Porsche 911 (964) - The Ultimate Guide

The Porsche 911 (964 generation) was primarily designed under the direction of Harm Lagaaij and Benjamin Dimson, building upon the foundation created by Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche, who designed the original 911. Dimson, who succeeded Anatole “Tony” Lapine as Porsche’s head of styling in the 1980s, led the 964’s exterior design, while Lagaaij — who later became Porsche’s Director of Design — contributed to refining its aerodynamics and proportions.

The 964 was one of the most technically advanced redesigns in the 911’s history, sharing only about 15% of its components with the outgoing G-Series. It retained the classic 911 silhouette but featured a smoother, more aerodynamic body with integrated bumpers, a retractable rear spoiler, and cleaner lines that modernized the car while respecting its heritage. Beneath the familiar shape, the 964 introduced radical engineering updates: all-wheel drive in the Carrera 4, a completely new suspension with coil springs and shocks instead of torsion bars, ABS brakes, power steering, and improved aerodynamics.

In essence, the 964 was a bridge between the classic and modern eras of Porsche design — visually timeless thanks to Dimson’s subtle evolution of Butzi’s shape, and technically groundbreaking thanks to Lagaaij and Porsche’s engineering team. It was the car that brought the 911 into the 1990s while proving that Porsche could evolve without losing the essence of what made the 911 iconic.

The Porsche 911 (964 generation) was produced from 1989 to 1994, serving as the third generation of the 911 and marking the bridge between the classic air-cooled era and the modern age. It debuted in 1989 with the Carrera 4 (C4) — the first 911 to feature all-wheel drive, derived from Porsche’s 959 supercar technology — followed shortly by the rear-wheel-drive Carrera 2 (C2) in 1990. Over its production run, the lineup expanded to include Coupé, Targa, and Cabriolet body styles, as well as high-performance variants like the Turbo (1990–1994), RS (1992), and Speedster (1993–1994).

By the time production ended in 1994, the 964 had introduced over 85% new components compared to the outgoing G-Series 911, including a new suspension, ABS brakes, power steering, and a modernized body with integrated bumpers and a retractable rear spoiler. It was succeeded in 1995 by the 993 generation, the final air-cooled 911.

The Porsche 911 (964 generation) was one of the most technically innovative and transformative models in the 911’s history. It was almost entirely new, with Porsche claiming that 85% of its components were redesigned. The 964 introduced all-wheel drive for the first time in a production 911 (in the Carrera 4), borrowing technology from the legendary 959 supercar. It also replaced the old torsion-bar suspension with modern coil springs and shocks, dramatically improving ride comfort and handling precision. Other innovations included power steering, ABS brakes, standard airbags, modern climate control, and an aerodynamically integrated body with flush bumpers and a retractable rear spoiler that automatically adjusted at speed — subtle but revolutionary changes that brought the 911 into the modern era.

What made the 964 special is how it managed to combine this leap in technology with the traditional 911 character. It retained the air-cooled flat-six engine, now enlarged to 3.6 liters and producing up to 250 hp, offering both refinement and classic Porsche sound. The all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 proved that the 911’s tail-happy handling could be tamed without dulling its spirit, while the rear-wheel-drive Carrera 2 preserved the pure, analog driving experience enthusiasts loved. The 964 also spawned some of the most iconic derivatives of the era, including the 911 Turbo, Carrera RS, and Speedster, all of which showcased Porsche’s ability to balance innovation with heritage. In short, the 964 was the first truly modern 911 — a car that kept its soul intact while embracing technology, making it the model that secured the 911’s future in a rapidly changing automotive world.

The Porsche 911 (964 generation) was impressively fast for its time, combining classic 911 character with modern performance. The standard Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 models used a new 3.6-liter air-cooled flat-six engine producing 247 hp (250 PS) and 228 lb-ft of torque, allowing them to sprint from 0–60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and reach a top speed of roughly 162 mph (260 km/h) — putting them firmly in supercar territory for the early 1990s. The manual Carrera 2 was slightly quicker than the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4, thanks to its lighter weight and rear-drive layout.

The performance climbed even higher with the 964 Turbo, introduced in 1990. The early 3.3-liter Turbo (320 hp) could hit 0–60 mph in 4.8 seconds and top out around 168 mph (270 km/h), while the later 1993 Turbo 3.6 raised power to 355 hp and pushed top speed to nearly 175 mph (282 km/h) — making it one of the fastest production cars of its era. Meanwhile, the lightweight Carrera RS of 1992, stripped for performance and featuring a more responsive version of the 3.6-liter engine, could reach 0–60 mph in around 5 seconds flat, delivering an unmatched connection between driver and machine.

