Rsa vs 930?
 

I was 930 shopping but have come to the conclusion I think I would rather drive than fix. 930'S are there speed wise but are a little old and are going to need more attention. Just curious on opinions on anyone who has driven both. The RS with a/c is a bit heavier than most of the mag articles tests.

Opinions??? Any info is much appreciated.

Thanks

The 930 is a dog until the boost comes on, then it is a lot of fun. The 964 is always fun. :)

A 930 isn't that much faster than the 964......and having that 'right now' reflex is what I prefer. Boost is fun, but waiting for that hammer to hit can get long in the tooth. I prefer ninja reflex vs muscle man sledgehammer. However, the upgrade potential of a turbo car is higher....

I don't know if the RSA is worth the premium. IMHO a C2 can be brought up to that standard for less. Also think 993 - the later one gets to 930 territory with little help.

George

If you care about tracking the car, an RSA w/o sunroof is a big plus

Sunroof delete. :)

I have driven both. If you want a street car that is fast and well manered, go got the964. Everything from the suspension to the AC if you have it makes the Porsche Experience sooo much better. Now if your going to track the car its a coin toss.

CW

To throw a little more into the mix...I know the differences between a RS and regular model but how does that translate into real world driving. I know there are guys that will swear changing door panels made their car feel faster but I am not one of them.

Is it worth the premium drive wise? I live in the NYC area and that is the concerns with the 930 is if it would get annoying to drive. I am used to higher HP US cars with instant throttle and understand it's downsides also. I have plenty of cars to fiddle with but I do not want this to be that kind of car.

I like the raw feel of the 930 and it's simplicity being an early 911 without all the electronics. HUMMMMMMMMM decisions!

Thanks and keep the opinions coming.

Are you looking for a daily driver or a fun weekend car?

How about these?
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/canada/478442-77-911-w-3-6-conversion-calgary.html
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/479752-fs-78-911-turbo-930-w-600hp-more.html

Expensive, invasive and a skilled technician is mandatory

I see these questions (and answers) often and thought I'd share my thoughts....(from an autocross perspective).

The 964 (C2 or RSA...very much the same car after suspension mods) is hands down a fast...and rewarding ride. You can't go wrong for the fun factor.

The 930, is a different kind of fun. It's "heavy" (steering wise) and as they say a handful. When you are done driving you feel like you just had a workout. I dont' think I could ever get a highly moded 930 to compare time wise to a similarly moded 964. Brakes and suspension being the limiters. With that said I would say I had more "fun" because of the extra workout involved. There's just so much more to do...

The 964 Turbo (keep in mind I'm biased as a current owner ;-) one might say is a compromise between the two. Chassis is a 964 with the power of the Turbo. I often see comments of the lag and think this is a bit over sold. With the aftermarket headers and open muffler power delivery can be used to your advantage. What I mean is coming up on the power band only takes a fraction of a second. Usually well before corner exit so you are modulating throttle anyway. And coming out of a corner using every possible bit of power (ie...the rear wheels starting to brake loose) is the best kind of drug. Once you've had it, it's hard to give it up!

I have both, a C2 and a 930, they are sooooo different hard to compare, I will say there is nothing like a properly set up 930. . .I actually like the 4-speed gearbox and you just learn to drive it differently but yes, it is a bit of a dog around town. . .but out on the freeway or track it's really unbelievable

A 930 is significantly faster at most tracks vs. a 964, assuming same level of suspension modifications, but it has to be driven well to turn good lap times. A 964 turbo is about the same speed as a 930 on the track, mostly because the 964t is heavier.

For street driving, get the 964. For the track, any will be fun, with a 930 or 964t more difficult to drive fast than a NA 964.

An apples to apples comparison of these cars is pretty much impossible as they are such different beast. I think you should really decide what you want out of the car and how you'll use it most.

Or of course the compromise would be a 91-92 964 Turbo, or if you're willing to spend the money, a 94 3.6 Turbo should fit the bill. This way you get reasonably predictable/advanced suspension & handling, a/c that works.. most of the electronics we've become accustomed to, and your boost fix!

On the other hand, there are some 930s out there that have been tastefully modded for driveability as well as power... some are in the same price range as an RSA, or 964 Turbo.

As far as a car that needs fixing.. I understand not wanting that but at some point any of them may exhibit issues and require repair. Depending upon what it is, an RSA or any 964 can equal the repair cost on a 930. There is not a whole lot of difference when time comes to pull an engine.. however the later cars sometimes require more electronic diagnosis than the early stuff.

So.. six in one hand, half dozen in the other?

Paul

So if I read you correctly your looking for a Porsche for street driving in the tri-state NYC area as a daily driver or slightly more than just the occasional use.

I have both a 93 C2 and a 964 turbo 3.6. They are both great cars. IMO I prefer the coil over suspension and modern updates of the 964 over the older 930's although there is a lot to be said about the reduced weight of the 930's.

the 930 is very old school and although some like the 4 speed box i found it very difficult to drive around the tri-state area and really be able to enjoy. You need open roads to live with the 4 speed box and as you know it can be a crap shoot around here depending on the time of day or who knows what obsticles we are constantly confronted with.

IMO the RSA is no better than the C2 unless you are lucky enough to find a sun roof delete car. The manual rack for street use around this area will be IMO far worse than the turbo lag of the 930 with 4 speed box. The C2 offers everything an RSA or 930 offers for fun. With some slight mods you can increase hp to over what a stock 930 had but can never duplicate the torque.

If i had to chose between my 964 turbo or my C2 the turbo wins hands down however I only use it occasionally. I find i drive my C2 far more often because it is an easier car to drive. It is far more docile, the turbos are generally nervous cars, very hyper with a sudden burst of power. They draw far more attention and everyone wants to race you. the C2 is a much more laid back feel, easier to drive at the limits and a real drivers car. Requires far more gear changing and use of the large power band than the turbo. Even with all the exhaust mods in the world the C2 will always sound better than a turbo car.

As others said the 993 is also a great choice but now your exceeding RSA pricing for the most part. Although I am not a fan of the 6 speed box and find the 5 speed 964 G50 to be a better geared unit and far more fun to drive.

If I were you for this area driving on the street I would look for a nice lower mileage 964 C2 save the money from the RSA and put into suspension and exhaust mods increase power to the 290 to 300 hp range and add an RSA tail you will be in it for a little less than an RSA but will have the most enjoyable Porsche that can be easily driven in these parts.

As far as reliability they are all about the same and depending on what goes or while your in there any can get to be expensive. That is why I recommend paying more up front for a clean well maintained lower mileage car.

BTW i you buy don't forget to join your local PCA region.

That was a great read btw I enjoyed very much. Never driven a turbo but your description is so good I feel like I've driven one now. Regards.