c3.2 or 993?

[72T]

I know this is cross subject, but I would like some input from you pros. The corporate office (wife) has cleared me to acquire a newer old Porsche, to replace the '72. I think I've narrowed my choices to the last of the "originals" and the last of the "breed", an '87-89 3.2 or a 993. I know there would be more to keeping up the 993 over time, but it is newer, has more safety features, etc. Are required items like valve adjustments roughly the same cost on both models? What about any CIS issues? I know the later 993's can have OBD issues...Which way would you guys go?

[DaveE]

For 993 money I'd buy 2 SCs.


But that's just me.....

[livi]

The 993 was the first 911 with hydraulic valve adjustment, so that does not apply. The 964 that came between the 3.2 and the 993 was the last model that required manual valve adjustment.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by DaveE

For 993 money I'd buy 2 SCs.


But that's just me.....

For 993 money I'd get a Cayman.

Or for 993 money, keep the '72 and get a 964.

[Geronimo '74]

No CIS issues since neither the 3.2 or 993 have CIS....

You might want to do some more reading before you bite the bullet...

[gregwils]

There is also a pretty decent financial delta. You can get a nice low mileage G50 3.2 for $25k. I nice low mileage 993 is going to be at least $35k.

The 993 is definitely a more complex car, so if you are a DIY, so you may have a steeper learning curve. If not DIY, a little more expensive repairs.

993's have the same valve guide issue as 3.2's - doesn't mean you will, but you can. 993's have more electronics, hvac, etc. and related issues. It doesn't have OBD issues, but other issues can trigger OBD II.

Both are pretty good cars as verified by resale values, but different. Agree with Geronimo, do a little more research and establish your goals or priorities, then choose.

[jackb911]

I've owned both and both are great cars. Each have their strong/weak points. A brief synopsis based on my experiences with each:

3.2 Carrera:

The good: More involving to drive due to less weight to move around and torsion bar suspension, relatively easy to work on. The G50 transmissions on the '87-89 models are a vast improvement...although 915 owners will violently disagree.

The bad: Air conditioning is horrible unless you spend megabucks on an aftermarket upgrade. Some cars have valve guide wear and head stud breakage issues. The newest 3.2 is approaching 25 years old. Old cars almost always have problems.

993:

The good: Air conditioning that is useful...not as effective as any late model Honda or Chevrolet, though. The 3.6 engine has nice torque and power. The interior is nicer, better lighting in the instruments, very stable handling, especially at higher speeds. The bumpers are better integrated into the body than the 3.2 Carrera but some don't care for the rear quarter styling. Looks are subjective. No valve adjustments needed. But see below.

The bad: A heavier, comparatively complex car that is more difficult to work on for the home mechanic. Power steering in an air-cooled Porsche...UGH! But it needs it due to the weight. Transmission gear ratios on the USA 993's were driven by EPA fuel economy rules and make the car less lively than it should be. Oil changes are a PITA compared to a 3.2. Lots of plastic that is absent from the earlier cars. Many if not most '96-later models have Secondary Air Injection issues due to coking of the air injection passages which generate a check engine light, making these cars difficult to pass emissions inspections if that is an issue in your state. Some 993's also have premature valve guide wear.

My humble opinion: Between your two choices, it depends on how you will be using the car. If you need a daily driver with decent A/C, go with the 993. Otherwise, a clean, well-maintained 3.2 is less expensive to own and is (arguably) more fun to drive.

I've had 21 Porsches since 1972. My current one is a 3.2 Carrera. My next one will be a Cayman S.

[72T]

That's a great help, thanks!

[JeremyD]

I'd keep the 72

[andyt11]

I have an 88 and I drive it every opportunity I can.

It depends if its a daily driver or a toy. What happened to the 72? Do you still have it?

[g_vaxed]

I have both. Get a 993.... trust me, you won't regret it.

[72T]

The 72 has been in my family since 1975. A toy car all the way. It has less than 100,000 miles but a lot of quirks. I have three small children I'd like to be able to take with me, so I want rear seatbelts, maybe an airbag, etc. But I don't like retrofitting stuff, as I don't have a lot confidence in the "add-on" way they can present. In an ideal world, I could find someone who would like an original 72 Targa in trade for something newer that is more capable of regular driving.

[Schuey]

Originally Posted by dad911

For 993 money I'd get a Cayman.

Or for 993 money, keep the '72 and get a 964.

Ditto

[Tippy]

I would get a 993 just on looks and hydraulic lifters alone!

This is coming from a C3.2 owner.

[rouxroux]

We have 2 3.2's and a 993. The 993's AC is far superior and while being a more refined car, it still has some of the "raw" feel of the 3.2's. If you are going to be using it as a dd, I'd probably opt for the 993, but damn, the 3.2's are just so much fun.