Having owned 86 & 95 , I agree with your conclusions. Still have the 3.2.

3.2, hands down.

964 should also be in the mix. Really enjoy your videos, best about Porsche on KZfaq!.

Minor comment from a fellow ‘95 owner - the SAI does not require the engine to be dropped to fix. The line can be cleaned in place, though it is not a simple procedure. That said, as you note it doesn’t matter in the ‘95 as they are OBD I.

The 1986, such a beautiful car. It’s what comes to mind when I think of a 911. Thank you for the great video!

Most people will think I'm crazy but as the owner of a 85 3.2 and a 90 964 I can tell you without a doubt the 3.2 gets way more compliments and attention. To me it's also more fun to drive and rip around in. I have the cat delete with SW chip and M&K exaust.My 964 is stock and so much more refined and smooth in comparison. Not quiet as fun. Also the 915 trans weighs around 100lbs less then the g50 which can be felt.

Also - I felt this was your best video yet (probably because I am weighing this exact decision) but the POV camera angle and engine sound is bad ass in this.

The colour of the 3,2 is gorgeous!

Your description of driving a 915 3.2 is very good and accurate. I am 66, lifelong manual shifting driver. We take our 86 Carrera on road trips and are very comfortable in it. Joy to drive. Nice job on the video!

Welp gonna have to buy a 3.2 Carrera now damn you will! Your videos give me a lot of fuel for this passion. The fact that you share your honest opinion and a different perspective helps me have an open mind with my search for the next car!

I bought an 86 with a turbo whale tail that had been left in a field for almost 10 years like two years ago, rebuilt the engine and bought a new ecm and other electronics and started it up, it's going to be a slow build but it's been rewarding so far.....nice comparison, always loved the 993, still a car I must have at some point

Well done. I do think the 964 bridges the gap between vintage and modern, so might be an option for those who like the classic feel without the deprivation. Also interesting that as we get older the comfort begins to matter - I have to agree!

Great video, Will. Nice to see air cooled content again! Thanks!

Great video. I’m starting my air cooled purchase journey and have enjoyed all your content!

As always Will, great video and advice!

Always informative!! Well done Will. Having never own or driven either it’s nice having the inside scoop on both models. See you soon.

Great video. Your production talents keep improving. Well done.

Great video! The interior of the 993 with the contrasting black and tan is stunning!!!

Another fantastic entraining and instructional video. Love both cars! Currently only able to afford and enjoy my 987.2 09 Cayman. Hopefully in the near future I can get into one of those. Great content, long time subscriber.

Great review. I’ve got an 85 3.2, agree with everything you said. Car gets so much love.

I'll add my experience as a 25+ year German car mechanic with a lot of air cooled time. If you must have AC and want the GBody, '86+ is a must. The dash vents are much larger and deliver more air volume to the cabin. Gbodys cannot recirculate effectively because the roof has flow-through ventilation. A large volume of outside air is constantly passing through the car, hurting AC efficiency.

Great video, Will! Thank you for not playing loud music in the background during the test drive. 😀

Thanks Will! I guess I am one of those who requested this post. I totally relate to what you have to say about the 3.2 since I own an ‘86 Cabriolet. It’s my weekend runabout. It makes even the most mundane errands much more enjoyable. I even take it grocery shopping 😉 Cheers!

Beautiful cars. Great video!

Great Video Will!

Beautiful cars, Will. Your living the dream, Baby. Live it up!

Great video as always Will, thanks. I completely agree - having owned a G body and now a 95’ 993, you have accurately captured the main differences and ultimately it’s down to what you want from a car.

Hard to decide which one is better! I simply love both of these cars, I can see myself owning and enjoying both of them... Nice informative video, thank you...

That is a great video Will, I like the message at the end. You have to experience it to understand it, do not take any shortcuts.

Another great video Will! That being said, you are the last guy who should give advice on WHICH Porsche to buy! Like many of us with this affliction, you buy, sell, and change your mind about P-cars all the time! C’mon let’s be honest. We want them all! You can’t choose / own just one!😊

Hey Will, as always good thought provoking and entertaining. I missed on a low mileage ‘86 at the Mecum auction at Kissimmee ‘24. The reason was I was bidding on a ‘92 964 on BaT. I bought the 964 and have absolutely no regrets. It’s my go to car out of … well … a few other Porsches in the herd. Then, a few weeks afterwardI found that a friend wanted to sell his ‘96 993. It’s a C4 wide body with sport seats. I bought it, disabled the immobilizer, added a chip and love it.

