Buying advice Carrera 3.2 or 964 cabriolet

[brown911]

I have just sold my 74 coupe and I'm looking at either a 3.2 or 964 cabriolet. What are the pro and cons for either. I have one of each to look at, 1986 forest green 3.2 and a 1990 Tahoe blue 964 Carrera 2, $ are about the same for each.

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers

[racer]

Very different cars. The '86 will be similar to your '74... the 964 (with ABS, Airbags, Srtut suspension up front, power steering) will feel "similar", but different at the same time.

If you want plusher.. go 964. If you liked your '74 but just wished it was a cab, go 3.2 911 instead.

[Autoban]

I just bought a '86 Carrera Convetible. I also looked at the 964, but decided to stick with the Carrera because it is more "simple" to work on. No hydraulic clutch, not power steering, mine doesn't have a power top, etc. The 964 will give you more HP, but for legal street driving the 3.2 L is plenty. I prefer the feeling of the steering w/o the power assist and even for parking is not that bad at all.

Juergen

[KNS]

Actually, I was surprised at how different my 911SC felt compared to the 3.2 Carrera. Similar, but different. You'll definitely notice the difference going to a 3.2 and an even bigger jump to a 964.

It's a tough one, the torque and refinement of the 964 or the simplicity of the 3.2. Drive one of each if you can.

[brown911]

Thanks for the feedback, I think I'll stick with the 3.2 Carreras for simplicity, ease of servicing etc.

[agfours]

I would also throw in there that the primary livability difference for you may be air conditioning between the two cars. If you are looking at a cabriolet, this is mitigated to some extent.

The 1986 had better vents than prior years, but the 964 will be a complete difference. There are upgrade kits if you absolutely need A/C but they are pricey....~$1500 for parts, double that for professional install.

Like you I looked at both, but opted for the simplicity, rawness, etc.

Also, those early 964's have some additional issues with oil leaks, no head gasket design, and other things you'll want to be aware of if you do end up considering the 964. the later 964's are the better ones to consider.

[brown911]

Well, just drove both the 3.2 and the 964, my impressions-

3.2 Carrera

Clutch was lighter than my 74, and engaged quite high on the pedal, otherwise drove pretty much the same as my 74 (with 3.0 SC engine). Even had the same vibration through the steering wheel.

964

Great brakes, steering nicely weighted, performance again similar to my 74.

My delimma, both cars are same $, miles are the same. My wife likes the 964 because it is "a nice blue colour" I want to like the 964 but I'm unsure as to the ongoing maintenance issues.

What are people's real world experiences with 964's?

[ivangene]

vibration in the steering wheel = a problem....my 86' wheel is with out a doubt the most stable of any car I have ever owned ...at ANY SPEED

if i were you I would buy the (or another) 964...just so I had one under my belt for a couple years, then move on. They are great cars and I think at their bottom as far as price goes. Try something a little modern for a while....heck, why not

just an opinion....no real world facts

[brown911]

Well I have gone ahead and bought the forest green 3.2 Carrera, I'm pretty happy with my choice! Though the 964 was great to take for spin.

[pegasus9]

Great choice!

[timchar]

Good job, you won't miss the oil slick... Tim

[Canada Kev]

What year is your Carrera? How about some pics?

It's curious that the earlier 964s still get the rap about oil leakage. I would expect that after twenty-something years, most of these have had that little 'whoops' addressed. The 3.2 is just as likely to leave its mark on the garage floor...

[timchar]

Originally Posted by syzygy

What year is your Carrera? How about some pics?

It's curious that the earlier 964s still get the rap about oil leakage. I would expect that after twenty-something years, most of these have had that little 'whoops' addressed. The 3.2 is just as likely to leave its mark on the garage floor...

Kevin, I looked at two 964's before buying my 3.2, they both leaked pretty bad. In 6 months my 3.2 has maybe leaked a tablespoon of oil and burns no oil at all. I have driven over 3500 miles with it. Guess I'm lucky. Tim

[Canada Kev]

Yeah, my '87 doesn't leak at all. Well, maybe a couple drops onto the heat exchanger after a valve adjust if I didn't tighten the valve covers properly. Lots of others do leak, though.

[Joe Bob]

Electric tops suck.....

[motorcop]

love my 84 cab.....just my 2 cents.