g50 vs 930 (I know, I know - but just read on)
 

My wife and I are in the market for a g50 carrera but would entertain a 930 if the condition and price are right. We plan on using the car mainly for longer road trips/car camping/backroad fun (backpacking will be reserved for our other car). Likely to drive it once a week.

Reliability does not concern me, as I believe condition warrants this. My question is to people that have owned both. Do you consider the 930 a good touring car as well as pure sports car? Is it fun to drive in the way a normal carrera is (small, light feeling, agile)

Thanks

Yes.

Actually, I find it better than Carrera as engine is quieter (due to turbo muffling the exhaust) and 930 long 4:th gear is letting the engine turn at lower revs. Exceed 2500 RPM in 4:th and you'll be in ticket territory.

As the 930 'evolved' I would say it arguably became a better touring car. The reason for this is that Porsche made it the flagship of the series and every single comfort bell and whistle you could have was included on the car. In the later years of the model it made them a bit portly, but then they had the extra power to carry it off. However, if you go canyon carving with it, you will feel the difference in weight. They don't really feel particularly light, though if one were to compare the Carrera to a longnose, you'd come to a similar conclusion. However, they are both 911's and handle accordingly. :)

Some things to consider for long term ownership are cost and value. If you need to rebuild the engine and replace the turbo down the road, the 930 will cost you 20-30% more for the process. Also, as 930 transmission parts become less available the cost of rebuilding one of those will be more expensive than a g50 5spd as well. Already, I sell 930 gears for 20-25% more than I sell G50 gears (That is my business and what I do for a living). And the bearings and sliders and hubs are also more expensive than the more readily available G50 parts.

On the flipside, I expect the 930's to hold their value better and they will likely go up in coming years. G50 Carreras are also a pretty solid value, but I just think the 930 will hold a bit of an edge over them long terms. Others may disagree.

I have had both, but because I don't want you to have too much fun please get a g50 Carrera.

did the 1989 Turbos come with a G50?

The 89 came with the Turbo version a much beefier main shaft and internals in the form of the G50/50 and the gearing was spaced for a much higher top speed, I had one retro fitted to my 87 930, not a cheap date.