Carrera 3.2 vs 964 vs 993: Which one should you buy?

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Nathan Merz walks us through the pros and cons of the 1984-89 911 Carrera 3.2, 1990-94 964 Carrera 2, and 1995-98 993 Carrera — the last three generations of the air-cooled 911 — and then gives his driving impressions of each. If you are trying to decide which one to buy, you have to watch this video!

We also recommend watching Nathan's full model guides of each of these cars:

Time Stamps:
0:00 - Intro
3:08 - 1984-89 911 Carrera 3.2 overview
6:50 - 1990-94 911 Carrera 2 (Type 964) overview
11:44 - 1995-98 911 Carrera (Type 993) overview
18:04 - Carrera 3.2 drive
29:09 - 964 drive
40:11 - 993 drive

#Porsche #NathanMerz #ModelGuide
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[robertallen]

Tis the season to be thankful. One thing that I'm thankful for for sure is having access to, and the benefit of another of Nathan's videos. When you're constantly being targeted or hounded by people with narrow self-serving agendas, it is so refreshing to have access to really factual information like this that is being offered up to support and preserve the values that these unique cars provide. Thank you Nathan and thank you PCA.

[bluesky]

Carrera 3.2 is my pick. IMHO when you buy a 40 or 50 year old Porsche it’s all about the mechanical connection, the early air-cooled engines and truly enjoying what for that period was a great handling car. I love a powerful Porsche like the next guy, but when I want spirited even cerebral driving that connects with all the senses, it’s an early gen Porsche. Great video, I especially like the driving portion.

[aaronmunro]

3.2 is my choice, by far. Prettiest and most vintage/classic feel. I drive an ‘85 coupe and don’t care it’s not as fast/powerful as a 964 or 993. Driving it is a Zen-like experience. (Nathan’s videos are so, so good.)

[knapmann]

Yes a Nathan video for Christmas! What fantastic gift. He is a legend. I’d love to see him in the uk one day, Boxengasse maybe!

[LeeH-Ranger]

Nathan,
Thank you very much for breaking down the differences. The 993 you drove is EXACTLY like the one I recently purchased - ‘97 / C4S, guards Red - beige interior. I do have a huge grin every time I see and drive it and feel so fortunate to have it in my garage.
Merry Christmas to you and the rest of the PCA team.

[PengFei]

I love all air-cooled 911s! Five months ago, I bought a 964 C2. I love the blend of classic and modern, so I was torn between the 993 and the 964 for a while. In the end, I chose the one that leans slightly more toward the classic side. Nathan's advice during this process was incredibly helpful—thank you!

[jamesfleming]

Just a quick comment to let Nathan (and PCA) know that I really appreciate his comprehensive vidoe's, knowledge and love of all things Porsche.

[timothyedwards]

Love all your videos! Keep up the great work!

[looveruk]

Thanks Nathan, another great video. UK 3.2 owner myself. I can’t add anything else to your analysis to the other cars tested here. For me the 3.2 won my heart for the fan engine noise. But the 915 gearbox is an acquired skill I’ve learned to appreciate but was a bit of a shock at first after a 997

[bentyson]

Another cracking good PCA model guide video with Nathan Merz . Nothing better than playing one of these model guide videos on the big TV screen in the den.

[timmusick]

This video is an instant classic, thanks guys, but a 3.2 to rule them all.

[richardclegg]

When an expert like Nathan calls the 996 a "great car", it sorta makes the "purist" naysayers look pretty silly...

[AtypicalDriver]

Impressive that Nathan does so many long takes without edtis! Truly exceptional knowledge.

[xamphoa]

Love that "when you walk away backwards". So true.

[savariaxa]

Porsche Carrera 3.2 1989 the most flawless air cooled engine Porsche has ever built also the 911 G model has the best design compared too 964 and 993 the real Porsche fans know that these are the facts !

[anson]

We are so lucky to have someone like Nathan in the community. We salute you for your generosity and time. Happy New Year!

[yongkim]

My first 911 was a "77" 911S had it all thus time. Then acquired a 2001 996 Carerra 4! I love them both as both are a different driving experience🥰

[ts]

I ran into Nathan by chance on a hotel shuttle at PHX airport a few months was gracious and took the time to talk Pcars, German classic car shows, and look at my SC photos...called the color right away is as friendly as he is knowledgeable....thanks Nathan even on that short ride

[cjr]

Another great episode featuring Nathan and his contagious passion for the brand. It makes me want to experience ALL these incredible cars.

[mikeroecker]

Extremely well done. Very fair and knowledgeable assessment of the last 3 air cooled generations. I love my 3.2 Targa.