A little over 10 years ago, I was searching for my first 911. I had always looked forward to the time I could at to splash out a little and buy my dream car. I researched quite a number of models and I remember narrowing the search to the 964, 993 and 996. All of which could competently tick the box of a daily driver and handle the occasional track day.
At the time, I recall the 996 and 993 prices were on par and the 964 prices were hovering at only 50-60% of its modern siblings. I weighed up the options and eventually settled on a low km near new series 2 996. Whilst I have loved the 996 (and still continue to) for all these years, I have watched it depreciate, at the same time the 964 climbed in popularity and price, until now when the top end cars are as expensive (or more) than the equivalent 993!
As major design changes go, the 964 was a big leap forward for the 911. Introduced in 1989, the 964 was significantly more high tech than the 3.2 Carrera before it and featured significant changes and options that were never offered previously. Externally, the 964 looked almost the same as earlier models above the bumper line and internally the interior looked similar save a few additional knobs on dash and centre consol. The biggest changes were the suspension, transmission options and engine.
With the introduction of 4WD, both the front and rear suspension were redesigned. Out went torsion bars in favour of coil springs over the struts. This significantly improved the neutral handling of the car. Braking and handling under braking was also improved with the introduction of ABS. The 964 was also the first 911 to feature tiptronic automatic transmission on the two wheel drive variants. The manual G50 box was also uprated to comfortably handle the increased power from the new engine.
The 964’s engine capacity was increased to 3.6, producing 250 bhp (approx. 19 bhp over the previous 3.2). It was a development of the previous unit but the heads were redesigned with two spark plugs per head requiring a new dual distributor ignition. More reliable power and improved torque range.
For quite a long time, the 964 was not in favour amongst the enthusiast due to the electronic aids and many were quick to criticize the issues of dual mass flywheel failure and engine oil leaks. By now, just about every 964 has had the dual mass flywheel replaced and many have had their engines resealed to stop the leaks.
Personally, I think the 964 is an absolute hoot to drive. It is such a great blend of old school driver’s car with reasonably modern handling and braking. I’m not sure why the 964 was not the loved 911 it is now. There is nothing more fun than taking one for a quick blast through the Dandenong’s around the tight twisty roads. Lower the windows, give it some throttle and the enjoy the flat 6 rasp!
By Tim Rout
