964 “Carrera 2”

The other day, I shared a blog post summarizing test drive reviews from when the 964 “Carrera 4” was first released, since my husband is considering an air-cooled Porsche 911. Today, I’m introducing the 964 “Carrera 2”. By the way, the one my husband is actually considering is this “Carrera 2”. Again, this summary is based on the content of Porsche 911—964~997 (CG Selection).

In 1989, the 4WD 964 “Carrera 4” was released first and was initially praised as an almost ideal sports car. However, for Porsche enthusiasts, the “rear-engine, rear-drive” layout is an eternal theme. The two-wheel-drive “Carrera 2” is about 100 kg lighter and roughly 2 million yen cheaper. In that sense, many Porsche fans eagerly awaited the release of the “Carrera 2”.

The Carrera 2 was both a full model change from the previous 911 (930) and the two-wheel-drive version of the Carrera 4.

It shares almost everything with the Carrera 4: a 3600cc air-cooled flat-six engine, standard ABS, steering, wheels, and a retractable rear spoiler. The only visible difference is the emblem, which reads either “carrera2” or “carrera4”. (For details on the Carrera 4 specs, see the article below↓↓)

→【Reference Article】Considering an Air-Cooled Porsche 911: Researching the 964 Carrera 4

So, what are the biggest differences between the “Carrera 4” and “Carrera 2”?

① No drivetrain to the front wheels.
② Equipped with a new type of automatic transmission called Tiptronic.

Regarding ①, the “Carrera 2” retains more of the thrill of controlling oversteer and understeer with the driver’s skill.

Curious About the Tiptronic Transmission

Many people were curious about the new automatic transmission, Tiptronic, on the 964 “Carrera 2”. Porsche had previously released an automatic 911, but it didn’t gain much support. The 964 “Carrera 2” can be seen as the second generation of two-pedal Porsches.

Reviews from magazines at the time said the following about the Tiptronic:

① Enjoy both 4-speed AT and manual modes

The Tiptronic 4-speed automatic transmission (only 4 speeds, surprisingly!) was developed with Bosch (a German automotive parts and power tools manufacturer) and ZF (a German automotive parts manufacturer based in Friedrichshafen). The shift lever on the left side operates like a normal 4-speed AT with “P-R-D-3-2”, while the right-side lever lets you shift up and down manually at your own timing.

② Intelligent electronically controlled AT

The 964 Tiptronic thoroughly analyzes manual operation and has shift response faster than a poorly timed manual shift. All shift modes are electronically controlled; it automatically upshifts to prevent over-revving in low gears and delays downshifts if there’s a risk of over-revving (running the engine beyond the redline) until the revs are safe.

③ Enjoy sporty driving

It also has a mechanism to prevent unwanted upshifts against the driver’s intention. An adaptive program control raises shift points to higher RPMs, suppressing careless upshifts or downshifts before or during corners. Additionally, you can choose between normal Economy (E) mode and Sporty (S) mode.

How Did the Test Drives Go?

Actual test drive reviews were positive and favorable.

The “Carrera 2” accelerates more nimbly than the “Carrera 4”. It’s simply fast—even gentle starts on public roads feel quick. The roughly 100 kg lighter weight compared to the Carrera 4 is a major reason, and this difference is clearly felt in mid-gear acceleration.

Straight-line stability at top speed is also greatly improved, and the old belief that “you can only confidently push a 911 up to 200 km/h” no longer applies. Compared to previous 911s, stability at ultra-high speeds is unbelievably better. However, it still feels less reassuring than the “Carrera 4”. That said, the 911 isn’t designed for ultra-high-speed cruising on the Autobahn, so it’s best not to expect too much in this area.

Regarding the Tiptronic, there was initial concern about a lack of direct feel, but it was the most finely tuned automatic transmission control ever installed in a production car at the time.

My husband, who is familiar with the current PDK feel, is curious how he’ll perceive the Tiptronic.

How Were the Individual Features Rated?

There were also reviews based on interviews for each feature, so I’d like to briefly introduce them.

① Clutch Pedal

The clutch pedal is much lighter. Unlike the solid, heavy feel of the 911 Carrera or the firm “Carrera 4”, it’s almost as light as an ordinary practical car. Drivers used to previous 911s might find it surprisingly light.

② Engine

It’s a delightful engine with a strong torque feel not only at low RPMs but throughout the range.

③ Power Steering

The power steering (a system that assists the driver’s steering effort) on the “Carrera 4” also has power assist but felt a bit heavier than expected. The “Carrera 2”, being 100 kg lighter, offers very direct and responsive steering.

④ Brakes

The brakes are just right. You feel a firm pedal with a slightly heavy effort. The braking force is proportional to pedal pressure, giving a very sporty feel.

The 964 “Carrera 2” Was Popular Even Back Then

The 964 Carrera 2 was available in three body styles: coupe, Targa, and cabriolet, with prices ranging from 9.3 million yen for the coupe to 11 million yen for the cabriolet. Tiptronic was optional for an additional 600,000 yen. (About the same price as adding PDK today)

The 1990 Japanese models all had right-hand drive. For the “Carrera 2”, manuals were only left-hand drive, but Tiptronic was available in both left- and right-hand drive versions. The 964 “Carrera 2” was extremely popular from the moment reservations opened.

I see… It seems those seeking a purer 911 experience chose the “Carrera 2” back then.

Lately, watching my husband constantly talk about “air-cooled, air-cooled!” makes him look just like the “Mature Comedians” from the Japanese TV show Ame Talk. (He laughed and said, “That’s true!”)

→【Reference Article】”Men’s Car Hobbies and Their Favorite Types of Women Often Match”

So, will my husband choose the 964 “Carrera 2” or the 993 for his air-cooled Porsche?