964 C2 manual Coupe to compliment 981 Spyder

[TB303]

Hi folks, I'm finding myself increasingly drawn to 964s.

My reason for the interest in the 964 is that it might be a bit more useable to drive through Europe than a 3.2, is modern enough etc. I prefer the shape to the 993 personally - I think they look fabulous, and I understand the suspension is more classic 911?

What I love about a car is steering/handling, character and noise rather than outright power.

In October I had a fantastic trip to Wales, and while cars on the trip such as the McLaren were a bit big, my 981 Spyder felt great (the only flaw I could find being the leggy gearing!). I wouldn't have wanted to have been in anything bigger. It really put me off supercars.

I had a MK1 MX5 years ago and I miss a bit of that analogue / small / old school thing in a car. It's really important that a car be enjoyable at close to legal road speeds.

I've been itching for a classic, and I am thinking a 964 might be the perfect compromise for U.K. roads in terms of a modern classic to enjoy without losing your licence, should hold value, and would compliment the more modern 981 Spyder nicely.

Does anyone here have a spyder or 981 to compare to the 964? I appreciate the 981 is way more modern etc...

I would consider LHD since I'd like to drive on the continent and I understand there is no pedal offset. Is this a bad idea?

Ideally I'd like to find a car that can be driven rather than preserving the value of a garage queen. The respected dealers such as JZM are now trying for top money for any car with the right history, regardless of miles it seems... I wonder if they are getting those asking prices?

What it really boils down to as well is whether I can bring myself to sell my manual Ferrari 360 Spider, which I enjoy driving and is appreciating but is a bit big and brash for the U.K. Part of me cannot let go of it however as the engine is quite magical!

I think I'd use a 964 more often and like how they are more understated for a stuffy Brit like me

The only 911 I have driven so far is a 997.2 PDK year ago and I was underwhelmed compared to a 987.1 I owned at the time. My test drive was short and in America on boring roads, however.

Thanks for any help. I'm based in East London if anyone is selling one, or fancies meeting up to take a look at the Spyder / 964 etc.

 

[colin129]

What it really boils down to as well is whether I can bring myself to sell my manual Ferrari 360 Spider, which I enjoy driving and is appreciating but is a bit big and brash for the U.K. Part of me cannot let go of it however as the engine is quite magical!

oooh! You nearly had me until there.

The 964 C2 Coupe manual is the holy grail of 964 ownership these days (excluding the 'special' models). You will just have to see what you can find from private sellers, but buyer beware, even if you are buying a well used one, make sure it has been properly maintained and well documented.

It will cost more to maintain than your Boxster, but less that than the other bus you have []

Look at the buyers guide, lots of useful tips there.

 

[ian harvey]

Hi Colin,
As a long term 964 owner, 17 years, I think one would suit you well based on your comments. If you find a good one it should be a joy. The running costs are very reasonable in my opinion as I have only ever spent money on correct servicing and consumables. Issues with dual-mass flywheels and leaking cylinders should be well and truly confined to the past.

As for the LHD, I actually prefer it as the driving position is improved and it only adds to the special feeling for me whenever I get in the car. It definitely takes a little getting used to but you will get the hang of it. 964s are obviously quite narrow by today's standards so if you hang back a little from the car in-front and get used to looking down the inside of said car as well as the usual outside, you'll soon see your way past.

Personally, I'd definitely find a way of lowering the driving site, probably by fitting an after-market seat such as a Recaro Pole Position, which, along with a Momo type steering wheel and reach extension, give a perfect, semi-reclined, driving position which is good for many, many hours driving. Good luck,

Ian

 

[mr pg]

I can give you some comparisons, with my first Porsche having been a 964 C2 Targa, and now in a 981 Cayman S (via a 996T).
A 964 with a suspension set up to get the best out of the car is a wonderful thing, and has steering feel that no modern Porsche can match. The exhaust sound (especially with a tweak to it) is another area that is to die for. The diminutive size is also great for trips to Wales or similar.
My Targa had the sports seats (heated) which were extremely comfortable, and very supportive, and the different roof line gave useful additional rear room, and access. Don't dismiss a good Targa (roof off in europe would be very nice). There is a pedal offset in rhd, but after my first drive or two I never noticed it. My car had air con, but like virtually all 964's hardly worked. Corrosion is an issue, with a number of vulnerables areas (windscreen/front wing, shark fins, rear wing/rear bumper), and many will leak oil.
I've done two europe trips in my Cayman, and it's a great car for this (PDK, PASM, SC, plus lots more), and suits my current needs, but driving an air cooled 911 always felt an event.
A 981 Spyder (would love one of these) and a 964 would be a very nice pairing!
Paul.

 

[TB303]

Thank you all for your responses and tips - I shall have a good read of the buying guide.

