Is The Porsche 968 Preferable To An Air Cooled 911? This Owner Thinks So. Find Out Why.

[@jibmaster]

I 100% agree with this guy. One of the best transaxles out there. I drove one once and couldn't believe the power from a 3.0 NA 4 cylinder engine. This one is pristine!

[@DavidMorley]

Since 4 years I drive a 968. Such a wonderful and practical car. They can also do immense mileage. And as James says, you can get kids in the back. That was a major decision in my purchase. No problem going out 4 up.

[@NC944er]

Nicely put together and informative coverage of a largely unknown Porsche! My boys and I recently happened upon a 968 at a random park in the middle of nowhere in NC. Of course I was freaking out and trying to explain to them that they were looking at the culmination of a decade’s worth of iteration and refinement resulting in a formidable machine. Meanwhile my kids are basically going, “Huh, VarioCam timing what now, why is this a big deal?” 🤣

[@Rennthusiast]

Thanks for the compliment. Glad you enjoyed. Thanks also for watching.

[@frednerk8366]

I owned a 968 Clubsport in Grand Prix white for 4 years. A great car with balanced handling and that big 4 pot engine. I sold it and bought an M5 which I regretted. The 968 is the the only car I have regretted selling.

[@ianmitchell9102]

My only regret is selling my E39 M5, so that 968cs must of been special 👍

[@PapaSmurf337]

@@ianmitchell9102 A Club Sport is essentially the little brother to a 911 Carrera RS so it's definitely very special. Even a 968 with 030 sport suspension is a very nice handling and well-rounded sports car but a Club Sport is essentially a track ready street car given brake fluid, pad compound, and tire compound are par course. E39 M5s have awesome handling and performance for a luxury sedan that can sit 4 grown people comfortably which puts it in a different category and a 968 Club Sport** would be more in line with a M3 Lightweight of that era which was very special as well.

[@ianmitchell9102]

@@PapaSmurf337I totally get you, but my point was some cars are just very special, built for different reasons but both special in their own way. Once I find real nice 944 S2 or a real nice 968, I’ll keep it forever

[@Miko_Sch01]

What a great video! James is the epitome of a 968 owner, knows the history and his passion towards the vehicle is unmatched!

[@bobbydazzler8620]

What an excellent presentation from James regarding his 968 His enthusiasm and knowledge for Porsche comes out in spades Maybe after I’ve completed my 997.2 purchase I could be in the same boat.

[@968Pete]

Great video Will! I am a 968 enthusiast who have owned 968s continuously since around 1999. I've owned 6 968s during this time and will forever have one. I own 911s too but there something special about the 968 I just can't let go. Honestly if I had to choose between my 968 and my 964 that would be a tough decision... The 968 is just an all around beautiful and very practical car which is highly reliable and easy to maintain.

[@brandaneakright6082]

That 968 is absolutely gorgeous, I personally like the 944/968 cars. I had a 944 turbo I kick myself in the butt all the time for getting rid of it, they’re really cool cars and a great alternative to a 911 when you can’t afford a 911.

[@PapaSmurf337]

968s have been getting into 911 price territory lately. I think the 968s are better daily drivers than a 944 Turbo which are just absolute monsters once you have some tuning done or a big turbo but it certainly would have been nice to pick up on a 968 before the prices went through the roof, one would look nice sitting next to my 951.

[@blkcoupequattro]

I had a Guards Red 1985.5 944 5 speed, while the 968 is desirable as well, I prefer the older 924, 944 shape over the 968. A beautify example of a 968 however, that's a keeper either way you look at it....

[@piersronan2746]

This is A GREAT video thank you. I am a now 11+ years into 993 ownership, my favorite car of all time. But when i was a kid it was actually the 968 I had on my wall… thank you for reminding me how much I love this car!

[@grecopena]

Sweet example. Well done James. It would be interesting to drive after the bushings upgrade. James definitely has the super clean garage to match his fine taste. Semper Fi.

[@robbelliii]

Great video. It is important to remember too that stylistically Porsche built the 968 to share a family resemblance to the 993 while tieing the back bumper design to the 928. If you are looking for a car that inspires resemblance to the elements of the 911, 944, and 928, then this is your car. As both a 968 owner and a 996 owner I love both cars.