Love the 3.2 and was my first exposure to the brand The 993 is the bridge to the modern 911

I used to be a 3.2 fan as the only 911 I have driven but your grey 993 and now your white example has me appreciating this series much more than ever before and where I’d land as I’d want to drive it daily 🎯🤩

Will- more great content! I just got into air cooled ownership last year (your channel really helped me out) and this was exactly the decision I went through. You are so lucky to own both (plus others). Your advice at the end was spot on. Ultimately after over a year and a half of learning about these cars, I went with a 3.2 because that was the car I loved in high school and had a special place in my heart and I really liked the front profile a bit more. I guess that is what draws us to cars anyway, not necessarily completely rational thinking. I did make sure I identified good air cooled mechanics near me first. I agree that the 3.2 isn’t a good daily driver. That turnaround in your 3.2 remind me of the arm workout these cars give you at slow speed sharp turns! I also went with a Prototipo steering wheel but went with the 370 mm since it was closer to the stock wheel and I could see the gauges better. If yours is a 350 mm, I bet you can just concentrate on leg days all the time 😂. I’m a little further south than you so my first summer driving with pretty much useless A/C is gonna be interesting. Thanks again for creating such great content and Facebook group!

Between you and Jeff Richardson, the best two Porsche channels on KZfaq. Practical, no bull, straight answers. Thanks, Will.

Great video....thanks!

Hey Will, great video! What size are your wheels and is that euro height? For the 3.2 that is.

Nice. I've a 1996 993 C2 iris blue metallic, 66,000 miles, 6-speed manny tranny, varioram, LSD. No CEL, no oil leaks. Multi-show full-concours winner. I do my own maintenance. I'm never selling it. Oh, and yes, I had the suspension done: Bilstein HD & beefier sway bars, lowered to ROW. Zero bump steering. Rides on rails.

Thanks for the video. I owned an 87 Cab and loved everything about it other than the weak performance of the AC system, Is the AC in the 993 any better in your opinion?

Thanks for the vid Will, I have an 85, what brand did you go for with the fuchs replicas?

I really appreciate this video, as I'm in the middle of deciding between the 2 generations. I like the way the 3.2 looks more, but I think I would like the driving experience (and added safety) of the 993. I've only gone for a drive in an SC to date (which is very similar to the 3.2), but not a lot of 993s in my area. If I could afford your 3.2 I'd be down there this weekend though, that color combo is perfect. Thanks for the video!

Great video Will. Hit home with me as these are the two I have had most recently (95 993 now). I flat out couldn’t drive the older car as far as I wanted too and honestly wasn’t as “usable”. The other thing is the 993 is mechanically and price wise I think the best air cooled choice (I have a cab 6 speed, such a value). Not sure I agree on the reliability part with the 3.2 in comparison but hey we all have stories. Again great video as always

Always enjoy your videos Will and how well done they are, and I think the 16's on your '86 are much more compatable with the suspension and handling of that car than the 17's on your old one. It was all very informative for a prospective buyer but I would differ on one point, the 915. The first 911 I ever drove was an '86 3.2 with only 10,000 miles on it, and I was mildly horrified. I had always had sports cars that shifted great, Datsun 2000 and Alfa Spiders, and my first impression of that 911 was that it had more in common with a John Deere product than a sports car. It did have a factory installed short shift kit that I believe accentuated its drawbacks and I don't know how much the cable operated clutch contributed to my impression but months later when I got to drive my friends '88 with the G50 it was transformative to my impression of 911's. I later had my '87 Targa at a DE at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego many years ago when I went for a ride with an Instructor in his early 3.2 Carrera w/915 that had the engine freshly broken in from a rebuild, it was his first outing with his new engine. The Instructor missed a downshift and, only momentarity, mechanically over-revved the engine. It seemed OK from the passenger seat but he was able to sense a difference. We slowed and completed the lap and pulled off early, came to a stop, and the engine quit and would not re-start - $$$$$$! Suffice to say my first impression of the 915 was cemented forever. But you're right, don't ever buy any of these cars without driving them.

993 interior in a G-body would be the pinnacle of Porsche design.