I could see myself putting an aftermarket suspension (retaining original parts for resale) on and perhaps an exhaust, but not going too far with modifications.

I'm going to have to go and try and drive some cars next year. There's so little out there for sale, hence considering LHD. I am assuming cars like the £40k guards red car and the lovely looking LHD black one for 49,995 or close aren't too great (I'll let you work out which cars I'm talking about - it's pretty obvious!). The black one appears to have been rear ended as the driver's side light is a different colour etc.

Once I've checked them out properly I'll then see if I want to sell my bus or not

 

[mr pg]

On the exhaust front, a cat delete (depending on model year), and a cup bypass is all you'd need.

 

[kitchens]

TB303
I am fortunate to own 2 Spyders a 987 and a 981 and recently purchased a 964 Cab from TIPEC owners who between them had owned the car for 15 years so I knew the car well that is the only reason I bought it ,It is possibly the best looked after car one could buy the paper work that accompanied the car takes longer to read than War And Peace
To answer your question as best I can .The 964 drives nothing like a Spyder these cars are in a different class even the two Spyder drive differently .The 964 is slow to accelerate and heavy steering at slow speed clutch is a tad heavy , you sit at a strange angle , buttons and controls switches are all over the place .Mine has Koni adjustable shocks lowered rear and front end so is a bit firmer I suppose than most .It is a hoot to drive old skool you drive the car not the other way around you can reach the opposite door handle , steering once on the move is very positive goes where you point it and once over 50 just goes full off power. I have owned various Porsche variants over the last 25 years and they all drive differently .This is just my opinion and don't want to upset anyone who is a dyed in the wool 964 owner .

 

[GazC2]

Another red one Brian ?

 

[kitchens]

Another red one Brian ?

Aren't all Porsches RED

 

[TB303]

Thanks for the further replies.

Might have a little news soon

 

[TB303]

TB303
I am fortunate to own 2 Spyders a 987 and a 981 and recently purchased a 964 Cab from TIPEC owners who between them had owned the car for 15 years so I knew the car well that is the only reason I bought it ,It is possibly the best looked after car one could buy the paper work that accompanied the car takes longer to read than War And Peace
To answer your question as best I can .The 964 drives nothing like a Spyder these cars are in a different class even the two Spyder drive differently .The 964 is slow to accelerate and heavy steering at slow speed clutch is a tad heavy , you sit at a strange angle , buttons and controls switches are all over the place .Mine has Koni adjustable shocks lowered rear and front end so is a bit firmer I suppose than most .It is a hoot to drive old skool you drive the car not the other way around you can reach the opposite door handle , steering once on the move is very positive goes where you point it and once over 50 just goes full off power. I have owned various Porsche variants over the last 25 years and they all drive differently .This is just my opinion and don't want to upset anyone who is a dyed in the wool 964 owner .

Tracked down a beautiful guards red 964 carrera 2 manual from 911 Virgin with just over 30k miles and impeccable history. Very happy

Having driven the above cars (987,981 etc) as well, Kitchens is right in his descriptions. But it is very positive in my book (as you also imply...) - I really enjoy the analogue nature of the 964 C2 and it's exactly what I have been missing.

The best way I can describe it is if you could drive an old Swiss watch, that's what it would be like!

I'm blown away by the build quality, communication to the driver/steering etc. It feels incredibly solid, and beautifully simple in a world of gadgets and technology. I must be 37 going on 70. []

I only wish I could be out in it today, but the weather is too bad + the salt factor! Something to look forward to....

 

[ian harvey]

That sounds lovely. Better weather is on it's way by mid-week. Take time to get familiar with it, use it regularly to stay in tune with it and they are great cars. Decent tyres, nothing too modern or extreme, and a suspension set-up if necessary should ensure a very enjoyable drive. Good luck.

 

[colin129]

Congratulations on your new car.

I have to admit it took me a while to 'get' my car coming out of a 944S2, but once I 'got' it, I love it now.

Top entertainment tip: Full throttle in 3rd down a motorway slip road, hold on for the ride!

 

[TB303]

Thanks guys. I've been out in it again, but will hopefully have a proper go at the weekend.

Regarding the tyres, what are you running?

Since the car is original I'm going to stick with the stock D90 wheels for now - I appreciate you could go with a bigger wheel, but the spirit of this mint example is original so for now I'll leave it and see how I get on.

One interesting thing to me about the car is that it is more different from my 981 Spyder than my 360 spyder is to my 981 spyder.

 

[jamescharnley]

I know you want to keep it stock, but they can drive horrible on stock suspension. I ran mine for a few weeks all stock .. almost sold it due to the handling .. decided to bite the bullet and fitted pss-10's + a decent set up & the car is transformed and now the last car I'd sell. ( my driving is fast , on bumpy , twisty yorkshire dales b-roads and un classified roads )