Preserving Legacy: How many Porsche 964 were made?

I still remember my first long night drive in a Porsche 964. A light mist over the A-roads, heater humming, that air-cooled flat-six ticking away behind me like a well-wound watch. The Porsche 964 isn’t just another 911; it’s the bridge between old-school analog charm and the modern era. Power steering, ABS, clever all-wheel drive on the Carrera 4—yet you still feel the car breathe with the road. People ask me all the time: how many Porsche 964 were made, and which one should I buy? Let’s dive in, properly.

How many Porsche 964 were made?

Across its 1989–1994 production run, Porsche built approximately 62,172 examples of the 964 in total. That figure includes the Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 across coupe, Targa, and cabriolet body styles, along with the Turbo models and special editions.

964 production highlights (approximate)

964 Turbo 3.3: ~3,660 units
964 Turbo 3.6: ~1,437 units
964 Carrera RS (RoW): ~2,282 units
964 RS America (USA): 701 units
964 Speedster (1993): ~936 units
964 Carrera RS 3.8: ~55 units

Numbers vary slightly by source and market reporting, but the above gives you the right order of magnitude.

Why the Porsche 964 still gets under your skin

I noticed right away the 964 feels wonderfully tight—like Porsche took an old favorite and quietly tightened every bolt. When I tried it on rough roads, the suspension still had that 911 suppleness, but without the squeaks and rattles older air-cooled cars sometimes pick up. It’s also properly quick in today’s world if you choose wisely.

Engines: 3.6-liter flat-six (247–260 hp in Carreras), Turbo 3.3/3.6 up to 355 hp
0–60 mph: about 5.5–6.0 seconds (Carrera), low 4s to mid-4s for the Turbo 3.6
Layout: Rear-engined balance with modernized electronics and ABS
Feel: Hydraulic steering that talks to you; brakes that bite without drama

Did you know?

Early 964s (especially 1990–1991) had well-documented cylinder head sealing issues. Many were fixed under warranty—always check paperwork.
The Carrera 4 introduced Porsche’s first modern AWD in a 911. Some owners prefer the purist feel of the Carrera 2; others swear by the C4’s confidence in the wet.
It was the first 911 with proper integrated bumpers—timeless now, but quite a statement then.

Porsche 964 Turbo and C2: two flavors, same obsession

The 964 Turbo is a different animal—boost builds, the nose lifts a whisker, and you learn to feed the throttle like a gentleman. On a damp B-road, it’s hilarious and slightly terrifying in equal measure. Meanwhile, a well-sorted Carrera 2 (manual) is one of those “drive all day” cars. It’s quiet enough to hear your kids negotiating snack rations in the back, but alive enough that every corner feels like a conversation.

Living with a Porsche 964

A few owners mentioned to me that once you sort the usual suspects—engine seals, dual-mass flywheel on some years, refreshed suspension—the 964 becomes a brilliantly usable classic. Parts support is excellent, and there’s a global community happy to tell you exactly which 10mm socket you’ll drop behind the fan shroud.

Porsche 964 vs period rivals

In period, the 964 fought off some seriously good company. If you’re cross-shopping now, here’s where it sits.

Car (circa 1990–1994)	Power	0–60 mph	Character snapshot
Porsche 964 Carrera 2	247–260 hp	~5.5–6.0 s	Analog feel, modernized usability; iconic rear-engine traction
Porsche 964 Turbo 3.6	355 hp	~4.0–4.5 s	Boosty drama; collectible now for all the right reasons
Honda/Acura NSX (NA1)	270 hp	~5.5–5.7 s	Supercar civility, mid-engine clarity, brilliant shifter
Ferrari 348	300 hp	~5.5–5.8 s	Raw, charismatic; less polished, more theater
Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32)	276 hp	~5.4–5.7 s	Techy grip monster; different vibe, same obsession

Owning a Porsche 964: little wins and small gripes

Steering feel is top-tier, but the seating position can feel high if you’re over six foot.
Cabins are robust; switches feel satisfyingly mechanical, though infotainment is, well, 1990s. Embrace it or fit a discreet modern head unit.
On the motorway, road noise is lower than older 911s—think “driving in slippers,” but the sport kind.
Maintenance is king. Buy the best you can, and buy on condition and history. A cheap 964 can become a pricey 964 very quickly.

Porsche 911 UK community: the best co-drivers you’ll never meet

For UK owners, the online Porsche 911 community—think forums like Porsche911UK—feels like a virtual garage meet. Restoration diaries, parts classifieds, troubleshooting at 11 p.m.—it’s all there. If pages aren’t displaying right, try an updated browser; I’ve fixed more “forum bugs” with a browser refresh than I care to admit. And if you ever forget a password, follow the site’s recovery steps and you’ll be back in the thread before your tea goes cold.

Protecting that classic interior (and your sanity)

Let’s be honest: old carpets plus British weather equals a slightly damp eau de 911. Quality mats help. These are tailored options enthusiasts I know have used:

Side tip: Fresh mats aren’t just cosmetic; they keep moisture off underfelt and wiring, which helps preserve that tight, rattle-free 964 feel you paid for.

Is the Porsche 964 a good investment?

Short answer: potentially, yes—if you buy smart. I’ve seen values of clean, well-maintained Carreras climb steadily, with special cars (RS, Turbo 3.6, Speedster) doing particularly well. But this isn’t a stock ticker; it’s a driver’s car. Prioritize condition, originality, and documentation. A proper pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is non-negotiable.

Conclusion: the Porsche 964, still the sweet spot

The Porsche 964 hits that rare balance—characterful and usable, classic but not cantankerous. And now you know: roughly 62,172 Porsche 964 were made, with a handful of specials that keep collectors awake at night. Whether you’re dreaming of a Carrera 2 for Sunday blasts or a 964 Turbo for Alpine ski weekends, the right car will reward you every single mile.

FAQ: Porsche 964 essentials

What years was the Porsche 964 produced?
1989 to 1994.
How many Porsche 964 were made?
Approximately 62,172 across all variants.
How many Porsche 964 RS were made?
About 2,282 Carrera RS (RoW) plus 701 RS America for the U.S.
Why are Porsche 964 values high?
It’s the last-but-one of the air-cooled era, offers modern usability, and has strong enthusiast demand—especially for RS, Turbo 3.6, and low-mile, documented cars.
Is a Porsche 964 a good daily?
For many, yes. Solid HVAC, usable ride quality, ABS, and power steering make it easy to live with. Just stay current on maintenance and rust prevention.