1979 924 Impressions on Opinions Please

[t6dpilot]

OK, I admit that I have never even thought about adding one of these to the stable, but... I ran across a really nice condition, lowish mileage example in excellent condition. Has a tartan interior, which I just love. I have been thinking about 914-4's lately as a nifty summer commuter - funky character with good gas mileage. Then I saw this and it started me thinking. Not my favorite, but might be kinda fun if it is in really good condition.

I would like to get impressions and opinions from those who have experience living with these cars. Please don't compare to a 911 - I already know those are different animals and is like apples to oranges. Thanks.

[Slam]

Piles of fun and charming in the way that Brit sports cars are charming - but without all the Brit headaches. I love ours. I love 944s more, but they're very different.

How are the shifter bushings? Is the box crunchy? The '79 has a dogleg 5 speed.

[Rtarh2o]

Years ago I owned a 78 924 and loved it. Not fast but well balanced, reliable, good gas mileage and just good basic fun. I am looking forward to getting my current 86 944T going to bring back those memories in a faster package.
Rusty

[944Larry]

I had an 80 model. Certainly cheap to run. I got rid of it to get a 944, thought a little more HP would be more fun.

[924RACR]

Wow, seems like all the hardass 924 bashers must be sleeping in? LOL

Not super fast, but fun and very tossable, like a Miata. Similar, but different, stigma.

Been racing one for a decade. Doesn't suck like most of the cars I raced against, and beat...

[matthewb]

Originally Posted by 924RACR

Wow, seems like all the hardass 924 bashers must be sleeping in? LOL
..

Since you asked... notice that most of these responses said "had one". There must be some reason they got rid of them... could be because they realized how much better a 944 looked.

[wild man]

Originally Posted by matthewb

Since you asked... notice that most of these responses said "had one". There must be some reason they got rid of them... could be because they realized how much better a 944 looked.

Naw, couldn't be. I "had two" - 77 and 80. After purchasing the 80, I got rid of the 77 because it was an automatic, and I HATE automatics. Got rid of the 80 because I had purchased an 87, which has a lot more power. Plus, I think the clutch plate had bent or broken fingers, and I really didn't feel like ripping into it. Sometimes I do regret that the off'd the 80 though. It was in really nice shape, and only had like 63k miles when I sold it.

[924RACR]

Originally Posted by matthewb

Since you asked... notice that most of these responses said "had one". There must be some reason they got rid of them... could be because they realized how much better a 944 looked.

LOL... only 50%.

Oh, and of course styling is the most superficial difference of the many. Can't argue with wanting more power... but some prefer wider, some prefer sleeker. It's just a matter of personal taste, of course.

[944Larry]

Originally Posted by matthewb

Since you asked... notice that most of these responses said "had one". There must be some reason they got rid of them... could be because they realized how much better a 944 looked.

Have to agree, a 944 does look better, but a 924 doesn't look that bad!!

[Rasta Monsta]

944 looks like (and is) 80s plastic crap, IMO. But as Vaughan said, it is a matter of personal taste.

[Slam]

Oh, James, the only difference between the early 944 and your 924S is in the fenders...

To anyone who's owned both, they really are apples and oranges. I like each for different reasons.

Rasta, I forgive you your uncouth words.

[Rasta Monsta]

What I meant was that 944s are obese polystyrene-laden aerospastic anachronisms. . .except yours, Slam!

[Slam]

Not that I'm a monosyllabic troglodyte, it's that I can't respond because I'm laughing too hard...

[931GT]

Don't forget the 944's looks came from a 924.

[ernie9944]

Originally Posted by Rasta Monsta

What I meant was that 944s are obese polystyrene-laden aerospastic anachronisms. . .except yours, Slam!

Originally Posted by Slam

Not that I'm a monosyllabic troglodyte, it's that I can't respond because I'm laughing too hard...

Holy S!%/£+" name of the planet you guys are from please,will like to go there & learn all them fancy words.Back on line ,yes the 924 is a very nice car to own & drive around with, if well taken care off could last a long time, since the motor is not stress by any mean & the rest of the components does'nt have to take the beating of let say a 350 HP machine.

[Slam]

Planet 924board.org

It'll explain everything...

I extend to you my most felicitous contrafibularities in fondest hopes for your velocitous extraboardification and suggest you visit us at the above interfrastically.

I've found 924board to be a little more low-brow (should I say, 'Down to earth'?) than Pelican - which suits my redneck heart's desires to a T.

However, now we're WAY off topic. The short: LOVE 924s. LOVE 944s. Get one of each!

[t6dpilot]

Thanks guys, I love stirring the pot. I did that with a Mid Year 911 question a year or so back. Bought the damn car and love it - naysayers be damned. Don't knock it if you haven't tried it.

OK, back on the 924 subject... Actually, the first Porsche I owned was a 1986.5 Turbo (first I owned, but not drove - drove 911 SC and later Carrera). I loved that car! So well balanced, tons of power, and sexy good looks to boot. Wish I kept it. The 924 is a totally different animal in many ways even though the 944 was spawned from it. And the 924 was spawned from the 914. I think that very well preserved 924s (and 944s for that matter) will come into their own someday - relatively speaking.

thanks for your opinions and keep them coming.

[racer]

I'd take a 914 over a 924. I'd take a 944 over a 924. i enjoy looking at well preserved 924s due to their scarcity but can't say I want to own/drive one.

[JonA]

The 924 engine is non-inteference. Life was so much simpler then............

Jon

[t6dpilot]

Originally Posted by racer

i enjoy looking at well preserved 924s due to their scarcity but can't say I want to own/drive one.

Now that is a interesting (and telling) comment. I would take an equal condition 914 over a 924 as well, but...