Introduced in 1989, the 964 (this was its internal designation to denote the new generation) iteration of the 911 represented the most significant re-design of the 911 since its introduction. Gone was the torsion bar suspension which gave the 911 its sometimes unpredictable on-the-limit handling which saw many cars leaving the road backwards in the hands of inexperienced or unsuspecting drivers. This was replaced by a conventional coil spring system, and the engine was also enlarged to 3.6 litres. Numerous other systems were reworked and the 964 was fitted with anti-lock brakes and dual airbags as well (one of the first cars to be so equipped). For the first time, the 911 was optionally available with four-wheel drive in the Carrera 4, which also served to tame the sometimes unpredictable handling of earlier 911’s. The bumpers were also changed to be more aerodynamic and integrated, while the rest of the exterior was left essentially unchanged. Despite Porsche’s claim of 80% new parts, the car looked very similar to before, still retaining the same body panels (besides the bumpers and side skirts), and dashboard layout. Also of interest is that by 1994, there were no fewer than thirteen versions of the 911 from which to choose. There was the coupe, targa, and convertible versions of both the two- and four-wheel drive 911, as well as “tiptronic” versions of two wheel drive cars that featured automatic transmissions. There was also the Turbo and a wide-body version of the Carrera 4 that featured the fender extensions, wheels, and suspension of the Turbo, but the standard engine and no tail. There was also a stripped version (no rear seats, no air conditioning, no sunroof, lightweight door panels without armrests etc.) called the America RS, no doubt so named to recapture the glory of the Carrera RS of 1972. Finally, there was another iteration of the Speedster.

A 1989 Carrera 4 (964). This car has been updated with the mirrors and wheels from a later car so that it is indistinguishable from a 1992-1994 964. Note the more aerodynamic integrated bumpers.

For 1995, the 964 was replaced by the 993, which featured modernized styling and some technological updates to many systems including the introduction of a 6-speed transmission. The fenders were significantly changed for the first time since 1974, but the greenhouse, doors, and interior remained essentially unchanged. Many of the complaints that were hurled at the Carrera ten years earlier had still not been addressed, and the 993 was also the last 911 to hold onto Porsche’s idiosyncratic tendency to use air-cooled engines and the “scattered confetti” arrangement of switches throughout the interior. The 993 was significant because it was the last generation to employ these original components, and the 996 that replaced it in 1998 was the first truly 100% new 911 since its introduction in 1963. These cars also were also the first liquid-cooled 911’s ever.

A 1996 Carrera 4S (993). The 4S featured the fenders, suspension, brakes, and wheels from a Turbo, but no tail or Turbo engine.

From left to right: a 1989 Carrera 4, 1988 Carrera, 1989 Speedster, and 1996 Carrera 4S.

Variations on a theme: the white car is fitted with the optional spoiler for cosmetic and aerodynamic purposes. Starting with the 964, all 911's (without fixed wings like the Turbo) feature a spoiler that extends above 50mph and retracts below 6mph.

The two cars on the left are widebody cars with Turbo fenders, whereas the two on the right are the standard width examples.

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