Keep 951 or buy 911, I think I know your answer

jaxon · jaxon's Garage

I currently own an '87 951 which is in top mechanical shape. New MAF, K27/8, Tial 46mm wastegate. Car is faster than any 911 I've driven...and I've driven alot of them, including stock 911 turbo's. Trust me it's fast. I didn't say it was the fastest..just faaast. My question is simple. I have the opportunity to go from the 951 to a near perfect 68K mile '86 911. A real beauty. The net difference would be $8,000 out of pocket. Meaning I have a buyer for the 951 if I want to sell, and I have already found the 911 described above and I would have to add $8k.

I originally thought I might want to own both. But I've had two Porsche's for four years (Boxster and 951), and for me, one is enough. I like to stay focused.

What would you do, what do you own now, and why would you do it?

I want to know what you would do. Don't tell to drive them both and decide what's right for me..and that it's ultimately my decision...
I KNOW THAT! (sorry to many steroids this morning)

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Paul Valcourt · 01-25-2003, 10:38 AM

Long term you will get more enjoyment and driving pleasure out of owning the 911. If you just want to go fast there are a lot of options available to you. Obviously you are not totaly satisfied with with the 951 or this post would never have been made. The choice is clear. Good luck with your decision.

kumma · 01-25-2003, 10:56 AM

Easy for me, get the 911. but thats just my choice. i like the 944/951's but i love the 911's. Not a matter of speed for me because my Z-28 just stomps my 911. Something about the style and looks of a 911 (you did say coupe right?).

troy · 01-25-2003, 10:59 AM

Dude,
I went from a 944 to a succession of 911's some years back. Love 911's, but hate 915 transmissions. I wished the entire time I owned the '86 that I had spent a little more and purchased a G50 equipped '87-'89. Get some seat time in this '86 and you'll see what I mean, especially coming from the slick trans in a 951. Just my 2cents

jaxon · jaxon's Garage

"Obviously you are not totaly satisfied with with the 951 or this post would never have been made. "

Totally satisfied? Is there such a place when it comes to cars? It is the best high performance car I've owned. My Boxster can't touch it for performance. But then the Boxster is what is supposed to be ...a great roadster. Given the choice between the Boxster and the 951, I'd take the 951. Given the choice between an air cooled 911 and a 996, I'd take the air cooled. I'd have a hard time choosing between a perfect '87 911 and a perfect 993.

"you did say coupe right?"

Right, Black on Black.

"Get some seat time in this '86 and you'll see what I mean, especially coming from the slick trans in a 951."

GOOD OBSERVATION and noted. Can't imagine you ever get used to that Tranny.

Superman · 01-25-2003, 11:59 AM

Your rationale is unusually insightful. Recently, we handled a similar question but I did not get the sense that the other person was fully aware of the difference. You seem to be.

I'd agree that the 951 is a terrific automotive value. Ferocious acceleration and Porsche engineering. But the reasons for driving a 911 are far less objective and rational. They're not the cheapest, or the fastest. We drive them because there is no other car out there that is even in their category.

So, that is my advice. If the sound and feel of a 911 gives you a woody and makes you dizzy, then get a 911. Or if you enjoy track driving and want something more tossable than the 951, then go for it. If not, then keep the 951 and be sure to dust a few ricers each week...we'd appreciate that.

And finally, there are plenty of balky, weak 915 trannies out there and I can understand folks' frustrations. On the other hand, the 915 tranny spent quite a bit of time in various winners' circles over a long period of time, so there is no way we can declare it to be a bad design. It was more than good enough. It made heros, legends and racing history. A properly built 915 tranny (which is not expensive to do) shifts just fine, thank you very much.

