# Which Porsche 911 should I buy? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 9, 2005, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842 "2005-09-09T16:46:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2005, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/1 "2005-09-09T16:46:08Z")
No, I’m not going to buy a Porsche. Any time soon… But suppose I _were_ going to buy one? Which one should I get? **1969 911** Good points: [ul][li]Classic 911[/li][li]Simple and uncluttered[/li][li]More challenging to drive than later models[/li][li]I have a 1969 Porsche 911 brochure in my collection.[/ul][/li]Bad points: [ul][li]Poor fuel economy[/li][li]More challenging to drive than later models[/ul][/li] **911SC** I used to have one of these. It was the most-fun car I’ve ever owned. Good points: [ul][li]Classic 911 shape with sexy fender flairs.[/li][li]3.0 litre engine[/li][li]Decent fuel economy[/li][li]Relatively inexpensive[/ul][/li]Bad points: [ul][li]Interior is kind of clunky (I replaced the clunky door panels with RSR panels in mine)[/ul][/li] **911 Carrera 3.2** Basically a 911SC with a bigger engine. **911/993** Good points: [ul][li]Classic 911 shape with better aerodynamics[/ul][/li]Bad points: [ul][li]Price[/ul][/li] **911/996/997** Latest, liquid-cooled version. The only way I’d get one of these is if I won the lottery, and I’d get a new one. Way too expensive. The 2.0 litre 911s definitely have the ‘classic car’ thing going for them. I like the very simple interiors. On the other hand, the 911SC/Carrera was a better car and was more powerful and more efficient. The 993 was the last of the air-cooled 911s. I like the styling, but I think the retractable spoiler is silly. Still, I think the 911/993 is the prettiest. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2005, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/2 "2005-09-09T17:02:16Z")
Yes, please. Actually, if given the choice, I would opt for a 1961-3 356B Cabriolet, but that’s just me… Love them cars. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2005, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/3 "2005-09-09T17:07:40Z")
> [@WordMan](#): > > Actually, if given the choice, I would opt for a 1961-3 356B Cabriolet, but that’s just me… > > Love them cars. Those remind me of dumplings. Still, I wouldn’t mind one in my collection if I won the lottery. (I’d get a 550 Spyder first, though.) But given that I’m not going to win the lottery, if I ever do buy another Porsche, it will be a 911. ---
**Author:** ![JohnBckWLD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d6d6ee/32.png) [@JohnBckWLD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnBckWLD)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2005, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/4 "2005-09-09T17:12:20Z")
How about scrapping the Porsche plans, and getting a Lexus? With their dyna-mat soundproofing; annoying noises neither get in or escape from the driver’s cabin. And please refrain from using the money you save buying a Lexus by getting a factory installed wireless internet connection. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Hal\_Briston](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@Hal\_Briston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hal_Briston)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2005, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/5 "2005-09-09T17:22:45Z")
You forgot something in your “bad points”: Porsches are the single ugliest line of autos ever produced. IMHO. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2005, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/6 "2005-09-09T17:31:04Z")
> [@JohnBckWLD](#): > > How about scrapping the Porsche plans, and getting a Lexus? I like Porsches. Lexuses don’t stir the blood. > [@Hal Briston](#): > > Porsches are the single ugliest line of autos ever produced. You don’t get one, then! 😛 (I think they are one of the prettiest.) ---
**Author:** ![OrangeJumpsuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/45deac/32.png) [@OrangeJumpsuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OrangeJumpsuit)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2005, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/7 "2005-09-09T17:35:48Z")
Make sure you get the extra special Limited Edition model with the license plate frame that reads, “I have a very small penis.” …No, I keeed, I keeeed. I joke-a weeth yoooou. ---
**Author:** ![Hal\_Briston](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@Hal\_Briston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hal_Briston)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2005, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/8 "2005-09-09T17:51:50Z")
> [@OrangeJumpsuit](#): > > Make sure you get the extra special Limited Edition model with the license plate frame that reads, “I have a very small penis.” Don’t those come standard? I keed as well! ---
**Author:** ![Dog80](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2005, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/9 "2005-09-09T18:27:32Z")
My personal favorite is the [1987 Porsche 959](http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=858) Some other cars for enthusiasts: [Lancia Delta Integrale](http://www.supercars.net/cars/2534.html) [Peugeot 306 Race (Rallye)](http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/id/?id=74745) [Fiat Coupe 2.0 Turbo](http://www2.uol.com.br/bestcars/cleitor/154.htm) And of course, the [1995 Renault Clio Williams](http://www.cliowilliamsclub.net/clio/cliowilliams2.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2005, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/10 "2005-09-09T21:12:16Z")
[This is the Porsche you really want 😃](http://www.golf2page.de/images/Berichte/porsche%20914/914.jpg) I’d take one. ---
