912 vs. 944 Turbo vs. 930? Your input sought?, Contemplating another option-away from -6; your thoughts? Options

[R8CERX]

May I suggest another model to check out?....it is based on my experience with different models and what I enjoyed most...for what it's worth. I had a 66 912, fun car, anemic, easy to work on, wouldn't get another after driving 911's. Had a 944, good balance, wasn't wowed though. Currently have a 911 wide body...love it. Have an aqaintance that has both an early and late 930...early is a beast and the late is more refined. Wife likes riding in the 911 over my 914-6 conversion. Now my suggestion...I had a 928s that I used for 6 years as a daily driver except for the 3 winter months. I put 70k miles on this car ant it was the most dependable porsche I've ever owned. Only expensive maintenance item I had to do was the timing belt replacement...which you'll need to do on the 944 also. The 928 was fast, handled like a dream, was a great cruiser, and I got stopped everywhere with folks wanting to talk about it. They are at good price points also! If you liked the 944....you may just love a 928. Out of the three on your list...930 would be my choice.

Agree--just hard to find the stick version! most are automatic??

I am more partial for air cool, but the 944 was a performance/look interest--

Thank you for your feedback! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[carr914]

968

[phillstek]

I've owned an '89 944 Turbo and an Alfa 2000. The 944 was the best car I've ever owned. The Alfa, not so much.

I put over 120,000 km on the T while I owned it and then sold it to a mate who still drives it. It now has over 200,000 on the clock and still goes like stink. I left it bog stock and always over maintained it. Oil changes every 7500k, cam belts every 40,000k etc. Blew a head gasket for no reason at around 80,000k so while I was there I replaced the belt, water pump, valve guides, springs and fitted an aftermarket wide ring gasket, not cheap. I could only imagine what that would cost these days, back in '94 it was close to $5000.

Replaced a clutch once and the sump gasket too, both major jobs. Despite the expense of ownership you have to spend a lot more to get the same performance out of a 911.

You can drive them off boost and fuel consumption is like any other 4 cylinder, around 30-35mpg and your grandma could drive it. Stomp on it however and the beast is unleashed.

The friend who bought it off me has since chipped it, added a billet waste gate and a couple of other slight mods and it's punching out 300+hp at the wheels.

The Alfa rusted worse than any 914 and bits fell off it left and right including the steering rack bolts dropping out. Fun to drive and very well balanced but not nearly enough engine performance so you have flog the crap out of them. The gear shift is less than precise, clutch slave cylinders are notorious for failure, as are drive shaft donuts and they rust in places other cars don't, like the tops of the doors and roof sills.

Buy a 944 T only (or any Turbo Porsche) if you can find an unmolested one with low miles and full history and can justify the expense of maintenance. If you can, then these are one the best cars ever built.

[R8CERX]

I've owned an '89 944 Turbo and an Alfa 2000. The 944 was the best car I've ever owned. The Alfa, not so much.

I put over 120,000 km on the T while I owned it and then sold it to a mate who still drives it. It now has over 200,000 on the clock and still goes like stink. I left it bog stock and always over maintained it. Oil changes every 7500k, cam belts every 40,000k etc. Blew a head gasket for no reason at around 80,000k so while I was there I replaced the belt, water pump, valve guides, springs and fitted an aftermarket wide ring gasket, not cheap. I could only imagine what that would cost these days, back in '94 it was close to $5000.

Replaced a clutch once and the sump gasket too, both major jobs. Despite the expense of ownership you have to spend a lot more to get the same performance out of a 911.

You can drive them off boost and fuel consumption is like any other 4 cylinder, around 30-35mpg and your grandma could drive it. Stomp on it however and the beast is unleashed.

The friend who bought it off me has since chipped it, added a billet waste gate and a couple of other slight mods and it's punching out 300+hp at the wheels.

The Alfa rusted worse than any 914 and bits fell off it left and right including the steering rack bolts dropping out. Fun to drive and very well balanced but not nearly enough engine performance so you have flog the crap out of them. The gear shift is less than precise, clutch slave cylinders are notorious for failure, as are drive shaft donuts and they rust in places other cars don't, like the tops of the doors and roof sills.

