Thinking crazy thoughts....

[NV Stig]

After doing the restoration on my 69S over the last 2.5 years, I'm wondering if the age of these older Porsche's and the talent to keep them on the road is going to make it a more prohibitive proposition to use as a weekend warrior over time. Or will the tried and true 911 reliability shine through like it always did. The idea of having to rebuild another MFI down the road makes me cringe. I mean how long can Gus and company stay in the game of doing rebuilds and who will fill in the void when they retire?

While on a flight to Arizona, I stumbled across a pristine 993 C2 for sale, the last of the air cooled machines, with a lot of the personality of my old steed.

The pragmatic side of me started thinking of trading up the old school analog for a more modern version of a Porsche. A lot of the magazines: Total 911, GT Porsche, etc. claim the 993 to be a classic machine in the making. There are quite a few articles weighing the pros and cons of it to the older 964 and newer 996. A water cooled Porsche isn't an option with me as they are very spoty Audi's in my book

I'm not sure if anyone here ever get doubts or consider a change in their toy car. Maybe some of you have a whole paddock of classic machines and never even consider it. 23 years of history with this old 911 is a long time to consider such a decision. My inner kid thinks I'm nuts and that Gunther is a family member at this point. Then again, a modern car with the same 911 personality and an additional 100HP makes a great argument to update. A little extra cash never hurts either

Any and all opinions on the subject are appreciated on this one. Thanks as always guys.

[steve1rob2]

I do understand your situation.

But to me, they are totally different experiences and it may be unfair to try to compare them. The early 911s are a pure, raw driving experience devoid of most creature comforts that weighs much more about your heart than your head. You have to love them because no sane person would spend the time and money we do for 40 year old machines unless it was truly special to them. Sounds to me like Gunther is a part of your family.

The 993s, although fabulous performance machines with much more creature comforts may make you smile, but I doubt the grin is as big when you shut it off for the day. I may pause and look back at a 993 but you want to go give an early car a hug before you go to bed each night. Goodnight Gunther, can't wait until tomorrow. And I doubt a 993 would make you cry if something tragic happened. You would just go find another one.

I guess it depends where you are and if you still love the early car experience. My advise would be to not try and compare them just get both. I have a 930 for that need for speed hair on fire excitement. But I would never want to have to face a pick one and only one decision. Some of us have done that with a spouse. One monogamous relationship in life is enough!

[SrfCity]

It's quite natural to be getting the itch after owning that long. Maybe it is time to think of something newer? That's for you to decide. Obviously adding to the stable would be a good solution. For me the newer stuff is fun but not as fun as an early car for weekend drives. The rawness and the nostalgia of it are what make me want to decide to drive the early car instead. Come to think of it you might be kicking yourself if you sold. Not much help here but all I know is I gravitate to the early car more frequently.

[MountainRoads]

I understand your concerns and echo many sentiments of others on this thread. I think most of us agree that driving these cars harkens back to an earlier, more "pure" driving expererience that newer cars just can't seem to give us. Ownership has become a love affair. Sometimes I go out to the garage just to look at the darned thing. A couple of thoughts:
1) I seriously doubt you will ever need to worry about the MFI, given the number of miles you are probably clocking on this vehicle. I just spent time and $$$ to reinstall the MFI on my '71E, after ripping it out 20 years ago when it started to go south. I debated parting with the Webers I had installed long ago, because "What if I ever need them again?". Then I realized how unlikely that would be at the 700 miles / year rate I am driving the thing.
2) I'll probably get flamed for this, but what about a slightly newer vehicle as a weekend warrior, say 1974 - 1977?? I know these cars get a bad rap, but the reality is most of them are either dead, or the big problems (case studs, etc.) were fixed a long time ago. Much of the character of the pre-74s, but with more modern fuel delivery and better rust proofing. Plus, you aren't afraid that adding miles will bring the value down.

- MR

[Mr9146]

Don't worry, boys, I'll be here for a loooooooong time.

[Eminence Gris]

<flame suit on>
One of the attractions of an early 911 is that it can be a daily driver. But a "2.4" (2.34) liter engine isn't all that much fun when you have to stop on a steep hill in dense traffic.

My solution was to drop a 3.2 in my '72, keeping the Motronic. That combination put a smile on my face every time I drove it. The Motronic is a relatively simple upgrade for added HP and torque. Other than a 2" hole to pass the engine harness, it's also reversible. <flame suit off>

[X-Faktory]

Wierd,
I have been having these impure thoughts, as well. I've just spent the last 2+ years on the resto of my 71E......and now that it's complete and I'm driving it regularly....and loving the early car vibe....I find myself being drawn to the 993. For me it's a bit of the Next Big Thing syndrome....the path vs the destination....or an attention span issue. Project is done...on with the new project? And while I'm making a new hot rod, I'll be using a 964 or 993 as a daily driver. Can't I have both.....?

Regards,

Al

[jaudette3]

I'm finding myself using a "newer" Porsche as my daily driver. But it's not a 993 (I've owned some nice ones and like them a lot), I have settled on the last real 911 - the 964.

I'm continually amazed at how much I like 964's. Modern creature comforts with a good portion of the driving experience of the earlier cars. My sentiments are shared by many here - check out this thread if you haven't seen it.

Buy one - they're still cheap but increasing rapidly. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Cheers,
JohnA

[joegt3cup]

If it were me I'd keep the 69S and add a 87-89 3.2 Carrera which I''d prefer over a 964 or 993 of which I've owned both.

[Longballa]

I tried to go that route a few years back and got all the way up to an RS America but nothing will replace an early 911. When I see an early 911 driving down the road it's like nothing else. It gets my heart pumping. Keep your early S and just buy a later Porsche and you'll be so happy when you get sick of the later Porsche that you still have your S. I can't imagine you'll every get sick of the early S but sometimes you don't know what you have until it's gone or you have something else to compare it to.