Such great content Will. You’re not helping me to stop jonesing for an air cooled…. :). Thanks for the vid. Good stuff.

G body = old school “OG”911 (my poster car as a kid) 993 = entry into the aircooled club but much more modern driving dynamics, much better performance and air conditioning that works 😊 Both awesome, best to have both so you don’t need to decide.

Question, your G body, I like the 16”s on it. Looks like 9s in the rear and 8s in the front? What size tires? Did you roll the fenders? How much did you drop it?

Thanks Will.. as someone who has asked this question many times, I appreciate your perspective! It’s not an easy question to answer but the good news is there’s really no bad 911 generation out there.. it’s all just preference. Interesting that you find your 3.2 smells. I have a cat delete on mine as well and don’t notice that it smells excessively.. certainly not enough to make ME smell!

Nice review! How do you register car in Montana? Can you share your process? Thanks!

@will What did you choose for a career?

Will: Do you see either model having an edge on future value / collectability? I wouldn't tend to see a huge variance, but curious on your thoughts.

I never looked at anything but a g body as that was the era a grew up in. Got a 1983 SC last year and it has been fun. It is an extra car (ie not daily) so pulled the non effective AC and have had fun refreshing what I can. At local PCA events, I get the GT3 owners coming over to check it out with envy. Even better is that I get comments of how much fun I am having driving this thing. Will does not have experience with the SCs, but they are great cars too.

I'm always struck by the difference in feel between these two models. Mine are just six years apart (89 v 95) and the 993 feels much more related to a 997 than a 3.2. Both reward regular use and I always have my hand in my pocket at every warrant inspection, but like you say, you have to think about what you want. My 2 cents is that the 3.2 offers a 'classic' car experience versus the 993, which effectively sneaks some old technology into an otherwise modern (ish) car. The difference in reactions is interesting too. In my 993 I'm just a fat middle aged bloke in a Porsche. In the 3.2 I'm that guy with the classic car. I get waved in and waved at way more in the 3.2. But if I had to drive to work everyday or do highway miles the 993 would win every day. Peace.

The sound of the doors closing…🥰

Great video. I have an '88 3.2, which I bought sight unseen ten years ago (for 18K!). One factor that you didn't emphasize was reliability. This is the most durable, reliable car I've ever owned. It's like a Toyota. And unlike the 993 you can do basically everything yourself, if you're so inclined. Consequently my cost of ownership has been practically nothing. Second, I find it extremely comfortable. Great seats. I can drive 800 miles in one sitting, no problem. I think it's very easy to drive. One disadvantage: no AC; even if you find one with the original AC, it's doesn't work that great. By contrast, the 993 will have a fully modern AC system, which is a big deal for summer driving. BTW, even though I've never driven a 993, I think they look great.

What brand of replica Fuchs are on the 3.2? They look great!

Both are gorgeous and I’d love either….but for me, the 993 wins hands down. Best Porsche model ever!

Hi, great video. I have had an 86(85 manufactured) 3.2 with the 915 gearbox for 2.5 years. I have no idea how to rev match but never found it a problem. I've found it perfectly drivable around town, on motorways and the twisty roads. So don't worry about not being an expert driver to drive one. Although it is harder than a modern car with power steering,auto handbrakes etc.

Nice video. For me, I would take the older 911. It should hold its value. Plus it is just so sharp looking.

I’ve owned several 911s (25th, 87 and RSA) and other than an early 1966 912, I’ve never had my wife complain about exhaust smell. You might have an exhaust leak or it’s the aftermarket exhaust. I don’t understand why you choose the 915 over G50. It’s a far easier car to drive unless someone added a short shift kit and screwed it up. Plus the 915 will need to be rebuilt three times more often than a G50. All 964 and 993 Ive seen normally need a ton of work because nobody wants to foot the bill on them. I’ve seen the earlier Porsche taken better care off. I could go on but a 3.2 is definitely more reliable and comfort level the 993 will be the best over all car. Just my 2 cents. Enjoyed the video. :)

993 with VarioRam SAI warning does not always require dropping the engine to clear the warning light. Some shops suggest a valve job. I cleaned the ports myself using info from Rennlist forum about 1 year ago. My 97 993 is a daily driver, 60K in 3 years. One important thing is a PREPURCHASE inspection by an air-cooled Porsche repair shop is a MUST. Or it will be a money pit. Good Luck.

