Two Porsches, one price – 911 Cabriolets for 75.000 euros

If you have a choice, you’re spoiled for choice – and the same goes for buying a Porsche. And the more choice there is within the budget, the more difficult the decision. Objectively speaking, of course, the newer car is always the better option. But what if we don’t look at lap times, but only at emotion and fun? If we don’t strive for “faster, higher, further”, but instead listen to our heart? We could – completely free of prejudice – simply set a budget and see what options the market has to offer. To provide a little inspiration, let’s compare two Porsche 911 Cabriolets that come from very different eras, yet give pleasure in surprisingly similar ways.

“I’m looking for an open Porsche 911 for a maximum of 75,000 euros”

With summer approaching shortly, the desire to drive a convertible naturally grows! And what better way to enjoy an open-top drive along the Cote d’Azur or in the Alps than in a Porsche 911 Cabriolet? So it was to be a 911. A classic, naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine, to offer the best possible sound experience with the roof down. We set ourselves a budget of no more than 75,000 euros. From the air-cooled 911 G-Model to the 997.2 with a water-cooled direct injection engines (DFI), the entire 911-world from the 1970s to the early 2010s is open to us.

What about a Porsche 964 or 997.2 Cabriolet?

At first glance, two completely different candidates quickly emerge, but on closer inspection they offer many similarities: Porsche 964 Carrera Cabriolet and Porsche 997.2 Carrera (S/4S) Cabriolet. The 964, built between 1989 and 1994, marks within the air-cooled era what the 997 series – built between 2004 and 2012 – represents within the water-cooled 911 era: A real sweet spot!

Although it took a few decades for the 964 to reach its current position, it is now the most popular air-cooled Porsche 911. It combines the G-Model’s dimensions with significantly modernized technology like coil springs at the front and brakes with ABS. In this respect, it serves as a link between the classic, raw 911 and the much more civilized 993. That is also reflected in buyer interest and, of course in the prices. It has long since left the G-Model behind and is price wise on a par with its successor, the 993. Quite a few see it as the perfect blend of classic styling and modern drivability.

The 997 was in the same vein. Its return to round headlights and still compact dimensions by today’s standards, made it almost an instant classic. Its interior, which was completely redesigned at the time, is timeless and functional. Thanks to modern conveniences like the optional dual-clutch gearbox (PDK), automatic air conditioning, heated seats and a great sound system, the 997 is still suitable for everyday use. Noise insulation and its ride also have nothing to hide. Thanks to the powerful and economical DFI engines, the 997.2 generation in particular is even extremely economical.

Porsche 964 and 997 Cabrio are closer together than you might think

Of course, the 997 is the faster, more comfortable, more modern and more economical car than the 964. But anyone who thinks that they are worlds apart in terms of subjective driving experience is mistaken. If you drive a Porsche 964 Carrera Cabrio in direct comparison with a 997.2 Carrera, or even a Carrera S/4S Cabrio, both score with the same fundamental virtues. Throttle response, sound, torque and gearbox are still in the top league. Even after 15 and 35 years respectively.

This subjective impression is also confirmed by the figures. The 964 Carrera (4) Cabrio, which weighs 1,350 or 1,450 kilograms, has enough 250 hp for impressive tracking capabilities. In the sprint from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour, the 964 does not even lose a second to the 345 or even 385 hp 997 at 5.7 seconds – depending on the transmission and driving mode.

Naturally, the Porsche 997 has further advantages in terms of lateral dynamics. 15 years of chassis development and significantly wider tires simply offer more grip – with almost the same weight. But this is where the subjective component comes into play again: the 964 is softer, moves more and has a slightly higher noise level overall. As a result, a briskly driven country road in the 964 feels at least as exciting as in the 997.

The fact that a car that is more than 30 years old still drives so well is very impressive

It’s amazing how well a 964 drives even after 30 or 35 years. On the one hand, of course, you can tell that you’re sitting in an “old” car. The dashboard exudes 80s charm. But the driving impressions tell a completely different story: light-footed, unfiltered and – especially with the legendary cup exhaust – also a pleasure to listen to. The fact that this car is now legally considered a historic vehicle is not evident from the driving experience at all. Anyone who wants to put this air-cooled classic in their garage will have to make surprisingly few compromises in terms of driving dynamics and enjoyment because it is still so good today.

