[arob]

Hi there. I'm new to the forum, as well looking for my first Porsche. I'm interested in hearing your opinions on which Porsche to get with a budget of ~$25K. My choices are either a 911 or 964. This will be used as a weekend / track once a year vehicle, but also don't want to be scared to drive it on a rainy day, nor do I want a garage queen.

Any and all advice, opinions and thoughts are welcomed.

Many thanks,
Rob

[BlackTalon]

well, a 964 is a 911... Which model of 911 do you mean when you say '911'?

[arob]

Sorry - still new to this. I guess what I'm trying to compare is, for example, an '82 911SC v. 90 C2 964?

[Jazzbass]

Originally Posted by BlackTalon

well, a 964 is a 911... Which model of 911 do you mean when you say '911'?

No it isn't! They stopped making 911s in 1989. Only the CF crowd calls the later models "911s" .

Are you open to any year car (longhoods?) or just later model Carreras? Some more info on your 911 (not 964 ) preferences would help.

And by the way: "Only track once a year".... ha ha good luck with that .

[JBryant]

How about a 930?

http://www.dorkiphus.com/porsche/showthread.php?t=11480

[arob]

I think that would be a bit much for my first Porsche, no?

[arob]

Originally Posted by Jazzbass

No it isn't! They stopped making 911s in 1989. Only the CF crowd calls the later models "911s" .

Are you open to any year car (longhoods?) or just later model Carreras? Some more info on your 911 (not 964 ) preferences would help.

And by the way: "Only track once a year".... ha ha good luck with that .

I test drove an '82 Targa last night (first time driving any Porsche), and wasn't too fond of the 1st to 2nd gear notchiness, but I've also heard that this can be fixed with a short shifter.

I'm thinking more in the 86-89 v. 90-94 range? Does that make sense?

[JBryant]

Originally Posted by arob

I think that would be a bit much for my first Porsche, no?

It is no different than a N/A car to drive, until you get into the boost...easy around town etc.

Feel free to come out a drive it one day. I think you would be surprised.

[Jazzbass]

Yeah - makes total sense.

915 (transmission) cars (72-86) are notchy. You can make the notchiness go away somewhat by throwing about $1k of upgrades at it. Drive a car with a set up 915 and there's a big difference. Problem is, few of the cars you find will have a set up 915 in them.

G50 cars (87-89) are better shifting wise, but some (like me) don't car for the feeling of the shifter or the clutch. YMMV.

If you like the old school 911 look at feel, like DIY and tinkering with things, I'd look for a nice Carrera (84-89) and narrow it down based on the transmission you like (84-86 = 915, 87-89 = G50).

If you like a slightly more modern car and don't really feel like messing with it, go 964.

Both cars can be had fopr around $20k, save the rest for upgrades.

Forget about a targa. If you track, you'll wish you had a coupe. If you leave it outside, you'll wish you had a coupe. When you look at the notchy, square profile, you'll wish you had a coupe.

Another option that's I'd look into, esp for a weekend car, is a nice 72/73 longhood. These can also be had in your price range, and have a little more old school panache than the impact bumper cars. As a bonus, you get to say stuff like "A 1985 911? Huh... I always thought Porsche stopped making 911s in 1973".

Personally, I'd look for a longhood first, Carrera second, 993 third and 964 fourth. But that's me.

[TD in DC]

Rob, don't mind Chris, he's been like this since he started using Unix.

I am going through a similar process. My suggestion is that you go and drive a good example of each. Nothing like driving a car to help you decide whether YOU like it.