Porsche 911: air-cooled vs. water-cooled... what's the difference?

Air, oil and fuel, at least that's what I learned about when flying with air cooled engines.

 

Historically this is true. Porsche made its mark by fielding cars that were light and agile, and thereby won against heavier, higher-powered cars.

I would guess the engine swap mentioned would have the net effect of making for a slower car around the track.

 

Exactly if you want to go faster around the track stop using your brakes so fricking much

 

Did some people forgot some of the really big horsepower 911 race cars like the 934 and 935?

 

I think the 934 was ~480 bhp, with its turbo flat six. I'm not an expert on these cars, but I would **guess** Porsche did a lot with the chassis and body structure. They didn't stuff a big V8 in the back as an earlier post recommended -- that would turn the 911 chassis into an uncontrollable pendulum and raise the center of gravity.

Apart from one tiny mistake regarding engine position made in 1939 or so, Porsche seems to know what works best in its cars.

 

935 was a different animal all together designed for the big turbos. There is a reason even the rsr's dont even have 500hp...

racecar's are set up to match the hp as well. (he skillset required to run those 935s is a whole different game as well

 

You see, a bunch of guys were hanging around the Porsche factory one afternoon and one guy says to the other "Let's rip the soul out of this Carrera and see what happens." So they ripped the soul out and the other guy says, "Oh ****!! Now what do we do?" So they filled it up with water...

 

here you go.
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i NEVER liked 911's. that is until several years back, a new friend i made through F Chat, was a genuine car guy, and had several 911's come and go among the many collector cars he had. i got some real seat time in the car, i learned alot about the cars, what to look out for. i accidentally, fell in love with them. i love the v8 Italian cars, but you can D R I V E a 84-89 911, like " A CAR ", and leave it out in the weather, and the rain, and its still a fun car. i have now had 5 911's . The 3.2 Motronic cars are idiot proof, easy to work on, and when you get a nice one, they are like a part of the family.

My Targa ad on ebay runs out today. part of me wants the car to sell, so that i can get yet another 308, yet the other part of me knows if it does not, then i still have it around to drive and play with! i have invited several friends over to jump in the 87 slopenose i have , and the 85 targa. the only difference is the sheetmetal, and the 915 versus g50 transaxle. i STILL prefer the 915 over the G50, i can drive it better, and faster than i can a G50. my 89 Anniversary car was one of only 60, but it still drove like a bullet proof 3.2 Carrera.

you cannot put the tons of miles on a V8 Ferrari or Lambo of this era, like you can on a 911 of the same time period. Ideally, i want my Slopenose, a early GT4, and a euro QV. plus i have my two muscle cars......




sorry guys, but i just dont like anything made after 1989 anymore. From the Tr and the BB512, to the QV, and the 911's, there are tons of great, affordable cars out there that need love, and wont break the bank.
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thanks for asking:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1985-Porsche-Carrera-Targa-Low-Miles-/120570885408?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1c1295b520

 

Thank you Andrew!

 

You should post it in Pelican's classifieds. It would sell quickly at that price.

Ian

 

thanks, its on Pelican. my friend Joe insisted he relist it. i may look again at Ferrari's at dealerships, and see if the 911 can be traded for a 308 GTB / GTS or GT4.


my apologies for the off topic tangent... here are some pic sof my former 911s, to get us back on track:
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If the 996/997 are physically bigger than the 993, does this also mean there is more interior space? Several years ago I looked at a 930 (should have bought it, would have been worth 2X at least today) and the space seemed very tight, front and back.

Specifically, if you had two normal adults in the front, would either the air or water cooled 911 variants have enough room for a 4-footer in the back? The 930 didn't look like it.

 

while I don't own any rear seat versions of the 911 right now the length hasn't changed much over the years creating anymore leg room for kids in the back. The 997 to me does feel a touch wider for the front seats but truly not a ton. Maybe 6"

 

Sideways or chop off the legs.

Ian

 

You don't have to chop the legs off, you can tie them around the person's neck...

I'm 5'8" and I can get my son (6yrs old) in...but it's getting tight. He stares straight into the seatback.

 

Porsche went from hand making bullet proof, functional racing cars to be driven on the road (911s from 1967-1997) to mass produced luxury type vehicles more in a GT style (911s 1998 to present). Anyone who has heard the sound an air cooled porsche makes especially with a stainless system and bypass for the second muffler knows how good it sounds. To date no water cooled variant sounds anything close to as good. Then there's the sound an aircooled car's door makes when you shut it..not to mention the classic cockpit & dash layout. Air cooled cars are smaller and are cars for a purist who wants unrefined driving pleasure. None of what I have said takes away from the fact that the water cooled cars are still better than ever other competitor in the market and that they are in their own right superb pieces of engineering. They are just different that's it.

 

My son's first Porsche was 2002 996 and all he knew till 2010 were water pumpers.

Three years ago I was looking for nice 911 for myself and test drove '86 3.2. I took my son for a spin and let him drive it although he was not too enthusiastic about it.
He was stunned how fun and satisfying it was to drive. You do not have to drive fast at all to have all the fun and more then in 996, he said.

Finally in 2002 I bought modified '78 930, lightened and with improved engine to go faster and improved suspension pieces to handle better. It is an ultimate Porsche for me.
In the meantime my son bought 996 GT3 and enjoys it on track and street. But each time he visits me he asks me for a spin in 930 to have a real fun in true Porsche, as he says.

 

AirCooled Porsches: Iconic, gorgeous yet quirky design dating all the way back to the Automobile's first decade, refined to an almost inconceivable level and battle hardened as the single most successful racecar platform in the history of autos. Supported by the most numerous and passionate enthusiast base of any marque.

Watercooled Porsches: Transportation appliances with excellent creature comforts and saftety features, and styled to reference the aircooled cars. Interchangeable with similarly priced Mercedes, BMWs, Audis, and other German grand touring cars. Supported by many vehicle leasing companies who were delighted with SUV and 4-door variants.

 

To me the 993 embodies all that a hand built Porsche was meant to be. It was the high mark of achievement during Ferry's lifetime and will be desired more so as time passes. It represents the passion of creation that you can feel when you get behind the wheel. Because when I turn the key and it burbles to life, I can't keep that subtle smile from looking back at me in the mirror. I'll never sell mine.....

 

I agree with those who see the 993 as a bit of a sweet spot. I had never driven a 993 until recently, don't know why it took so long. It was a 993 c2s with 104k on the clock, with a recent top end rebuild. Fantastic, good feel when compared with the early longhoods, good power when compared to the later water cooled cars, great looks when compared to the full run of 911s. I'm a fan and now definitely in the market for a 993C2S and a 993TT, and as they say, Porsche can never make cars like that again. The 993 will come this summer, right after I complete my purchase of a 964RS. But outside of the 911, there is something really special with the 356 driving experience, going nowhere fast, but it's a wonderful journey!