Buy a 944 T only (or any Turbo Porsche) if you can find an unmolested one with low miles and full history and can justify the expense of maintenance. If you can, then these are one the best cars ever built.

Awesome feedback--got it.. i am probably sticking to the porsche gang for now...

[oldschool]

I really like driving my 2.0, But one of my best cars was my BMW 1600, And my 250C Benz....Now I just got my wife a MGB...and its a fun lil car.

[tumamilhem]

May I suggest another model to check out?....it is based on my experience with different models and what I enjoyed most...for what it's worth. I had a 66 912, fun car, anemic, easy to work on, wouldn't get another after driving 911's. Had a 944, good balance, wasn't wowed though. Currently have a 911 wide body...love it. Have an aqaintance that has both an early and late 930...early is a beast and the late is more refined. Wife likes riding in the 911 over my 914-6 conversion. Now my suggestion...I had a 928s that I used for 6 years as a daily driver except for the 3 winter months. I put 70k miles on this car ant it was the most dependable porsche I've ever owned. Only expensive maintenance item I had to do was the timing belt replacement...which you'll need to do on the 944 also. The 928 was fast, handled like a dream, was a great cruiser, and I got stopped everywhere with folks wanting to talk about it. They are at good price points also! If you liked the 944....you may just love a 928. Out of the three on your list...930 would be my choice.

Check it: 3 928s. $15K. Pick one. Or all three. O_O

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/4254723091.html

[tumamilhem]

I feel if you already have a 914, don't bother with the 912. Their value is a bit above the 914 due to it being "all" Porsche (not our beloved "bastard" 914 with an identity crisis). It's same power but 914 handles better and more fun to drive. And if you want to jack it up the 914 is easier and more fun to drive still. Unless you really like the 911 F model body (personally, the F model is my favorite 911 followed by the G model) and prefer the more conservative 4 cylinder engine. I also agree for the money, go for a large 914-6 conversion done WELL (not molested and goofed up like some we see). Unless you want something totally different from another 914 (though power and performance will vary greatly), which I can understand either way.

The 930 I've never driven. But have always wanted to. For me, it would be a money thing. Which I don't have. Which is why I first got into 914s. It was the only Porsche I could afford. BUT, if you are like some people I know where money is just print on paper and cost/maintenance was not a factor, I'd go 930. Release the beast.

Personally, I would love to have an early 911S. Late 60's - early/mid 70's.

PS - vintage Alfas are so cool.

[tumamilhem]

1986 944 - $7500
Looks to be in nice condition. Was going to check it out for myself just because I've never driven a front-engine Porsche.
http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/4244584547.html

Here's another. 1987 944 - $4995
http://staugustine.craigslist.org/ctd/4250929171.html

[Maltese Falcon]

The early '76-'79 930 market is reaching 6 digits now for top quality cars.
Even the grey market turbos are coming up as well.
Get your 914-6 or 914-6 conversion purchase in order, as these cars are next in line for tall prices. Check this 930 value chart out (source Hagerty)
Marty

[Maltese Falcon]

My GTV wont be coming up for sale any time, ever. As an alternative to a 914/912/early 911 sure. If your looking for modern performance the Alfa's not your car.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/lh5.googleusercontent.com-16683-1388782884.1.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/lh4.googleusercontent.com-16683-1388782885.2.jpg)

Miguel, awesome twin plug Alfa...never seen one here. International Auto Parts exhaust header, or Factory race item?
Beautiful hot rod !
Marty

[infraredcalvin]

968

I've always been drawn to them as they are damn sexy (for a front engine (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ).

BTW, OP, the 930 & 912 are pretty noisy cars (wind), you sure the wife is up for the long drives? Mine can go from south OC to Santa Barbara in the 930, but it's exhausting for her, any further I know I'd be pushing my luck...

[tumamilhem]

The early '76-'79 930 market is reaching 6 digits now for top quality cars.
Even the grey market turbos are coming up as well.
Get your 914-6 or 914-6 conversion purchase in order, as these cars are next in line for tall prices. Check this 930 value chart out (source Hagerty)
Marty

Holy shit! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) That's amazing!