[@darrellhunt5214]

Quote - "Porsche built the 968 to resemble the 993". Quite a common misconception - the 968 launched in europe in 1991, whilst the 993 came out in 1993. The 993 copied the generic "family" design ethos being put in place by Porsche at that time. Colour coded door handles, aero door mirrors, softer bumper/secondary lighting & front wing design, Cup2 alloys (all Porsche parts bin). If you look at the lower rear numberplate/bumper, its the same for 968, 993, 996, 986 Boxster. The pop up headlights can be engineered to take 993 fixed/dual focus lights, as they fit the front wings.

[@peterfritzphoto]

I drove a couple of late 944s and 968s when they were new, and they were brilliant. The 968, especially, remains one of the best handling and steering cars I’ve ever driven. Hugely desirable car.

[@jbfinishingsjellebilliau9054]

I have a porsche 944 with oval dash.and i can never sell it.the transaxle generation is something special.and i am verry happy for that part of the porsche history.porsche is really more than just the 911.it’s a brand and it stands for quality.my car is 33years old and feels like it just rolled of the factory line😀👌😎thanks for the transaxle video grtz from brussels belgiüm

[@jimiverson3085]

Boy, that car is clean. Nicely turned out example of an under-appreciated car. Agree with wanting a car that has been driven. Old saying about Porsches is "Beware the garage queen."

[@jonwarshawsky5288]

Looks fantastic - the color and detailing really stand out. And I totally agree, the newer cars don’t inspire me the way the ‘90s and earlier ones do. I can tell you were a Marine, because your cars and garage are so well kept and in perfect order.

[@stuartclague3914]

I owned a 1994 968 Club Sport while living in the UK and it remains one of my favourites of the cars I have owned. A practical fun sports car that can be used for long weekend trips with enough room for bags and golf clubs.

[@713vinh]

I love this car, I've always been a fan of the 944 but this 968 takes it to the next level. Thanks for the great video!

[@speedpatrickp174]

This guy gave a nice recap of the 968. Good illustration of why we love our 968s. Get one, go to any car event and enjoy the 'rare bird'. Also, glad he defended Guards Red!

[@Rennthusiast]

Rare is the man who emphatically says he loves GR 🙌🏼

[@captaincoyote1792]

I bought my 1990 944s2 Cabriolet the year I turned 50 the same year I made Navy O-6. I love the 968, too…but mine would have to be a cabriolet! I have considered selling mine and looking for a 968 Cab! I’m interested in doing some of the updates that he did: stereo, and LED headlights. I laughed when he talked about folks asking about the car….one time I had my kids out, stopped for ice cream, and some guy exclaimed “is that the new Boxster”? Too funny!

[@trevormacdougall9385]

Hagerty just named the 968 to their 2022 Bull List. Fastest appreciating Porsche other than the 993. I have an 87 3.2 and like the guest, was looking for another Porsche but different than a 911. Bought a 968 last year to go with the 3.2. Great car and fun.

[@Rennthusiast]

I can see the appeal

[@trevormacdougall9385]

@@Rennthusiast no doubt the air cooled market has people looking at alternatives like the 968, just like he mentioned.

[@Blrmkr]

Great segment! James gives a a thorough summary of the model and his personal story. Guards Red doesn’t hurt. And finally, James is a Marine!

[@ricardo.pedraza]

I've always wanted one since the 944's. Such a good example of one!

[@dsalbatera]

great to hear from another 968 owner, thanks for the insight

[@dennison1500]

Such a clean classic example and tastefully modded. Ive always loved these

[@thomasschmitz3765]

Will, James - thank you so much for making and sharing. James, your Porsche is an absolute stunner - as is your garage! As a 968 owner over here in Germany, I can fully confirm everything said and shown in this very well made video. Couple of questions, - What LEDs have you retrofitted, and where did you source it from? - What exhaust have you retrofitted, and where did you source it from? It looks and sounds lovely... - What are your thoughts about having the boot cover replaced with something less ugly and impractical? Any hints for some kind of roller blinds?

[@teufelshundtactical]

Thanks. The LED headlight bulbs were sourced from carid.com. The exhaust is from “Billy Boat”, a local company with extensive racing history. Not sure what you mean about the boot. I prefer the open look and added the red piping trunk mat, which I sourced from Lloyd Mats.

