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3.2 Carrera or Turbo

Muzzer911

PCGB Member
Member
I have reached a crossroads in my hunt for a 3.2 carrera. I am rather taken by the performace and look of the Turbo model. Now I appreciate I can go for a normally aspirated Turbo-Look model.
Basically, my question is what are the pro and cons of normal aspiration over the Turbo. You guys have made that decision so why?
 
There is another thread on 930vs3.2 if you search - I started it after driving a 930 just to share my thoughts.

Purely as a driving experience, you have to decide if you are a "Turbo guy" or not. The 930 is not a modern small turbo with fairly instant response from virtually all revs. It is old style and packs a big bang in terms of boost and on-boost torque. Because of the 4 very widely spaced gears you find you are often off-boost even in first and you have to wait for the boost to come in under normal driving - and it doesn't come in until 3500rpm. Last time I drove one I found myself downchanging into first for roundabouts so I stayed on boost. It does 60mph in first. The widely spaced gearing means you don't change gear all that often and the sound of acceleration is diminished - you pick up speed but the revs are not rising all that quickly. Fourth is good for a theoretical 180+mph, so you effectively have a 3 speed gearbox with a cruising overdrive on top. Best thing IMHO is the engines run rich on overun and make a cool "pop, pop, pop" sound as you lift off - especially with a sports exhaust.

I generally like old school turbo engines - think 5 cylinder Audis, 924T and older Saabs - because the midrange torque is so dramatic and the on/off boost/lag characteristics add another thrill to driving, however, after a stint in a 930 I didn't find myself wanting one. I certainly don't think they would be much faster (if at all) than a good 3.2 in general driving.

The wide track and big brakes are nice but the extra weight on the tail is not. Otherwise handling is kind of similar. You notice the extra weight all round in the 930 - it really digs its tail in and squats under boost. A 930 would be quite a nice car to travel across Europe in, but strangely, I think the 3.2 is more "sporty" feeling. I like throttle response and the 3.2 is a long way from ideal (try an old MFI engine for that) but its much, much more responsive than a 930. A modified 930 with less weight and more power would be nice - but I assume that is not your question.

Bottomline is you need to drive one - 930s are cool cars, but they don't suit everyone.

Perhaps someone else may comment on running costs, insurance etc. I spend too much money on non-routine running costs/upgrades on my 3.2 so I hardly notice the routine stuff.
 
Marmite

You either love it or hate it!

If you have to ask why then maybe it's not for you.

The first Porsche I drove was a 964 Turbo and I just had to have one - I am as Richard puts it a "Turbo guy"

hope this helps

good luck!
 

Bottomline is you need to drive one - 930s are cool cars, but they don't suit everyone

Indeed!

My opinion --- the 930 is a great car. If you can get to grips with the on/off boast and wayward handling if you get it wrong, they are plenty of fun.

They certainly drag well in a straight line (esp with a one bar boost spring [:D]), the brakes are good rather than brilliant.

Touring capability is fine, I have regularly taken mine to Normandy.

They WILL cost more to run than a 3.2.

Obviously, the loyal 3.2 supporters will tell that the 3.2 is a smoother drive and equal performance. Funny that most of them spend their time seeking more power, upgrading brakes and modifying steering and suspension [:D]

Both cars will bring a smile to your face. A very personal choice.

Good luck!
 
ORIGINAL: Richard Bernau

I like throttle response and the 3.2 is a long way from ideal (try an old MFI engine for that) but its much, much more responsive than a 930.


I've been driving a Nissan 200SX (I did run it at 270bhp for a while) for the last seven years and love turbo performance. However, throttle response is generally poor unless on boost and I think a 930 would be like hitting a switch, which if it was wet could really be a bit of a brown pants moment mid bend! To me, not to Richard it would seem but I have been driving a turbo car, the 3.2 throttle response is amazing! I have the turbo look car with the turbo suspension and brakes and it is a good package but again heavier than a std 3.2. I think a 930 would be much much faster in a straight line. I think if you're a b road driver the 3.2 would be the better car but if ypu want seat of the pants performance and the odd 'moment' the 930 will be very appealing!!
Just my 2p worth!

Kris
 
Boost actually comes in fairly smoothly in a 930, its just there is nothing when off boost exascerbated by long gears. So there is a dramatic step-up in torque but not like a switch, more like waiting, waiting, waiting, still nothing, then 747 accelerating down the runway.

The modifying bug hits all models of 911 - I have seen plenty of modified 930s, 964RS, GT3 etc. Many feel the need to improve but don't always want to sell what they have. Also, the difference in budget between a 930 and 3.2 generally leaves you enough in the piggy bank to improve a few things. And why not, these things don't depreciate so its easy to rationalise spending money on them [:D]
 
Simple : you drive a Carrera on the rev-counter and a Turbo on the Boost-Gauge.

Despite the Carrera being a more drivable car, there is nothing quite like turbo boost when all hell breaks loose. There are times however, when standing on the Turbo's throttle produces nothing at all!

0 to 100mph the Carrera wins - 100+ the Turbo takes over ...... your call.
 


0 to 100mph the Carrera wins - 100+ the Turbo takes over ...... your call.
[/quote]


Funny, i always thought the 0-100 time for the 3.3 930 was a couple of seconds quicker than a 3.2! [:D]
 
Okay - perhaps I need to be a little more subtle with my wording .... 0 to 100mph the Carrera is a more drivable winner whereas the Turbo comes into its own thereater. It is not all down to straight-line sprint absolutes - I am well aware that the Turbo is quicker, but you have to work harder to keep it there.
 
I am just about to put my '87my 911 Supersport up for sale!

You get the turbo brakes, looks and a host of other items.

I have the 16" polished Fuchs with new SO2's on it now.

Interested, just e-mail me.

Regards


Mark
 

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