944 Turbo 'v' ND MX5

[Bispal]

I've owned my 1988 944 turbo 3 days and 300 miles. I thought it would be interesting to compare it, so far, to my 2016, 2.0 ND MX5.

944 turbo 1735mm wide
MX5 ND 1735mm wide

944 turbo bhp/tonne 158
MX5 ND bhp/tonne 155
(Later cars 176 v 175)

944 turbo 1416 kilos
MX5 ND 1035 kilos

944 turbo 220bhp
MX5 ND 158bhp

944 turbo 51/49 weight distribution
MX5 ND 50/50 weight distribution

The stats speak for themselves. On paper, the cars are near identical, 1735mm wide, 155 bhp per tonne, 50/50 weight distribution. Front engine, RWD, manuals. Separated by 40 years. Even searchable Nürburgring lap times are within 5 seconds of each other.

The 944's additional 315mm in length packs in 2 extra seats and 4x the luggage capacity of the MX5. It feels like a 747 inside compared to an F16, which, considering they are the same width, is astonishing.

However, the MX5's 6 speed box, compared to 5 speed in the 944 and NA engine, give very different driving characteristics. Factor in the faster ND steering and LSD and the MX5 feels quicker due to the shorter gearing, instant throttle response, lighter weight, and chuckability.

Of course, that changes when the turbo boosts and the 944 really starts to make ground back, and quickly.

So despite their near identical stats, the cars feel very different to drive. I think they would be Even Steven's on a B road.
The 944 rides better than the MX5, and the 944 is on 22 year old tyres. New tyres tomorrow. But the ND's Recaro seats are a lot comfier.

The 944 gearbox has a longer throw but feels more natural. The ND is slightly notchy but quicker. There isn't much in it, they are both great but the overall shift experience with drivetrain / clutch / shift feel just goes the way of the 944. Its very close and there are pluses and minuses. In both heel & toe is natural.

In 40 years, we have lost packaging, visibility, build quality, ride comfort and interior space, and, of course, pop-ups! We have gained MPG, emissions and alleged safety improvements.

It's early days, and I'm looking forward to having the 944 properly serviced and checked over before I can form a true comparison of this 40 year age gap with remarkable similarities.

[Thom]

In your shoes I would go back to the 16" wheels, probably late offset "phone dials", that the car came with from new, rather than spend any money on new 17" tyres. This will improve the ride and steering feel more than you may imagine.

Congratulations and have fun.

[Bispal]

Thom said:

In your shoes I would go back to the 16" wheels, probably late offset "phone dials", that the car came with from new, rather than spend any money on new 17" tyres. This will improve the ride and steering feel more than you may imagine.

Congratulations and have fun.

Thanks. I also have the original 16" drain covers. Not overly keen on those or buying more wheels. Ride seems good as is, but I agree with you it would be better on smaller wheels as that's what I have done on previous 986 Boxster's I have owned. But will stick with the cup's for now

[RSstuff]

I've read there's a very limited choice for 16" tyres now. Porsche fitted 17" Cups on the 968 CS, so they were probably satisfied with the performance.

[ChrisW.]

And the MX5 with its manual roof is a great soft top ... just take care to guide the top down to avoid scraping the fabric on the rear bodywork ... it's an expensive replacement if you do ...

What a great value for money fun car the MX5 is ...

[LarJammer]

Ive not driven an ND but imagine the 944s inputs require more 'heft'? (Heavier steering, clutch etc).
Have owned a few 944s and the S2 was favorite - torquey engine but without the lag of the Turbo.

[DKL]

RSstuff said:

I've read there's a very limited choice for 16" tyres now. Porsche fitted 17" Cups on the 968 CS, so they were probably satisfied with the performance.

Tyres for 16" wheels are properly poor now. I assumed I'd be able to replace my toyo t1r once they died but nope, none available. I think we're on falkens now. Garage was a bit sniffy about the ratio of rubber to groove on the contact point but I don't exactly thrash it so I doubt I'll die. I think you can still get pirellis from longstone but at about £400 each?

[Maxym]

Very interesting comparison you've drawn there, OP. Enjoyed reading that.

I'm not especially a fan of the ND styling but yours looks great.

[Bispal]

Maxym said:

Very interesting comparison you've drawn there, OP. Enjoyed reading that.

I'm not especially a fan of the ND styling but yours looks great.

Thanks :-) Its actually a great car.

[Bispal]

DKL said:

RSstuff said:

I've read there's a very limited choice for 16" tyres now. Porsche fitted 17" Cups on the 968 CS, so they were probably satisfied with the performance.

Tyres for 16" wheels are properly poor now. I assumed I'd be able to replace my toyo t1r once they died but nope, none available. I think we're on falkens now. Garage was a bit sniffy about the ratio of rubber to groove on the contact point but I don't exactly thrash it so I doubt I'll die. I think you can still get pirellis from longstone but at about £400 each?

I struggled to get the 17" for the cup wheels. In fact struggle is the wrong word. the rears were just not available. I just got lucky that a local tyre place happened to have 2 old stock that had been on the shelf for 2 years! Otherwise would have had to put the 16" wheels on and tried to get tyres for them. But that sounds impossible too.

[RSstuff]

Bispal said:

I struggled to get the 17" for the cup wheels. In fact struggle is the wrong word. the rears were just not available. I just got lucky that a local tyre place happened to have 2 old stock that had been on the shelf for 2 years! Otherwise would have had to put the 16" wheels on and tried to get tyres for them. But that sounds impossible too.

Black Circles have plenty of tyres for the 17" Cups. What they didn't have was front and rear tyres the same spec.