I want to upgrade from an SC to a 964 or 993...
 

Now I am driving a 78 SC Targa, a ROW model. Nice car with rebuilt tranny and all the upgrades. I've been contemplating this for some time and have read some of the tech articles here and it looks like the 993 is a pain to maintenance, but maybe not if I'm a masochist :) I'll be driving this back and forth from Omaha to Des Moines several times weekly on the interstate which I've been doing in the SC. I'm thinking that it might be nice to have a heavier safer Porsche that is a bit quieter and has a more modern transmission. So having said that I have a small idea as to the fact that I'm in for a diferent animal can anyone offer the finer points of living and driving daily a 964 or 993? I do my own maintenance.
Differences between the two and the SC?
Cost of parts and labour?
Saftety considerations?
Inherent problems to look for when buying?
Will either motor last as long as an SC?
Maybe I should just buy a newer and nicer SC?
Maybe a 964 C4?

Many thanks for any insights
Andrew

For your use, I'd say to upgrade for the better A/C, better ride, and quieter interior. A good PPI will point out the early 964 head sealing problems.....Good luck...

If you want a luxurious, comfortable highway cruiser, look no further than the 928. It's a fast beast, and it's heavier, safer, and extremely quiet inside. More modern transmission, automatic even (5-speeds are rarer). Meets all your criteria. If I were going to be on the highway as much as you, I wouldn't hesitate to spring for the 928. For the same price as a 993, you can be in a 928 GTS, the pinnacle of 928 development, a most impressive machine indeed.

The 993 and 964 are more modern and a little more comfortable than the SC, but for highway cruising I don't see that there'd be any difference.

I've gone from an SC to a 964 and now back to an SC.

The 964 is much more costly on maint. 12 spark plugs, two distributors, tons of electronics that even on low mileaged cars stop working and need cleaned.

Same is true for the 993 unless you get a 96 or later and have a varioram motor. The varioram doesn't need valve adjustments.

I commuted in my stock 964 for about a week once. Total commute was 100 miles each way. It was nice to have the speed, but just a sore on the butt as an SC.

I went back to the SC for lower maint. costs. Price 964 and 993 parts vs. SC parts and you'll see what I mean.

I do like the idea of the 928 GTS above though.

FWIW, all 993s have hydraulic lifters and do not need valve adjustments. Not just the '96-'98s with Varioram.

Chris.

is that an upgrade as you've described it?

I guess I should emphasize that my primary concern is safety and driveability year round or near to it. I'm really in love with the 911 despite the better road manners of the 928 et al. Let's face it, an SC is a German go-kart with a huge motor. I've seen them racked up in accidents and I'm always glad I wasn't on the inside of that tin can when it was crunched.

My hope, which may not represent reality, is that a 964 or 993 with airbags and the heavier chasis might give one a better chance in an accident. I've not spent any time with or around the newer 911s so I have no notion if the computer and more extensive electronics might or might not lessen maintenance and it is my understanding that the 993 needs no valve adjustments.

Maybe I should be looking for a later Carrera? Like a 1989 sunroof coupe? But again it seems like a C4 would be the best solution for all around driving and with the Carrera being almost as expensive to purchase as a C4.... Keep it coming.......thanks again

Why hasn't the 996 been considered here for safety and highway cruising? I would think if they pass 2000 US standards then they ought be a bit stronger than an SC. What do I know since I drive five cars designed before 1970.

I;ll second the 964 cost me twice to maintain than the Carrera I currently have. and the Carrera is 3x easier to work on - no electronic circuits running everywhere