[MRM]

"Rare" in Porsches doesn't always mean more valuable. There are many obvious examples of limited run cars, options, features and color combinations that are rare or unusual but really don't affect price.

It seems as though every Porsche around is advertised as rare for one reason or another. When you see one described as "rare", insert the word "unusual" for "rare" and see if the description still fits. If so, the car or feature is an interesting conversation point, and adds character and personality, but probably doesn't increase value.

As for the two cars you are looking at, the heavy bias on this board is likely to be the 89. That's because it is a great car, the last of the original platform 911s, is a coupe, and has a manual - all features the enthusiasts on this board value.

The 964 is a much more modern car in many ways. It will feel heavier, more cush, and will not be as much of a challenge to drive, especially with the automatic transmition. All of these things detract from it if you are looking at it as an enthusiast, but will make the car more desirable if you want a daily driver. The turbo body, brakes and suspension upgrades are very desirabe no matter what.

I like cabs, I love the widebody look and don't mind autos in a daily driver. If that describes you and you want the more modern car, the 964 is a good choice.

If you want a more visceral experience, a great track or road car, and one that you can do more work on yourself, the 3.2 sounds like the better choice.

In the final analysis, I would let the condition of the car and the use you want to make of it be the determining factor. To me, the near perfect leather interior on the 3.2 would be a great selling point. But leather can often be restored remarkably, be fair in your evaluation.

As they say, there is no wrong answer to this question.