944 Turbo vs 3.2 Carrera for Daily Driver?
 

Which is the better daily driver for this area?

I'm considering either a 951 or a 3.2 Carrera and want input on which is the more reliable 80k-120k mile car? Assuming ofcourse they've both been well maintained, etc. etc.

As a long-time 911 owner and fan, I'm actually surprised to say that I'm leaning towards the water-cooled turbo.

For those of you who may have owned both, what's your opinion?

I guess it comes down to your preference. A 911 is always a 911 and I'd prefer to have that if $$ is not an issue.

At the same time, you can get the 951 for less, have a nicely balanced *handling benchmark* fun car, and if you get "bored" it's easy to get some more power out of it. A new timing chain is your best friend.

either way, at least you're keepin' it in the family :)

nice longhood by the way...

This is a good question! My '85 Carrera was a great car on the street and [after considerable setup work] on the track. My '89 951 is a dedicated track car, but there are some useful points of comparison.

- The 911 mystique is legend. Can't beat it.
- The 911 flat six is a gem, and the 3.2 is a particularly strong example. Mine ran a full track season with 136,000 miles - engine had never been touched.
- The DME engines are infinitely more reliable than the prior CIS models.
- The 915 transmission is quirky. Synchros fail, and the shifter is vague at best. It can be improved, but is far from perfect at best.
- The 911 is a terrific DIY car. There are very few things that can;t be done in a home garage with a few decent tools. Be careful though - if the Dorki get word that you are working on the car, your garage will be filled to capacity in no time!

- The 951 feel like a larger car, although it is amost the same outside dimension as the 911.
- The shifter is terrific, and the transmission is bombproof.
- The AC really works [the 911 AC sucks badly]
- The car is a blast to drive. Very neutral, tons of power, and predictable.
- The 951 is a tough DIY candidate. Almost any job is more complex and time consuming than the equivalent 911 job. THis can result in higher repair costs if you are forced to take it to a shop. Think $1200 clutch replacement as a guide.
- If the Dorki get word that you are working on your 951, many of them will run the other way.

On balance, a good example of either model is a great car. The 911 has more panache, the 951 is probably more practical and easier car to live with as a true daily driver. Tough choice!

If you are looking for a fun, occasional use car to drive on weekends, nice days and to the track then nothing, IMO, beats an old air cooled 911. If you're driving it every single day in DC (where you need good heat in the winter and good AC in the summer), I would (and did) seriously consider two cars - the 968 and 944S2. Good power, no PITA turbo stuff to deal with (think $$$$ if some of that stuff breaks).

The 968 is a great car, and the 944S2 is no slouch either. Both have good low end torque, where the 951 lights up above 3000 RPM or so and leaves them cold.

Not sure I'd worry too much about the "turbo stuff" so long as you stay relatively sane with the upgrades. Its the guys who go ape with boost that have all kinds of troubles, although maybe 350HP at the wheels from a few bolt-on bits is worth a little bit of trouble. eh? :twisted:

Thanks to all for the feedback and advice. All very helpful.

I think as a next step towards a P-car daily driver, I will try to look at some local examples of each to compare.

Any volunteers? :D

I have heard this before from several sources. The 911 being a pure exotic gem/beast and the 924/44 based cars being fantastic but a bit more practical. I was actually thinking of getting one as a DD for a while b/c you can get one with ABS and SRS from 87+ (for non base models, I think), if that is a concern.

If you can ,go with a 88 3.2, has the G50 gearbox,hydaulic activated clutch, can't beat the heat and the ac can be adequate if maintained. No mechanical worries that plague a lot of other cars.More expensive possibly for a good example plus you may have the worry of parking/traffic dings. 951 is a great car, but look at the belts every 30,000 and water pump every 60,000(might as well do it while you are there) Turbos have a lot of extra plumbing stuff to move to get to anything compared to the NA. Also have the A arms to worry about, plus the torque tube. Performance wise the 951 will run the legs off a stock 3.2, easier to drive, but like any car can bite back.My 944 NA is a comfortable car to drive,certainly enjoyable for almost anything on the street but one does feel the lack of power for the track but can go Ask Aubrey Mansfied what he can do at Summit with his lightened NA I think below 1.30s.If you anticipate mostly traffic ,rare spirited country drives, I would not bother with the extra expense of the Turbo.
Dirk

I've owned both and "prefer " the 911 - why : First 911 was 86 Targa that had the guides and all 3.2 work done for $7k by previous owner. I updated some suspension peices and it was tight.

The 951 was an 87 with rod bearings and H20 pump done by PO. I drove both at the track - both around the neighborhood for better part of year. commuting was easy with 951 - good A/C, comfortable driving postion, easy clutch, all power opts. It spun up real quick, but too quick for my liking (since then I also have a 930 so I know about boost). The 911 was better for cruising, and spirit, and track balance IMHO. I sold the 951 just in time fo the next owner to have the head gasket go (ouch :cry: )

The 911 cost me $13 in 1998 and the 951 was $9k in 2001

Unless I missed my guess, John is looking for a car IN ADDITION to his long hood. Sounds like the 911 will be the fun/weekend/track car, and he needs a DD to slog through traffic with. If that is correct, factor that in - he's not looking for just one Porsche, but for a DD to complement that 911. My moneys is still on the 968 for that role, personally.