Hip? Underground? I had a good laugh. Yes, you do have trouble describing the experience. THe bottom line is it's nice to have choices! Your bottom line is spot-on!!

I’m hoping to pick up an 85’ soon for the 40th b day. As it’s my birth year. I’ve driven both and for my use and budget I would be thrilled to own the 3.2.

So getting more hp with varioram is not good? I have 96 C4S. Think you’re mistaken.

Gotta go 1987-1989 Carrera. The best of the best air cooled Porsche. These are the "tanks" in terms of high dependability and low maintenance. To me the 993 is the most problematic air-cooled Porsche for a variety of reasons.

993 all day long, is my take. First, its beautiful and why not drive a beautiful car? Second, it's going to appreciate more over the long run.

I am sure you covered before but why do you prefer the 915 vs g50 transmission? I are 100% right to drive first and thing make a judgement but I personally don't care for the 915 shift pattern or more "sloppy" fell of the shifter. I like that the g50 slides right to the middle at rest and to me the shifts are crisper.

Couldn’t make a choice between the two generations because they just simply so cool. I would keep a 930 and a 993 turbo. Have you ever considered to going for a 993 targa because they are quite rare and they are looking good too.

Will, out of curiosity, what's your setup for the POV driving setup?

Very good

I think the 993 is the best looking 911 ever.

OK but let's talk about your Land Cruiser and Watches in another video. LOL. JK, great video.

Hey Will, I still have the 95 in polar silver, but I'm getting a complex about the stock suspension, I think you said it looks goofy or cartoonish...

I see you have a Continental Radio and Rennline cellphone holder. They are "reqired" . I have a 97 993 C2 Tip with them. Mine is a daily driver. I put 60K miles since Mar 2020. It never gets boring. Traffic jam = auto mode, clear open roads = manual tipping(?). Regulator maintenance can be expensive but I keep it under control by doing it myself. Spend $500 on a PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION and you can avoid several thousands bill.

In my experience, the g body cars are more fun to drive and definitely a lot more work (which I think is part of the fun). 993 is definitely more comfortable, but can feel a little soft (to me). A 964 is a happy middle ground for me, but when I really want to drive, the g body still gets the nod, even over my 964 rs.

after a long day of driving my 88 I’m always shocked there are people who can daily drive these 3.2’s. I’m ready to get into a comfy suv lol

For me the sweet spot in G body 911's is the 3.0 SC from 78-81. there lighter and more happy to rev as apposed to the 3.2, not taking away from the 3.2 carrera. A well sorted G body Porsche will give you a great experience irrespective of year model and motor, you can flog them and go back the next day and they will love you for it. The great thing is if the pockets are deep there so tunable and modifiable, little tweaks will transform them. Regarding the 915 transmission and G50, its subjective. Last year I did a full rebuilt of my 915 transmission with custom gearsets from 2nd-5th(closer ratios) as replacing the crown and pinion from an 831 to a 731 would have been extremely costly, coupled with a jwest(renshifter) with a stompski precision shift coupler( jwest way better than the wevo) new single mass sachs clutch and a 6 bolt scalloped single mass fly wheel and you have a zingy motor and one of the most rewarding shifts ever. The 915 demands attention and thought when shifting agreed but man o man that rennshifter is one piece of kit, no slop with those springs installed and adjustable throw and stiffness, you would have to be incompetent and reckless to fluff it up. The 993 is an amazing car, base line in people looking for one is a coupe with 6 speed manual, rear wheel drive preferably, 4s prettier due to the turbo look minus the rear wing of course, preferably in manual also, prices of these combos have skyrocketed in Australia. Before I sign off the cool factor if that's what floats your boat is way higher in a G body Porsche than a newer one. I had a guy waving from the opposite side with a GT3rs Manthey. My Ride is an Australian delivered Carrera 3.0 1976 well sorted out and extremely rewarding, but its been a long road to get there, as Will and everyone out there will attest too.

I own a 1987 G50 911 and I’ve noticed that the older generation of people do not pay much attention to the car but every little kid, teenager and young adult that sees the car with its whale tale drop their jaws and their eyes get big with lust😂 I just think the younger kids have grown up with soulless cars and when they see an 80’s 911 it invokes a natural reaction to beauty.

