Which would you rather have? '92 C2 coupe or '85 Carrera targa?

[kiesan]

I suppose I won't get much sympathy here but I would like input from the forum on my little dilemma.

About 6 months ago, I picked up an '85 Carrera targa with 85k miles that needed paint, some interior work and general cosmetics. While I was starting my own new small business, I commissioned what turned out to basically a full cosmetic makeover with the work spread between my body guy, myself and others in the local Porsche world. New Iris blue paint, new targa top, new dash, RS America seats, new body seals, new glass, new decklid grating, new h4's, redone Fuchs, new tires... I can go on. I'm the guy that pays $52 for a new dome light from the dealer. Akers got it running great and it has a recent clutch. It doesn't even leak oil.

Anyway, the car is turning out pretty darn nice and I'm almost done. Happy days, right?

Then, Armegeddon strikes. My girlfriends dad tells me about a sweet deal on a '92 C2 coupe. Black with grey leather, 54k miles, supposed to be minty mint. Of course, its 2200 miles away in Illinois. Naturally, I drop everything and fly out immediately with cash in hand.

In person, the car turned out to be better than described and esentially perfect. In the service records was a new clutch and flywheel within 1k miles from the dealer. Within 3 hours of seeing the car, I find myself on the freeway headed west at a buck-40 in my new C2. At the first gas stop I work up the courage to look at the option code sticker and there it is in black and white... 220 factory limited slip.

All the way home I thought about how fast the '85 would be gone and out of my hair. I was also hoping that whoever ended up with it would appreciate the blood, sweat and tears I've got in it.

Is that the right decision, guys? This would be my semi-every day car. I have a truck for shop duties and grunt work. I had never driven a 964 and quite frankly I am really impressed. The '85 is such a sweetheart, though. I like the relative simplicity of it and the interior, while very nice, isn't so stunningly perfect that if I get crumbs from my scone on it I won't have a meltdown.

I'm not keeping both... I have another keeper sportscar and I can't justify 3. Which would you keep?

[cbeers]

I'd keep the coupe. Especially in Seattle (rain).

Don't know what your loss may be on the Targa though. hard to get back what's into it.......

And I drive an '87 targa


Just MHO


-Chris

[Joeaksa]

Would keep the '85, but then I am biased. The newer they get the futher they are from being a real 911. Thats why I backdated my '85 to keep a nice car but get closer to what it was in its original form.

JoeA

[kiesan]

Originally posted by cbeers
I'd keep the coupe. Especially in Seattle (rain).

Don't know what your loss may be on the Targa though. hard to get back what's into it.......

And I drive an '87 targa


Just MHO


-Chris

Well, if I pay myself minimum wage I may break even on the Targa.

I was trying (for once) not to let any potential profit/loss arguments influence the decision because really I want to end up with the car I will enjoy the most in the long run.

[don911]

There is a question here?

[Rot 911]

Easy choice, the '92 C2.

[KobaltBlau]

Originally posted by SoCal911SC
Keep both for a month, alternate days driving them, then decide!

YES! take them both to the track too, maybe a 2-day event with one car each day! That will show you the real handling and power differences, good or bad.

[stefang]

I think it boils down to this - are you a ragtop man or not? If I only had one sportscar it would have to be a convertible. I don't know what your other fun car is, so that point may be mute.
Ignoring that, I might opt for the C2. I have an '88 targa and I do keep thinking that something newer (with decent AC) would be nice, even though the 3.2 driving experience is great.

Stef

[cbeers]

I was trying (for once) not to let any potential profit/loss arguments influence the decision because really I want to end up with the car I will enjoy the most in the long run.

Sorry Kie, I am a Financial Analyst, it's what I do


-Chris

[Jeremy Cottrell]

Definitely go with the C2 coupe. They have so much potential with just a few mods. Some springs and shocks will make it handle and ride like a Porsche should, and a primary muffler bypass will make it sound the part. You'll love it!

[hkspwrsche]

put the rs america seats in the c2.. before you sell the targa.. that will help.. those seats are worth 1k minimum. the stock c2 seats can go in the targa unless the original targa seats were usable.

[greglepore]

I have an 85 Targa, and spent a lot of miles in a C2 Targa beforehand (owned by a good friend). To me, that'd be a harder choice. I'd likely go for the '85. In your case, it comes down to whether you like open air motoring enough to live without the better a/c, and whether you like the c2 looks ( I don't, but if its tricked out a bit, well, maybe).

The targa's I drove weren't that different, really. The C2 was a better daily driver, but the 85 is more "sports car".

[87coupe]

Definitely the C2, like Kurt said "easy choice".

[hkspwrsche]

I'm not against the 85 targa obviously driving an 81 targa myself.. I didnt get the impression he wanted it...I was born in 73 and loved the 80's sports cars..
nothing wrong with the 92 but, thats not what I was dreaming about when I was in highschool...I wanted an impact bumper 911 that I saw in the movies etc...

[JeremyD]

The 92 will strum the 85 at the track.

No question - the 92 -

[N11Porsche]

On looks, the coupe wins. On performance the coupe wins. I vote coupe........

[livi]

Your ´85 is absolutely fantastic looking. If it was me I don´t think I would be able to part with it.

On the other hand if usability, versatility and need for transport are important I would choose the C2.

[1yearonLy]

The C2 absolutely, it's not even a question. I'm jealous.

[KobaltBlau]

Originally posted by JeremyD
The 92 will strum the 85 at the track.

sure, but which is more fun to drive at the track? (not rhetorical, real question)

[Emission]

Drive 'em both for a month or two... one will talk to you in your sleep.