RE: 968: The Perfect F/R Porsche?
Discussion
Lord Flathead said:
I would agree with that but I'm a bit biased 
Interesting that this thread should pop up. I have been considering down-sizing to a 968.. it's half the engine to run.
The 928 isn't perfect in the looks dept. I'd say the 944 was one of the best looking cars ever made, great from any angle.Interesting that this thread should pop up. I have been considering down-sizing to a 968.. it's half the engine to run.
The 968 is a bit odd.
Swill said:
anything fast said:
Never liked the way these look, great cars but the lazy makeover from the 944 to 968 was a mistake IMO. I would much rather a very late clean 944 (esp turbo), looks wise much much nicer.. the 928 style headlamps just look odd! Would keep the back end and change the front end back to the last of the 944's.. that would be very cool! 
Like mine thenhttp://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/19842/2319362150...
(though it's an S2 with 968 rear etc)
Another fan here - I've done nearly 60k miles in my 944 S2 in the last five years, and really don't know what I would ever swap it for.
I've never driven a 968, although reports vary from them being "At least 10% better" to "A totally different car" to "Very hard to tell the difference". The extra power over an S2 is offset by extra weight*, but they did have thicker anti roll bars and some other suspension differences which helped the handling (all of which are very easily retro-fitted to a 944 - ask me how I know!)
It always strikes me as interesting that the 924/44/68 series never had the following that the 911 series did. The 911 does have the better engine (944/68's weakest point is the engine) and it was always the 'one to have' and hence people notice them more. This corresponds to much higher prices and much higher insurance, plus unwanted attention. Most people on the roads simply don't know what my 944 is ...
Oli.
I've never driven a 968, although reports vary from them being "At least 10% better" to "A totally different car" to "Very hard to tell the difference". The extra power over an S2 is offset by extra weight*, but they did have thicker anti roll bars and some other suspension differences which helped the handling (all of which are very easily retro-fitted to a 944 - ask me how I know!)
It always strikes me as interesting that the 924/44/68 series never had the following that the 911 series did. The 911 does have the better engine (944/68's weakest point is the engine) and it was always the 'one to have' and hence people notice them more. This corresponds to much higher prices and much higher insurance, plus unwanted attention. Most people on the roads simply don't know what my 944 is ...
Oli.
-*- A point which always causes arguments on here is that road tests of the time show the 944S2 to be quicker than all models of the 968, slightly surprisingly ...
muppet42 said:
I'm pretty sure as well Mr Clarkson rather likes the 944 Turbo too, which given how much he dislikes many other Porsches says something I reckon.
Like it? He loves it!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eE8ZTdQ9Uc&fea...
Mine is no sunny weather garage queen...mine during the snow and yucky weather:
Fat Albert said:
Like it? He loves it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eE8ZTdQ9Uc&fea...
Mine is no sunny weather garage queen...mine during the snow and yucky weather:
Yeah, have seen that a few times - perfect car to attach a rocket launcher to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eE8ZTdQ9Uc&fea...
Mine is no sunny weather garage queen...mine during the snow and yucky weather:
Cringed every time he went over a speed bump though 
Remember also how he felt about the 968 though...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48GiT-OiAPs
...seriously doubt I'd have gone for the XJS, the 300zx though...hmm
I don't agree about the engine, the 968 motor is amazingly strong they pulled of a trick compared to the older S2 engine in managing to produce something with not only more power overall but a broader power characteristic, nicer sound and better throttle response. It doesn't have the great sound track of the contemporary 911's but really I think that is about all that holds it back.
On the subject of looks I have very mixed feelings about both the 944 and the 968. As a long term owner of both cars I think I prefer the front of the 944 and the back end of the 968. I really don't like the side skirts on the 968, ours for example need refitting to fit flush properly and replace the seal. I also prefer the looks of the aero mirrors on the 968 but the flag mirrors on the older cars have a better field of view. Same again when talking about the mechanicals, my personal experience is that the 968 is slightly more complicated and costly to maintain than the S2 but IMHE its a more accomplished and complete car.
If it wasn't for mrs NJH loving the tiptronic gearbox in ours (I can't stand it), I think I would probably settle for a minty 968 coupe with working aircon, M030 anti roll bars, CS lowering springs and 17" wheels. All the car you need.
On the subject of looks I have very mixed feelings about both the 944 and the 968. As a long term owner of both cars I think I prefer the front of the 944 and the back end of the 968. I really don't like the side skirts on the 968, ours for example need refitting to fit flush properly and replace the seal. I also prefer the looks of the aero mirrors on the 968 but the flag mirrors on the older cars have a better field of view. Same again when talking about the mechanicals, my personal experience is that the 968 is slightly more complicated and costly to maintain than the S2 but IMHE its a more accomplished and complete car.
If it wasn't for mrs NJH loving the tiptronic gearbox in ours (I can't stand it), I think I would probably settle for a minty 968 coupe with working aircon, M030 anti roll bars, CS lowering springs and 17" wheels. All the car you need.
Niffty951 said:
Heavier, more understeer, harder access to the engine bay for mainteance, slower and no turbo. Besides the easily transferable adjustments to the suspension geometry.. why is this better than a 944?
I'd prefer the Turbo 944 with aircon and a sunroof.Plus I prefer the 3-spoke Atiwe to the one pictured - lovely wheel
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