[@Jamesdhillegas]

Love the way you treated it. Tasteful upgrades all around

[@povertyspec9651]

928 was the best looking Porsche ever

[@HernanSpeed]

Porsche 968!! A beautiful example here, Gaurds Red takes it to the he next level 🔥🔥🔥

[@beardedgarage]

I pretty much always poo poo'd these cars, but I can now totally appreciate the enthusiasm. I see the benefits, and I appreciate the frankness of the interview.

[@robadams9523]

Great video and beautiful example. I've owned mine 94 968 since 2011 and absolutely love how it looks and drives. It's stablemate is an 88 Carrera that I have owned twice. They are both unique driving experiences and a pleasure to own. Thank you for helping to educate people about these really magnificent cars.

[@Lukin1971]

I completely agree. Im happy with my 968. The illuminated Porsche emblem is really cool! Thumbs up!

[@jeffreyhenderson6293]

Great Video!!!!! I am a hard core air cooled Porsche fan but, really enjoyed the information on a non air cooled Porsche. Maybe a video on a 928 in the future???? Thanks for the videos!!!!!

[@eddiesmith258]

Thank you for your info and for your service to our country.

[@remcovanderveen7778]

Great cars indeed! I have owned one for 10 years, used it as my daily driver. In those 10 years I drove 160.000 miles in it (when I sold it was at 230.000 miles). I traded it in on a 993. Great car as well. Less practical, but more special. I miss the 968 though. So I am now looking for a 968 next to the 993. Great episode by the way. Keep up the good work (I subscribed to the facebook group, good iniatiative as well).

[@thedrivebygg]

Wow that’s some mileage, must be pretty reliable, always wanted one, but reaching strong money in the UK. I would settle for a late coupe version with all the extras and nice multi colour interior. Would use it as a weekend car advertising my KZbin channel, going to car meets etc. great seeing so many comments from true fans

[@jtocher685]

Had a '94 968 in Guards Red...very nice car! A few maintenance/restoration things (apart from staying on top of the timing belts) are necessary once these cars have years and miles on them. A previous owner had put a Sachs clutch in it and while they are the OEM manufacturer, they don't make it easy to get the right pressure plate as several Porche models used the same physical size and design with different clamping forces. If you get the wrong one, you will have a very heavy clutch and you can risk cracking the firewall. Get the parts direct from Porsche. Also, get a new throw out bearing and the tube it runs on, The clutch can be changed on this car without removing the transmission or the torque tube...brilliant design and one of the things that makes this car different from the 944/924. The other things that perfected the driving experience for me were replacing the steering box mounting bushings, the strut top bearings, the front struts and rear shocks and the front control arms and the rest of the front suspension bushings. You'll have a few thousand dollars in parts but you will have the new 968 driving experience!

[@detonator2112]

Very beautiful car. Design has stood the test of time which is almost always the case with Porsches. Better option than air cooled? Hmm... maybe not but a great car nevertheless.

[@davidengman4400]

Very well spoken guest, learned a lot about this model.

[@cporteus968]

Great video, Owned my 1995 968 for 20 years. Can’t wait for spring!

[@flacjacket]

I am in my grandmothers will for her '95 guards red over black 6 speed 968 coupe that she has owned since '97. I am trying to collect one car from each of my grand parents that sentimentally reminds me of them, from my other grandmother I am getting the X308 Jaguar XJ8 that she bought new in '01. My grandmother has owned several Porsches in my life time but the 968 is the one she has had the longest and the one that reminds me most forcefully of her. I think my gearhead gene came from her so the knowledge that I will have something of our shared passiom that is so precious to her to remember her by is enough to make the car special to me, the fact that it is also one of the all time great drivers cars is icing on the cake. Hopefully it will be a long time before it passes to me, but when it does I will cherish it for the rest of my life.

[@vwfanatic2390]

I love the red stitching on the seat gap cup holder. Also dig the seat rail cup holder, but along with the beautiful Guards Red that pops, I love that you have attention to detail and point the crest tips on the center caps at the valve stems. I want a 968, almost as much as I want a 911, any 911, that runs drives & stops well.

[@Blackgreygrain]

James the H&K guru. The internet is a small place. Solid taste in both communities.

