I miss my 924 :( .........should I get a 944 S2 or 968?
Discussion
Having gone back to a FWD drive saloon, I suddenly find myself craving the balance of my old 924S. Thinking about getting a similar car. This time I would have the sense to look at many more and find a mint example!!
I have a few questions if anyone's into the front engined cars:
Whats the performance comparison between the 944, the 944 S2, the 944 turbo and (if I fancied doubling the budget!!) a 968?
Any idea how the equipment levels vary? It would HAVE to have better brakes than the 924, preferably with ABS. Air con would be an advantage, but not essential.
Does anyone know what the weight and stiffness penalities are like for the convertible variants? Are they water tight?
Any suggestions? I haven't settled a budget yet (something sub 10k) but I reckon the best bet would be around 5.5k on a good S2.
Normally I wouldn't go back to a brand, but I haven't found anything that offers such well balanced, docile handling. Something similar in better condition with a bit more power might be quite fun!
I have a few questions if anyone's into the front engined cars:
Whats the performance comparison between the 944, the 944 S2, the 944 turbo and (if I fancied doubling the budget!!) a 968?
Any idea how the equipment levels vary? It would HAVE to have better brakes than the 924, preferably with ABS. Air con would be an advantage, but not essential.
Does anyone know what the weight and stiffness penalities are like for the convertible variants? Are they water tight?
Any suggestions? I haven't settled a budget yet (something sub 10k) but I reckon the best bet would be around 5.5k on a good S2.
Normally I wouldn't go back to a brand, but I haven't found anything that offers such well balanced, docile handling. Something similar in better condition with a bit more power might be quite fun!
Here's some stats that might help...
........kg......bhp....lb/ft
944.....1180....163....151
944S2...1310....211....207
944T>88.1350....220....243
944T<89.1350....250....258
968.....1370....240....225
Cabrio's are about 70kg heavier.
I'd agree that the S2 is a good bargain at the moment. the turbo's offer more power for cheapish mods.
IIRC its hard to find aftermarket suspension for 944's due to their unusual design.
........kg......bhp....lb/ft
944.....1180....163....151
944S2...1310....211....207
944T>88.1350....220....243
944T<89.1350....250....258
968.....1370....240....225
Cabrio's are about 70kg heavier.
I'd agree that the S2 is a good bargain at the moment. the turbo's offer more power for cheapish mods.
IIRC its hard to find aftermarket suspension for 944's due to their unusual design.
Edited by greg964 on Tuesday 3rd October 15:53
Edited by greg964 on Tuesday 3rd October 15:54
Yep, £5.5K will get you a straight S2,if you're patient.
Since I'm trapped at home with a f*cked back and bored,here's some performance figures from Brookland Motorbooks (compilation of old autocar/motor tests.)
All cars 2 up with half a tank of fuel:
924 0-60 9.7 / 0-100 30.4 / 1/4 mile 17.2 / Max 126
924S 0-60 7.4 / 0-100 20.1 / 1/4 mile 15.7 / Max 137
924 Turbo S1 0-60 6.8 / 0-100 17.9 / 1/4 mile 15.4 / Max 140
924 Turbo S2 0-60 7.7 / 0-100 20.4 / 1/4 mile 15.7 / Max 142
924 Carrera GT 0-60 5.4 / 0-100 13.4 / 1/4 mile N/A / Max 150
944 pre mid'85 0-60 7.2 / 0-100 20.1 / 1/4 mile 15.4 / Max 137
944 post mid'85 0-60 7.9 / 0-100 21.9 / 1/4 mile 16.0 / Max 137
944 2.7 0-60 7.0 / 0-100 20.0 / 1/4 mile 15.7 / Max 136
944 S 0-60 7.5 / 0-100 21.1 / 1/4 mile 15.7. / Max 142
944 Turbo 220 0-60 6.0 / 0-100 15.6 / 1/4 mile 14.8 / Max 157
944 Turbo 250 0-60 5.3 / 0-100 13.5 / 1/4 mile N/A / Max 163
944 S2 0-60 6.0 / 0-100 15.5 / 1/4 mile 14.4 / Max 150
968 0-60 6.1 / 0-100 15.7 / 1/4 mile 14.7 / Max 153
968 CS 0-60 6.1 / 0-100 15.3 / 1/4 mile 14.5 / Max 154
968 Turbo S 0-6 5.0 / 0-100 10.5 / 1/4 mile N/A / Max 175
...well, that was quite tedious.
ETA thougt I might as well add the 968 Turbo S to complete the set!!
Since I'm trapped at home with a f*cked back and bored,here's some performance figures from Brookland Motorbooks (compilation of old autocar/motor tests.)