However, this is in no way intended to diminish the 997’s qualities. On the contrary, it must be complimented for doing everything even better than its older brother. The steering is more direct, the engine responds even more spontaneously, the interior is modern, tidy and functional… A 997.2 Carrera or Carrera S/4S Cabriolet, offers an impressive range. It is an excellent weekend cruiser, a genuine sports car for mountain stages or track days and a daily driver all in one!

Both the 964 and the 997 continue to impress. Their level is so high that one inevitably has to ask the question: Do we really need more?

Which of the two Porsche 911 Cabriolets is the better financial decision?

Sports cars from Zuffenhausen, especially 911s, have become synonymous with outstanding value retention. The Porsche 964 and 997 are no exception. However, things used to be different. Around 20 years ago, the 964 was an unloved 911, but since then it has enjoyed an unprecedented price rally. Instead of 15,000 to 20,000 euros – as was the case back then – convertibles in good condition now cost at least three to four times as much. This puts them still a good deal behind the coupés, which in some cases already require six-figure budgets.

The Porsche 997 was also cheaper in the past. However, we are talking about around 45,000 euros as the lowest prices for 997.2 Carrera S and 4S Cabriolets. Regular Carreras were even available for around 35,000 euros. Today, 997.2 Carrera Cabriolets start at around 60,000 euros. Carrera S and 4S with relatively low mileage cost from 70,000 euros. In terms of price, the 964 and 997 are therefore roughly on a par. It is difficult to say whether this will remain the case in the future. The ever-increasing prices for new cars theoretically leave plenty of room for certain classics to increase in value.

At the moment, the 964 is still very popular on the market. With a total of 64,762 vehicles built, it is also the rarest 911 series. The predecessor was built three times as much! In addition, numerous 964s have already been converted for backdate projects. That means, the stock of good cars continues to dwindle. In this respect, a drastic drop in prices is probably not to be expected. 997.2 prices, on one hand, presumably rose due to the consistently high price level of its successor. On the other hand, its predecessor 996 has dramatically increased price wise. So here, too, the forecast looks good.

Servicing a 964 is more labor-intensive, parts for the 997 are more expensive

One advantage of the newer generation is the subject of maintenance work – often a somewhat neglected topic. However, a Porsche 964 Carrera requires significantly more work than a 997. For example, the M64-engines require a valve clearance check required every 20,000 kilometers. This was no longer necessary from the successor to the 993 series.

But on the other hand the spare parts prices for classic wear items like tires, brake and suspension components are higher for the 997. In any case, you should calculate with around 20 to 25 percent additional costs for parts. However, this also roughly corresponds to the average additional fuel consumption of the air-cooled model. So there is no clear winner here.

Retro charm or modern technology?

In the end, the decision is more difficult than you might think at first glance. When it comes to pure driving pleasure on winding roads on selected occasions, a Porsche 964 Carrera Cabriolet offers an impressively good package in the appealing look of the classic 911. Thanks to the easy-shifting G50 gearbox, ABS and even all-wheel drive if required, it is no relic in driving terms. Instead, it makes it easier for everyone to experience the much-loved driving characteristics of the early 911.

The 997.2 Carrera’s appeal, especially as an S or 4S, is due in particular to its versatility. Despite its significantly greater everyday utility, it remains a true sports car at heart. While its predecessor was very cruiser-like, Porsche significantly upgraded the convertible versions of the 997. Whether 345 or 385 hp Carrera or Carrera S/4S, the 997 shines with improved torque, exciting sound and brilliant handling.

Find your Porsche 964 or 997 Carrera (S/4S) Cabriolet on Elferspot!

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Which one would we recommend? If you’re looking for a Porsche purely for special days and moments, it’s hard not to succumb to the retro charm of the 964. This exciting mix of relatively modern handling and classic looks is popular for a reason. As an everyday companion, a 997.2 Carrera 4S with PDK would also have an undeniable appeal. Therefore, the 997 is our recommendation if the convertible is also to sweeten the way to work or the trip on vacation on a regular basis.