SC vs carrera choice?

[JPtahoe]

I am looking to buy my first 911 and realise that I can get a nice sc for less than a carrera. I understand the differences (generally). Will I truly notice a vast difference between these two models if I am not a daredevil driver. I want to have some fun in the car, enjoy its performance, and push it a little when safe. Through your experience, what will be the major differences I will notice on a daly basis, not on paper.

Thanks!

Jon

[crashmy911]

Almost none!

[holtjv]

I think the most noticeable difference is the G50 transmission vs the 915 in the SC. Do some fun searches on "G50 vs 915". Also the fuel injection is different and really much better than the SC, I think.

In general the carrera is more refined than the SC; quieter, smoother, more options, faster, electronics, etc.

Be disciplined and drive at least 1 of each; you'll be glad you did. Jack

[Scott98]

I think the Motronic injection is supposed to be much more reliable than CIS. The Carreras will also have a lot of updates included that will need to be added to the SC. Having said that, nonetheless buy the one that's in the best shape.

Scott

[Blk95993]

Buy an SC...

[Barrpete]

Originally posted by holtjv
[B]I think the most noticeable difference is the G50 transmission vs the 915 in the SC. Do some fun searches on "G50 vs 915". /B]

Actually the 84 - 86 Carreras had 915 transmissions. G50 was introduced in 87

[turbo23dog]

I have owned an 80 SC for over 2 years. I think the only part that bugs me is that I'd like a few ammenties that come with a newer car, not the least of which is air conditioning that actually cools me off on hot days.

[bike2ride95]

My 2 cents.... do a ppi on both cars and buy the car that will have the least amount of work to do to be considered somewhat "NICE'... stay away from the car will rust issues...more costly to repair compared to mechanicals...if both cars is just as nice in comparison..i'd buy the Carrera...Good-luck w/ your choice..listen to your intuition....its aways right!

[Joe Bob]

Get the best you can find.....do a PPI and then drive the Fuchs off of it.....

[Paul K]

Drive a couple of examples of both. That'll answer your question.

[ToddM]

The CIS fuel injection in a 3.0 SC is going to be liability long term even though it is a reliable system.

You are better off with motronic Carrera 3.2

If it were me, I'd buy an SC and use the difference on upgrades, but then I have a disease

[yelcab1]

The carrera is not much better in the AC department, same old design.
The Motronic is not more reliable, just easier to work on.
THe SC is less expensive but costs just as much to fix.
For sure, buy the one with fewer issues.

[island911]

Originally posted by Scott98
I think the Motronic injection is supposed to be much more reliable than CIS. ...

Except that tough to get to fuel line known to become a sprinkler system.

CIS (911SC) have better throttle response than a Motronic system --the Motronic is better on fuel consumption and runs cleaner-- as it more controlled (cmptr) fuel dynamics.

[Ken911]

get the newest one you can afford. every year had improvements. As far as cis vs efi. I have both an 85 carrera with efi and an 88 turbo with cis. I F%$#% HATE CIS. Cant wait till i can install efi on the turbo.

[DARISC]

If you want the lighter of the two, buy an SC.

If you want more amenities, buy a Carrera.

If you want a more raw, visceral feel, buy an SC.

If you want a bit more sophication, buy a Carrera (chassis & suspension are the same for both cars though).

If you want better gas mileage, buy a Carrera.

If CIS reliability concerns you, buy a Carrera (my CIS has been going strong for 194k miles).

If you want to do heavy engine mods, buy a Carrera.

If you're leary about developing a rapport with the 915 trans (a perfectly respectable transmission and a delight to shift for those who find them a delight to shift), buy a late model Carrera with the easier shifting, stronger, heavier and more expensive to rebuild G50 trans.

If you want what is frequently referred to as a "bullet-proof" motor, buy an SC.

If you don't want to possibly have to add pop-off valve, turbo tie rods and Carrera chain tensioners to an SC that hasn't had these mods, buy a carrera.

FWIW, I was shopping for both and bought an SC because I like the raw and visceral thing, and lower weight.

I'll wager that the model you'll be happiest with is......Whichever of the two you decide to buy!

(SCs are more fun to drive )

[holtjv]

Barrpete's right wrt when the G50 kicked in. Sorry to be misleading.

I think the reason SC drivers are so vocal about their love for the car is that it balances the raw, light, driving fun of an early 911 with the reliability of the new ones. I've never heard that the CIS throttle response is better than the Motronic, but there you are.

Join the 911 club. Either way you won't be sorry. But if you go SC, you may just be able to dominate the world: SC Owners - POLL for new SCWDP designs & #2 poll

Can't say that about a Carrera...Jack

[SCWDP911]

Yeah, what DARISC said... Plus, as an added bonus, if you buy an SC, you will then be aligned with the SCWDP and be able to proudly where the logo and/or display it on your car, such as one of these:

[ToddM]

I think you guys are confusing CIS vs. Motronic with the fact that the 3.0L has a shorter stroke.

And it isn't that the CIS isn't reliable, it's that new CIS parts are unobtanium.

[radiosimon]

As was said in another thread not too long ago..."every SC wishes it was a Carerra"....also, don't let them tell you the SC stands for Super Carerra, that is false information....it really stands for Subpar Carerra...



All kidding aside...

Personally, I'm very happy with my '86 Carerra. It was the last year for the 915 transmission, which I've had no problems with *knock on wood*. It has the 3.2, larger air conditioner vents and other nice conveniences. The longer I have the car the more I appreciate it.

[Jeff Alton]

I have owned three of each......

Perfromance wise, on the street there is little to tell between a 3.0 and a 3.2. (save it for one of the other many threads out there)

However, as someone who gets paid occasionally to look into problems with 911's, I can say that with a multimeter and a manual you can trouble shoot a 3.2. Not so with a 3.0. Personally I am not a big fan of CIS, though I do not hate it.

If you are chosing between an 83 cis car and an 84 motronic car, take the one that is in better overall condition.

The pro/con debate of cis/motronic really only comes into play if one of the cars is not running properly.

Cheers