FAQ: S2 or Turbo (with poll)
 

This is a bit of FAQ.. but now i'm about to have to make a choice, i thought it would be a good thing to start the question again (for my own good of course).

It's pretty straightforward: 944S2 or 951?

I've been driving an '88 951 for about 3 years now and i have to say... i LOVE it. The car is just excellent. A perfect match between performance, comfort and luxury. It's not cheap to run, but quality has no price.

NOW.... the thing is, i drove a 944S2 about a year ago and ever since i have been telling everybody 'get an S2!!!'. Somehow the S2 seems to be an even better car. Of course there isn't any turbo lag, but then again it lacks the enourmous adrenaline rush that a turbo brings you. But as i drove it along a countryroad i noticed how much easier an S2 is with it's power. A 951 can be very aggressive while the S2 just seems smoother and strange enough more 'powerful'. It's hard to explain, but i just like the S2 even more. An even further perfection of the combination of performance and daily driving.

Now, looks wise it's all pretty much the same. On the technical stuff... no turbo, no timingbelt and of course a more modern engine overall, but basicly the same. Purchase price is about the same, running costs as well (although there are less parts on the S2, it's a bit more sofisticated).

Bottom line: people who have driven both cars for a proper amount of time... PLEASE ADVISE

The main advantage I see with the 951 is;

The car can grow with your abilities, as you become familiar (bored) with it you can modify it and start over.

The S2 is for the most part is maxed out power wise.

Just my $.02

I suddenly 'noticed' the 968 as well. What's the story about this car? 944 chassis with different body, 944 engine with more specs and overall upgrade of materials? And, most importantly, is this a proper alternative to an S2 or 951?

I also read the engine has the VarioCam system... is this the ultimate evolution of the old Audi engine?

Go with the S2 or the 968

AFJuvat

AF, over the years you've given me some great advice, so i really take your opinion into account. Could you explain why you would choose for the S2 or 968. Also, is the 968 worth it's extra money? I mean, over here a 968 is about 20% more expensive compared to an S2.

What about a turbo S?

I owned an 86 951 from 87-94...fantastic car!I currently own a 1990 s2 cab which replaced the turbo in 94. My reason for the switch was I wanted the rag top but I also learned this car was much more tractable around town.The turbo always felt muscle bound , especially when pulling away from a light with a slight up hill grade.I live in Pittsburgh where such conditions are encountered every day. The S2 on the other hand has more low end torque and the curve is linear making it much easier to drive,never lacking for thrust ..it's almost instantanious.When you mash the pedal it's always there...no guessing , no wishing I was in the next lower gear,very precise.The turbo,on the other hand is brutally fast on the hiway...I remember several occasions passing a LONG line of cars on a 2 lane hiway that I would not have attempted in any other car.Rolling start +3500+rpm =ultimate passing power!Iguess it boils down to how you drive...All hiway go turbo,some city S2. Have fun! Dan



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I have driven a 968...

I'm still speechless.

Get one.

Turbo S... that makes the turbo even more of turbo ;) I mean, the lag increases a bit and the power boost is even more intense. As i said, i enjoyed my 951 for 3 years now, but i feel the same as 944s2c about that. It's great fun in a straight line, especially in 3rd there aren't many cars around that'll keep up. On the other hand, you just get fed up with the sudden power changes.

Also, i noticed on the 968 there is a 6-speed gearbox, which seems like a great improvement. Especially with that 240hp strong engine. Damn, i'll have to save up just a bit more to pay for one of those ;)

I've driven a (slightly modified) 968 quite a bit. Having 6 gears is fun, and drivability is great as well. I've never driven a turbo, so I can't really compare, but I'm a big fan of the 968.

Ok, so how about the reliability of the variocam system on the 968? I'm not to keen on buying used cars that had 'futuristic' gadgets, especially not those concerning main parts like... the engine ;)

Why not S2 turbo? he he

You need boost! 951 :D

S2 For me and it could be your'se (91 white coupe)

S2, 'cause I like my women curvy and my torque linear!

Emanuel

Well, that's my whole point. Linear torque, not a nuke of torque that rips your transaxle out of the car ;) But, is there anyone here who can tell me a bit more about that 968 engine. It's still the old 4-cyl, but with variocam... as asked before: any common problems?

It seems there aren't a lot 968 drivers around at the forum... maybe their car never breaks down ;)

I presume we don't get much posted from 968 owners because.
A. They didn't make that many of them (compared to 924/944)
B. They are newer car and don't break down that much (yet)
The variocam and six speed jump out as the big changes but there is a long list of improvements that Porsche did for the 968. A week or two back someone was asking about purchasing a 968 and one of the lucky 968 owners came up with quite a list of all the changes made from the 944S2.

Personaly I have a hard time getting over the frog headlights on the 968 but I think if the right car came along at the right time I could get over it!;)

If you are power hungry (and many here are) the turbo ms the best way to go with many people claiming to get 300HP and beyond.

For me I like the S2 because I get the classic 944 body with a 3.0 DOHC power... but when I get $10-$15 thousand put away in the Porsche fund if I come across an excelent 951 or 968 I can't swear that I would not buy it.

Hold the presses.... what the hell?? Does this car need, i mean really NEED, super fuel? Over here that's Euro98 Super, which is pretty damn expensive (about 15% over Euro95). I read that the car needs to run at this octane level... why??? They raised compression a bit compared to the S2, or is the S2 a 'super-car' as well?? If this is case, the fuel economy might be better, but in the long run i end up paying more.