Anyone own or get a chance to drive an older Porsche 911 (like a 78-83 SC or an 84-89 Carrera)? How do they compare to an RX-8? Every once in a while I get the urge to fulfil the old grade school fantasy and buy one of them, they are actually relatively cheap, but I'm too puritan to have 2 fast cars (or 2 cars period). Here's the one I would get. 231 hp Euro engine, no frills (no sunroof, cruise), not Guards Red, 2500 pounds, <$20,000. In fact, someone else buy it or else I accidentally will.

http://www.tonygarcia.org/911carrera/index.html

 

Good ol' widow makers. I have a major hard on for old Porsches. I have driven a few and loved them, but they're old. Everything about them feels old but the shape. The interiors, the mechanicals, the dynamics it's all just old. I had great fun in them though. It's definitely not a car I would own for anything but fun.

 

yummmmmy


i'm loving the spare.

 

As far as exterior bodystyling, it doesn't seem like Porsche has changed a whole lot. Are they ever going to get extreme changes or always really subtle?

 

Cars have progressed a lot in 20 years... The old 911s are cool cars but performance wise I bet you'd be disappointed. I also doubt you'd be too happy with what it would cost to keep one running.

 

the pictures are from 05....i smell fish

 

I have owned 1980 911SC for about five years. It has been more reliable than my Legend. I have put about 20,000 miles on it and have had to replace the battery, two power window switches ($20 each time) an oil hose ($32) plugs, wires, dist. cap, and rotor. This year I finally replaced the 25 year old clutch because it still had the original center rubber beast and I knew it would go soon. That's it. If you're looking for speed, get the Carrera. The SC is about as fast as an RX-8, maybe a tick slower. Insurance thru Haggerty is $400 a year as a classic.
Now, the most important thing about buying any old car is don't rush, have a PPI done by a Porsche shop, and test drive one. They are not like other cars. Rear engine handles VERY different from front engine. I love mine. I could have bought just about anything under $40k but chose the 911 because i like the looks of the car and I wanted a Targa, and it's just a blast to drive. Also if you take care of it, it will hold it's value.
If you're serious about a 911 go to the bbs section on pelicanparts.com. Anything you want to know will be answered by a great group of people.
Good luck.