Porsche 911 (964) — Specs, Versions and History
The Porsche 964 is the internal designation of the 911 built from 1989 to 1994. Developed in the mid-1980s and styled by Benjamin Dimson, it looked like an evolution of the classic 911 but was technically a new car: about 85% of its parts were new compared with the Carrera 3.2. Porsche knew its customers were wary of radical change, so it kept the familiar shape and rear-engined layout while modernising almost everything underneath. In total 63,762 cars were built before the 964 was replaced by the 993 generation.
Key takeaways
- 3.6-litre air-cooled flat-six with 184 kW (250 PS) and 310 Nm in the Carrera 2 and Carrera 4.
- The first 911 with all-wheel drive, ABS, power steering and the Tiptronic automatic as standard or option.
- Turbo with a 3.3 and later 3.6 engine producing up to 265 kW (360 PS); Turbo S versions up to 283 kW (385 PS).
- Coupé, Targa, Cabriolet and Speedster bodies, plus the lightweight RS and RS America.
Porsche 911 (964) at a glance
The 964 is a 2+2 sports car with a rear-mounted air-cooled flat-six and rear- or all-wheel drive. The first cars sold in 1989 were all-wheel-drive Carrera 4s; the rear-wheel-drive Carrera 2 followed in 1990, both as a coupé, Targa or Cabriolet. More Porsche models are listed in our Porsche catalogue.
Porsche 964 versions
| Version | Years | Engine | Power (kW / PS) | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrera 4 / Carrera 2 | 1989–1994 | 3.6 flat-six | 184 kW / 250 PS | 310 Nm |
| Carrera RS | 1992 | 3.6 flat-six | 191 kW / 260 PS | — |
| Turbo 3.3 | 1990–1992 | 3.3 turbo flat-six | 235 kW / 320 PS | 450 Nm |
| Turbo S (Leichtbau) | 1992–1993 | 3.3 turbo flat-six | 280 kW / 381 PS | — |
| Turbo 3.6 | 1993–1994 | 3.6 turbo flat-six | 265 kW / 360 PS | 520 Nm |
| Turbo 3.6 S | 1994 | 3.6 turbo flat-six | 283 kW / 385 PS | — |
The 1989 Speedster was shown at the 1988 Frankfurt motor show alongside the upcoming Carrera 4. A 964-based Speedster followed in 1994, built on the Carrera 2 (936 cars), and the lightweight RS America was produced for the United States in 1993–1994 (701 cars, 1,340 kg).
Exterior
The 964's styling is unusual by today's standards, reflecting Porsche's conservative approach. The front was substantially reworked to cope with the forces of a frontal impact. Raised front wings carry oval halogen headlights, and the new plastic bumper, now integrated into the body shape, has built-in indicators and a recessed central intake. Ground clearance is about 120 mm. The aerodynamically refined coupé body cuts through the air more efficiently than its predecessor's.
The side changed even less: the thin moulding was replaced by a sill cover that rises towards the rear. The rear bumper was also modernised, becoming smoother but plainer. A notable new feature was the electrically extending rear spoiler, which rises above 80 km/h and lowers flush at lower speeds, keeping the classic silhouette intact; the large fixed rear wing remained the preserve of the Turbo.
Interior
The interior changed only in details. Leather, soft plastics and other high-quality materials dominate, and the sports seats could already be electrically adjusted, with side support depending on version. Some buyers disliked the new four-spoke steering wheel of the less powerful models, which looked more modern but less sporty; sportier versions have a three-spoke wheel. The instrument panel keeps the traditional layout of five large analogue dials, now with more modern graphics, and the dashboard holds a conventional radio. Dual airbags became standard on North American cars from the 1990 model year. Two people can sit in the rear, but space is very tight, and the front luggage compartment holds only about 90 litres according to published figures.
Engines and transmissions
The new M64 flat-six displaces 3.6 litres, has Nikasil-coated cylinders, two valves per cylinder and twin-spark ignition, and produces 184 kW (250 PS) and 310 Nm. With a manual gearbox the Carrera reaches 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. The five-speed manual was standard, and the 964 was the first 911 available with the four-speed Tiptronic automatic, with which it reached 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and 256 km/h.
The Carrera 4 has the same engine and similar acceleration, but its all-wheel drive markedly improves traction and handling; according to published figures, its centre differential splits torque 31/69 in favour of the rear wheels. The Turbo, introduced in March 1990, used a 3.3-litre turbocharged engine with 235 kW (320 PS) and 450 Nm until 1992, when it was replaced by a 3.6-litre turbo with 265 kW (360 PS) and 520 Nm.
Chassis
The suspension was redesigned too, with MacPherson struts at the front and a new coil-spring rear suspension replacing the old torsion bars. All four brakes are discs with four-piston calipers. The 964 was the first 911 with ABS and power steering as standard.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | 1989–1994 |
| Cars built | 63,762 |
| Length | 4,270 mm |
| Width | 1,650 mm |
| Height | 1,320 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,270 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,375 kg (C2), 1,406 kg (Tiptronic), 1,475 kg (C4) |
| Top speed | 260 km/h (manual), 256 km/h (Tiptronic) |
| RS weight (Clubsport) | 1,217 kg |
Strengths and weaknesses
Owners praise the 964's build quality, strong performance for its age, high-quality materials and handling, and many cars are still in excellent working order today. The main drawbacks are the small front luggage compartment and very limited rear-seat space. Its best-known rival was the Honda NSX, which offered a very different, mid-engined take on the sports car. Today the 964 is a sought-after collector's car.
FAQ
What is the Porsche 964?
The internal code for the 911 generation built from 1989 to 1994, between the Carrera 3.2 and the 993.
How powerful is the Porsche 964 Carrera?
Its 3.6-litre flat-six produces 184 kW (250 PS) and 310 Nm.
Was the 964 the first all-wheel-drive 911?
Yes, the Carrera 4 of 1989 was the first 911 with all-wheel drive, and the first 964s sold were all Carrera 4s.
How many Porsche 964s were built?
63,762 cars between 1989 and 1994.
