964
1989-1994 / Coupe / Targa / Cabriolet / Germany
The 964 modernised the 911 with power steering, ABS, and coil-spring rear suspension while keeping the air-cooled flat-six that defined the car's character. It was the first 911 to offer all-wheel drive in the Carrera 4, and the range expanded to include the Turbo, RS, and Speedster variants. The 964 was a transitional car, bridging the gap between the raw early 911s and the more refined 993 that followed.
In Australia, the 964 still offers relative value compared to the 993, particularly in non-turbo Carrera 2 form. The Turbo with its wide body and 320hp flat-six is a genuinely fast car that demands respect, while the RS is a stripped-out track weapon that has become a serious collector piece. The 964's combination of classic 911 looks and modern usability makes it one of the most practical air-cooled 911s to live with as a regular driver.
Thinking of buying a 964?
What to look for, what to pay, what to avoid.
What to watch for.
1. Oil Leaks (Chain Tensioner Housings)
Common Engine
1. Oil Leaks (Chain Tensioner Housings)
CommonOil residue on the engine's lower surfaces, oil drips on exhaust components (burning oil smell), oil spots beneath the car.
The M64 engine's dual-row timing chain is enclosed in a housing bolted to the front of the crankcase. The gasket between this housing and the case deteriorates over time, and thermal cycling causes the joint to lose its seal. The housing is aluminium bolted to a magnesium crankcase, two dissimilar metals with different expansion rates, which stresses the gasket.
2. Oil Leaks (Cam Cover Gaskets)
Common Engine
2. Oil Leaks (Cam Cover Gaskets)
CommonOil on the cylinder heads and barrel surfaces, burning oil smell from exhaust contact.
The cam cover gaskets are rubber seals that harden and shrink with age and heat exposure. The 964's air-cooled engine runs hotter than a water-cooled engine, and the gaskets deteriorate faster.
3. Oil Leaks (Cylinder Base Gaskets)
Critical Engine
3. Oil Leaks (Cylinder Base Gaskets)
CriticalOil around the cylinder bases, dripping down the engine. In severe cases, oil loss between services.
The M64's cylinders are sealed to the crankcase with rubber O-rings. Over time and through thermal cycling, these O-rings harden, crack, and lose their seal. High mileage and overheating episodes accelerate the deterioration.
4. Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Minor Engine
4. Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
MinorA rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start-up (chain slap). Erratic idle. In advanced cases, a metallic rattling that worsens with engine speed.
Early 964 engines (approximately 1989-1991) used hydraulic chain tensioner guides with a plastic material that became brittle with age and heat exposure. Porsche released updated tensioner components, but not every engine has received the upgrade.
5. Engine Bay Fires
Minor Engine
5. Engine Bay Fires
MinorBurning oil smell from the rear of the car (this is the warning sign). Smoke from the engine bay.
The 964's engine sits in a tightly packaged bay with the exhaust manifolds in close proximity to oil-producing gasket faces. Oil from the chain tensioner housing, cam covers, or cylinder bases drips onto the hot exhaust and eventually ignites. Turbo models are at higher risk because the turbocharger generates additional heat. Neglected oil leaks are the root cause.
6. Distributor Drive Belt Failure
Common Engine
6. Distributor Drive Belt Failure
CommonSudden misfiring, rough running, or complete engine failure (no spark). If the belt has slipped rather than broken, the ignition timing will be incorrect, causing poor performance and potential backfiring. ---
The distributor drive belt is a rubber component that deteriorates with age. It is often overlooked during routine servicing because it is not as visible or as well-known as the cam chain. Many mechanics unfamiliar with the 964 simply do not know it exists.
Join the conversation.
Common questions.
Buying
The Carrera 2, almost always. The C2 is lighter by approximately 75 kg, has more communicative steering, and is simpler to maintain.
Driving and Ownership
Yes, and many owners do. The 964 was specifically designed to be a more usable 911 than its predecessors.
Maintenance
**Minor service** (oil, filter, visual inspection): every 5,000-8,000 km or annually. **Intermediate service** (oil, filters, valve adjustment check, brake inspection, fluid levels): every 15,000-20,000 km or every 2 years.
Technical
These are fundamentally different engines. The 3.
Own a 964?
Share your car with the community. explore more Porsche models.