**Author:** ![spingears](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@spingears](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spingears)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2005, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/11 "2005-09-09T21:47:11Z")
Even better than a Porsche. [\*\* In Bright Flaming Red \*\*](http://boortz.com/more/funny/redneck_pics_limo2.html) ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2005, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/12 "2005-09-09T22:34:10Z")
My vote is for the Porsche 993. Hands down the prettiest of all recent models. I’d go for the C4 version. Don’t think I’d bother with the turbo unless I found just the right low mileage and full service record combo at the right price. I’m not fond of the pop up spoiler either, but I’ll take that over the ugly headlights of the newer models. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2005, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/13 "2005-09-09T22:41:47Z")
My brother-in-law has a 1980 or so 911SC Targa. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2005, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/14 "2005-09-10T04:12:46Z")
> [@Mr. Blue Sky](#): > > [This is the Porsche you really want 😃](http://www.golf2page.de/images/Berichte/porsche%20914/914.jpg) > > I’d take one. The 914 was a nice little car, and underrated by the 911 snobs. I’d take one too, but I’d rather have another 911. ---
**Author:** ![gouda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c77e96/32.png) [@gouda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gouda)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2005, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/15 "2005-09-10T11:31:43Z")
993 is the prettiest for sure. But if it were my money (assuming I had it!), I’d get the 996 Turbo. ---
**Author:** ![slaphead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9bcb4/32.png) [@slaphead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slaphead)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2005, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/16 "2005-09-11T11:57:32Z")
Bah. Man up and get one of the handfuld of street-legal [917](http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame.php?file=pic.php&imagenum=9&carnum=418) conversions that exist. Personally I prefer the look of the closed-cockpit versions, but the 1100 HP Can-Am version would be fun. Maybe you could drop a can-am engine into a Le Mans body? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![chaparralv8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@chaparralv8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chaparralv8)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2005, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/17 "2005-09-11T14:29:38Z")
You missed one. 911/964 (1989-93). Very quick, still air-cooled, great mileage, and very cheap now. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2005, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/18 "2005-09-11T15:12:36Z")
> [@Johnny L.A.](#): > > The 914 was a nice little car, and underrated by the 911 snobs. I’d take one too, but I’d rather have another 911. Hey **Johnny** , what are the 911’s like for maintenace and reliability? Specifically the 993’s. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2005, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/19 "2005-09-11T16:30:53Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Hey **Johnny** , what are the 911’s like for maintenace and reliability? Specifically the 993’s. I can’t speak directly about the 993’s reliability, since I didn’t have one. The 911SC was pretty reliable. The 911-series engines are almost bulletproof. I read in _Excellence_ or _Porsche_ (which was the original name of the former) about a guy who decided to see how long he could go without rebuilding the engine. He finally blew the engine at around 250,000 miles – while competing in a hill-climb race. I took mine in regularly for tune-ups and oil changes. There were three major things that happened though: First, a steering part broke. I got the car used, and I don’t know what the previous owner did to damage it. The mechanic said, ‘These things _never_ break!’ The second thing was that during one of the tune-ups it was found that the timing chains were becoming a little slack. The engine has to come out to replace them. I also got new chain tensioners at the same time. I don’t remember now, but ISTR that there was a change in the tensioner style and I had the older ones. As long as the engine was out it was a good time to put in upgraded units. Finally, the starter went out just before I sold the car. The 911SC was the most fun car I’ve owned. It was a blast to drive. I had Bilstein Sport shocks put on, so the ride was a little rough up to about 70 mph; but it handled _great_ and I tended to drive faster than 70 anyway. Fuel efficiency was decent, considering the type of car and the way it was driven. Over 20 mpg, usually. And I found it to be very reliable. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2005, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842/20 "2005-09-11T18:38:49Z")
Yeah, that’s my worry. The engines are so tightly fitted into that little body that there seems to be a lot of fiddleing and disassebling required to do routine things. Or is that an incorrect impression. BTW… on reflection… add the 964 to my other most favourite 911 body style. 🙂 My uncle has a 40th anniversary 911 which he just purchased. He hardly ever drives the thing. Afraid of it I think. I’m waiting until he wants to get rid of it and make him an offer. It’s going to be a sweet car when he’s done with it. Driven on sunny summer Sundays to the deli by a little old jewish man. ;j [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-porsche-911-should-i-buy/320842.md?page=2)