Antonio Silva
Sports versatility
Finally, I actuate the ignition key embedded in the left side. Immediately, I notice the sound of the six-cylinder boxer. It is not a roar or anything like that, it is not uncomfortable or noisy, and this unit is one of the few that we can find in strict series, without modifications in the exhaust lines that provide greater sound and theoretical better benefits. That is why this 3.2 can be started on a Saturday morning in the garage at 7:00 in the morning, take a walk until 9:00, and return home without waking up your wife ...
I insert first, and the 911 begins its march without question. The thruster pushes from below with the expected force. The gears of the G50 five-speed box come in superbly, and the car only shows a sporty tone in its vocabulary when it is driven above 4.500 rpm.
At first I just drive it like I would my everyday car. It is surprising how bourgeois it is, it looks like a current average saloon. This is one of the secrets of these cars, how easy it is to drive them in everyday traffic. In addition, I have taken other 911s at 38º in traffic jam and with the air conditioning on full power and not a trace of heating.
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If there is something that is associated with the star model of Porsche, it is sportsmanship. I have already commented that its interior meets its line of classic sports car as well; Now, I have to say that his behavior is not that of an extreme sports car with all that that implies. It was neither the fastest in the class, nor the fastest accelerator, nor the fastest in the corners, nor the most stable.
Its mass distribution in the eighties was already obsolete, and the engineers of the Stuttgart brand struggled to change dimensions, move components and redesign numerous elements to make an outdated concept something effective.
The truth is that, despite everything, it is exciting to drive. But I insist, not because of its effectiveness, or because of the numbers of its brilliant features, but because of the peculiarity of the experience. This last point will allow us to dismount the rear with a certain ease if we have hands and nerves for it.
I repeat that extreme sportsmanship should not be confused, understood as efficiency and cutting-edge performance -for which there are other contemporary machines that are better-, with having fun on a daily basis and indulging in joys on the weekends.
I will do another section to explain a couple of things. The first is that the series 911s did not pretend to compete with the extreme sports cars of the time, no matter how much the magazines insisted on facing them, but what they wanted to make of the model was a 2 + 2 that would allow daily, everyday use. , with a decided sporty character for the weekend. At least in their "normal" versions.
That is, if someone wants a 3.2 just to race, perhaps it is best to change their mind and go for one of the more radical minority variants, such as the RS or CS.
Despite what was said, if we rush its magnificent engine above 4.500 Rpm, the car will push with force and decision, not in vain the acceleration from 0 to 100 takes place around six seconds and little; on closed mountain roads, or on circuits ... we can get exquisite crusades from him.
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The suspension is effective, although in a 3.2 "basic" the body would rock more. And it is that this unit mounts limited-slip differential and S sports suspension, two options that give it a plus in behavior, bring it closer to the icy CS and, best of all, they make us have a great time.
Those who regularly drive a 911 know that, if you accelerate decisively at the entrance of the curves, the nose rises and you lose direction. For this reason, it is essential to turn with the support right in front, calmly and, once the curve has started, accelerate by modulating with the accelerator and the precise counter-steering wheel at the exit of the curve.
Thus, with the necessary temper and patience, you can enjoy the crusades of this little boy. Only the most expert will dare, in addition, to balance the body at the entrance of the curves, playing with the inertia ... I ask all of you, please, that you only try this in areas closed to traffic or, directly, on circuits. The 911 reactions are not easy to digest.
Finally, I will say that this car is simply a pleasure to drive: it brakes very well, more than enough for most of us, it accelerates strongly, and the limited-slip differential gives the necessary security for those playful moments that we love so much.
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The eternal dilemma
After the photo and video sessions, we return to Madrid on the motorway, comfortably, hardly noticing the engine noise; the aerodynamics is another thing, and if it is heard but only circulating at speeds that are illegal for our bull skin.
In vehicles driven in the free-speed sections of Germany, and after speaking with several owners, they all agreed to perceive a certain buoyancy of the front axle above 160 km / h. -of course, less than in previous versions. This would be corrected in part later, in the 964.
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As we progress, I discuss amicably with the owner, about an eternal dilemma ... which is more efficient, this 911 3.2 or a Ferrari 308/328? Álvaro, a staunch defender of the German model, acknowledges that with a 328 that regularly drives the cornering he is much faster. I just smirk as I nod my head.
Yes, as good porschist which is maintains that the 911 is more sporty, a point on which I, of course, I am not satisfied. Oh well, for tastes, colors.
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A car to enjoy
Finally, we stopped in a well-known Madrid commercial area to have some Cocacolates and think more coldly about what a Porsche 911 3.2 really is.
Without a doubt and above all, it is an EXCEPTIONAL vehicle, with a timeless line that will make you fall in love from any angle and a fantastic and hard engine. Perfect for those looking for a classic car that allows them to make comfortable outings on weekends and, of course, a safe economic value.
For those who want a sporty CLASSIC with capital letters, this will undoubtedly be one of your first options, since to the 911 line we can add different improvements such as air conditioning, self-locking, five speeds and even speed control like the one that also mounts our 3.2.
The maintenance, without being cheap, is not a heart attack either, and we can go to different parallel workshops that, at somewhat more contained prices than in the official ones, will be able to do it. For the handyman, there are an incredible number of replacement parts on different websites. In addition, it does not hurt to ask for a quote for spare parts directly from the brand, since sometimes the little difference in price is surprising.
Regarding prices, in Spain there are still units at low amounts, something that has changed a lot this last year. With the 50th anniversary fever, the German market has taken a significant number of 911 Spaniards, especially from the first series or pre-73.
Even so, today we can find units to restore around 15.000 euros, 25-30.000 if they are in good use, and 35.000 if they are in a state of bankruptcy.
If you have not yet enjoyed a 911 and have what it takes, make no mistake about it, the 3.2 is your car.
Read the second and third part of this trilogy →
