944 S2 vs earlier 944’s

[DWBOX2000]

Good morning,
Anyone have suggestions on what is a better car in terms of drivability, maintenance costs, other?
I think the S2 is the way to go but figured I’d get some opinions besides AI.

Thanks.

[Dantilla]

I've had both.
The bigger engine in the S2 is a torque monster compared to the 2.5.
Both are fantastic drivers. I still have a 944S sitting in a warehouse.
The twin-cam head of the S and S2 breathes much better at high RPM.
Just keep up on timing belt and tensioner maintenance.

[DWBOX2000]

I’m looking for a guards red driver just not sure the S2 is worth the extra money. Might be.

[Dantilla]

This is my guards red 944S.
I bought it to turn it into another race car, ended up enjoying it as my daily driver for a long time.
Lotsa room under the rear hatch for carrying all kinds of stuff.
Debating whether to sell it or get it back on the road.



The S2 has near 944 turbo performance, but no turbo lag.
The turbo (yup, had one of those, too) is geared tall for the autobahn, not stop & go city traffic.
Not much there off the line until the turbo spools up.
The S2 jumps off the line in comparison.

[DWBOX2000]

I like that body better than the S2. More 80’s ish if that makes sense. Drove a convertible S2 the other day. I was amazed how tight it felt at 105k and I wouldn’t have realized it was a convertible without looking up. It was a blast, I definitely loved the way it drove down the road. Tougher to find good ones these days.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by DWBOX2000

I like that body better than the S2. More 80’s ish if that makes sense. Drove a convertible S2 the other day. I was amazed how tight it felt at 105k and I wouldn’t have realized it was a convertible without looking up. It was a blast, I definitely loved the way it drove down the road. Tougher to find good ones these days.

On pure appearance the S2 gets my vote because it has the turbo fascia but the exposed bumpers do have a more 80’s appearance.

[Tishabet]

I have always loved the S2. Also don’t overlook the one year only 1989 NA model, still 8 valves but displacement bumps up to 2.7 from the stock 2.5… normal non-turbo non-s front valence but had the turbo rear valence.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by DWBOX2000

I like that body better than the S2.

Maybe consider a 944S. 2.5, but with the twin-cam head.
Considerable performance boost over the 8-valve 2.5, but still has the original front end.

[DWBOX2000]

I’m not really counting any of them out. If it’s a solid driver, I’ll consider it. I would prefer the S2 power but like the earlier bodies being an 80’s kid. I guess no wrong answer. Probably best example for my budget is the answer.

[BK911]

924S runs pretty good for a daily beater!

[rattlsnak]

S2 is definitely worth it..

[Tishabet]

You may like the earlier body style, but the tough sell for me on an early 944 is the interior… super square and dated. But maybe at this point so old/so out of style that it is actually cool?

[flskala]

There’s a good reason S2’s go for triple or more $$$.

[DWBOX2000]

How about late 924S’s? Anyone drive one. Seems like it would be a fun, interesting ride.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Go S2
The extra torque really makes a difference in real world /day to day city driving.
Upgraded ventilation sucks less- although more reliant on vacuum tubes and such than the mechanical early mechanisms- so make sure all vacuum lines gone through or you might get some nice hot full heat on a summer's day.

Don't ask me how I know.

[sc_rufctr]

The 944 S2 is brilliant but the much rarer 968 is even better. They also built a 968 "Club Sport" version.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by Tishabet

You may like the earlier body style, but the tough sell for me on an early 944 is the interior… super square and dated. But maybe at this point so old/so out of style that it is actually cool?

That was pre-1985. 1985 and later got the more traditional Porsche instrument panel.