I love the gray one, but I do not like what you said about smelling like fuel after driving it, that could mean you are breathing fumes , and if that is the case that is not good. You would think Porsche would have insulated the cabin of their cars better. After seeing this video I love the White one too.lol. The second you took off with it I said , a wolf in Sheeps clothing. I also love the way that one sounds too. The color combination on the Gray one is beautiful. The Burgundy interior looks fantastic with the gray exterior. Jeff

Those lightweight oldies deliver such connection to driver but also know they crush like aluminum cans in accidents

What is your current garage line up?

Thats too hard of a decision for me !!!!! I would just get both like you !!!!

But what about the Sub? Vintage or modern?? 😏

Prior to buying my SC, I would have said the 993. Today, neither. I am more enamored by the 1978 - 1983 SC.

This is an interesting but confounding comparison. I don't disagree the 993 is more livable as a daily, but the analysis as to why is flawed. In the video a complaint is made about the 3.2 stinking of gas, yet it’s modded to a non-factory state by removing the cat and chipping it. Is the 993 de-catted and chipped? If so, I bet it would stink of gas too. Even the late Euro 3.2's came with cats in most places. Also, a complaint is made about the lack of power steering, but a smaller (non-factory) steering wheel has been installed that increases effort, yet the 993 retains the factory wheel. We also are not sure about the width of the upgrade 16" wheels; it's common to do 16x8 in the rear and 16x7 in the front whereas a stock car was 16x7 and 16x6, additional width makes the steering stiffer. As such, the differences between non-power steering and power steering are magnified. Finally, the g50 is shunned in the 3.2, but receives kudos (same more or less g50) in the 993. The lack of centering is noted as a cool thing in the 3.2, but then when we get to the 993 the centering is given kudos - so which is actually preferable? I'm honestly a bit confused about this comparison overall. I'd really genuinely like to hear about how the chassis and cars differ (torsion bar vs more modern - real differences, same with AC which if as stated we are choosing the 993 for comfort matters). Ultimately there is too much variability from stock for this video or car to car comparison to be fair, or useful. I'd be curious to see what a stock g50 3.2 with stock cat and stock parts, and a similarly stock 993. A modded car will change (sometimes dramatically) how a car is, its certainly not how Porsche designed the car. There are plenty of real differences between the 3.2 and the 993 to talk about.

Will you still be dropping the video with your anonymous dealer friend who talks about how to buy a Porsche?

I know that road, I drive Plainfield all the time

Each generation is so cool in its own ways. Even including the 996 and newer. What they’ve lost in hand built provenance, they’ve made up for in pure Motorsport derived engineering. There truly is a 911 for every owner. I’m a 997 fan, but love them all

I've had both ('86 Carrera and a '96 C4S) and I had a lot more fun in the 3.2...

The 993 sounds great!

Plesse upgrade your camera to 4k! 😅

Most people are buying these cars as Sunday drivers. Given that M-F you're likely in something comfortable and easy to drive, why choose a 993? Give me the challenging and more engaging driving experience on the weekend - that's why I'm buying a second (or third/fourth) car in the first place. - '87 3.2 Owner here

993 can be better, stiffer, faster and more confortable and efficient than the 3.2…. I’ll always love more the 3.2 for the magic genuine touch …and more analogue… and more the time goes and less the hp seemed important to me… But I’ll be honest… this combo is great… they are 2 absolute different cars… and sexy both..

Drive them both, buy the one you like. Simple

The varioram version is a really nice extra. I do not agree with you.

To me the 3.2 Carrera is the epitome of a Porsche 911. Unfortunately I wasn’t in a position to buy a 911 until they were out of my price range. IMHO my base early build (2/98) 996 C2 is the closest thing to an air cooled 911.

I would never. under any circumstance, buy a particular model (or particular example) without driving it. Talking and web-surfing doesn't cut it. In my two-bit opinion the 3.2s are far more engaging than the 993s. That said the 993s are certainly the "better" cars from a modernity standpoint. I also have an '86 in Iris Blue. Much prefer the very mechanical 915 over the G50. Again - all IMHO.

If only there was a generation between the 911 and 993. Maybe they could call it a 964 or something…!

964 or older is the way to go. 993 sacrifices too much in the looks department for me.

I had an 85 and an 89 3.2. the G50 Trans in the 89 was amazing. you can have the cool factor of the 3.2 with a more modern Trans. the 993 feels so amazing to drive. I can't believe I sold my 89 for 25k... back on 2003.