[@scottguenther-lee2214]

Great video! As a long time owner of a 968, I can honestly say it's a great driving experience. Hard to beat the naturally aspirated engine and manual clutch.

[@Bungletronics]

I’ve always loved the 968. I’m afraid by the time I can afford one they’ll be unobtanium. So cool

[@richarddemaray9775]

He didn't mention the handling. The De Deon transaxle is a perfect ~ 50/50 weight distribution with the 3 liter 4, and provided dramatically different handling benefits than the 911 at the time which often had the rear end come up around the driver as the car spun out going to fast into a turn. The 968 was a perfect grand slalom ride. With the 6 speed Getrag manual the 236 HP could be engaged surgically in a turn. It was and is still like magic in your hands. You can glue your butt onto the blacktop even on treacherous fast downhill diminishing radius turns no 911 could follow those days. The 968 was, just addictive with the 6800 rpm redline. The week part was even the 944 turbo chassis wasn't as stiff as it could be at the limit but the M series rubber was amazing upgrade even so.

[@ryanm.3681]

This has ALWAYS been my favorite Porsche! I love this car...

[@obsessed_with_cars1]

I definitely need one of these in my garage someday. I’m currently dailying an ‘87 944.

[@nateisright]

Fun fact: sixth gear not an overdrive but another acceleration gear! Long live the 968!

[@artysanmobile]

This is correct. Top speed is attained at the rev limit in 6th.

[@staceybsnyder]

Huge fan of the 968. I'd love to own one someday. Great video.

[@everettsager4654]

Same!

[@cwilder1116]

Great review! I have always enjoyed the 944 going back to sixteen candles. This model being the newer version has huge appeal for me. By the way, I love the garage. Maybe you could do some reviews on Porsche garages next.

[@Rennthusiast]

Great idea.

[@theodoredrivas4422]

Congratulations to both Will and James as his guest speaker. As always, Will has complimented his channel and content by having James as guest speaker and reviewing his 968. What a great interview and very well presented Porsche that James has acquired. Lets not forget that spectacular Porsche Garage of his. I wish I was that neat and detailed. Bravo to you both.

[@Mendra72]

Great and informative, thank you to James as well!

[@PA30Crewchief]

968 is by far the most affordable Porsche coupe to own and maintain. To drive, it’s near 50/50 weight distribution and six speed manual transmission make for a predictable and precise drive once set up with exceptional stability and grip without any driver nannies. My 968 Club Sport doesn’t have back seats but this makes for a huge cargo area great for the monthly shop.

[@Rennthusiast]

I really enjoyed driving it.

[@jeffhammond8969]

Since I own both a 944 and a 968, I would say that the 944 is still less expensive to own and maintain overall.

[@varmastiko2908]

@@jeffhammond8969 How much different are they to drive? I've only driven 944s and I'd like to know how the 968 compares.

[@jeffhammond8969]

@@varmastiko2908 dynamically, to me the 968 definitely has more power (big flat torque curve), but the 944 seems like it spins up faster and is lighter. They handle pretty much the same. Both are fun, just shades of the same color. I know that the 951's have the big turbo acceleration kick, but I prefer the instant response of a naturally aspirated engine.

[@ericmoss8344]

Great video and love the 968!! You should also ask James about his love and knowledge of all things H&K!! :)

[@teufelshundtactical]

That would be a very long video :)

[@ericmoss8344]

@@teufelshundtactical one that I'd happily watch!! Beautiful Porsche James!!

[@yuska8614]

man I loved this video.... great background on the model... well done. Well done and beaufiful 968!

[@artysanmobile]

I absolutely love my 1993 Polar Silver 968 Coupe with 6 speed manual. One of only 446 send to the USA. It has impeccable handling perfectly matched to its engine power and stupendous brakes. It has a couple design issues. The rear hatch commonly suffers from a very difficult problem to resolve. The air shocks that support it, in their closed position exert constant and powerful force pushing the entire thing rearward. As its only mounting point to the car body is a large rubber gasket holding the glass, it can end up requiring complete removal of that gasket and rebuilding a new one. I invested many days trying to fix it and ultimately failed. Guessing $1500 to correct.

[@ryanpatterson9526]

I like this guy… He has excellent taste!

[@c.chavis6314]

James needs his own 968 channel. Not a fan of the 968 but this is a clean representation, much respect.

