Moving from an SC to a 964?

[Paco Anton]

I have owned a 911 SC Targa for 4 years now and I am completely undecided as to what to do with it.



I work some 30 miles from my home but can't drive the SC as I don't have a covered parking there.

I do not use the SC on weekends since the wife says it is too uncomfortable and makes a lot of aero noise (she is right)

I don't get to really enjoy the Targa in the summer since the weather here is too hot in summer and spring is short (quick transition from winter to summer).

I bought the SC as a first step into 911 ownership and have always liked 964, so I am thinking of selling the SC and moving to a 964 Coupe (964 Targa not an option here). I think I will have to spend between 8-10k€ in the upgrade.

Pros: More creature conforts, more power, less aero noise, easier to take the wife on weekends, less risky to park outside (Coupe)

Cons: Moving away from vintage 911s, I really like the SC, Known condition of the SC (unknown 964), losing the Targa top

So, what do you guys think? Will I miss the SC much if I move? Will I miss the targa top?

[livi]

I do not think you will miss the SC too much. The 964 will probably make a perfect compromise. You get a much more modern outfit without sacrificing all of that vintage goodness. And the external shape is still pretty similar. I really believe the 964 is a very under rated series. The typical, well known, faults should all have been rectified by now on most cars. I suppose you are primarily looking for a C2, albeit most people claim a regular street driver will hardly notice the difference between the C2 and C4.

Good luck and be sure to post pics if you decide on a 964. One of my favorites.

[81 911 SC]

Since you state you don't really get to enjoy the targa top I don't see that as a con. My father has a 964 targa and it is a nice car. I don't think you'll be happy with the switch.

[Glasgow 911SC]

This is a swap I may make one day. It'll be interesting to hear real-world testamony. One things for sure, the 964 is one of the best sounding 911s ever made.

[tahoe_snow]

There is so much discussion of upgrading 911s to 964 specs (coilovers, 3.6, brakes, g-50) etc, I'm starting to think my next Porsche will be a 964.

[pookie]

Drive one first. I drove a 964 compared to my 76 and it felt heavy, either that or my 76 feels super light. Hardly.

The coupe over targa option would be the main reason especially if it allowed you to drive it more.

[the]

Originally posted by Paco Anton


Pros: More creature conforts, more power, less aero noise, easier to take the wife on weekends, less risky to park outside (Coupe)

Cons: Moving away from vintage 911s, I really like the SC, Known condition of the SC (unknown 964), losing the Targa top

So, what do you guys think? Will I miss the SC much if I move? Will I miss the targa top?

Consider an 87-89 Carrera cab.

You get slightly more creature comforts (a better and quieter AC, for instance), you definately get less aero noise (targas are terrible, cabs seal up surprisingly well), and you stay with the vintage look and feel that you like.

If your wife is ok in a 964, she will be ok in a late 80s cab, too, IMO.

Yes, you seem to enjoy the open top, so I think you will greatly missing the open driving experience if you go to a coupe.

[Greek55]

it sounds like it would be a good move for you, however, you may want to get a another comfotable car and keep your 911SC as a play toy.

[JanneSC]

Hola Paco Anton,

Knowing the summer in Madrid, it is not such a bad idea. I also reckon that C2 is better option unless you go to ski a lot. Be prepared for slightly higher maintenance costs and you will also lose some of the driving emotion.
Are you looking for "nacionales" or is German import also an option?
Good luck in your search.

[Bill Verburg]

A targa is a particularly bad commuter car because of the top removel/reinstall issue. If you can take it off in the spring then put it on again in the fall they are great, otherwise a 964/993/996 coupe will be a much better commuter choice.

[wachuko]

Saludos Paco!

If it gets you to use a 911 more often then go for it. You will not loose too much of the feel you get with the SC. Wife will be happy, car can be used during the weekdays and weekend... I think you win at all levels.

Make sure you get a pre-purchase inspection, that the car has all the updates (heads with metal seals, updated flywheel, distributor belt vent kit, etc...)

I have had my 964 as daily driver on and off for several years. Always put a smile in my face. More so than the 996TT.

Asi que no esperes mas y compra el jodio coche ese . Aqui comiendo pan con aceite de oliva recien traido de Madrid...

[bigchillcar]

you'll appreciate the newer environmental controls, but they are servo-actuated, so more complicated ($$) when problems occur with them..same for the climate control unit itself. like any car, look for superior maintenance first over simply lower mileage examples.

[unclebilly]

I have a 77 coupe and a 90 C4 Targa. For the intents and purposes of this comparison, I'd say the 77 is roughly equivalent to an SC.

The 90 has 18" wheels, the 77 has 17" wheels (I just bought some 18" Turbo Twists for it but they are waiting for tires).

The 77 outhandles the 90 but the 90 is a much nicer car for a long drive. There is some road noise in the Targa but a new front seal will fix this (if I pull down on the targs top, the noise goes away). The 90 is way quieter than the 77. In the 77, you can't talk on a cell phone on the highway (it has RS carpets and no sound deadener).

The 90 shifts very nicely and seems faster than the 77 off the line but this is subjective. The 90 is a better commuter car but I'm going to be running the 77 at DE's this summer and wouldn't consider the 90 for this as it's just too heavy.

[dd74]

Perplexing decision. I'd try to keep both up to the 11th hour. But seeing that you can't, and the Targa really doesn't benefit your lifestyle, I'd go for a 964. They're really very nice cars.

[randywebb]

sunroof coupe - see BV's targa dissing above - which I agree with

The 964 has the outstanding characteristic of being stiffer than the older cars, but not having a sig'ly heavier unit body. That means you can toss out all the luxo-items + soundproofing and have a nice light wt. car (except for the drivetrain).

It may not have the - ah - "character" of the older torsion bar cars, but it should fill the bill very nicely - and can be converted to race as per above.

You just need to do something with the horribly ugly bulbous bumpers....

[island911]

Sounds like you simply want a SC coupe. (doesn't everyone - MUHAHAHAhaha)

else, Power steering, Airbags & ABS (coil springs, due to the needs of ABS) --sigh...

[wilke3169]

I owned an '81 Targa, now own a'79 Coupe and a '92 964. I actually agree with your reasoning. I think the 964 makes the perfect daily driver. Actually my wife has made it her daily driver. I got caught in the rain one too many times in the Targa. The '79 is my passion having rebuilt the engine myself, knowing all of its quirks, etc. Get a 964 and drive it. Mine actually has 180,000+ miles so it has been a driver its entire life.

[Paco Anton]

Thanks for all the inputs so far. I am still debating whether to do the move or not. Today the plan is to keep the SC and look for a 964 besides the SC (disclaimer: this plan changes every day, if not every hour). I would have to get rid of a BMW e21 I use for vintage car rallying, but the SC can take its place.

If you have more opinons please keep'em coming.

Saludos amigos!!!!!