944 years???

[SkierX]

I was just wanting to buy a 944, since they are one of the bad boys. I was Wondering since i dont know much about the 944, what is the best year of either the 944 or the 951? I would be gettin this within the next year or so. Just let me know

[Eduardo Castrejón Elbjorn]

Best na 944 s2 3.0 L 211 bhp
Best turbo 944 turbo s 2.5 L. 250 hp

[SkierX]

what are the years on those two cars? Which one would you suggest?

[Eduardo Castrejón Elbjorn]

Almost everybody here loves and wants to have a 951 but the S, if you really want the fastest (stock) 944 the turbo S is for you but only was available 2 years. I´m not sure about the exact years but I believe 90-91.

This have the best engine, suspension, brakes,etc

Previous turbo have less power (220).


About the best 944 S2- the first year was 1987 until the end of the 944 series.

This is a natural aspirated engine with 16 v and 3.0 displacement, if you can´t fin a turbo s, in my personal opinion the s2 will be a better option than the normal turbo (85-89).

[XJOSHX]

well it all depends on what tyou want. it's all personal prefs if you ask me. all 944's are amazing.

[Eduardo Castrejón Elbjorn]

944 82-86 2.5 L. 8 valves 163 hp
944 Turbo 85-89 2.5 L. 8 valves 220 hp
944 S 87 2.5 L. 16 valves 190 hp
944 S2 87-91 3.0 L. 16 valves 211 hp
944 Turbo S 90-91 2.5 L. 8 valves 250 hp.

This came from my memory if I wrong please somebopdy correct me.

[tifosiman]

I *think* that the TurboS was only in 1988, then in 1989 the standard 951 received basically the same set up as the TurboS and lost the "S" badging. The the only TRUE TurboS is 1988, although most people who own 1989 model 951 cars still call them TurboS's. (DISCLAIMER: This is US-spec info only. Acrossed the pond they have the TurboSE).

Tifo

[944pete]

S2's were available 1989-1991. Basically same car as turbo with a 3.0L 16V engine. '91 models got the bridge type spoiler similar to the 968's. The S2 is a great car but not easy to upgrade power like a 951.
Buy the best well maintained car you can find regardless of model or year. A pristine S2 is a better car than a worn out 951, etc. A 944 that has been abused is not worth messing with. You can spend thousands fixing small problems. Pay more up front for a good car and enjoy it.

[Z-man]

Here are, in my opinion, the best 944's around: (USA models):
The 1989 944 n/a 'base' (8 valve) model is the only 8v powerplant with an increased displacement of 2.7 liters. Power was up a little over the 2.5 liter n/a's. (Power was up to 168hp vs. the 150-157 in the 2.5)
The 944S2 was made 1989 through 1991. This was the second iteration of the 16valve 944 (The first one was the 944S). The 944S2 has 208 hp, and offers a good amount of torque in the lower rev range making it a very competent car. Displacement was increased 3.0 liters in the S2.
The 944 Turbo S was made in only 1988, but all 944 Turbos in 1989 were the same as the '88 Turbo S. (True purists DON'T call their '89 Turbos a TurboS.) As stated above, it produced 250 hp from a 2.5 liter 8valve turbocharged powerplant. (vs. the 220 hp the 'base' 944 Turbo produced). The greater hp was down primarily with a larger turbo (K27 vs. K26, IIRC), and some engine modifications.

So, IMHO, the '89 944 2.7 n/a, the '89-91 944S2, and the '88 TurboS and '89 Turbo are the best of the 944 series.

My 'favorites' for the 924 series are: the base 924 (the 2.0 audi powerplant can take all the abuse and still keep going) and the 924S (924 body with a 944 2.5 8v n/a engine).

My 'favorite' 968 is all of 'em! (They were virtually idential for the model run: '92 through '95).

HTH,
-Z-man.

[bulachip]

The 83 is bare bones!! It has no power steering and is lighter. It is more of a hardcore car! I am a bit more bias because that is what is sitting in my garage. I also hate the phone dial wheels the 83 and 84 hat the cookie cutters!!

