Mechanically there were major differences - the engine capacity was raised from 2933cc to a nominal 3.2 litre (3164cc to be exact). This capacity increase was simply achieved by using the cylinder bores of the 911SC and the 74.4mm-stroke crankshaft of the Turbo - the Turbo itself had a bore 2mm larger to give a new capacity of 3.3 litres. New forged piston, giving a higher compression ratio (10.3 to 1 in Europe), help raised power output to 231BHP - less in America I believe because of a lower compression ratio. The braking system was upgraded to cope with the extra power using ventilated discs - with a larger diameter and a thicker width.

The Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 was launched in August 1983 for the 1984 year model. Its origins can be traced back to the mid '60s when the first 911 was introduced as a replacement for the long-lasting Type 356.

The Carrera 3.2 evolved from the 911SC - at first glance there is little to distinguish it from its earlier cousin. The early pinstripe interior was virtually identical with the only update being a new gear lever gaiter.

On the outside things were a little better - a new integrated front spoiler with built-in fog lights and telephone dial wheels (although the traditional Fuch alloy wheels were available as an optional extra).

1984 - 911 Carrera 3.2 replaces 3.0 litre 911SC. Main features include a larger and more powerful engine with Bosch Motronic ECU, plus larger brake discs, integral front fog lamps, and telephone-dial light-alloy wheels.

1985 - Four-spoke steering wheel introduced, together with a radio aerial built in to the windscreen, new Boge suspension dampers, seat-belt buckles integrated into the seats, and a shorter-throw gear shift. Central-locking becomes standard.

1986 - Improvements include a revised dashboard with larger air vents, 20mm lower seats, new sunvisors with covered vanity mirrors, a cabin-temperature sensor on the dashboard, and larger anti-roll bars and torsion-bar rear springs.

1987 - All-new G50 gearbox introduced, together with larger, hydraulically operated clutch. Rear fog lamps now integrated with reflective rear panel, front lyres increased in size to 195/65VR15, and engine power output of US models increased to 217bhp.

1988 - Standard wheels now Fuchs forged alloys, and electric seats become standard equipment.

1989 - 16-inch wheels become standard. Alarm system linked to central-locking, with flashing LED alarm indicators in doorlock buttons; CD player now an option, Carrera 3.2 discontinued in September after the 964-bodied 911 Carrera 4 and 2 enters full production.

Timeline source - 911 and Porsche World (May 2001)

There is no doubt that the Carrera was still "clunky" when compared to its Italian and Japanese rivals, it was often quaintly described as agricultural. The Porsche 928 was the model designed to replace the 911. However, the Carrera 3.2 continued to outsell the 928 - and became an icon of the affluent '80s.