Relative merits of early (pre 85.5) vs. late 944 's

[steveu812]

I tried doing a search for this, but wasn't successful. If anybody know of a good place this info. already exists, please offer it up. Thanks

In my search for a suitable 944, I've run across a few early models that have similar mileage levels and are in comparable shape to later models. That said, I've been leaning toward later models if only for the suspension changes - or in the case of 87+ the tb tensioner. Is my assessment correct, or are there an equal number of +'s and -'s on both sides of 85.5?

I don't want to start a fracas - I know these things can get out of hand.

Thanks.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I've owned both early & late 944s and a 951. I actually think the early 944s are superior to the later models in many aspects. Parts are cheaper, the cars are lighter and simpler, they're easy to work on, etc.

The DME is located in a sensible location (under the steering column, not in the passenger's side footwell which loves to fill with water). That's a big one. Why they moved 'em I have no idea.

A lot of people don't like the early style dash and interior layout of the early cars because they claim it looks "dated" (it's essentially the same as that used on the 924, dating back to the mid-1970s). I actually don't care. The most dominant feature of the later dashes (other than cracks) is the big, obnoxious, gigantic air vents. Kind of silly. The smaller, less obtrusive ones on the early dashes work plenty fine. The instruments on the early cars actually light up at night and can be read, unlike 99% of the later cars.

I got rid of my '86 944 and kept the early one. By choice. I'll keep the early one thanks. Beautiful, fun, timeless. If I get another 944 it'd probably be an S2 cabriolet.

[Techno Duck]

In my opinion :

The advantages of early cars..

-Somewhat lighter curb weight
-Eccentric timing belt tensioner is an advantage..much more simple design. The auto tensioner on the late cars is not really 'auto'. It gets you close to the belt tension value but you still must check it with a proper gauge.
-Steel control arms = cheap to replace balljoints

Advantages of late cars

-Better interior design. Having replaced dashes on both cars, replacing the late dash was about 10x easier due to the better wiring (no god forsaken friction tape) and in my opinion better electronics.
-Late offset suspension (more wheel options)
-Better climate control
-Easier to change brake rotors (sort of a moot point )

Drive both types, many people will swear the two feel different and you may like one compared to the other. My 924S (early interior) felt much more raw compared to my '87 944.

[speedracing944]

Early as in '83 have manual steering which is very nicely weighted. It communicates everything to you.

Manual sunroof

lighter weight

The early offset is great because you can run the classic 16" Fuchs

People complain of the inadequate ventilation on the early cars but I don't see the problem. The heater will cook you out of the car during winter and a properly maintained AC system works just fine.

Speedy

[legion]

Originally Posted by speedracing944

Early as in '83 have manual steering which is very nicely weighted. It communicates everything to you.

Manual sunroof

lighter weight

The early offset is great because you can run the classic 16" Fuchs

People complain of the inadequate ventilation on the early cars but I don't see the problem. The heater will cook you out of the car during winter and a properly maintained AC system works just fine.

Speedy

You forgot to mention the exploding pistons on the early 944.

Is your engine-swap done yet?

[phoenix_iii]

I like my bastard.

85.5

'late' car with 'early' offset.

=)

[jcommin]

I have an early car with manual steering. I like it - great road feel.

Manual roof - no mechanical / electrical issue with that.
Heater will cook you
A/C ventilation - fair - could be better. I understand the 85.5 and over cars solved this problem. Doesn't both me.

Find the car in the best condition you can afford.

[Z06C5R]

I haven't owned or driven a late 944 so I can't really comment on performance comparisons, but from what I've seen in diagrams and whatnot, there are several issues with things on my early '85 that would have been less of a headache on a later model... Changing the fuel pressure damper is the first thing that jumps to mind. More wheel options for late offset is another good point.

Personally, I much prefer the early dash to the late one - The early dash just has so much more character than the rather generic looking late style one. Just my personal opinion though.

[Aslet]

The only issue that I have that was changed in the late model was the ventilation system (I don't know if it truely works better though...). The heat will cook you and the AC is good, but it sounds like your in a hurrican since you have to have it on max for any real results. I also have had issues with defogging. The small vents arn't able to pump out enough air to defog either width wise or height wise... This is if I have the AC plasting full and all the cockpit vents closed, so all the air is on the front windshield. The only other thing is that the late interior has some more room, which I could use (need to get a Momo steering wheel, since my knees currently rub on my wheel), if thats true, the later one may be better for us bigger guys. Other than that I love the car and have no issue with it.

[jcommin]

The heat will cook you and the AC is good, but it sounds like your in a hurrican since you have to have it on max for any real results. I also have had issues with defogging. The small vents arn't able to pump out enough air to defog either width wise or height wise... This is if I have the AC plasting full and all the cockpit vents closed, so all the air is on the front windshield.

Aslet: Well put!!! If you don't have a 4 spoke wheel (standard 3 spoke) you ought to look into changing wheels. I'm 6'- 2" and switched wheels. It made a big difference.

[v2rocket_aka944]

Originally Posted by Aslet

if thats true, the later one may be better for us bigger guys.

im 6'6" and have no problems with the early interior/3spoke..

[PXJ800]

Originally Posted by Aslet

... the later one may be better for us bigger guys. Other than that I love the car and have no issue with it.

I'm 6'5" and am comfortable in my '84 with a Sparco wheel, but I wouldn't mind if the seat went back a few more clicks. I'm removing the seats this weekend for some cosmetic work and I'm going to stagger them back another 2 inches if possible.

I can't comment on mechanics, but the only aesthetic problem I have with the early cars is the front bumper, which on mine has been replaced with an 86 turbo valance, as well as in the rear. I like the early dash vent setup (or rather, I don't have a preference versus early and late upper dashes) but wouldn't mind if the shifter console area was angled like the late models.

[Aslet]

Yes, I do have the three spoke optional wheel, which measures 15". Most standard Momo wheels are about 13.74", and I am looking at one that is 12.75". This should help out a lot in my opinion. I do like the three spoke wheel, but I can't imagine how any of you guys bigger than me (6' 2") would manage. The only thing I can think of if the seat was back another few inches, my legs would not be so bent and therefore not hit the wheel. I do also find when I'm sitting (properly, not laying far back, like I do when I drive) that my line of sight straight out is high up on the windshield. This causes some issue since the rear view mirror now block some of my right view through the window...

[v2rocket_aka944]

my seat is all the way back and tilted maybe a bit further than yours is. i have a different rearview mirror than you (a little bigger than stock) but dont have visibility problems through any window. my arms are still ever so slightly bent on the steering wheel and my legs are bent a little too. the 944 actually has more room and is more comfortable than my infiniti q45

[ERAU944]

Originally Posted by Aslet

Yes, I do have the three spoke optional wheel

err... the 3 spoke wheel was NOT an option - it was standard... and large.

he's saying you can switch to the 4-spoke optional wheel, which will save you about an inch. it definitely makes a difference.