928 vs 911

Warviking · 06-04-2009, 10:25 AM

I would like to hear a comparison of the cars by someone who has owned both. I've always liked the looks of a 928, but have never driven one. Also I'm curious if there are any 928 people/good mechanic in the Milwaukee, WI area.

911blex · 06-04-2009, 11:01 AM

I live not too far away from you in Madison, WI. I have owned both, still have an '88 S4, and use to sell Porsches at an authorized dealer so I have driven many. IMO, comparing a 911 and a 928 is like comparing apples to oranges as the 911 is an old school rear-engined sports car with minimal creature comforts and the 928 is one of the world's finest front-engined GTs that one can travel comfortable at high speeds for many miles. IMO, owning both a 911 and a 928 allows a Porsche enthusiast to enjoy the best of both worlds. For me, the 911 is a fun "go kart" to go autocrossing in, to blast around town in, and to go on high speed short-distance drives in the country whereas the 928 is the car I enjoy most on longer drives, weekend getaways, and driving on Road America. I think you really need to go drive a 928 to comprehend how incredible they are.

I've been told that Fabson AG in Germantown, WI is excellent with 928s and my experience with Lee's Automotive in Madison has been excellent. There is also a shop in Green Bay that is good with 928s as well.

Danglerb · 06-04-2009, 11:05 AM

I haven't owned both, but I have driven a fair number of 911's, and have owned 4 different 928's.

There is a large common Porsche feel, build quality, etc. , but the 928 is more stable than nimble. Beyond the basics, too many kinds of 911 and 928 to compare. An early 5 spd Euro S 928 is a very different car from a GTS auto.

The only way to know is to drive a few for yourself, or some rides.

WI has many of the craziest 928 guys, so they must have service too.

sparky rowan · sparky rowan's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911blex

I live not too far away from you in Madison, WI. I have owned both, still have an '88 S4, and use to sell Porsches at an authorized dealer so I have driven many. IMO, comparing a 911 and a 928 is like comparing apples to oranges as the 911 is an old school rear-engined sports car with minimal creature comforts and the 928 is one of the world's finest front-engined GTs that one can travel comfortable at high speeds for many miles. IMO, owning both a 911 and a 928 allows a Porsche enthusiast to enjoy the best of both worlds. For me, the 911 is a fun "go kart" to go autocrossing in, to blast around town in, and to go on high speed short-distance drives in the country whereas the 928 is the car I enjoy most on longer drives, weekend getaways, and driving on Road America. I think you really need to go drive a 928 to comprehend how incredible they are.

I've been told that Fabson AG in Germantown, WI is excellent with 928s and my experience with Lee's Automotive in Madison has been excellent. There is also a shop in Green Bay that is good with 928s as well.

I too have owned both, and I could not have described the difference better then you did

MPDano · MPDano's Garage

Now go to the 911 Forum and ask "911 vs 928"

You'll get a fully slanted answer.

sparky rowan · sparky rowan's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPDano

Now go to the 911 Forum and ask "911 vs 928"

You'll get a fully slanted answer.

Excellent suggestion MPDano

Warviking · 06-08-2009, 02:18 PM

Thanks for the responses. Is there a big difference in preformance on the 84 and older models vs the 85 and newer? Looking on paper I'm thinking I would want a 85-88. But I'm not sure if you can really feel the added horsepower. All the years look so sweet to me. I may be the only one, but I like phone dial wheels on a 928.

sparky rowan · sparky rowan's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warviking

Thanks for the responses. Is there a big difference in preformance on the 84 and older models vs the 85 and newer? Looking on paper I'm thinking I would want a 85-88. But I'm not sure if you can really feel the added horsepower. All the years look so sweet to me. I may be the only one, but I like phone dial wheels on a 928.

Actually, there is a big difference in performance between the two cars. You really have to drive them to appreciate the difference. I agree, I would love to put phone dials on my S-4, the only thing that I would do is take them to Fast Forward Wheels, and have the rears widened to accomodate wider tires

MPDano · MPDano's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warviking

I may be the only one, but I like phone dial wheels on a 928.

