911Dave

I've owned a number of 911s from 86 to 88 in the past, but I've decided to look for a 930, in the 86-89 year range. Thing is, I've never driven one. I know the 89's are more valued for their 5-speed transmission, but I'm wondering how much of a difference it makes vs. the 4-speed when driving on typical public roads. If any of you have experience with both the 4-speed and the 5-speed variants, I'd appreciate your thoughts on how much they differ, and in what way. I can afford a good example of either one, but there are far fewer 89's to choose from. In the past, some have told me that the 4-speed turbos are pretty doggy at lower speeds, and you really have to get on the boost before they come alive. Do you 4-speeders agree? Is the 5-speed much more peppy?

CGT000

I own both a 4 speed and a 5 speed. 5 speed is easier to drive around town. You feel less of the Turbo lag but for pure fun, nothing beats the rush of the boost coming on in the 4 speed. I drive both sparingly but 90% of the time I opt for my 4 speed.

Daytonacoupe66

I've not driven a 5 speed 930 but have owned two 4 speed 1982s. I kinda' like the tall legs of the 4 speed, and feel no disadvantage driving it in the city. Plenty of get up and go for this dinosaur,. The >90kph in first gear is a unique cache, and as CGT notes, the kick-transition from what some describe as 'sluggish' to boost is accelerating/exhilarating! Whether you prefer a 4 or 5 speed is a matter of personal taste IMHO, and the scarcity appeal of the 5 speed will add value.

911Dave

Interesting responses. I always thought turbo lag was something everybody disliked, but it sounds like it can actually be fun. I suppose if I wanted to keep it to a minimum I could keep the car at higher RPM most of the time to keep the turbo spooled up. Which one would be better on twisty mountain roads?

SToronto

I picked up a 88 in 2019, so maybe 4000km on it this far. Haven't driven 5 speed but did same research as you. All I can say is I am having a blast with the car wherever I drive it. Maybe I'm missing something not having the 5 speed but I don't know what that is and I'm enjoying this.

I did put a K27-7200 in last year, brings boost on at slightly lower RPM.

Just to add, yeah when the boost hits it's a blast literally.

Porschekonig

I previously owned an '88 NA 911 cab with the G50 and for 16 incredible years have owned an '89 930 cab (pictured below) with the G50-50. I can say I honestly loved both but the '89 930 in 5th gear is exhilarating to say the least. This is always done in a very open and lonely stretch of highway/road for best experience and safety. The pedal never seems to be able to hit the FW and she just g-o-e-s. Consider as well the hydraulic clutch that smooths things out a bit. Throughout the entire 930 marque the ride is highly visceral and may not be for some. Of course, the '89 included many goodies and "1st's" that make it stand out in the Porsche line up and attractive to collectors. 1st time drilled brake rotors were used in production. 1st time for LEDs in the door lock cylinders ...etc. Had I now the decision again to go with an '89 rather then '86-88 930 I would have to consider price point and the cars quality. These cars need to be run and run hard - just the way they were bred I 'spose. Either way the '89 or '86-'88 930s are the ultimate culmination of the Porsche "Turbo" revolution in the car world back then. There truly is no substitute...

ljpviper

I had an 86 930 in the nineties for like 6 years. The 4 speed was not too bad. I like the long gears on the highway.

Bought an 89 930 two years ago. I much prefer the 5 speed G50-50 gearbox. It definitely makes the car more user friendly around town. I too find it comes on boost quicker than than the four speed. The shifting action is way more precise and the clutch is smoother. They did not make many 89s. So you will pay a premium for one depending on the mileage. Good luck.