pristine '87 to '89 Carrera. He'd have all the money for the best of the best.

While it's a personal preference, I like my 964 a lot more than my 89 911. The 964 is admittedly 'better preserved'.

What is market price difference in a decent 90/91 964 versus 87-89 911?

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by Zeke

How many cars does he build a year? But, he's not the only builder. You may have a point. I say get a pristine '87 to '89 Carrera. He'd have all the money for the best of the best. Or step up to a 997.

They are trying to buy up a stockpile for long term production. The have a huge warehouse of them.

[targa911S]

993 all day