911 vs 928 -or- why should I switch

[Embs]

I think the 928S4 and 928GTS would be excellent choices for performance touring cars. Roomier than the 911's and quite comfortable for long hauls, what a way to see the country side.
I love 911's but for a long road trips 928's would take my vote. I hope to own one within a few years.

[Jeff Alton]

What type of driving are yo going to do? I loved my 89 S4 on the highway, it was big, fast and comfortable. However, I wanted to do DE and autocross so it is now gone and I am back in a 911.

Jeff

[quaz]

600 flywheel ponies anyone?

[makaio]

There's no doubt, 600 HP would be awesome!

I would have one if I had:
A) enough $
B) the space to store another car
C) I had all the 911's I want
D) the time to drive another car.

[red-beard]

Originally posted by cowtown
The 911 is not as comfy a highway cruiser. But if you have several hairpin turns on your way to work, you will get there faster in a 911.

?????

I bought my 1982 SC to be my comfy highway cruiser...

My other Porsche is my 914/6!!!

James

[aigel]

For the money I spend getting into a 87 to 90 928s4 what kind of 911 can I expect to find ?, or why would I want to......Hmmmm ? [/B]

Here is my two cents: The problem isn't the initial buy. The problem is that the 928 is overall less desirable than the 911 and won't hold it's value as well. I learned the hard way that you don't want to spend your time and your hard earned on something that will not even remotely get you any of the $ back when it is time for a new toy. Again, this is just an opinion on one small aspect.

Cheers, George

[quaz]

The values of the 928s (with the exception of the GTS) have pretty much bottomed out. Just like any other Porsche as long as you get a PPI or know what you are looking for you will avoid the money pit cars. As a matter of fact if you can pick one up right you can come out ahead. Just stay away from the high dollar car +$25K and the very low dollar cars <$5000 as a rule of thumb. I wouldn't be afraid of 928s for resale value. I am always scared of them when they are severly neglected by their POs.

[petevb]

I'll take this sideways and suggest a 944 turbo for that price range and requirement.

Here is my argument: 10-12K is not enough money to get a truly fast, nicer 928 or 911, but it will buy a very fast and nice 951. I’ve had some experience with modified versions of all three cars. I’m on my third 951, I’ve got a modified 911 and I’ve driven my friend’s very quick modified 928 a fair bit (we ran One Lap of America in it a few years ago). My second 951, my current 911 and my friend’s 928 make a good comparison to illustrate my point. All three cars are somewhat similar in terms of both straight line speed and speed around the track. The all have setup coil-over suspension, big brakes, and significant engine modifications:

’87 951- 3050 lbs, 330 rwhp, estimated used value $14000
’70 911- 2200 lb (stripped), 225 rwhp, estimated used value $25000
’88 928 S4 -3150 lbs (stripped), 290 rwhp, estimated used value $20000

Around the track the 911 and 951 would compete for fastest lap- the 911 puts power down better, but the 944 is better in high speed sweepers and is faster down the straights. The 928 or 944 would be easiest to drive at the track. The 911 is much faster at an autocross. The 911 would be fastest briefly in a stoplight drag on the street, but the 944 would be significantly faster than the 911 as the speed increases and in a roll on (freeway speed). Both cars would leave the 928 in a straight line. I have the most fun driving the 911 on the street.

Not only is the 951 the quickest car in a straight line, but it was also the most streetable- it was significantly less stripped than the other cars. The downsides:
The 951 is arguably the least fun to drive on the street due to turbo lag and the need to go insanely fast to feel involved, though the 928’s slow steering and weight also made it less involving.
The maintenance cost of the 951 at this state of tune are the highest of the three in my opinion.

Basically unless you know you don’t want a 951 I’d strongly suggest you check one out. I’d recommend you buy one already modified (just make sure they did it right) to keep the final costs down. Make sure they kept up with the maintenance. In this price range I think it’s the smart buy.

[cowtown]

Originally posted by petevb


’87 951- 3050 lbs, 330 rwhp, estimated used value $14000
’70 911- 2200 lb (stripped), 225 rwhp, estimated used value $25000
’88 928 S4 -3150 lbs (stripped), 290 rwhp, estimated used value $20000

Holy Cow! A 951 weighs over 3000 lbs?

They're so small (I had an '84 944 for a year before my 911 obsession began)...I can't believe they are that heavy.

[petevb]

Yea, they scale much heavier than you would think, especially the later years. Bone stock with a full tank that car was 3100. The '86s are lighter, and you can pull out almost 300 by stripping the interior and non essentials (depending on what options you have). Thus an '86 can be closer to 2700 with a racing bucket and nothing in it, and that's before you start spending money to lighten it. The problem is all the easy weight to pull is over the rear wheels, so the handling and power down starts to be an issue when you do it the simple way...

[techweenie]

My chipped '89 944 Turbo was always beseiged by buzzy Civics and other 'boy racer' cars on the highway, until I had a license frame made up that read:

"305 HP, 2995 lbs.
You Do the Math"

After that the little buzz bombs would rush up on my tail, linger a bit, then slowly sink back into traffic.

[techweenie]

Among the interesting Porsches I've owned, this was the rarest.

It was a 1981 "Carelli" 928 convertible. A clapped-out wreck with the remains of a nitrous system when I got it, I gave it an 'S4 conversion' and changed it from pearlescent white to black. Great looking car -- recognized for what it was by only a handful of passersby.

[quaz]

OK if we are talking just bang for your buck the 951 is probably the best period. I would debate of any P car. Now there is one thing the 928 has that no 911 or 951 can have. The sound of a V8. To some this means nothing, however to those who have become intoxicated with the rumble of a V8 there is no replacement. It is all a matter of personal preference. That is why we drive Porsches in the first place.

[red-beard]

Originally posted by quaz
OK if we are talking just bang for your buck the 951 is probably the best period.

I disagree. Bang for the buck, the 914/6. However, it depends on what you want the car for. If you want to thrash the competition at the auto-x, 914/6. If you want a car to play the curves all around, 914/6. If you want a comfy cruiser, 928. If you want a Porsche to hual stuff (grocery getter) with, and be a comfy cruiser, the 944. If you want a truely nimble highway speedster, the 911.

Just my n.s.h.o....

James

PS and if you want a reliable fun speedster, get an early Boxster...

[Victor]

Originally posted by frogman
I am not afraid to drive a fast ugly car.

Aha! You should buy a WRX. Potentially VERY fast and definately hit with the URGLY stick.

[exc911ence]

Originally posted by red-beard
I disagree. Bang for the buck, the 914/6.

Price-wise, I think that it would be easier to find a nice 944 Turbo for less than a comparable 914/6. Plus, the 951 would be much quicker (than a stock 110hp /6), more comfortable, more reliable and wouldn't be that much slower through the cones. I drove a friend's 89 951 with a couple of minor tweeks (giving the car an easy 350hp BTW) at the last PCA autocross here and was blown away by the performance of the thing. The only downside is that the boost hits just when you need to start braking which can lead to some hairy tire frying moments. On a longer course, this isn't an issue.

Drive examples of every Porsche and make your own decision.