Why do we like our 944's?

[conkeytonk]

Some discussion around the office with mostly muscle car enthusiasts makes me wonder why we like (love?) our 944’s (924/952/968). Is it because of:

1.) A competitive drive?

2.) Stature?

3.) Attractiveness?

4.) Mechanical integrity?

5.) Or are we just lunatics that like to spend money on dated European chunks of steel?

[conkeytonk]

Sorry, meant 951's.

[ERAU944]

I think it's the same reason any enthusiast truly loves the car (ANY car, not just porsches, or not even just sports cars) that (s)he has, because it is special to him/her and because it feels like a part of them. driving is a very interesting way for people to extend themselves as people.

unfortunately, lots of people are very very stupid, and the car extends that as well. also, unfortunately for some, the car does NOT extend other things

[mitsumark]

All of the above.Especially #4..Ive been building and tuning a car called the Mitsubishi Starion aka Conquest TSI for many years..They can be a real PITA with alot of down time when problems occur.I wanted something that looked as awesome as the Mitsu with a little more reliability when the Conquest was down--hence the 944.Beleive it or not,these two cars share alot of the same patened designs and are alot alike in many ways.If you look at the two of them side by side,you can easily see the huge similarities.I love both cars but my 944 has been rock solid.

EDIT-That riced out Civic is not mine



::

[CJFusco]

Geeze, I can think of a number of reasons:

1) Quality: They are great cars. Pretty much every Porsche that leaves the factory is earmarked for a great reputation in quality.

2) Engine performance: They are fast. Some are faster than others (951, S2, 968).

3) Handling is one of the best ever. Period.

4) Braking is excellent.

2,3,4b) The braking and handling is SO good that when the 944/951/924S/944S2/968 comes up against more powerful cars, they can often beat them on the track due to the ability to take more speed into corners, brake later, and get on the throttle earlier.

5) They are a nice, clean, good-looking car. They have aged well, and still look sleek.

6) They are easy to drive. Unlike some high-performance cars, they can make an average driver look like a hero.

7) They are comfortable and easy to live with every day. It was once said that you could take either a 911 or a 944 on a high-speed trek across Europe, but you would only leave one feeling refreshed.

8) They are very easy to work on. Probably due to their history on the track, everything you need to get at in the engine bay is easily accessible.

9) Affordability: you can own a good 944 for under $5000. For $9000, you can buy a great-condition 951 that will, out of the box, perform as well as a $18,000-25,000 911 Carrera from the same year... and the 951 is a lot easier to upgrade.

10) Exclusivity. They have a Porsche badge and the panache that comes with it, but for a decent price.

[CJFusco]

Here's something to accentuate #5:

[EMBPilot]

mitsumark, where in jersey are ya?

[mitsumark]

CJ-The new car looks badass

Pilot-Im in Edison NJ..Right in the middle of the state.

[conkeytonk]

I guess mechanical integrity tops my list. Next is handling then attractiveness. Being competitive or gaining stature mean nothing to me. I’m a nut and ratchet junkie.

Simon, you make a good point. For example some people worship pick-up trucks but never haul anything or take them off-road.

Haven’t seen a Starion in years, mitsumark. Cool car! I will soon inherit a low mileage, special edition Miata, my first rice burner. May not like it.

Great post, Book Nerd, can’t argue any point there.

I figured we could have a little fun with this thread and can use the reasoning to help prove my stance to my muscle car or nothing piers.

[rudidelange]

Sensory experience - some would say this is the same as #5

[Razorback1980]

Along with what has already been said...chicks dig em! Randy, you live close to some fine beaches, you probably know that better than anyone. My favorite way to drive my Porsche is up and down SeaWall Boulevard fairly slow checking out the uhhhh nice blue water, yeah yeah it's the water.

I actually like both types of cars. I love the feel of acceleration with the muscle cars but I also totally enjoy the handling of the 944....depends on the day. I think I just always like the look of the car even after having one for 21 years, I'm still not tired of it. From the first second I saw one, I knew I had to own one. But there are not many cars I could own for 21 years. I generally tire of most cars pretty quickly and want something different.

[AaronM]

- 80mph, 5th gear, rolling on the throttle.
- 1st gear, 3,000 RPM when the turbo comes on.
- Corners.
- World's most comfortable driving position.

Those are the reasons I love my 951. I don't care too much about how it looks. I don't care too much about how other people see it. I just love the drive.

[conkeytonk]

Blue water huh Tom? I have been mesmerized by 944’s appearance since the 80s as well. Haven’t tried the babe magnet appeal yet, she’s been in the garage on jack stands most of the time I’ve owned her, but I got divorced a few years ago so on your queue will roll her south on A1A in the spring. Wonder if she can shame the hog riders?

[HondaDustR]

-The handling. The sight of that impatient SUV riding my bumper...until the off ramp just makes my day.
-The sound of a 4 cyl. with some real guts flying to 6000rpms in 2nd gear. (no rice here )
-The uniqueness. I've only seen like 8 924S/944/968's in the 8 months I've had my car.
-cheap way to have a really good porsche.
-easy to fix.
-better than a honda (which would have cost about the same)
-no plastic touchy-feelly crap found in cheap new cars. Has a very purposeful dash/interior. Oh, and I love the upside down tach!
- I always loved these cars. I never thought I'd have one as a first ride, but cool things happen now and then. The only thing I'd rather have is a 32v 928.

[Razorback1980]

I agree with HondaDustR on the uniqueness. I like it that not every other car on the street is the same as mine. Good Point HondaDustr.

[CJFusco]

Where I live I see a lot of Porsches in the warm months (lots of money here), and Cayennes year round. Most of the Porsche cars I see are Boxsters and impact-bumper 911s, though.

[pozican]

The priceless (far-away) look on the face of the V8 SUV owner who thinks it's a 'hopped' up rx7?



No but really, I love the acceleration of the car, but even more how it doesn't scare me when I accerate towards a corner and still need to brake like most of the muscle I have driven...

Stupid squishy brakes!

[Blondie]

Everday at least once I'll be in the garage, pause, take a good look at the car and ask myself 'why the hell do I pour some much time, money and passion into this car?'

...and honestly, I dont know. Theres just something abt these 944's. Heck, I havent even DRIVEN mine yet and it can still put a smile on my face.

[conkeytonk]

Good one Pozican. Don't like those brakes? How come?

[jcommin]

It looks good. The design is timeless. Mine is an 83 and it shows better than some of the current stuff. Porsches have soul, lineage.