I love both these cars and cant make up my mind. 1991 964 3.3 turbo vs. 2003 996TT - both with 45k miles and both in good condition, and both cost around the same. Which would you choose? Any input is welcome.

 

I dont know much about the 964's but I just stepped into an '03 996tt after driving a staged sti for the last 4years (saw that was a past car of yours) and couldn't be happier.

 

Water cooled engine is designed better. Suspension is different. Both are good cars though. After driving a 993tt which I love a lot, 996tt's mod potential is a lot more and reliable, IMO.

 

Honestly, I think you'll be much happier with the 996TT. As awesome as the 964 Turbos are, they're still very rudimentary comparatively. The simplicity of the 964 is cool, but if this is going to be a daily driver or an often driven car then for sure go with the 996TT. The only reason I'd pick the 964 is if I already had the 996 and wanted to add to my collection.

 

+1 good point!

 

My previous car was a 964, although not a turbo, I can tell you that they arent even the same animal at all. The 964 feels old, classic, and raw. It rumbles, shakes, and fluids slosh around audibly. A 18 year old car WILL have issues, no matter how well it was kept. Get ready to lay out some cash off the bat. My 996TT feels new, modern and tight. Sound and feel is so different, I cant even believe they are the same make. The TT feels effortless, much easier to drive fast. The 964 has no PSM, and can be a handful on the track. It really depends on what kind of porsche experience youre looking for. Drive em both. They are worlds apart. Youll know as soon as you shut the door.

 

I have had both and will probably own another 964 turbo some day.
If you are a horsepower junky AND like all the modern conveniances and safety
of AWD and PSM, then the 996TT is for you. If you like the classic lines that will turn
heads wherever you go and the more classic RWD, air-cooled whine of the 3.3 flat six
then the 965 is for you.
One has held its value over the last 10 years, and one is depreciating like a boulder.

Good luck,

 

While I didn't have a 964 I had a 930 with the same 3.3 liter turbocharged engine. I loved that car but.....it had a lot of turbo lag. I was running K27-7200s with a 1 bar spring, SC cams, headers, Koklin Intercooler , etc. Oh, I didn't notice where you live but if you have any intention of driving with the ac on don't expect much. Although they may have fixed that with the 964. Now that I have a 996tt it is a night and day different car compared to the 930. If I were in your shoes I would get the 996tt.

 

I agree with the previous assessments. Someone once said the aircooled turbo was like a P-51 Mustang, the 996 turbo like an F16. Both nice planes in their own ways. If it were me coming from a 996C4 I'd go for the aircooled turbo just for some variety.

 

I had them both until some A$$xxxx came with a flatbed tow truck and stole my heavily modified 965 Turbo.

Here is my take:

1991 965 3.3 Turbo-mine wanted to kill me every time I drove it hard but it was quite a wild ride (sorta like a crazy girlfriend and the Best looking car in the world for me) However I'm older now and would like to live a little longer.

2002 996TT-I'm in progress of building the similar type car but all the software and all wheel drive makes me a rock star-On the street the 996TT is much faster than a 965 and the mechanicals/AC/ergonomics are better.

I would buy a 996TT and I don’t daily drive mine.
Buy a 965 Turbo if you want to adore it in your living room or garage.

I really agree with the P51 to F16 analogy.

 

That pic of your 965 is great! I love the GT2 wing on it and the Turbo twists really look at home on there. Sorry to hear about it being stolen from you, that must be a horrilbe feeling to wake up and see your baby missing.

 

Thanks-It was difficult but now everything lives behind these walls and under video lock and key.

 

This is going to take some serious test driving and contemplating. My question is how unreliable is a 965turbo? The one I am looking at has a Carfax report that shows it has failed emissions testing several times but has passed intermittently as well. Does this mean trouble or is this commong in the older turbos because they burn lots of oil?

 

emissions testing is not a sign of reliability. You are less likely to have to do anything to a newer car. However, unless you are looking for extreme power (in which case the 996tt would be the obvious choice) I think it comes down to preference. You can make a 965 fast enough. But it is older and looks it in the interior. so if you don't mind that, then it really is what you like best.

 

I think I know where you're coming from. Several years ago I wanted a 930 badly. I yearned for one since I was a little kid. IMO it was, maybe still is, the most beautiful car out there. Once I had it for a few years some of it's appeal slowly wore off. I still loved the car but someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse and I sold her. It really comes down to what YOU want. If you feel you need the 964 with the classic lines then get one. I understand, been there done that. Just make sure you get a good ppi including a leak down and compression check if you go with the 964.