928 S1/S2 vs S4

[flatline84]

Anyone have experience with both? The earlier 16v engines are suppposed to be a right laugh with a new free-flowing exhaust!

S4 have updated brakes and a 32V engine, but.... are they as much fun?

[BlueMR2]

You can have the 4 pot brakes put on an earlier car.

Everyone knows 16V engines look cooler .

[flatline84]

Also there seems to be a common issue with a bit of corrosion near the fuel-tank lid, back window and lower doors... is this a real problem or just an aestethic one?

[BlueMR2]

flatline84 said:

Also there seems to be a common issue with a bit of corrosion near the fuel-tank lid, back window and lower doors... is this a real problem or just an aestethic one?

Just behind the fuel filler lid on my car, (towards the back of the 3/4 panel rather than behind the filler flap) has been somewhat bodged and its in the process of having its bodged sills repaired at the moment.

I have noticed the odd bit of rust from behind the black spongy spoiler however that is perhaps down to the last owner having it parked by a tree or something as everytime i wash it loads of crap comes out from under the spoiler and i have it parked in the open. I will probably take it off at some stage as the sills will need painting at some stage as well as other areas that have been "touched up" in the past so get it all done at the same time. Might remove the side strips as well whilst its being done.

[flatline84]

Does the s1 models have more bodywork problems than the later S4 models?

Im on the fence really, but the S1 seems lighter, the sound better, and they seem less complicated.
I also think they look better but thats just my opinion.

[BlueMR2]

Not sure if early or late have more problems but a '79 is now circa 33 years old, a late model '95 is 17 years old.

So they are both at a point they can suffer from neglect but even the best will in the world can only do so much, however the younger cars are perhaps more likely used everyday.

The S4 has more electrics to go wrong and more valves to be damaged.

Whatever you buy have it checked thoroughly, including flex plate checks. Pretty sure the early cars are lower power as well, possibly around 240 to the s2 310.

[flatline84]

The 928 S is 300!
Its going to be a 83-84 model since here in norway they count as veteran cars. Cost pennies to keep on the road each year, same with insurance. its like 40 quid a year

[barchetta_boy]

I have the best of all worlds... original 928 body, S2 high compression 16v engine (they do sound a bit better IMHO but all 928s sound great) and S4 brakes and suspension. No ABS though obviously. Mine has a custom exhaust and manifolds and dynos at 320 ft-lb and 320bhp. That is a quick package in a lighter early car.

All 928s are great though. Just make sure you get a manual box.

Joel

[flatline84]

Any difference in the S1 and S2 body?

[Mr Recovery]

There are no major differences in the outer body pannels between the S1 and S2. Most of the differncs are under the skin. S2's had a different injection system and a little more power. Late S2's also had the S4 4pot brakes and ABS which is an advantage when stopping, however from the experiance of my freinds car this can suffer from hard to find electrical gremlins.
928's are great cars and thrive on regular use. I have owned mine for arround 18 years now and I still grin like a mental case every time I take it out.
Ohh - and yes free flowing exhausts on these cars sound great. Just cut the back box off, run two pipes straight out the back and find the longest tunnel you can. You won't be able to wipe the smile off your face

[barchetta_boy]

We should clarify the nomenclature to avoid confusion.

928 - 4.5, no side rubbing strips or spoilers. 4.5 engine, 240bhp.

928S - 4.7, rubbing strips, black rubber spoilers front and rear, 300bhp

928S2 - 4.7, as above plus electronic fuel injection and ABS, 310bhp

928S4 - 5.0 32v, new body shape, 320bhp

928GT - 5.0 32v, 330bhp, LSD / PSD close ratio 5 speed manual only

928GTS - 5.4 32v, 345bhp, wide hips, auto or manual.

[daddyov8]

had an s2 years ago and have an s4 now, for me the earlier models look better with the more classic original shape, like all cars especially porsches with long model lives over the years they get fatter, more spoilers etc but the later ones actually go like they should.
early model with a free flow exhaust may be great but a late model with an x pipe and the same will sound and go far greater....
later models come with all the gear you need, if you get an early one most people fit gear from the later ones such as brakes, suspension etc.
with prices as they are later models seem better value, to me a 32v v8 with 10 yrs of porsche development behind it seems to make sense in most ways, you can always buy late models and change the body rather than buy early and change the running gear etc

watch for bumps (esp front where they're low), decent servicing of engines and regular use they don't like standing for long periods, air con working, and interior in decent condition as this is where most of the money can go. All the different models have issues to look at but worry about that when you've chosen which one you like.

Good luck; drive a few and you should see the difference, they're not the lightest so power makes a difference.