Eric Mckenna · 03:07 PM

I have owned both and the 911 IS be a more enjoyable car to own and drive.. sure the 951 may beat it in a 0-60 sprint .. so what the 911 is a much more driver oriented car.. a true drivers car!and it's pretty damn quick itself!
go with the 911!!
HAHA you can thank the later! for the advice that is...
hahah

Eric Mckenna

island911 · 01-25-2003, 12:42 PM

Porsche-> speed & handling designs

951 -> fast & neutral

911 -> responsive & twitchy

Moving to "responsive & twitchy" is not what most would pay an extra $8000 for. . . . although, that's the decision I made, after quite a bit of seat time in a 951.

targa88 · 01-25-2003, 12:42 PM

Unfortunately there is no real comparison nor adequate recommendation. 944/951 is a great combination, easy to handle with their share of supporters.
In my mind, nothing inspires or puts a smile on my face and in my heart like a 911. I believe it to be the true heritage of the Porsche car. The love affair for nearly twenty years - for me. And it remains the same everytime I get into my car.
That is what you are looking for......

Rob McKibbon · 01-25-2003, 01:25 PM

Change is Good!
I WOULD opt for the 911 any & every day of the week!

Mine is 89 911 Cab Turbo Look; Just add Sunshine!

Cheers and Good Luck
Post a pic when you buy it?

rfuerst911sc · 01-25-2003, 01:26 PM

I own a 1987-944S and a 1983-911SC and they are totally different cars,the 944S is more comfortable,has better AC,the space under the hatch is great for hauling stuff and the car is a nice balance between economy,performance,creature comforts and road feel.The 911 on the other hand is a raw machine,I feel like I am part of the car when I drive it,it just has a feel to it that is hard to explain but I enjoy driving the 911 much more than the 944 and I like the 944.Its your money,but I wouls recommend the 911.

Schuey · 01-25-2003, 01:37 PM

911...

usafa · usafa's Garage

It's obvious. If you want comfort and AC, then keep the 951...if you want to be one with the car, then the 911 is the ultimate (in this price range anyway).

Everyday driver: 951

2 or 3 times a week Blast: 911

Out and Out Org..sm: 930

(When you get to be my age, you just need it once or twice a week!)

s2per · s2per's Garage

I've had three 911s and one Boxster. I've driven a lot of different P-cars on and off the track, including 944s and 951s.

There is NOTHING else on the road like a pre-'90 911. "Nervous energy" is the best way to describe what the car has for it's responses. Even when an occasional service issue arises, you kind of shrug your shoulders and think about all the driving pleasure the car gives you in return.

0-60 or 0-100 isn't everything. Learning to tame the sometimes sharp-edged beast that a 911 can be is very rewarding. Buy it.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by usafa
Everyday driver: 951

2 or 3 times a week Blast: 911

Heresey! My car gets very upset if it isn't driven every single day. I hear, and obey.

And the 915 has character. It will never feel like a Honda or BWM box, but if it is in good shape and you learn the feel, it makes for an engaging drive. I think about every shift I make...it's great. Keeps me from daydreaming. The car demands involvement. And demands to be driven. And demands a nice wash and wax...and maybe an ice cream cone. Double scoop.

pwd72s · 01-25-2003, 05:32 PM

Oh yes, keep the 951...it's second only to a Corvette! (Guys..remember the earlier troll?)

Oldporsche · 01-25-2003, 05:41 PM

I have never seen the attachment to a car that has been exhibited by a 944/951 etc owners, like those of 911 owners.

You always see the comparisons of their (944/951) car to something else.

I don't ever compare a 911 to anything. You just simply compare them to another 911.

Good luck,
David Duffield

Eric Mckenna · 01-25-2003, 05:44 PM

Well said Dave , This is very true.. 911's are LOVED by thier owners...

pwd72s · 01-25-2003, 05:44 PM

Too bad 911's are no longer made...

speeder · speeder's Garage

Very good question indeed, and one I've given some thought to. Agree w/ the others, an '80's 911 is not a completely rational choice, much more emotional. And expensive. A 911 is a love affair, and the expensive part for most of us is that they are endlessly upgradeable. Built like bank vaults, too, so most of us don't bat an eye sinking $$ and mucho hours into them.

I worked in Porsche dealer organization when these cars were new and have always loved the 951, but nothing stirs desire like a really nice 911. If it was between a 951 and anything else, easier choice since 951s are an absolute auto bargain, great performance/engineering/build quality. Even the 217hp 944turbo in '86 would pull away from a new carrera, the 247 'S' model would totally whup-ass on a (stock) carrera. That's where the "upgrading", ($$), comes in on the 911. Have fun.....