Ouch ...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/996366-915-shifting-3.html#post11308375

Driving a 915.

How does a 964 ownership compare to the earlier cars? Im a bit younger than most here, so 964 does it for me as my poster car. Now looking to buy one and it seems $60-80k minimum... that is in my budget, but I cant help but compare across to something like a 3.2 G50, since 964s seem to be in such low stock. I could go buy a 3.2 any day of the week vs trying to find a 964.

And if anyone knows of a nice driver 964 please pm....

Is this the infamous shifting vid?


https://youtu.be/AmOwHoJlK14

Finding a nice 964 (particularly a C2 coupe, Manual) is hard enough, purchasing it can be even more so (competition with other prospective buyers).

There's many more 3.2 cars to choose from, the G-50 cars are a touch more refined than the earlier 3.2 mostly due to the shifting. The 964 will have even more creature comforts over the earlier cars (and better AC). I own a 3.2 and also a 993 which is similar to the 964 but has even more refinement, in the rear suspension mostly.

I would concentrate on finding a well sorted car in either model. Hopefully one that has a comprehensive service history and no (major) accident damage. Get a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI) before you close the deal.

Best of luck!

Today I was on a run with a mate in a 600hp M6. While the massive power allowed him to catch up on a heavily curved road my 200hp represented well and made him work.

It made me think of what makes these 911s so entertaining... it’s the handling. The lighter the car the better they dance. The answer to the great debate of 911s for me is usable power, lightness and handling or what I call the “theory of R”.

Chapman’s theory - add lightness...

My 915 needs a rebuild!! Thanks for sharing the video.

yup. listen to that poor motor...

Lightness>horsepower

Don’t buy a 964. I bought a 964 in 2011 for $18k, and even at that cheap price, it just never did it for me. It just felt heavy, sluggish and cumbersome to drive. And hated the chunky bumpers! Now they are ridiculously expensive. Yes, the AC works great in a 964, but so does the upgraded AC system in my SC. So who cares. My SC drives so much better! It feels so much lighter and quicker and the feel of the steering is so much better than the oppressive and heavy feel of the power assist steering of a 964. Get yourself a well sorted 3.2 or SC for $10-20k less. You won’t regret it. If you really have to have a modern aircooled, get a 993. I had one of those also. Better looking, faster, and much better driving experience than the 964.

My friend Raj had a 964 Cup which was lighter and was fitted with a short geared transmission..... it was quick unlike a standard C2 which to your point feels heavy.

993s seem to be cheaper too... but better looking? Im not so sure on that one.

Really? You’re kidding, right? The 993 may be one of the best looking sports cars ever produced, much less, the best looking Porsche ever produced. The 964 is a chunky, heavy looking and armor clad version of it’s predecessors. It’s rear looks like it was made to float.

Just as a car, I probably have to agree with you at least from most angles (head on is so much blob https://phidelt.wixsite.com/c4s97?pgid=jbleewrj-e2bb452a-7bb1-4a6d-a2fc-87e861799c71) but as a 911, I like the look of the 964 better, at least when comparing NBs.

Funny, I think it’s more side on with the rake of the headlights. Seem to “recede” too quickly toward the floor. Not sure there’s a better looking car in arctic (I think) silver and the hips are perfect

993 feels big.... TT is the best iteration

I wouldn’t argue with you about the 993’s headlights. That being said, when you look at the 993 from front to back, its shape is the most proportional looking 911 and sports car that I have ever seen. And I hate when people compare the 997 to the 993 stylistically. The 997 loses that gorgeous front to back proportionality that only the 993 can claim.

Agreed. The only one I’ve ever had a desire for is a GT2 evo. They don’t really scratch my itch for what I consider a vintage Porsche. Arse for every seat and all that.

Just got back from a nice 60 miler with my daughter. Well paved vacant country roads with some nice high speed curves and some good straights where one can blow the gunk out. 75 degree day, perfect for topless driving. I love my 3.2.

If you are in the market test drive everything you can. These cars are all similar yet different at the same time. If these cars are well setup they all feel good. A poorly setup 911 will feel heavy and sluggish. It doesn't matter what vintage. I owned many different 911's they all felt different and since driving them for over 40 years I will always put the 964 on the top of my list but none of these cars are of value IMO in stock form. They all need suspension upgrades and proper alignments or they drive like crap. 9 out of 10 911's I drive or work on have alignments all over the place and the owners have no idea.

I agree 964's have gotten stupid expensive although with the limited quantity remaining they will probably prove to be most valuable in the future. More and more each day are being chopped up for backdates and other conversions. I am guilty of this myself.

I don't think there is a better all around 911 than the 964 it is easy to work on and has endless possibility upgrades.

Looks are subjective. If you love the 993 then that is what you should buy. I personally find them hideous unless they are the RSR or GT2 variants. I have no issue with the 964's bumpers as much as I do the afterthought of the bellows bumpers from 74 to 89.

At the end of the day you don't drive the looks but the car. IMO that is what is most important so find a well sorted, mechanically sound car that is within your budget and expect to spend some coin no matter what vintage.