Beyond straight-line speed, what really made the 964 fast was its real-world capability — with improved aerodynamics, a modern suspension, and, in the case of the Carrera 4, all-wheel drive that provided extraordinary traction and stability. The 964 wasn’t just about raw acceleration; it was a car that could cover ground astonishingly quickly on any road, in any weather, and it set the dynamic benchmark for every 911 that followed.

When it comes to the Porsche964, the “best” variant depends on what you’re looking for — driving purity, everyday usability, or collector appeal — but certain years and models clearly stand out. For most enthusiasts, the 1992–1994 Carrera 2 (C2) is the sweet spot. These later cars benefitted from refined engine electronics, improved build quality, and fixes to early oil leaks and dual-mass flywheel issues that plagued the first 1989–1991 models. The Carrera 2 offers the pure rear-wheel-drive dynamics many enthusiasts prefer, with fewer maintenance complexities than the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4. It’s also lighter and feels more agile, making it the best representation of a “classic modern” 911.

If performance and rarity are the goal, the 1993 Turbo 3.6 is the crown jewel of the 964 range. With 355 hp, stunning acceleration, and limited production numbers, it’s now a blue-chip collector’s car — but values are very high. The 1992 Carrera RS is another top-tier choice for purists, offering a lighter, sharper, and more track-focused driving experience. For those seeking a mix of style and collectibility, the 1993–1994 Speedster delivers open-top thrills in a minimalist package, though it’s rare and expensive.

As for models to approach with caution, the early 1989–1991 Carrera 4s can be less desirable due to the complex early AWD system, which can be costly to maintain, and early build issues like leaky cylinder head gaskets and dual-mass flywheel failures. These issues were largely resolved by 1992, making later cars more reliable and easier to live with. In short, the 1992–1994 Carrera 2 or Turbo 3.6 are the best-balanced and most desirable variants, while early-production cars require careful inspection and solid maintenance history to be truly worthwhile.

The market for a used Porsche 911 (964 generation) (1989–1994) shows a wide range of values depending on model variant, condition, mileage and originality. According to market-benchmark data:

A typical Carrera 2 from around 1990 in “good” condition is valued at roughly US $90,000. For example, standard Carrera 4 coupes from 1989-94 show market benchmarks around US $87,000.

More rare or performance-models command significantly higher prices. For instance, the coveted Carrera RS (964) variant averages at about £187,617 (British pounds) in average condition — which emphasizes how much premium is attached to rarity and performance.

In short: if you’re looking at a solid, non-exotic 964 Carrera in good shape, plan on something in the US $75,000-100,000 range. If it’s a special edition, low-mileage or performance model (RS, Turbo, Speedster), values rise sharply — easily into the six-figures. Naturally, condition, originality, maintenance history and matching numbers will make a big difference.

Yes — the Porsche 964 underwent several key updates during its relatively short production run, reflecting how Porsche steadily refined this new, more modern platform. The 964 was already a massive leap forward from the G-Series it replaced, but the continuous improvements made it progressively more reliable, better handling, and more desirable.

When the 964 debuted in 1989, it launched as the Carrera 4 (C4) — the first production 911 with all-wheel drive, derived from the 959 supercar’s advanced AWD system. A year later, in 1990, Porsche introduced the Carrera 2 (C2), a lighter, rear-wheel-drive version that many enthusiasts preferred for its purer dynamics. Around this time, Porsche also made running changes to fix early reliability issues, such as cylinder head sealing leaks and dual-mass flywheel failures. In 1990, the 911 Turbo returned, initially with a 3.3-liter engine carried over from the previous generation but heavily revised for smoother power delivery and better reliability. Then in 1992, the Turbo 3.6 arrived — a major update with a new 355-hp engine that transformed performance and cemented the 964 Turbo’s legendary status.

Later years brought even more refinement and special editions. In 1992, Porsche introduced the Carrera RS, a lightweight, stripped-down performance version for purists, and the America Roadster, a limited-production wide-body cabriolet. By 1993–1994, the final years of production, Porsche added the Speedster (with its distinctive low windshield and minimalist interior) and further refined build quality, electronics, and reliability. By the time production ended in 1994, the 964 had evolved from an ambitious redesign with teething issues into a mature, high-performance, and reliable 911, laying the foundation for the even more advanced 993 generation that followed.