[brisboats]

The folks that get down on the 944 never spent any time in one. In 1989 Porsche down played the performance of the turbo S as there was fear it would take away too many 911 sales. Most 911 buyers however already had their heart and sites set on the 911 and wouldn't give the 944 a second look. Those that did were pleasantly surprised by the new S 2 coupe and cab and the latest and greatest of the 951. Porsche conservatively rated it's 0-60 time at 5.5 sec as the 911 c 2 was 6.2 . But with a spooled up launch sub 5 seconds was attainable in the 944.

As for the base 944 not being much different than other front engine water cooled cars, I disagree. The car has such perfect balance with the rear mounted transaxle that even a novice can build confidence early in the curves. Even with a meager 150 hp base model you can learn to finesse the car and drive faster in the twisties than most would dare in any early 911 65-70's. They are still affordable and if you search long enough a well cared for example might become available. I just picked up a decent garage kept 1989 n/a with 116k for less than I could sell a set of early 911 seats for. Prices I agree will probably never go stratospheric and that is a good thing, but I wonder how many predicted that about the lowly 914?
Sidebar..I got my Nephew off from his Honda fix and into P car ownership with a well worn 83 944 he's now hooked on the marque. Its a great entry level to the brand with a low admission fee. I am old enough to remember when this was true of the 912's as well.
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