I'm sure the 50th Anniversary of the 911 and high exposure vintage modifying guys like Magnus Walker has drawn more attention and desirability to earlier 911s. I always wanted an early model. I guess I can pretty much forget about it now. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

Although... A guy I know just scored a near-mint 1970 911T (same engine in a 914-6), low miles and impeccable shape, no rust and only missing the front chrome bumper. He went to tune it up as a favor to his buddy's neighbor. Turns out it was her husband's, she never drove it or cared to and while he's tuning it up, she tells him she really just wants to get rid of it. Not thinking he'd be able to afford it, he asks out of curiosity how much she wants for it. "How's $9,700?" (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif) Too good to be true? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/chowtime.gif) Nope. Actually saw it again today. It was at my mechanic's shop. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

Excellent condition, low miles, all original (except for racing seats), no rust, immaculate and complete interior, original Irish Green paint, even has an unused tool kit, 1970 911T - $9,700. Okay he actually gave her $10K to be fair. Jealous? You bet your ass. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hissyfit.gif)

[carr914]

I always thought that my 944S2 was much nicer than my Turbo. It was very fast & drove much better than having the Turbo in & out

[euro911]

My dream 912 would have to be an early SWB, Bahama Yellow with a 1720 big-bore kit (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Seabird]

Miguel, awesome twin plug Alfa...never seen one here. International Auto Parts exhaust header, or Factory race item?
Beautiful hot rod !
Marty

Marty, thanks. There are a few floating arond the state's. More than you think. The header is a Alfaholics ss full system from the UK.

If you leave most/all cars from the 60s and 70s out in the rain and weather they will rust. If you don't clean out the weep holes that have been collecting dirt and debris for 30 years moisture is going to be present which is going to exacerbate the rust problems. Every car has its trouble spots, much like the 914 has the Hell hole and the 63-65 Riviera's have their front hood issues. There are just some aspects of every design that were not though out well.

Whatever you decide to buy research it, figure out it's problem points, and do the preventative maintenance. Once that is out of the way you will have no problems with any of these cars, Alfa included. To many people buy the most expensive car they can and then can't do the PM and have a poor experience.

If your heart is in the Porsche, don't buy anything else. You'll spend time and money and it still won't be a Porsche and you won't be happy with it.

Buy the ticket, take the ride.

Miguel

[R8CERX]

The 928 trio--nice, but not my cup of tea--all automatic…. thank you

The 944--nice, but also automatic…

The 911 T--what a deal!!!
RRRRRR……..


All of the above cars are in FLORIDA!! at least $2200 extra to ship….to CALI

Still searching--good input

Miguel--love your alfa, but agree…I am sticking to Porsche--this thread has helped me narrow my search….

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[914junkie]

1989-91 944 S2 or 968 are great alternatives to a 951. This was my 89 944S2, best all around car I've ever owned and next to the 914 my favorite. The big 3.0 is rated at 208hp and 237 with variocam in the 968. With a chip/intake and exhaust a bit more too. They don't have that Turbo punch and aren't as tunable for big hp like a 951 but they aren't slouches and handle just the same especially lowered with some konis and fat rubber. Plus they are super comfy and can haul alot of stuff! I miss my Porsche's (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[carr914]

All of the above cars are in FLORIDA!! at least $2200 extra to ship….to CALI

No Way! I'll drive it from Florida to Woddy's in Texas, then he can take it to your Love Nest! Bet we can get it to you for under a Grand!

[R8CERX]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)



…no

[tumamilhem]

Yes I prefer manual as well. Didn't know if you had a preference. These cars at these prices (esp. The 928 S and S4s) are steals just like the 911T which would sell for 6x-7x that much. Sometimes the adage "If it's too good to be true..." isn't always the case. She just didn't know what she had (or cared to find out because she just wanted to get rid of it). The others seem to be selling out of financial need. Definitely worth more.

I can look around here for you if you decide on which car you want. Agood working order car at a good price would be worth shipping or flying in to drive back. A guy called me last night who's planning on flying here this week to buy my 914 2.2 and drive it back to NM.