Speak for yourself, but I Powdercoated mine Gloss Black. Phone Dials are Unique and Badass!

MPDano · MPDano's Garage

Danglerb · 06-08-2009, 02:53 PM

If you want a fast car it probably isn't going to be stock, and once you open the non stock door any car is as fast as you can afford it to be.

OTOH not a lot of early 928 drivers bother to get a radar detector.

BB500 · 06-08-2009, 03:58 PM

It's hard to tell any Porsche apart from the cabin because they all smell alike. Seriously, if you were blind folded and sitting in an 89 944 turbo, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference if you were switched into an 89 carrera or 89 928 because the seating and steering wheels and smell are all so alike. Really, I'm serious.
But i'm also "medicated" right now and don't know what the heck i'm talking about.
And yes, i do have a medical license to use it...

BB500 · 06-08-2009, 03:59 PM

my 79 has some build in radar system. looks like it has sensors at both ends of the car

BB500 · 06-08-2009, 04:00 PM

you know leo, i agree the phone dial is unique. not my favorite, but if it came in an 18, i would like to see that.

sparky rowan · sparky rowan's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB500

It's hard to tell any Porsche apart from the cabin because they all smell alike. Seriously, if you were blind folded and sitting in an 89 944 turbo, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference if you were switched into an 89 carrera or 89 928 because the seating and steering wheels and smell are all so alike. Really, I'm serious.
But i'm also "medicated" right now and don't know what the heck i'm talking about.
And yes, i do have a medical license to use it...

Bless you my brother

However, I have to disagree with your enhanced perception that a 951 and a 928 feel the same if you are blindfolded. Unquestionably, the 951 feels much lighter, and the 928 has a very heavy feel (which is wonderful on a long ride).

BB500 · 06-08-2009, 04:18 PM

Great point! I'n my imagination I was driving each car in a straight line....lol

911blex · 06-08-2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warviking

Thanks for the responses. Is there a big difference in preformance on the 84 and older models vs the 85 and newer? Looking on paper I'm thinking I would want a 85-88. But I'm not sure if you can really feel the added horsepower. All the years look so sweet to me. I may be the only one, but I like phone dial wheels on a 928.

It a depends on what you are going to use the car for and what it important to you. If performance and having a manual transmission are your top priorities, then I suggest going with '87-'88 models. If performance is secondary and you want an automatic transmission, I recommend a '84 for its appearance and ease of maintenance.

Warviking · 06-08-2009, 08:46 PM

What about performance and an automatic?

I know the early autos where made by Mercedes, were the newer ones also? All the 84 and older cars with auto seem to be really reasonably priced.

Did I see someone comment before that the mileage may not always be accurate on these cars? There is a car not far away with only 40,000 miles, but from the pics the interior looks pretty worn. My first thoughts were maybe it was all city driving, but it still looks suspect to me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911blex

It a depends on what you are going to use the car for and what it important to you. If performance and having a manual transmission are your top priorities, then I suggest going with '87-'88 models. If performance is secondary and you want an automatic transmission, I recommend a '84 for its appearance and ease of maintenance.

Linderpat · 06-08-2009, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPDano

Can I see these on the car? My new to me 78 has the phone dials, which I do like, but they need to be powder coated. Thinking about different options at this point, and yours look good, but I'd like to see them mounted if you have done so.

Danglerb · 06-08-2009, 10:57 PM

After you see a few "real" low mileage cars, cars that were not abused but parked indoors, reflectors in the windows when outside, etc etc, many of the claimed low mileage cars are clearly baloney, and/or so abused the low mileage means nothing.

All of the automatics are Mercedes as far as I know, before about 83 3 spd, after 4 spd, but the 4 spd was setup to start in 2nd unless the accelerator was floored.

Part of the early car pricing reflects condition, really nice early cars are extremely rare (on the market).