I'm looking at a 87 Targa widebody with only 55K for $19K or a few 95-97 993's between 23-30K. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

Totally different cars. Didn't know they ever made a Targa widebody.

Go & drive both, pick what you like more. IMHO, the 993 is a better car, but only if that is what you want.

 

here's the targa widebody:

http://www.jamaauto.com/VD.html?VID=...e083af8cef12bd

they sold it unfortunately for me, or not. gonna get the 993.

 

That's a nice looking Targa, but it's not a widebody, just the normal 3.2 body.

This is a widedbody, see the difference?

 

Don't sweat it, you won't be disappointed in the 993.

 

993 is the last iteration of the great air-cooled era with all the modern amenities..totally different feel with the 3.2's with torsion bars and no ABS, no power steering etc . Want an even more visceral and raw, old school feel go for the 3.2's with the 915 trannies (heavy clutch feel with a two part gear shift/long throw... 84 through 87 model years) over the more sought after G-50 gearbox 87 through 89's(since it is more modern day style and easy to shift gear box). I just love the 915's but this gearbox is not for everyone. I would recommend drive both the 993 and 3.2's (noth the 915's and G-50's) see which one you would want, figure spending atleast 10 to 12K more for 993, more running costs for 993 (a well cared for 3.2's especially with the 915's are inexpensive to maintain) and see what fits your driving style/needs and budget. The problem is getting a 3.2 with a pristine 915 gearbox as most who do not know how to use this type of gearboz just destroy the syncromeshes. Good luck.

 

Thanks for your comments. I drove a 95 993 about a month ago and really loved the car. I then began looking at older models and looking at the option of paying cash for an older 911 and not having any payments. How much more is the 993 worth over the older 911's? Like you said, we're talking a difference of 10-15K, maybe more. I drove an 83 a week ago and loved the raw go cart feeling of the car. Initially the clutch didn't bother me but after 40 minutes with some stop and go traffic my leg was worn out. I had a real hard time releasing the clutch slowly. I imagine i would get used to it over a period of time? It did however make me want to try out an 87-89 with the G-50 before making a decision. But the question remains, is a 993 worth 10-15K more? I work from home, live in LA, and run to a bunch of auditions now and then. Nothing like a daily commute tho.

 

I would definitely encourage you to drive a 3.2 with a G-50 before you decide on a 993. Which is a better car: of course the 993 which retains all the feel of the classic 911 but is very much more modern and cohesive. but if you think that your 911 should possess all the characteristics that established the legend, then buy a 3.2 (classic look and feel all the way..Fuch's wheels, flared wheelarches, whaletail arches, quirky ergonomics). The 3.2's are brutally reliable, charming, fast, easy to service and demanding but rewarding to drive. You can get a pristine G-50 3.2 for under 23 to 25K. If this is your only 911 then it is really hard to go against a 993 and it is worth the premium but mind you running costs are much higher compared to a 3.2. As much as I cannot live without a 3.2 in my garage that too without a 915 tranny, I am going to say go for a 993. Search the PCA (hope you are a member), pelican parts, rennlist for private sale rather than going through a used car dealer. Members baby their car and are always more than willing to let you PPI the car which is a must. I recently looked at a immaculate 993 guards red cabriolet (great price..still available), let me know if you are interested, I have the seller's contact and pics of the car still on my gmail.

 

BTW, if you drove an '83, it is not a 3.2, it is a SC.

 

oh right. i just drove an 88 and loved it. i'm finding that a really pristine 3.2 with the G50 is only $5-10K less than a higher mileage but well maintained 993. oh decisions decisions decisions.

 

Again two very different cars. It depends on what you want. For me the torsion bars, lack of power steering, Fuch's wheels...The 3.2 was the last 911 to boast of the classic appeal that could be traced back to 1963. That's the reason I have a 3.2 in my garage. The 3.2's especially the ones with the 915 are brutally reliable and serviceable. The cars with the G-50 gearbox (87through 89) are very much in demand because of how easy the shifting is. That does not make the 915's any less nicer of a car and you can get one for atleast 3 to 4 K cheaper. The '88 you saw has a G-50 which is easily the more sought after one and does carry a premium price. I have a pristine Carrera 3.2 with a 915 gearbox (which I again say is not for everyone). Go drive a 993 and see what fits your needs and budget. If this is your only car then I say go with the 993 (although I have never owned or driven one). PM me if you have any questions and I will be only too willing to help you out.