Why is my SC more fun to drive?

cantdrv55 · 09:36 PM

I don't mean to start an SC vs Carrera thread but I'm really at a loss to explain why my '79 SC Targa is more fun to drive than my wife's '87 Carrera Coupe. The coupe has more hp, has the G50 tranny, stiffer torsion bars (21/27), front spoiler, Carrera wing and turbo tie-rods but does weigh a little more. Both cars have Bilstein Sports all around but the targa still has its original torsion bars and tie-rods. For some reason though, my SC feels more like a go-kart than the Carrera. Could it be due to the imprecise steering and undampened suspension? The Carrera is prepped for the track but I think the SC would provide a bigger thrill.

Zeke · 02-28-2005, 09:39 PM

Compare the tires which are the single most important aspect of a car's feel.

cantdrv55 · 02-28-2005, 09:42 PM

The Carrera has Bridgestone RE71s which are a precursor to the SO series. The SC has BFG KDWS - kinda crappy actually. Both cars has 6s and 7s.

ubiquity0 · 02-28-2005, 09:47 PM

The targa is probably louder?

speeder · 02-28-2005, 10:00 PM

That G-50 Carrera is a heavy load.

island911 · 02-28-2005, 10:02 PM

Throttle response is likely better in the SC.

That, and knowing that you're driving a World Dominating 911SC.

jfw834 · jfw834's Garage

tagras are just more fun than coupes

thats all...

seriously....i have heard this from numerous people that SCs feel faster than carreras cause of being geared for more torque and also having a lighter more involved feeling. technically, they are really slower....but not by much!

Sonic dB · Sonic dB's Garage

they are 2 different cars.

I agree on the tires thing... for example, I went to a larger size on my car last week...the car lost some "quickness" but makes up for it in handling and appearance.

telone2 · 03-01-2005, 02:28 AM

I have a friend that has a 87 Carrera that I drove last week just to compare to my 79 SC Targa. The Carrera was a smoother ride, and overall more comfortable car. Electric seats, A/C, electric windows,etc. But I told my friend that my SC was not only more "fun" to drive , but quicker as well. I guess hauling all those"luxury" items around slows it down a bit. I love my Targa!!

Blanco · 03-01-2005, 03:15 AM

and that gents... is why I opted for the 911SC

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

Which ultimately is why the early SWB drivers are always driving around with the biggest smiles on their faces. In this respect, BA's advice to buy the newest 911 that you can afford isn't really the best advice.

Superman · 04:40 AM

Indeed. It's all about weight.

I used to think that my SC could perhaps be fair competition for an Early S car. Now I realize that, say, a '73, with 190 hp and 200-300 lbs lighter, would absolutely CLOBBER me. Those early S cars would clobber a Carrera as well. Probably a 964 also. 993 would finally be a fair fight. Maybe.

Porsche virgin · 03-01-2005, 04:54 AM

During my test driving before I bought my '84, I found that the SCs were much more fun to drive. To take this one step further, I drove an '88 w/ the G50 and opted for my 915-equipped Carrera. It was just more fun. The reason I picked the Carrera was the additional reliablility of the later cars. I also drove a '73 911e Targa that was used mainly for track events (full cage, etc.). THAT was FUN!!!

Even after only 6 months of ownership, I now understand why 911 owners often have more than one. I'd love to have an early car, too.

Adrian Thompson · 03-01-2005, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by island911
Throttle response is likely better in the SC.

That, and knowing that you're driving a World Dominating 911SC.

From a non Porsche owning wannabe, this first comment is kind of strange. Most vehicles I've driven with K jetronic injection have worse throttle response than those with L Jetronic, why is the 911 different?

Thanks

Adrian

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I bought my SC in November, having not driven my 993 for well over a month at the time. The SC felt plenty peppy. Recently, the 3.0 was rebuilt with 964 cams, SSI's and a B&B dual in/out. Now it's really fast. I should have the 993 back this week now and can't wait to compare them.

Jim Richards · 03-01-2005, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jluetjen
Which ultimately is why the early SWB drivers are always driving around with the biggest smiles on their faces. In this respect, BA's advice to buy the newest 911 that you can afford isn't really the best advice.

BA's advice on buying a 911 is flat out wrong. Instead, he should've said determine the era of 911 that best matches your interests for 911 ownership, and then find the best example you can afford. I've driven all but the mid-year cars and my feeling is that the early cars are the most fun, followed by the SC's. Apologies to the mid-year car owners since I lack that experience.

on-ramp · 03-01-2005, 05:48 AM

Because the SC is a "Super Carrera" and the "Carrera" is just a "Carrera", that's why

03-01-2005, 06:36 AM

My SC is a lot more fun to drive than my Ford truck!

wholberg · wholberg's Garage

I've owned both, and I agree with CANTDRV55, my '78 911SC was a blast to drive. It had more abrupt power delivery better low-end torque than my '87 Carrera. The Carrera is a more refined ride, with not as much "fun" factor....at least not yet.

thabaer · thabaer's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Mark Wilson
My SC is a lot more fun to drive than my Ford truck!

Awww, c'mon Mark! Going over Kenosha pass at 90 in my 3/4 ton diesel is an on-the-edge thrill....it would be absolutely pedestrian in the SC