[@Rennthusiast]

Believe it or not, he ended up selling this car and jumped into a speed yellow 997.1, I think.

[@c.chavis6314]

@@Rennthusiast Wow!

[@bmanz8117]

911 has been the steady in Porsche. I had a 928 S back in the 80s. I loved the exterior and the interior on the 928. I found that service repairs back then to be ridicules in price. Once my uncle retired, sold his garage, I sold mine. Just didn't want to pour Mt money into a car that cistcso much to repair. Loved the car while I had it. It was in black with black interior, quality workmanship. Really at any time and currently Porsche is for the wealthy to enjoy.

[@jeffhaynes3246]

I am a 911 fan but this video gives one pause for thought on the 968.

[@robsharp968]

I've owned by speed yellow 968 Sport for two decades now. Wouldn't part with it either. What a car!

[@SunKing968]

Great video, producer, car and owner- thanks! This and the 951 were always my dream cars (rather than the 911 models) and now I own one- a pristine 968 Club Sport in Indischrot (India Red) colour : )

[@davidparkin9017]

The 968 is my favorite Porsche. I drive an e46 BMW 330i M Sport (manual).

[@BennysBenz]

I have a red with black interior 944 really love the 968 that's a sharp car for sure.

[@jaynechgui2108]

I had a 968 CS and now a 944 turbo 250, two excellent cars ! thanks for the video 👍👍

[@colhutchins]

How did you find the 3.0L NA compared to the turbo 2.5 in the 944?

[@Mrcodewarrior77006]

Hello James, very nice 968. I own a '94 968 6sp Cabriolet, guards red over cashmere. Enjoyed eyeballing your attention to detail in keeping it up.

[@tabblakely4987]

Very nice video I had a 92 968 diamond blue metallic, agree a older porsche is fun to drive.

[@KoreyConstable]

Nice video. Just found this channel. I'm a Guards Red 86 944 Turbo owner myself and my neighbor has the same color 93 968 Cabriolet. Used to have an Estoril Blue 1999 M Coupe which I constantly beat myself up for selling.

[@Rennthusiast]

Estoril blue is one of the best colors BMW has ever offered, and on an M coupe I can see why you miss it.

[@Gavin-oq5tt]

Good job James, very informative and enjoyable. I remember the 968 as my introduction to Porsche (and sports cars), but ended up with the 993 back in 1998. I kept that for 14 years and since had another 911, but as time goes on I am becoming more interested in the olds cars. You didn’t mention much about how it drives - eg. compared to your 997 - that would be very interesting. Also how is that gearbox? Anyhow, thanks again for the content.

[@teufelshundtactical]

Thanks. It drives beautifully. With the large displacement and Varicam, it provides a flat power band across all six gears. Only down about 11 horsepower from the 964 of the period, but with near perfect weight balance, you can push it more confidently in the limit. This is why so many were turned into track day cars. Great fun to drive on routine drives and and back road barnstorming.

[@robbelliii]

I own a 99 996 C2 and a 1994 968, both cabs. The 968 does fine, but the clutches feel quite different. I prefer the 968 actual, although the 996 shifts smoother. The power delivery and sound are a lot better in the 996 IMO. The thing about the 968 is you really have to keep it high in the revs to get the performance out of it. You have to work much harder behind the wheel in the 968. Cornering, the 968 has the slight advantage I would say. I have a really good 996, with only 36K M vs. my 968 with 80k, but I would give the fit and finish edge to the 996.

[@albertolodi752]

968 is a very good choice!

[@tool79]

Stunning example!

[@roberthaviar8243]

James you made that 968 proud.

[@xxhotelcrazyxx]

I loved this episode, learned a lot!

[@nunyabusiness4188]

Nice video, and a great PCA member with a beautiful car. The downside of the video is 968 prices will now spike.

[@Rennthusiast]

Snag one quickly!

[@nunyabusiness4188]

@@Rennthusiast I have only so much garage space (and money) :-)

[@commotoed]

Thanks! Did I buy a 944S to go slow....er? Great for a hands-on owner.

[@oeiras99]

My first Porsche, a guards red, 1986 944, with those sturdy steel bumpers good for running into snowbanks in Winnipeg. Sold it to a beef farmer in Saskatchewan who sent his son to collect it. Still regret it. The 968 is similar especially in that color.

