Test Driving the Legendary Porsche 911 964 CUP Car

History and Features of the 964 CUP Car

“CUP” cars generally refer to vehicles developed for one-make races where the same manufacturer and model compete against each other. The 964 CUP, true to its name, is a model used in one-make races like the Porsche 911 Cup.

Introduced in 1990, this car is based on the Carrera 2 and assembled not on the regular factory line but in Weissach. According to the materials I have,

“all unnecessary parts for racing were removed, and modifications were made within a range that does not significantly deviate from standard specifications, giving it handling performance comparable to a true racing car.”

That’s how this car is described.

While the engine power is only increased by 15ps to 265ps, the transmission features slightly higher ratios for 1st and 2nd gears, the coil springs are extremely stiff, and the ride height is significantly lowered. Inside, a Matter roll cage is fully installed, and there are no interior trims or carpets, achieving thorough weight reduction.

Expectations and Excitement Before the Test Drive

The car I tested was a CUP car imported from Germany, featuring a strikingly vivid Signal Green color. Of course, it is road-legal with the minimum required safety equipment installed.

At first, I was intimidated, thinking, ‘Can I really drive such a racing car?’ But when I sat in the racing seat and started the engine, an incredible engine noise mercilessly filled my ears even at idle. The clutch felt quite stiff when I cautiously pressed it. I shifted into first gear and searched for the bite point.

Surprisingly, it started off just like a normal Carrera 2. “Ah, maybe I can drive this after all!” I thought, shifting up to second and third gears.

The owner told me, “You’re the first person to start off without stalling.” Although the clutch and shift stiffness differ from other Porsches, it felt very similar, so I think I didn’t struggle that much.

Lightweight Design That Stands Out Compared to the Carrera RS

Weight Reduction Techniques of the 964 CUP Car

As mentioned above, the body is almost a ‘bare shell,’ so its movement is incredibly light. The wheels are special 17-inch magnesium units, 11kg lighter than the standard 16-inch wheels on the Carrera 2. Thin glass is used, and even the trunk lid bumper is a lightweight version.

Because of this, the body moves effortlessly, far beyond what you’d expect from an engine only 15ps more powerful than the Carrera 2. No wonder, the CUP car is reportedly about 200kg lighter than the air-conditioned Carrera 2 in standard form.

Comparison with Carrera 2 and Carrera RS

First of all, let me say: ‘They are completely different.’ Not only compared to the Carrera 2 but also the RS. Personally, I feel the difference between the RS and CUP is much greater than that between the Carrera 2 and RS. The engine sounds at first made me wonder, “Is something broken?” because of all the unusual noises. Even when driving slowly, you can hear rattling and squeaking noises from behind.

The biggest differences are in suspension stiffness and brake feel and effectiveness. The CUP’s suspension is seriously stiff—not at the level of modern GT3s, but rock solid. This is because, in addition to the stiff spring rates, all rubber bushings have been replaced with metal joints.

Also, the brake pedal feel is very hard and the stroke is very short. These brakes are designed to be stomped on full throttle at the track, and the brake squeal is just like a racing car. Needless to say, the stopping power is tremendous, especially combined with the light body. However, you do need to press the pedal firmly.

Surprisingly Firm Suspension Brings Stability

Suspension Settings and Characteristics

The suspension is set with camber at -3 degrees front and rear, coil springs are reportedly four times stiffer than standard, and the ride height is lowered by 55mm.

The roll bar is also thicker, making it completely different from the Carrera 2.

Because of this, the car looks very low overall and at first glance might be mistaken for a typical ‘modified car.’

Firmness That Feels Natural While Driving

However, once you get in, it’s a whole different story from just any ‘modified car.’ The suspension designed in Weissach is extremely stiff but doesn’t feel unnatural in its movement. Of course, it bounces mercilessly over bumps, and the ride is far from comfortable.

But there’s no unpleasant discomfort that makes you feel nauseous from the stiffness. It’s hard to explain in words, but because it feels so solid and close to the road surface, it might feel like you’re moving with your bare body.

Light Weight Means You Need to Pay Attention to Cornering

The Importance of Front-End Load

Modern 911s, especially the 992 generation, are easy to drive fast for anyone, but air-cooled Porsches are not like that. Being rear-heavy, if you’re going fast, just turning the wheel normally won’t make the car turn as you want. That’s why the 911 is a car that’s not fun to drive at all unless you’ve mastered the basic skill of loading the front tires to turn.

The 964 CUP in this test drive felt like a car that ‘tests your skill to load the front tires when cornering.’ This is especially noticeable on uphill corners. If you drive carelessly and just turn the wheel, there’s almost no feedback from the front tires. You might sometimes feel this even in a normal Carrera 2, but it’s nothing compared to this.

Tips and Cautions for Cornering

At normal road speeds, you can get away with being a bit lazy, but if you want to really drive this car properly, you need to ease off the throttle or brake a little to load the front tires firmly when cornering.

Also, because the suspension is stiff, a slight load has little effect, so you need to consciously apply sharp weight shifts to get it just right.

Handling Ease Comparable to a Standard Carrera

Driving Environment of the 964 CUP Car

Originally, the seats were single-seat only for the driver, but this particular car has a passenger seat as well. The instrument panel and dashboard are almost the same as the Carrera 2. The shift lever operation is somewhat stiff, and some gears require a bit of force, but overall there’s no major discomfort compared to the Carrera 2.

Modern 911 CUP cars have instrument panels and steering wheels very different from the GT3, but the 911s of this era have less difference in driving environment, so if you’ve driven a Carrera 2, you should be able to operate this car relatively smoothly.

Difficult for Daily Use but Exceptionally Manageable

For example, it’s obviously not suitable for daily errands, commuting, or school runs. Forcing it would just be torture.

However, for refreshing drives on empty winding roads or highway runs, it’s perfectly possible to drive on public roads. And this lightness feels so good, it might become addictive.

I also received the following comment on Twitter from a 964 CUP owner:

Focusing just on the ‘driving’ aspect, Porsche racing cars of every generation are truly light, easy to drive, and impressive. The 964 CUP can be driven in the city if you pick the right season, and there’s nothing to complain about.

That perfectly sums up this car.

Summary: The 964 CUP Car, an Irresistible Model for Porsche Fans

Lightness Is ‘Justice’

Nowadays, some might think ‘just 265ps,’ but with such lightness and a flat-six engine keeping the center of gravity low, it’s truly fast and fun to drive.

Especially since I own a standard Carrera 2, I really understood the benefits of lightness during this test drive. Lightness directly affects sharp acceleration and braking, and above all, it shows in the nimble and precise cornering.

Through this test drive, I not only understood the appeal of the CUP car but also learned a lot about the advantages of lightness. It broadened my perspective on choosing cars, and that’s how this 911 made me feel.