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Porsche · Sports Car · 1989–1994

Porsche 911 964

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

1.4 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

360 PS

3.6L Turbo Benzin

Rarer than the RS 2.7 — and more brutal

Legendary!
Problem Engine

250 PS

3.6L Benzin

8 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Body Variants

The Porsche 911 964 is available as Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations


Engine Overview

The Porsche 911 964 is available with 5 engine variants — from 250 to 360 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

Carrera 2 · Benziner· 250 PS Engine Change
1989 1993
Stay Away! 8 weaknesses
1989 1993
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
Carrera 4 · Benziner· 250 PS
1989 1993
Stay Away! 8 weaknesses
Carrera RS · Benziner· 260 PS
1991 1993
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
Turbo · Benziner· 320 PS
1990 1993
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Turbo 3.6 · Benziner· 360 PS
1993 1994
Be Careful 10 weaknesses

The Porsche Carrera 2 (Benziner, 250 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M64.01 (1989–1993, Stay Away!) und M64.02 (1989–1993, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the Carrera 2!

The Porsche Carrera 4 (Benziner, 250 PS) has the M64.01 (3.6L) — rated: "Stay Away!", 8 known weaknesses.

The Porsche Carrera RS (Benziner, 260 PS) has the M64.03 (3.6L) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

The Porsche Turbo (Benziner, 320 PS) has the M30.69 (3.3L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

The Porsche Turbo 3.6 (Benziner, 360 PS) has the M64.50 (3.6L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Front Axle Control Arm Bushings

Rubber bushings in the front control arms wear after approximately 80,000 km. Full control arm replacement necessary — bushings cannot be pressed in separately.

Symptoms: Knocking from the front axle; imprecise steering; car pulls under braking.
from 80,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
5 complaints · 1989–1994
Body Structure
3 ⚠ 1
Engine
1
Brakes
1

Top Reported Issues

Body Structure (3 complaints)
Engine (1 complaints)
Brakes (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

BMW M3 E36

Sportwagen (1992–1999)


Known Problems and Issues

A total of 45 weaknesses have been documented for the Porsche 911 964 (1989–1994) — 37 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: M64.01 (3.6L), M64.02 (3.6L), M64.03 (3.6L), M30.69 (3.3L Turbo). Typical issues affect Suspension, Rust, HVAC, Electronics.

911 (M64.01, 1989–1993) — Stay Away!: Broken cylinder studs — engine overhaul required, Oil lines burst (high-pressure line), Timing chain tensioner and timing chain worn. Power: 250 PS.

911 (M64.02, 1989–1993) — Stay Away!: Broken cylinder studs — engine overhaul required, Oil lines burst (high-pressure line), Timing chain tensioner and timing chain worn. Power: 250 PS.

911 (M30.69, 1990–1993) — Stay Away!: Wastegate diaphragm porous (boost pressure issues), Broken head studs (cylinder head turbo), Fuel lines porous (high-pressure system). Power: 320 PS.

911 (M64.03, 1991–1993) — Stay Away!: Broken cylinder studs — engine overhaul required, Oil lines burst (high-pressure line), Timing chain tensioner and timing chain worn. Power: 260 PS.

911 (M64.50, 1993–1994) — Be Careful: Turbo bearings worn (cooldown required), Turbo bearing wear (KKK K27), K27 turbocharger bearing wear. Power: 360 PS.

What to watch out for with the Porsche 911? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Porsche 911 964 have? +
The Porsche 911 964 has 37 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Porsche 911 964? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: M64.50 (3.6L Turbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the M64.50 (3.6L Turbo). Problem engine: M64.01 (3.6L) — stay away!
Which Porsche 911 964 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Porsche 911 964 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} Only 1,437 examples, 360 hp, no ESP. Compared to the 3.3 Turbo: shorter turbo lag, more torque across a wider band, subjectively more effortless. But still a challenge — 520 Nm on rear-wheel drive without traction control. Anyone who finds an unmodified example is buying automotive history. Anyone who then drives it understands why this era remains unforgettable.
Is the Porsche 911 964 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Porsche 911 964 — 4 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Porsche 911 964? +
The Porsche 911 964 is available with engine variants from 250 to 360 hp. Petrol: M64.01 (3.6L), M64.02 (3.6L), M64.03 (3.6L), M30.69 (3.3L Turbo), M64.50 (3.6L Turbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee