964

Don't worry about 355 repair comparisons. The only big dollar service would the complicated all-wheel drive system. Stay away from the C4. I'd also look for a later year 964.

The engine is just as strong as all previous 911's. Unlike the 993 it does require you to manually adjust the valves - not a big deal - the engine doesn't need to be dropped to do it. Get the PPI, compression, leakdown, etc. Make sure it isn't burning oil as the valve guides do tend wear.

The 964 looks good, is built like a tank & good air-cooled 911's look as though they will be in demand for some time.

Good luck.

(look around Rennlist - I'm sure they have an in-depth FAQ about the 964)

 

What he said. If you want a narrow body I would look for an RS America, more expensive but will hold it's value IMO. Would also consider a 965 as there seem to be some pretty good deals going at the moment.

IMO I believe the 993 will be in higher demand than the 964 since it is the last evolution of the air cooled 911.

 

My brother had a '92 964, which had a few issues (engine needed re-sealing...) Fairly expensive proposition.

I'd personally go with a 911 ('87-'89) or 993. The 911 is simple, fast, bulletproof, classic, etc. 993 has the revised suspension, plusher interior, also beautifully built. Both seem to hold value well.

 

The early 964's were built w/o head gaskets thus the barrel-to-head leaks...if that is what you were referring to. That issue would have been dealt with long ago. If your brother's case needed resealing, well, that's a different kettle of fish and obviously one which will lighten your wallet. I don't think a leaky case is common problem??

 

I owned a 90 C2 and drove it as a DD for over a year during my race team years in Indianapolis (snow salty winter and hot muggy summer). Before I bought it, I drove a 90 C4 back to back. The C4 handled funny i.e. very un-911 like and it felt heavier. The C2 performed well in the winter (granted I didn't have any hills to face). The heater and defrost were sufficient. OTOH, the AC is not the best even by 90s standards, but make sure it is in good working order and it should be fine. I sold the car when it had over 120K miles with no engine issues.

Aesthetically, the 993 is better looking but 964 has a better driving feel IMO. The stock 911 engine sound is second only to a 69-71 911S at 7K rpm. The low speed torque is nicer than its predecessor and successor (911 Carrera and 993). I didn't like the bumpers when the 964 first came out, but now I slightly prefer it over the accordion bumpers and rubber bumperettes of its predecessor.

Two months ago, I drove a one-owner, 100% stock 94 RS America with 20K+ miles at a local dealership. I made an offer on the car ($50K) but we couldn't agree on the value of my trade-in. Yes, I'm tempted once in a nostalgic while.

If you are going for the early ones, check for engine oil leaks and their sources. The gasket-less engine fix can be pricey. Also, check for proper distributor operation.

 

Would be my choice in a 964
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FWIW I think the 964 turbos were the last of the good looking turbos. last of the (standard, non-GT2) RWD turbos as well.

as evidence:
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I've always been a big 964 fan. I've never owned one but came close at one point and from the research I had done what I remember is the early cars had flywheel issues and also the engine sealing issues but most have probably been repaired or upgraded by now. The early cars used a fruedenberg flywheel which usually only lasted about50k miles but the later cars came with the Luk flywheel. Another minor issue was that the distribtor needed to be vented to keep the belt from breaking this again you will probably find has been done by most owners already. Good luck they are great cars!

 

If you go a shop that knows what they are doing should take less than 2 hours to convert C4 to C2.

 

I've owned 964's and 993's. Both are wonderful cars. With the 964's, I would suspect all the seal issues would be correct by now by previous owners. The 964 C2 drive more like a Porsche than a C4. C4 964 are not too desirable for me, especially if tracking the car. It is also very expensive to repair and heavier. 964's were the last handmade Porsches. Like any car, they all have pluses and minuses. Because many are about 20 years old, it is bit harder to compare. Much is based on how the car was maintained over the years. An advantage of a model years before 96 is it was OBD1, so a little less complex. Suggest going to rennlist.org and you can read many comparisons. To me, it is which model you like best.

 

I knew you would come around Todd! Im with Chas, i like the turbo.
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I have owned my 93 964 C2 cab since new. VERY few issues and love it to death. One of the best cars I have owned and would not trade it for the world. I now have 92K on the clock.

As some have mentioned, I would suggest a later one of the run. They do need the valves adjusted, but other than usual wear and tear, I prefer the wind dynamic side view mirrors of the 93 as well as sublet changes, cannot think of anything wrong....EXCEPT:

1) Make sure the the Acon works. Porsche finally got the Acon on the dash in these cars and figuring out the levers in the center are not like the old cars, but there is an issue with how they connected the stuff up front. It can develop a serious leak that caused metal on metal corrosion requiring the removal of the entire system and replacement with an aftermarket.

For some reason, Porsche thought it a great idea to try and put two metals together that make them both perish. That can be a bout $2000

2) if you are considering a Cab, there was an issue with the cables supporting the top, and a burned out motor to work the tops on these cars are astronomical. I also had an issue with my previous 3.2 Carerra sunroof cables, not sure if they fixed them on the 964 or if they are the same parts.

3) again, with the Acon, there is a splitter up front that I have heard people have problems with, but I have not experienced that.

4) my clutch lasted 90K

5) parts for the stereo are no longer available, but a stereo from a 993 fits and they are redly available.

6) various other loose ends you would expect from a hand made car, but can be fixed at home with a screw driver if it comes loose.

In my opinion, one of the last great looking Porsches you can get. Air cooled with the bug eyed head lights. A true classic.

One last thing I forgot, as you mentioned AC as a concern. As I recall, my car uses 134, I am too lazy to go check, but the early cars used r12 is I remember. That might be an issue for you depending where you live if you need a charge.
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I bought a '91 964 C4 for use as a DD and have had 0 issues with the car so far. The 4wd system was a must for me (dealing with Canadian winters). The a/c system has been okay with our hot summers (yes, Toronto summers are hot) but anyone who says the system blows "ice cold" is exaggerating.
One other point. Mine is an ROW (rest of world) model, which is very different from North American models, similar to Euro vs. N/A Fcars. If you can find one, I recommend it.

 

Agree with above, not a single air/oil cooled 911 that is going to blow ice. At the end of the run, the AC got "adequate" at best.

 

Wow - those are proper looking Porsches!! I want one!

 

i am bullish on 964's. my cars are all rhd which certainly impacts supply. i have 964rs lightweight, 964 speedster and 964 turbo 3.6. i like the bug eyes so only 993 that i have is rs. 964 cabin is a great place to be

 

yes...maybe the last of the greats. seriously investment grade as well.

 

1994 3.6 Turbo is the most desirable Turbo but I like all 964s! Classic styling with interior refinements. Great cars especially the later models.

 

I don't think that you can go wrong with either the C2 or C4 so long as you get the one that appeals to how you want it to drive. If you love the track, then I would agree that the C2 is the better way to go as the C4 does add quite a bit of weight and does get a bit complicated in the differential area.

Still if awd appeals to you and you are not intending the car to cross onto the track then go for that one instead. I would try not to get the 1990 as for some reason the AWD on these was a bit weird, but outside of that one year these are really nice cars, and beginning to appreciate with age.

Erik