[@gregoryhousch3321]

Pretty good video. Really informative and interesting. Love my water cooled porsches too.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Excellent video. Comprehensive, nicely filmed, too. 👍

[@samrobin88]

wow! Would love to add this to my 911 stable. This particular one is VERY well sorted. Oorah!

[@teufelshundtactical]

Thanks and give me a shout.

[@rrassoc]

I noticed the clip from Skyline Drive. I can't wait to get my newly acquired S2 into the Shenandoah Valley and drive the twisty mountain roads!

[@notcook628]

I’m confused why James W. Refers to the “911” as “nine eleven” (which, of course, is “normal”), and the 914 as “nine one four” instead of “nine fourteen”. Likewise for the 968 versus 996. Sorry, it’s just distracting and annoying. No one calls the 911 a “nine one one”. FYI, I’ve had three 911’s, two of them Guards Red. We do agree about that! As an aside, James, thank you for your service. Your PH plate did not go unnoticed. Much respect. Our son got his PH in Helmand Province.

[@Georgebarber1]

A other great vid Will, love to see more transaxle stuff!

[@diegohorton869]

Love this car, I’ll be looking for 1

[@richardherman650]

You need to do a review on a 944 Turbo. I have owned mine for over 20 years and past over air cooled 911s when I was looking at them.

[@alexleblanc5284]

You have me looking for a 968 in Canada now, love guards red, both my cayman and 911 share that Color.

[@cdnb3]

Great video ! Your love and enthusiasm for your car keeps one interested and excited. If only all car videos were done in this style with none of the ridiculous fast image changes since the MTV era. My only experience so far with a 968 is that a family friend owned one in the '90s - she had a lemmon, unfortunately. What are your thoughts on putting an LS1 motor under the hood ?

[@davidryan9342]

Great insight into the 968 And James's garage is cool I'd love to see some more pics of it?

[@johnny167]

Please invite James back regularly

[@Rennthusiast]

I just learned he has another Porsche on the way so I’m sure we will get him back on camera.

[@grahamspencer1238]

Nicely made and informative video of a great car. It would have been good to include a subjective review of what it's like to drive.

[@rudeea2162]

Great car…I had a 1992 black on black coupe. I currently have a 987.1 black on tan Cayman S, which is an amazing car. But I do miss my 968🙁

[@hollywinsman9464]

Hi Wil, RMC Miami has a grey 911, I think a 95 for sale. Just was put on their site. I know nothing about the car other than it's outside and inside look well taken care of.

[@mike_oe]

Great video! I tested a 968 last month but found the ride a bit to harsh for my liking. It had the 030 option, and I wonder if I would find a std suspension more acceptable?

[@paulo7200]

Inspiring car!! It looks like such a joy to drive.

[@michaelbrown1627]

I feel like I’m listening to a marketing guy give a PowerPoint presentation

[@crujones5319]

Car looks great, James! You're an attention to detail guy like me, so you'll notice the BB exhaust tip sits just a tad high in the bumper opening. I too have a BB cat--back on my GR 968 and had the rear hanger lowered by about 10mm. Sits perfect in the bumper now. How are you liking the Porsche radio? I'm thinking about getting one.

[@rochmartin4088]

what do you know about the crown and pinion issue? is this something i should be worried about when looking for a 968? Great video btw!!

[@calvincooley1074]

I love the 968! It's a great evolution of the 944. Is it true that the 944 engine was based on half of the 928 powerplant?

[@teufelshundtactical]

That’s what they say, even though there is not parts sharing in that respect.

[@jeffhammond8969]

Yes. If you look at period information, it was supposed to be called the 944S3, but Porsche realized about 80% of the parts were new, so they gave it a new model number.

[@artysanmobile]

No. It shares very little with the V8, maybe cylinder spacing. I don’t know who started that silly rumor but it is nonsense.

[@hansskjersaa3935]

Great Video! Love this car.

[@Seagrams]

Did James do the entire history of the transaxles off the cuff? I find it hard to believe he summarized it so well, concisely, without a stutter or nothing

[@Rennthusiast]

As I recall I didn’t have to edit too much. He’s a great presenter.

[@fastbloommessi7211]

Great video