Hammer
down

[green944]

Originally posted by bulachip
The 83 is bare bones!! It has no power steering and is lighter. It is more of a hardcore car! I am a bit more bias because that is what is sitting in my garage. I also hate the phone dial wheels the 83 and 84 hat the cookie cutters!!

Hammer
down

This confuses me a bit. I have heard quite a few people say that the 83's didn't have power steering and I have an 83 with P/S
any thoughts on that? Was it an option?

[1.2gees]

In 83 powersteering was optional, from there on it was standard in the US.

I'd take a 944 turbo over any other 944. Now if you have to choose a model year of a particular type of 944 that's different. In that case each model year has it's advantages, like as far as turbos go 86 is the lightest and most "bare bones", 87 got some suspension improvements and minor changes while adding optional abs, and standard drivers air bag, putting on some weight, along with oil level sensor, etc. 88 was virtually the same w/the exception of 88 turbo S' and the later turbos which were a little more powerfull, w/better suspensions, and a few other chasis tweaks.

The S2 remained largely the same through the production run, very good car there.

The S also remained largely the same, but the timing belts have been problematic, and I don't think they offer enough over an 8v 944 to be worth the extra cash, or risk. I'm sure a well maintained one would be different than what seems to be the norm.

Then there's the 8v non turbo 944. I used to have an 84, loved it. Today I could go for any year 944, condition of the car would be more important than the year. If I was to keep it on a budget, I'd likely buy an early model.
Ahmet

[SidVicious]

Personally I found a book very helpful. "The Original Porsche 924/944/968" by Peter Morgan. He does a very good job of detailing the series as they went through changes. Good pics too, although he's English so a fair amount of his photos are of right hand drive models.

I'm in full agreement with 1.2gees, buy a car in good condition and you'll be better off. A "mechanics special" is rarely worth it. Something I had to learn the hard way...

I also found "Excellence" magazine to be very helpful. Bruce Anderson runs a market report that will give you some good insight as well.

These cars can be cheap to buy but expensive to maintain.

No, I don't call my '89 a turbo S. Though I do have to be specific when ordering certain parts.

Sid

[944freak]

I would recommend a 951. Although the Turbo S has the additional 30 hp they are quite a bit more expensive. You can do some mods to the Turbo and have more hp and save a little money. If money is not a problem go for the Turbo S.

[Eduardo Castrejón Elbjorn]

I believe that the turbo s have better brakes and suspension than previous turbo´s ?

[scottmandue]

Ditto what they said...
The Morgan book has all the specs. if you want to compare, great book on the 944 series...
Most important...
Condition, condition, condition
and service records, hey no one mentioned service records!

He shoots... he scores!

Also check out http://www.clarks-garage.com/

Good luck

[thamlin000]

Originally posted by 1.2gees
In 83 powersteering was optional, from there on it was standard in the US.

Ahmet

All 1983 944s came with manual steering. It was not an option. All 84+ models had powersteering.

When my parents bought my 944 brand new in 83, they wanted power steering, but were told it wasn't available. None of my brochures list powersteering as an option that year either.

My guess is, someone installed a powersteering rack sometime down to road green944's car.

[ae1969]

On a side note....

The 944 turbo.... was available in 90 and 91 but not in the U.S.

I have come across one 91 Turbo here in canada.

[1.2gees]

Originally posted by thamlin000

When my parents bought my 944 brand new in 83, they wanted power steering, but were told it wasn't available. None of my brochures list powersteering as an option that year either.

My guess is, someone installed a powersteering rack sometime down to road green944's car.

I don't think you're right. Are you basing this on powersteering option not being mentioned in some dealer lit.?

Pretty sure the info I provided is accurate.

Here's a PCA sponsored timeline that agrees:

http://www.pca.org/tech/library/Tech%20Tactics%202002_files/frame.htm

Look at slide 944 timeline.
Ahmet