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\u2019m introducing the 964 “Carrera 2”. By the way, the one my husband is actually considering is this “Carrera 2”.<\/strong> Again, this summary is based on the content of Porsche 911\u2014964~997 (CG Selection)<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/strong> In that sense, many Porsche fans eagerly awaited the release of the “Carrera 2”.<\/p>\n The Carrera 2 was both a full model change from the previous 911 (930) and the two-wheel-drive version of the Carrera 4.<\/p>\n 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”.<\/strong> (For details on the Carrera 4 specs, see the article below\u2193\u2193)<\/span><\/p>\n \u2192\u3010Reference Article\u3011Considering an Air-Cooled Porsche 911: Researching the 964 Carrera 4<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n So, what are the biggest differences between the “Carrera 4” and “Carrera 2”?<\/p>\n \u2460 No drivetrain to the front wheels. Regarding \u2460, the “Carrera 2” retains more of the thrill of controlling oversteer and understeer with the driver\u2019s skill.<\/strong><\/p>\n Many people were curious about the new automatic transmission, Tiptronic,<\/strong> on the 964 “Carrera 2”. Porsche had previously released an automatic 911, but it didn\u2019t gain much support. The 964 “Carrera 2” can be seen as the second generation of two-pedal Porsches.<\/p>\n Reviews from magazines at the time said the following about the Tiptronic:<\/p>\n The Tiptronic 4-speed automatic transmission (only 4 speeds, surprisingly!)<\/span> was developed with Bosch (a German automotive parts and power tools manufacturer)<\/span> and ZF (a German automotive parts manufacturer based in Friedrichshafen)<\/span>. 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n The 964 Tiptronic thoroughly analyzes manual operation and has shift response faster than a poorly timed manual shift.<\/strong> All shift modes are electronically controlled; it automatically upshifts to prevent over-revving in low gears and delays downshifts if there\u2019s a risk of over-revving (running the engine beyond the redline)<\/span> until the revs are safe.<\/p>\n It also has a mechanism to prevent unwanted upshifts against the driver\u2019s intention.<\/strong> 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n Actual test drive reviews were positive and favorable.<\/p>\n The “Carrera 2” accelerates more nimbly than the “Carrera 4”. It\u2019s simply fast\u2014even gentle starts on public roads feel quick.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/strong> Compared to previous 911s, stability at ultra-high speeds is unbelievably better. However, it still feels less reassuring than the “Carrera 4”.<\/strong> That said, the 911 isn\u2019t designed for ultra-high-speed cruising on the Autobahn, so it\u2019s best not to expect too much in this area.<\/p>\n 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n My husband, who is familiar with the current PDK feel, is curious how he\u2019ll perceive the Tiptronic.<\/p>\n There were also reviews based on interviews for each feature, so I\u2019d like to briefly introduce them.<\/p>\n The clutch pedal is much lighter. Unlike the solid, heavy feel of the 911 Carrera or the firm “Carrera 4”, it\u2019s almost as light as an ordinary practical car.<\/strong> Drivers used to previous 911s might find it surprisingly light.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a delightful engine with a strong torque feel not only at low RPMs but throughout the range.<\/p>\n The power steering (a system that assists the driver\u2019s steering effort)<\/span> 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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)<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n I see… It seems those seeking a purer 911 experience chose the “Carrera 2” back then.<\/p>\n Lately, watching my husband constantly talk about “air-cooled, air-cooled!” makes him look just like the “Mature Comedians”<\/strong><\/a> from the Japanese TV show Ame Talk. (He laughed and said, “That\u2019s true!”)<\/span><\/p>\n
\n\u2461 Equipped with a new type of automatic transmission called Tiptronic.<\/p>\nCurious About the Tiptronic Transmission<\/h3>\n
\u2460 Enjoy both 4-speed AT and manual modes<\/h4>\n
\u2461 Intelligent electronically controlled AT<\/h4>\n
\u2462 Enjoy sporty driving<\/h4>\n
How Did the Test Drives Go?<\/h3>\n
How Were the Individual Features Rated?<\/h3>\n
\u2460 Clutch Pedal<\/h4>\n
\u2461 Engine<\/h4>\n
\u2462 Power Steering<\/h4>\n
\u2463 Brakes<\/h4>\n
The 964 “Carrera 2” Was Popular Even Back Then<\/h3>\n