32V vs. 16V cars...

[Yellowb1rd]

Fellow Pelicans,

I don't want to start a flame war here, but has anyone else noticed the appreciation of the 32V cars, (ESPECIALLY the manual cars), are exceeding the values of the earlier 16V cars? All 928's are amazing machines, but as I've suspected for some time, the 32V cars seem to be becoming more collectible. Obviously, there are some very low priced deals to be had in either vintage, but overall, it appears that the 32V seem to be the new 'thing'. Not that it's all that matters, but it's a cool bonus for 32V guys/girls.

Incidentally, it seems commonplace to find a 16V car in manual shift, but rare in the 32V cars, which I imagine accounts for the increased demand.

Like I said, a 928 is a 928, and they're all wonderful machines that I would happily drive. I've just been noticing this trend of demand for the later cars that folks seem to be willing to pay for.

[Danglerb]

Disagree, its mostly condition and miles. Prices on less than average 32v cars went into the toilet maybe 5 or so years ago. What skews things is that really nice low mileage early cars are extremely rare, even compared to lower production model years like the GTS.

[lowpassat]

Manual shift.... commonplace? They only accounted for something like 20% of production as I understand it. Please correct me if I am wrong. I don't know if that changed with the newer ones or not.

Too much time seems to be spent trying to figure out what these things are worth and if that worth will increase. If you want one..... get one! Don't worry about the rest.

I will add that in my own personal search I decided against the 32V because of the higher maintenance cost (tune up parts and the like), interference engine, and I prefer the older body compared to the new.

Don't get hung up on what everyone else has to say, do what YOU think is best for you!

[928 Bro]

I agree with Danglerb, I've seen some old body models go for 15 to $20,000. but mileage is lower and they are in mint condition, now some people had them under 10k but I guess they needed $$. Some here able older 928 Alot less maintenance,less trouble shooting if there is a problem and you see the light at the end of the tunnel faster when your refreshing fuel, water , intake, vacuum holes lines. The extra power is nice but still driving a classic. The day will come that inventory will dry up, I feel that more people are parting out these cars then trying to save they.

[harborman]

I have not studied the values lately. I heard stick shift is pretty much history. Many new drivers can't even drive a stick any more. The newer autos can shift faster, less chance of a missed shift causing an over rev. Then the new paddle shifting. many new improvements in cars. I have an auto but I have owned many stick shift cars. Stick is fun to drive but not in city stop and go traffic. The auto in the 928 seems fine to me.

[XLR8928]

It may be true, that automatic transmissions are the wave of the future, however... I maintain that a manual trans is twice the fun to drive. Additionally, being a proud member of the "YOFC" (Ye Old Farts Club), Nothing is more exciting than running thru the gears. I love the look of three pedals, and a real gear shift. (I own cars with autos, but give me a manual trans any day.) I love my OB 16v, but someday a 5spd S4 Will be in my driveway.

[Reddog2]

Originally Posted by XLR8928

It may be true, that automatic transmissions are the wave of the future, however... I maintain that a manual trans is twice the fun to drive. Additionally, being a proud member of the "YOFC" (Ye Old Farts Club), Nothing is more exciting than running thru the gears. I love the look of three pedals, and a real gear shift. (I own cars with autos, but give me a manual trans any day.) I love my OB 16v, but someday a 5spd S4 Will be in my driveway.

With exception of stop and go traffic, I have to agree . My C63 has S mode, S+ mode, M mode, paddle shifters, console shifter, traction control, launch control but no clutch pedal. My 928 5 speed is much slower but to me it is more fun with old school shifting. i don't fully understand why, but do understand that others see the opposite.

[harborman]

Originally Posted by Reddog2

With exception of stop and go traffic, I have to agree . My C63 has S mode, S+ mode, M mode, paddle shifters, console shifter, traction control, launch control but no clutch pedal. My 928 5 speed is much slower but to me it is more fun with old school shifting. i don't fully understand why, but do understand that others see the opposite.

I never said stick was not fun to drive! I am only stating reality. Fewer stick cars are being made these days. Technology moves on, it is going the way of the telegraph, black and white TV, dial phones.etc. Ask any new car dealer how many stick shift cars they sell these days. Very few! I wonder if one can even be ordered on many new cars these days. When was the last time you saw a stick shift in a show room, other than our sports type limited edition cars? I did read an article on this sometime ago and the stick is pretty much dead. You just don't see them. But I can remember learning to drive on a Ford, three speed stick on the column, H shift pattern. Ya , those were the days.

[928 Bro]

I have to admit if more people were driving stick, we would have less accidents in this country. Can't really eat and drive, and for sure got on the phone

[924CarreraGTP]

I also can't say that I agree with this. You can pick up a decent S4 that runs, but needs work for about as much as you can find a really nice '84 model 16 valve. It kind of all depends on the buyer, seller, and car. I've seen a lot of broken 32 valve cars as well. Personally I would stick to a 16 valve car unless you have deep pockets. It's also my opinion that the 4 speed automatic is damn near indestructible. I've worked on dozens of Mercedes Benz's with 400,000 miles and original transmissions. Later S3 stick shifts are nice, and more rare, but so are the parts for them.