The 964 – History
In Brief
The Porsche 964 is the company’s internal name for the version of the Porsche 911 model manufactured and sold between 1989 and 1994. It featured significant styling revisions over previous versions of the 911, most prominently the more integrated bumpers (fenders), although it was still obviously a 911. It was the first generation of 911 to be offered with Porsche’s optional Tiptronic automatic transmission as well as the first generation to be offered with all wheel drive.
964 Carrera 2 Coupe – Cutaway
The Name
“Type” 964 (nine-sixty-four) or simply 964 (nine-six-four) is in fact the internal code name for the car; the vehicle was badged simply as Carrera 2 or Carrera 4. The official name for the model, as printed on the front of the Owner’s Manual, is “Porsche 911 Carrera 2″ or “Porsche 911 Carrera 4″. The 964 name is now often used to distinguish this car from other generations of the Carrera, especially among Porsche enthusiasts.
964 Carrera 4 Coupe – Cutaway
Carrera 2 and 4
The 964 was considered over 85% new as compared over its predecessor, the Carrera 3.2. The first 964s available in 1989 were AWD equipped “Carrera 4″ models; Porsche added the rear wheel drive Carrera 2 variant to the range in 1990. Both variants were available as a coupe, Targa or Cabriolet. The 964 Carrera was the last generation sold with the traditional removable Targa roof. Later evolutions of the Targa, starting with the 993 generation, replaced that setup with a complex glass-roof “greenhouse” system. A new naturally-aspirated engine called the M64 was used for 964 models, with a flat-6 displacement of 3.6 litres. Porsche largely revised the suspension replacing the rear torsion bars with coil springs and shock absorbers. Power steering and ABS brakes arrive to the 911 for the first time and they were both made standard. The exterior bumpers and fog lamps became flush into the car, allowing for better aerodynamics. A new electric rear spoiler raised as speeds above 50 MPH and lowered down flush with the rear engine lid at lower speeds or when stopped. A revised interior featured standard dual airbags beginning in 1990 for all North American production cars. A new automatic climate control system provided superior heating and cooling. Revised instrumentation housed a large set of warning lights that were tied into the car’s central warning system which alerted the driver to a possible problem or malfunction.
Engine
Engine design: Air/oil cooled, horizontally-opposed, dry-sump lubrication, rear-mounted
Engine displacement: 3600 cc (220 cu in)
Cylinders: Six, light alloy head
Bore and stroke: 3.94 x 3.01
Compression ratio: 11.3 : 1
Fuel/ignition: Electronic fuel injection, DME controller, with twin-spark with knock regulation
Crankshaft: Forged, 8 main bearings, enclosed in light alloy case
Valve Train: Overhead cam, one per bank, double chain drive
Power: 184 kW/247 hp (SAE net)/250 PS (DIN) @ 6100 rpm
Torque: 310 N·m/228 ft·lbf @ 4800 rpm
Engine speed limitation: 6700 ±20 rpm
Performance
Top speed: 163 mph (261 km/h), 159 mph (256 km/h) (Tiptronic)
0-60 mph: 5.5 s (manual transmission), 6.2 s (Tiptronic)
1/4 mile: 13.6 s (C2), 14.0 s (Tiptronic), 14.1 s (C4)
Coefficient of drag: 0.32
Fuel consumption approx 24 mpg
Selected dimensions/capacities
Curb weight (to DIN 70020): 3,031 lb/1,375 kg (C2); 3,100 lb/1,406 kg (Tiptronic), 3,252 lb (1,475 kg) (C4)
Wheelbase: 89.4 in (2,270 mm)
Overall Length: 168.3 in (4,270 mm)
Width 65.0 in (1,650 mm)
Height: 52.0 in (1,320 mm)
Front Track: 54.3 in (1,380 mm)
Rear Track: 54.1 in (1,370 mm)
Ground Clearance: 4.7 in (US)
Fuel Tank: 20.3 gal (US)
Engine Oil: 11.5 L (12.1 qt US), oil change volume: 9 L (9.5 qt US)
Transmission Fluid: 3.6 L (3.8 qt US) (C2), 9 L (9.5 qt US (Tiptronic), 3.8 L (4.0 qt US) (C4)
