Decision time: Awesome condition 944S2 or average condition 968...?
 

The S2 has well below 100k miles. The 968 is just over 100k. Both with manual transmissions. Both coupes.

The S2 is in premium condition. The 968 has some deferred maintanence, which of course can be addressed. The 968 will clean up but will probably still look a touch below the S2 in terms of overall presentation.

The car will be driven on the street only, probably 1-2 days a week, only in the summer.

Appreciate any opinions!

Options like sports seats, LSD, M030, etc should play a part in the decision process, otherwise it’s personal taste. I think the 944’s were more of an 80’s design were as the 968 was a 90’s car and I prefer the 80’s styling. Both great cars though.

No sports seats, LSD, or M030 on either car. They are basically identical other than color, and both are 100% stock.

I think you may want to consider overall condition, documented service history and provenance of each car, then make your decision. I'd hate to lure you into one model over another but... If it were me, I'd choose the higher quality vehicle with a more complete history. Ultimately, it's your choice and I wish you well on it!

If this is a driver rather than a collector car (1-2x week sounds like a driver) I might go for the 968 and leave the collector condition car for a collector. That said 968 parts are often more expennsive than 944 parts, though some of the s2 specific parts are too.

if cost is at all factor, step away from the 968. parts availability and cost is higher, as is maintenance, due largely to the fact that most shops have never seen one, and it is a lot more complicated than the 944, regardless of any shared genealogy

that being said, the 968 has a lot more potential for performance than the S2 will ever have. the 6 speed alone makes a huge difference, not to mention the extra horsepower, and more importantly, the torque.

If the 968 does not have M030 and/or LSD I would go for the S2 because I think it's an awesome car and I love the styling.

If you are indifferent to the styling/color go with your gut feeling.

What are the colors? Based on what you've described I would go S2 because it sounds like it has less needs. Lets be honest, all of these cars have needs regardless of how well they've been kept and you don't want to touch one that's had deferred maintenance.

Maintenance records and condition are everything.

S2

I do the very large majority of my own wrenching. So I’m not scared of a little labor.

I have not owned an S2 or a 968, so I was wondering if you guys might think that the 968 is enough of a step-up that it’s worth going for that 968, or if they are effectively similar enough for street use that the S2 is the choice.

I won’t put enough miles on the car to make the mileage become a “problem”, so to speak - it will do maybe 3k a year. I mention it as a comparison factor between the 2 cars, that the 968 is still “low mileage” these days but has ~40% more miles on it right now than the S2.

Performance wise, I don’t mind if the S2 is that much slower than a 968, I’m into driving slow cars fast and all that. But I had thought they were somewhat comparable in performance (below, say, ~100mph), due to the lighter weight of the S2 offsetting the 968’s gearing + power advantage.

Definitely appreciate the comments so far, and any more you have to share!

If you relay, really, really want the winner in this decision, buy BOTH of them.

You'll see why in 5-10 years!

I've had 2 S2s, They are pretty close to the 968 in performance on the street, after a few months I am not sure you would notice the difference although I think it is noticeable if driven back-to-back.

biased but the 968 has a few advantages such as a MAF instead of the flapper box, easier clutch replacement and a bit more area under the torque curve.

Pictures...Please...I had a regular 8v and now a 16v S model. I would say go for the 968.....go for the top choice of 944's it was the 8v, (951) 8v turbo. (S,S2-16v, 16v turbo), then the 968 offered in both 16v NA and turbo and a RS model. Also if I'm not mistaken they made an (Unicorn) 968 GT3 twin turbo......you could totally do any one of these models if you had an 968. Anyone correct me if I am wrong because I really do not like to give out bad information...but if it was me, I would go with the 968 so I could have all of the 1995 (last run year) options available to me.

I just prefer the 944 front design over the 968, but its personal preference so factor that in too.

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As the owner of a neglected 968 bought as a parts car, buy the S2. Then buy the 968 as a race car, strip and sell off the interior, etc.

^^^^ best answer so far

968's are ugly. buy the S2.

Get the one that is in the best condition and best service history... do not stretch for the 968 and regret not getting the mint S2. Yes the 968 is a bit faster, and sleeker (opinion) but is more costly to maintain and you note the S2 is mint. I would go S2.

Yeah, what he said!