looking to buy a 928 vs 944

[djtalon]

Looking to buy either a 944 turbo s ( hard as hell to find one that is in good stock shape) or a 928 s4 ( hard as hell to find a 5 speed). Any unbiased pros and cons about both?

[B-Man100]

944 turbo is less to maintain, but with the turbo i'm not to sure. my uncle had one so i'm not to sure about it. the 928 S4 is a bit more. but it can still hang with the newer cars yet still being a GT car rust shouldnt' be an issue if they cars are well kept. but just make sure they have a full service history.

[Pete R]

I have both of those cars. Though not the exact models my mods make them very similar. As similar as the may seem they are two completey different driving experiences. The 928 is large, smooth. even power delivery, and a great highway tourer that isn't bad on the back roads either. The 951 is smaller, handles better and faster. The 951 will not pull from 1200rpms. It is dead until about 3 and then it feels like a giant hit the back of the car with a mallet.
For me the 951 is more "fun" but it kinda gets old if I'm taking a long drive. If you want to blast around the roads get a 951, but if you want to commute or travel in relaxed style get the 928.
Both are complex, and expensive. The only "non opinion" thing I can think of is the 951 gets way better gas mileage around 26 vs 19 (in my experience) with gas becoming $5.00 gal, you may want to think about that.
About the only similarities are the brand and configuration, beyond that they aren't really comparable.

[Landseer]

S4 5 speed would be my choice. Took a ride in one today. Wow. Love the way it shifts, compared to the early cars.


A friend discovered one in Annapolis at a marina near the mercedes dealer a couple years ago and we went and hauled it home. They pop up sometimes right before your eyes.

Actually, I'd like the 86.5 Euro 5 speed better, and somebody just pointed-out there appears to be one in Charleston for sale. If its truly the 16V car with the early body and later transmission, it would be the pinnacle for me.

Don't know enough about the 944T. Have one in the basement right now. Not sure how to approach working on it. Awfully tight in that engine compartment. This one is on its 3rd transmission and 2nd engine.

Wait for what you want, but realize lots of mechanic work is likely in your future either way.
Documentation is available, though, and so-far so are parts.

[Pete R]

I've made my car the 86.5 16V euro equivalent. (s4 brakes and suspension, m21 motor) just need the tranny to finish it off. Mine shifts just ok. Way better than the 79 tranny that was in it. I haven't driven the newest 5 speed. If it's anything like my 88 951 tranny that would be awesome. I bought the 951 thinking there would be more room (under the hood) than the 928, boy was I wrong. Fortunately a lot of the stuff in the way of the 951 is turbo plumbing that quickly removes with hose clamps

[djtalon]

Does anyone know anything about the 928 is charleston? i email the guy. Not sure if i am better off resale on the s4 vs a pre s4 car. Are the euro 86.5's better performers than the s4's?

thanks
dave

[Pete R]

I'm not sure you'll be better off on ANY 928 resale wise In 85-86 the US models went to a 32v motor. In Europe the 16v was more hp, so they didn't sell the 32v there. In 87 there was the standard S4 worldwide. The reason people like the 86.5 Euro is that it is the old body style, with the high hp 16v motor, and the "s4' brakes and suspension. I don't think there would be a noticeable performance difference between the 2 either way. (relatively close hp #'s)

[Landseer]

All 86 Euro 16V had the big brakes I think.

The question here: is it the sixteen valve or the 32V.

Either could have been imported, one way or another, as a grey market car.

[Pete R]

Was there a 32v Euro?

[Landseer]

Yes, I forget which markets got it as 32V by 86, but some did.

But it was essentially the USA car, not sure about the mid year upgrades.

Here's some more discussion: http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/928-forum/621725-86-euro-5-spd-on-cl.html

[riber.bentsen]

Switzerland got the 32V cars, slightly detuned at 272 hp i think?

And Sweden got some US-cars too. Nothing to do with emission-regulations, just a lot of green farts in those countries. And they liked the idea of cats.

In Denmark we didn't get catalytic converters on the 928 until '89 I think

*I guess I have a "white whale" then...

[XLR8928]

Just out of curiosity, did Porsche ever make a euro, or higher perf. version of the 928 GTS,
or was 345hp the swan song?
-Kerry

[Pete R]

I believe that from 87 on there was only 1 standard 928. so 345 was it. Now some guy from a country in a remote part of he world will tell us that his country got a 500hp version of the GTS. so you never know.

[riber.bentsen]

There was one GTSR produced with 370'ish hp, and it's still privately owned

Also, a GT RS was planned with 480 hp but never made it into production :/

[Pete R]

Originally Posted by riber.bentsen

There was one GTSR produced with 370'ish hp, and it's still privately owned

Also, a GT RS was planned with 480 hp but never made it into production :/

see what I mean. you never know

[JK McDonald]

Hey Djtalon, I feel that the decision between buying a 944 Turbo or a 928 would come down to the style of driving you prefer. Personally, the feel and comfort of the long legged 928 would take top honors. I currently also have a non-turbo 968 (updated 944 knock-off) which is a fun car through the curves while grabbing gears but is choppy on anything but smooth pavement.

If you are considering the economics of ownership between the engines - I've found that the real world cost to feed and care of both cars is a relatively close toss up. Naturally, the initial condition of your project vehicle would be a major factor. The 968 does have a slight advantage in fuel consumption but only because it is not a turbo.

Good Luck on your hunt, Michael