1986 Coupe or 1990ish 964 Targa?

rw229 · 07-05-2014, 07:30 PM

I have a very nice '86 coupe, guards red over tan full leather. IMHO, pretty much the quintessential '80s 911... at least to someone who spent their high school years coveting 911s in the mid 80s. It has under 100k miles and using Hagerty descriptions I would put it at a high 3, low 2.

I'm considering selling it and buying a 964 Targa. I've owned an SC, Carreras and 993s, but never a 964.

Am I being foolish? I think they both have their strengths/weaknesses, but I'd like to hear opinions from other enthusiasts.

christiandk · christiandk's Garage

Had both. Very different cars, imo. Love the 3.6 but also the relative simplicity of the Carrera. I am not a big fan of electronics.

Enjoy it.

Matt Monson · 07-06-2014, 07:18 AM

Good thread with a wide variety of opinions of both the Carrera and 964. Just keep in mind that thread focuses on G50 3.2s and you have the classic 915 instead.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-marketplace-discussion/815878-car-sit-964-g50-3-2-a.html

vracer · vracer's Garage

I'm a certified Targa lover, and I narrowed my search to G50 or 964. I ended up with the G50 because it was the best car I could find, but I preferred driving the 964. And for you, it would be a new and different experience.

carjmark · 07-07-2014, 08:48 AM

Watch out for 90' and 91' cars with early style no-head gasket as they frequently leak. Cost to pull apart and machine for o-ring gasket gets you in big $$ fast. IMHO best to either buy one that's been done w/receipt for work or buy later cars. Don't remember serial # change date but not difficult to find.

CountD · 07-07-2014, 10:49 AM

Don't do it. I don't understand the comparison of a 964 (which to me and in reality is a test-bed car for Porsche which allowed them to bring a '911 looking car' into the modern age to comply with all new regulations), to a 911 that had been continually improved and updated from 1964 to 1989. They are not the same cars, were never meant to be the same cars, and in reality the comparison of the two makes it only possible because of their timeless shape.

A 964 is a 964. I have driven many, and the classic to me is the '89 Carrera 4. But then again, the maintenance would frustrate me to the point of losing my mind. I would own one just to own one be damned.

This question always comes up. If in your heart you think it is an improvement or upgrade I would think again. But that's me...it probably doesn't get better than a clean '86.

Matt Monson · 07-07-2014, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountD

This question always comes up. If in your heart you think it is an improvement or upgrade I would think again. But that's me...it probably doesn't get better than a clean '86.

You and me both.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountD

and the classic to me is the '89 Carrera 4. But then again, the maintenance would frustrate me to the point of losing my mind.

OK - you got the zircon encrusted distributor belt and leaky cylinders on the 964.

The 86 suffers from non-robust valve guides.

I call a push on that one.

From what I have read the 4WD system is stout on all of the 964's.

Doesn't make the 964 the keeper but are there loads of other issues?

Matt Monson · 07-07-2014, 08:28 PM

The AWD system is stout and well designed. Borrowed a lot of technology from the 959 to attempt to help cover the losses suffered in making the 959. But parts and repairs are expensive as hell. You can spend twice as much to fix a G64-00 as a G50-03. Almost nothing grosses over to the G50 2wd family of gearboxes. And none of the parts are made any more. I can put GT3 parts in a G50.

rw229 · 07-09-2014, 06:31 PM

Thanks all for the input... I think the '86 will be with me for a while... Though I still wouldn't mind a Targa.

Macroni · Macroni's Garage

I think the decision comes to whether you want a coupe or a targa.... both are great cars... different but a hoot nontheless.

christiandk · christiandk's Garage

3.2, SC, C2 or even a 912E. I dont care too much. It is all about keeping it real - no matter how little money you have got.

My talbot yellow E gets way more good karma than the other cars I have had. It is plain, yella, narrow over the hips and totally untouched even though he lived in three continents.

Ronnies 930 on the other hand is pale, fat over the hips and has cowboy juice on the wind screen. Just too much!

P.S. has anyone head from my the pretty cowboy?