Is the 944 4 cylinder interesting enough?

[james6546]

I’ve had a good search but can’t find anything on this.

I’m looking to buy a 944, either an S2 or a Turbo and I’ve bid on a few lately but not won one.

The niggling thought at the back of my mind though, is the engine going to be a let down? Does it have enough drama?

I’m not the biggest fan of 4 cylinders, but I’m struggling to find another car that I like quite as much which has 4 seats and the right amount of 80s/90s cool.

I don’t have the free time to go and test drive one at the mo, before someone just tells me to go and try one.

[Discombobulate]

I would definitely go for a turbo if you are concerned.
For perspective I have had a 968 and a 968 CS.

[Mintbird]

aurally, a letdown.

not special enough for me for a weekend car Im afraid.

[BillyB]

Not particularly exciting to listen to but, as an event, a Turbo ticks the box. I had an early 220bhp turbo and the old school "nothing, nothing, nothing....whoosh" was hiliarious.

(Poorly exposed) photo for interest

Edited by BillyB on Thursday 27th June 12:01

[james6546]

Thanks for the replies all, so if I do decide on a 944, I’ll go for a turbo. I need the drama!

Mintbird said:

aurally, a letdown.

not special enough for me for a weekend car Im afraid.

That’s my worry. I’m struggling to find something similar though

[andy97]

944s are all about the handling, and that is great.
That said, a turbo is definitely a quick car and does give you a shove in the back. Wish I hadnt sold mine.

[Kawasicki]

andy97 said:

944s are all about the handling, and that is great.
That said, a turbo is definitely a quick car and does give you a shove in the back. Wish I hadnt sold mine.

The handling under the limit is amazing. The handling at the limit is fun but pretty challenging...

[bigmowley]

I’ve just sold my classic S2. Lovely old bus but you definitely need to recalibrate expectations. I had lots when they were new and loved them. I bought my mint S2 when it came up locally at a very good deal. I actually went out for a loaf and came back with a loaf and a 944 . I was really surprised at how slow it felt by modern standards, I had a left over Promax chip from back in the day so I popped that in which made a noticeable difference but still slow. It’s a nice engine that likes to rev, despite its huge pistons , just not a very inspiring one. That car more than any other of my classic fleet made me realize how far things have come in 30 odd years.

[BAMoFo]

I used to own a 944 Turbo Cabriolet with a Pro max Stage 1 chip. It was very quick in its day but the engine noise was bland and I wouldn't buy another as a result.

[MikeDB1]

In its day, it was a great car. Used to hire and drive one up to Aviemore a few times a year as was a really good tourer. But I suspect by modern standards it would feel slow now. But if you want 80s cool, it scores well.

[ChrisW.]

For me it's a prettier car than the 968 ... or the 924.

The turbo versions can be tweaked ... in the mid-range there is plenty of torque but turbo technology has come a long way.

The big plus is that they were built to do 200,000 miles and more. The downside is that spare parts are now becoming scarce and Porsche have really increased their prices ...

[williamp]

I had an S, then an 89 Turbo S about 20 years ago. fabulous cars, really enjoyed owning them

But, lets be honest, a £5k Boxster will be quicker then all but a well sorted Turbo, as well as more comfortable, more reliable, et etc...

They are great cars and of their time. And pop up headlights!

...and I am now thinking about another as they do seem to be very good value. But, actually, I want a 968. Yeah yeah, I know....

[BoRED S2upid]

Loved my S2 there was a good deal of oomph from the 3l but don’t expect it to be anywhere close to modern day performance.

[JohnnyUK]

No.

Get a 928 - proper engine.






But proper bills too.

[james6546]

JohnnyUK said:

No.

Get a 928 - proper engine.






But proper bills too.

I just can’t get on with the looks of the 928 or 968 unfortunately.

Can’t go with a boxter as I need 4 seats so we can all go to car shows in it.

I wouldn’t be upset if it felt slow, I currently drive an L200, I just want some drama. I had a Saab 9-3 with the V6 engine and the car was crap but I loved it because the engine was such an event.

Any other suggestions are welcome.

[williamp]

james6546 said:

I just can’t get on with the looks of the 928 or 968 unfortunately.

Can’t go with a boxter as I need 4 seats so we can all go to car shows in it.

I wouldn’t be upset if it felt slow, I currently drive an L200, I just want some drama. I had a Saab 9-3 with the V6 engine and the car was crap but I loved it because the engine was such an event.

Any other suggestions are welcome.

Ah. About those back seats..... Youd could sit a third person sideways, with their feet in the opposite footwell. But two in the back? Doubtful

[s m]

BoRED S2upid said:

Loved my S2 there was a good deal of oomph from the 3l but don’t expect it to be anywhere close to modern day performance.

Yep, get a Turbo if you want serious performance

[james6546]

williamp said:

james6546 said:

I just can’t get on with the looks of the 928 or 968 unfortunately.

Can’t go with a boxter as I need 4 seats so we can all go to car shows in it.

I wouldn’t be upset if it felt slow, I currently drive an L200, I just want some drama. I had a Saab 9-3 with the V6 engine and the car was crap but I loved it because the engine was such an event.

Any other suggestions are welcome.

Ah. About those back seats..... Youd could sit a third person sideways, with their feet in the opposite footwell. But two in the back? Doubtful

It’s ok, my son isn’t quite 2 yet!

[BoRED S2upid]

s m said:

BoRED S2upid said:

Loved my S2 there was a good deal of oomph from the 3l but don’t expect it to be anywhere close to modern day performance.

Yep, get a Turbo if you want serious performance

I bet a 944 Turbo doesn’t come close to modern day performance? I’ve never driven one but I’m thinking Turbo lag? What BHP we talking? 250? That’s going to feel pretty slow if you have been driving anything modern. Cool as fk though.

[supersport]

Ran a 2.5 lux for 10 years, sold with 220k on the clock,

I loved it, but it was never fast, but good fun. It was our family car for a few years. Immensely practical with the back folded down.

But they are ancient and so never going to be that exciting, but a fun classic car that handles well.

As Chris said though, parts are getting harder to find.