Ok so I know this question is one with many answers and probably no right one. However I’d be interested in the community’s thoughts on it. I’m looking at buying a 911 and am torn on which model/year to get. I’ve been looking at a 997 as I’ve had plenty of older cars and while they are awesome the maintenance and breakdowns on them make me reluctant to drive them much. However I’ve found an awesome 82 G model wide body. I love the look of the 80’s 911s.
So the question really is would you buy an 80’s 911 or a 2006(ish) 911 if you had a choice and why? 997 - cheaper, more modern etc 1980’s - old school cool, more unique and “classic”. Almost twice the price though and more “to do”? Money is not a huge issue, but the price difference in the ones I’m looking at could take the family on an awesome holiday!!
997 will have better qol if this is a daily but if its garage baby that will get driven infrequently the 80s is the way to go. Just remember that it will seem slow compared to anything modern, like camarys will have more hp and torque than an 80s 911
You going to drive it much? And what’s your budget? Decent air cooled models are relatively costly. The 996 /997 cars are much more modern, and are very satisfying to drive. Here’s a nice 993-996 comparison. A Turbo from either 996 or 997 will be very satisfying although with some higher running costs. But, you get the Mezger engine which is free of IMS failures & bore scoring.
One thing to keep in mind is that G-bodies (especially SC’s, which you’re looking at) are generally pretty reliable once you get them sorted. Yes, they are 40 year old cars and are going to have issues, but they’re substantially better than a lot of other cars from the same vintage. There was a video a few years back from the Manhattan Classic Car Club talking about 911’s, and their comment about why the air-cooled’s were great was that, “They have a ton of character, but they don’t have *so much* character that you are worried that they’re not going to start when you want to drive them.”
Other than that, people have mostly hit the high notes. They’re different cars. The old 911 is visceral and very, very analogue. The 997 is going to have a lot more creature comforts.
Personally, I would likely get the newer car, but I also *have* the older car, and the grass is always greener? But either would be a fun car.