'84-'88 Carrera v. '78-'88 Turbo v. 968 Coupe

kristian85 · kristian85's Garage

Hello all,

After selling my beloved '78 Targa to buy a house last March, I'm headed toward Porsche ownership again. I'm familiar with the merits of N/A 911's insofar as reliability, running costs, etc., but wonder about the running costs, longevity, and driving pleasures associated with the others vs. a N/A 911.

So, for those who've owned/tried them, what are the various pros and cons?

Thanks!

Kristian Soholm
Everett, WA

EX:

JC930 · 10-09-2003, 01:56 PM

Do you want to get there first maybe, or get there for sure but take the chance of being last?
jc930

cowtown · 10-09-2003, 02:01 PM

I think it depends on whether it is your only (commute) car or not.

I would take a Turbo for the pure driving pleasure. I'd take a G50 Carrera if I had to drive it every day. I'd rule out the 968 just because of the timing belt issue. I had a 944 for a while, and the ticking-time-bomb aspect of that belt got to me. I know I'm exagerrating.

Last time this question came around, a couple Turbo owners said they use their cars every day and don't have any issues (lag and the 4-speed trans. were my problems with the cars). You'll have to drive a few. Longevity wise, yes, you'll probably have to rebuild the Turbo a few years sooner, but I would not let that get in the way of making the decision to buy one...you only live once.

1fastredsc · 10-09-2003, 02:15 PM

The 968 i don't think will break as often and the belt isn't as big of an issue as cowtown stated. Plus with an early version of vario cam in it, it's a torque beast, but when it does break, parts are hard to find and aren't cheap. The 911's are much easier to deal with i think.

beepbeep · 10-09-2003, 02:25 PM

968 is most civilised car, and probably fastest on the shorter track. That being said, 930 is the Porsche you dreamed about as a kid...Carrera is something inbetween, i would pass it.

ZCAT3 · 10-09-2003, 02:32 PM

These are such different cars - at least as Porsches go. I haver an 87 911 and an 86 930 - very different beasts. I have never driven a 968 but have been told the handling of those cars is superb (as Beep alluded to). If I had to make your choice I would look for a slightly modified 930 - one that has a few of the changes needed to reduce lag and improve off-boost performance. These are mild mods and should not effect engine durability - such as SC cams, K-27 7200 turbo, headers and exhaust, and perhaps a better intercooler. These mods will make the car feel much more like the Carrera off boost and will greatly enhance it when on boost.

jazzbass · 10-09-2003, 03:51 PM

As eveyone said, depends on what you want and how much you have to spend. I like and have tried them all, and here's how I'd categorize them:

1. 930. High performance, and high maintence. Buy one of you want to go fast, get the real sports car feeling, and accept the fact that certain repairs are going to cost - a lot. Somewhat unreliable, at least compared to N/A Carreras. But wow - these things are fast.

2. 911 Carrera. Buy one if you can't afford the 930, but still want the real old school sports car feel. Classic lines. I know lots of guys daily drive them, but I personally wouldn't - I like modern ammenities in my crappy commute through the DC area. You do get that "Wow Porsche" thing from others at half the price of the 930.

3. 968. Great DD car. Refined and modern, esp comaperd to a 911 carrera or 930 (IMO, the 911 wasn't really modernized until the 964). Buy one to drive around town (can be had with a Tip) and to enjoy on the backroad blasts. Will probably be more expensive to fix than a Carrera, due to low production numbers. Not as much "Wow Porsche" due to the fact that there were so few of them most people don't know WTF they are. I personally love this car for this reason - I see 911s all the time but almost NEVER see a 968.

A fourth option to consider is a 964 - more refined for the DD than a Carrera, has a 3.6 with torque, and can be had for only marginally more than a Carrera.

obrut · 10-09-2003, 04:04 PM

My 2c worth...

Ever heard a 968 at full noise??? Its underwhelming believe me...

I had an G50 88 and it got dull/slow very quickly.

I have had a 930 as my street car for a little over a year, love it - the look still stops people in their tracks (esp black ones - search Kremer 930 to see pics) and they are still truly fast by today's standards.

If you want the whole package go the 930, if you want speed/fun go early car with a minimum of 200hp.

Cheers - Ryan

jakermc · 10-09-2003, 04:30 PM

I disagree about the 968 not having a WOW factor. Because it is so rare and most haven't seen it, the most common assumption from non-enthusiasts is that its a brand new model. The enthusiasts are also excited abot seeing one in the flesh. Remember, only 2500 coupes and 2500 cabs were brought to the U.S. during the entire 4 year production run. I get more comments when I am out driving the 968 than I do in either my Boxster S or 911.

Reliability of the 968, in my experience, has been great. Its also not that expensive to maintain as some have alluded to. I have no problem finding affordable parts and experienced labor to work on the car, though the latter could be an issue if you do not live in a large city (I am in the Dallas area).

Driving wise, the 911 is an absolute scream and the 968 bores me. Yes, the 968 is nicely balanced, but the Boxster S offers the same balance with a lot more performance. My 968 is a TIP, and with that transmission the car simply does not have enough guts. The low-end torque isn't there like it is on the other cars. I have not tracked the 968 yet but my hunch is I'll be be faster in the 911, even on the short courses. The 968 is easier to drive fast, but once learned, the 40/60 weight bias of the 911 can become as asset on the track.

Everyday livability, the 968 wins pretty easily. Besides the stuff mentioned, you've got to love the luggage space in the hatch.

It comes down to your priorities. If this is your only ride, I'd give the 968 serious consideration. If this is a pleasure vehicle, the 911 wins by a land slide.