VERDICT - 911 or 944

Hi All,

Well, I managed to get my rump into a 911 and a 944, but more on that in a sec.

Let me just say that I'm quite stunned that the topic yielded to a whole bevy of replies, both passionate and insightful. However, I'm quite surprised to have discovered that it was such a contentious issue for a lot of people…

Thanks to all who contributed words of wisdom, sound insight and passionate appraisals.

Okay. Now I'm going to fill you in on the two cars I drove, and summarize my feelings toward them along with a score out of ten.

1. 1977 911 - Carrera RS spec. White, Carrera guards, ducktail, and red fuchs. Safety bumpers retained, and interior as per 77' spec. The current owner purchased a rebuilt RS engine and modified the car around it to be something that bridges the presence and feel of a real 73' RS and the luxury and refinement of a later 911. Immaculately kept, and a wonderfully tight car. No smoke, no rattles, and plenty of go. The gearbox, while silky, was a little cumbersome.

While not an entirely original car, it proved to be irresistible thanks to that engine. While I wanted to sample an early, plain vanilla SC, I just had to see if what was true what they say about the mechanical fuel injected 2.7 RS engine.

Well, the RS 2.7 engine was even better than I imagined - it completely blew my mind. You could tap the throttle with a toothpick and it would still zing to redline, and they way that engine goes from that classic 911 sound to the sound of a howling bear in the space of 4,000 rpm is really awesome.

While I didn’t want to explore the limits of someone else's car, I can tell you that it handled way better than I expected, actually, I felt I was going fast enough when I knew I was only going 70%. What the other 30% is like I can't imagine, but vicious and uncontrollable would not be first two words that would come to mind.

In a way, this car humbled me. I now know why the 911 has been so successful both on and off the track. Having an engine in the back, while weird at first, is actually a benefit in terms of traction, of course most of you already knew that! I loved the sensation of being pushed rather than being pulled, and never did the engine seem to be disconnected from the chassis, which is remarkable considering it’s behind the driving wheels. More mid-engine in its feel than I thought possible.

What else? The cockpit is certainly there for the driver. I love that. The steering is charmingly communicative, while reassuring, is a little over the top, and the brakes, while needing a good dose of foot pressure per application, are also very reassuring.

Verdict – This 911 made all the right sounds and kept you in constant contact with the sensations of driving and of speed. Very fast, very agile and very cool!

9 out of 10.


2. 1986 944 Turbo. Charcoal with sunroof and black leather interior, 80,000 miles. Pretty much a standard car except for the tires. Quite tight overall, but more interior rattles and squeaks compared to the 911. Refined and quiet, the driving experience is a more detached one compared to the 911, although the gearbox is streets ahead.

Engine is dull and coarse before the turbo spools, although overall it’s a pretty uninspiring engine, and certainly not as electrifying or as strong as the RS 2.7 engine. But it’s certainly no slouch either, it’s just a little burdened by the car’s weight, while still light, is excessive next to the 911 and results in a higher power to weight ratio.

The poise of this car is certainly amazing thanks to 50/50 weight distribution, and is all that I expected from such a balanced car. But it’s a little too good, a little too fail-safe perhaps. I missed the sensation of being pushed from behind, and I missed the 911’s traction and rawness, and its interconnectedness with the road.

Verdict – A solid car with nice creature comforts, a great gearbox, poise, and a lot of go, it’s ultimately uninspiring and benign compared to the particular 911 I drove.

7 out of 10.


So, who should I insure the 911 with?!


Bill.

Bill - congratulations. I think you're making the right choice. I'd certainly get some opinions on that particular 911 you've looked at before actually plunking down the cash for it, but you're on the right track. The 911 has a soul and a magic that the wonderful 944 simply has in a different, more subtle flavor.

Remember - the 2.7 engine is known for a few mechanical quirks which may prove unrecommended for a first-time 911 owner. I'm on my first one and I chose the safety of the 84-89 Carrera with the DME computer and hydraulic tensioners - there's less to worry about in these motors. If you're into the idea of passionate maintenance (and you should be anyway! ) you might want to see about getting into an 84 or newer car.

On insurance: I insure through State Farm. I have no citations (!) and I'm 32. I was able to easily insure the auto for a decent sum; I have it listed as a recreational auto, not daily driven (although I do).

Good luck! Post some pictures of what you wind up with.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2

Yeah baby!!

Told you so Bill! I went through the same process as you've just been through. All it takes is a drive and all those past illusions of a tail happy yuppie mobile get blown out the window.
Now take the time to find a special one. You won't regret it.

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'72 911 TE

!!! Sounds like you have found a special one. The 2.7 "problems" are related to the magnesium case heating up faster than the head studs and causing the studs to "pull out" Enter modern technology. There are new studs (cant remember the name just now) that heat up at the same rate and ELIMINATE the problem. You can also add hydraulic tensioners...

You might check the records of this car. It sounds like the owner knew his business and might very well have taken care of all this during his love affair with her.

Take some pic's and let us see her so that we might welcome her into our fold with open arms!

Should you decide to pass on this car for whatever reason, I would greatly appreciate you letting me know that and also how to get in touch with the present owner *WINK*

Don

Point made, VPRKLR - if the PO knew enough to put a nice RS-spec engine in a 70s chassis, methinks he may have been keen enough to pop in the hydraulic tensioners and perhaps some Dilavar or Raceware studs that won't pull.

Oh, and Bill - get that car inspected by a mechanic the same way you get a house inspected. It's important.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2

I'm curious, how much money do you have, to spend on your next car?

If your original question was 911 RS vs 944, than the replies you'd get would be much simpler, shorter to say the least...
Ahmet

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It's all the driver...