(1990 – 1994) Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Coupe (964) – Ultimate Guide
Porsche added the rear wheel drive Carrera 2 variant to the range in 1990. It was developed alongside the 964 Carrera 4, Porsche waited a year to release the Carrera 2 as a 1990 model year car. Like the Carrera 4, the Carrera 2 was available as a coupé, Targa or Cabriolet. The Carrera 2 Coupe became to top selling 964 model in the lineup, with over 18 units produced.
Overall, the Carrera 2 packed almost the same technical specifications as the Carrera 4 model. The engine was the same 3.6 liter unit which produced 250 horsepower and a maximum speed of 162 mph while the 0 to 60 mph acceleration was made in about 5.6 seconds.
The rear-engined, rear wheel drive C2 was 220 lb lighter than its C4 sibling was more fun to drive, was sportier and was considered a true successor to the Carrera 3.2 of 1984. The Coupe was (and still is) the enthusiast sports car driver’s choice, while the Targa and Cabriolet were (and still are) popular with those who want their 911 experience with some fresh air.
From the outside the Carrera 2 looks exactly like the Carrera 4 other than the obligatory ‘2’ on engine lid versus a ‘4’ for the Carrera 4. Starting in January 1990 the Carrera 2 body styles were available with a new Tiptronic (automatic) gearbox with manual override. This 4-speed Tiptronic unit got the M64/02 engine while the 5-speed manual got the M64/01 engine.
The reviews at the time were positive for the Carrera 2, including Car and Driver who tested it in the January 1990 issue of Car and Driver. At the time, they said:
The Carrera 2 has all the unmistakable 911 flair and style—without all of the old car’s vices.
Because the Carrera 2 so closely resembles its four-wheel-drive sibling, it’s no surprise that it bears all the basic goodness of the Carrera 4. Open the door and slide into the cockpit and the same supportive and comfortable bucket seat envelopes you. The driving position is every bit as comfortable as in the Carrera 4. The pedals remain perfect for heel-and-toe waltzes.
The gear lever slides into position firmly and deliberately. The clutch take-up is smooth and progressive. The standard power steering filters out any harsh messages from the front suspension and yet faithfully reports the activities of the tires’ contact patches to your hands. And the brakes bite with power and unfailing resolve—using them hard is like firing a pack of retro-rockets. These businesslike controls fortify the Carrera 2’s driver’s car demeanor and make this an exceptionally agreeable car to use.