All cars 2 up with half a tank of fuel:
924 0-60 9.7 / 0-100 30.4 / 1/4 mile 17.2 / Max 126
924S 0-60 7.4 / 0-100 20.1 / 1/4 mile 15.7 / Max 137
924 Turbo S1 0-60 6.8 / 0-100 17.9 / 1/4 mile 15.4 / Max 140
924 Turbo S2 0-60 7.7 / 0-100 20.4 / 1/4 mile 15.7 / Max 142
924 Carrera GT 0-60 5.4 / 0-100 13.4 / 1/4 mile N/A / Max 150
944 pre mid'85 0-60 7.2 / 0-100 20.1 / 1/4 mile 15.4 / Max 137
944 post mid'85 0-60 7.9 / 0-100 21.9 / 1/4 mile 16.0 / Max 137
944 2.7 0-60 7.0 / 0-100 20.0 / 1/4 mile 15.7 / Max 136
944 S 0-60 7.5 / 0-100 21.1 / 1/4 mile 15.7. / Max 142
944 Turbo 220 0-60 6.0 / 0-100 15.6 / 1/4 mile 14.8 / Max 157
944 Turbo 250 0-60 5.3 / 0-100 13.5 / 1/4 mile N/A / Max 163
944 S2 0-60 6.0 / 0-100 15.5 / 1/4 mile 14.4 / Max 150
968 0-60 6.1 / 0-100 15.7 / 1/4 mile 14.7 / Max 153
968 CS 0-60 6.1 / 0-100 15.3 / 1/4 mile 14.5 / Max 154
968 Turbo S 0-6 5.0 / 0-100 10.5 / 1/4 mile N/A / Max 175
...well, that was quite tedious.
ETA thougt I might as well add the 968 Turbo S to complete the set!!
Edited by HAB on Tuesday 3rd October 16:55
IMHO the 944 is the way to go - the 968 doesn't warrant its price premium given how similar it is to the 944.
Difficult to make meaningful modifications to an S2 without spending megabucks, while the 944T can be uprated significantly for reasonable money.
Suspension can be upgraded very easily - KW Variant 3 seems to be the most positively reviewed.
Best of luck
HAB said:
Yep, £5.5K will get you a straight S2,if you're patient.
Since I'm trapped at home with a f*cked back and bored,here's some performance figures from Brookland Motorbooks (compilation of old autocar/motor tests.)
All cars 2 up with half a tank of fuel:
924 0-60 9.7 / 0-100 30.4 / 1/4 mile 17.2 / Max 126
924S 0-60 7.4 / 0-100 20.1 / 1/4 mile 15.7 / Max 137
924 Turbo S1 0-60 6.8 / 0-100 17.9 / 1/4 mile 15.4 / Max 140
924 Turbo S2 0-60 7.7 / 0-100 20.4 / 1/4 mile 15.7 / Max 142
924 Carrera GT 0-60 5.4 / 0-100 13.4 / 1/4 mile N/A / Max 150
944 pre mid'85 0-60 7.2 / 0-100 20.1 / 1/4 mile 15.4 / Max 137
944 post mid'85 0-60 7.9 / 0-100 21.9 / 1/4 mile 16.0 / Max 137
944 2.7 0-60 7.0 / 0-100 20.0 / 1/4 mile 15.7 / Max 136
944 S 0-60 7.5 / 0-100 21.1 / 1/4 mile 15.7. / Max 142
944 Turbo 220 0-60 6.0 / 0-100 15.6 / 1/4 mile 14.8 / Max 157
944 Turbo 250 0-60 5.3 / 0-100 13.5 / 1/4 mile N/A / Max 163
944 S2 0-60 6.0 / 0-100 15.5 / 1/4 mile 14.4 / Max 150
968 0-60 6.1 / 0-100 15.7 / 1/4 mile 14.7 / Max 153
968 CS 0-60 6.1 / 0-100 15.3 / 1/4 mile 14.5 / Max 154
968 Turbo S 0-6 5.0 / 0-100 10.5 / 1/4 mile N/A / Max 175
...well, that was quite tedious.
Very useful list, but this shows the 968 as being SLOWER than the 944S2 in the standing quarter. Surely not? Since I'm trapped at home with a f*cked back and bored,here's some performance figures from Brookland Motorbooks (compilation of old autocar/motor tests.)
All cars 2 up with half a tank of fuel:
924 0-60 9.7 / 0-100 30.4 / 1/4 mile 17.2 / Max 126
924S 0-60 7.4 / 0-100 20.1 / 1/4 mile 15.7 / Max 137
924 Turbo S1 0-60 6.8 / 0-100 17.9 / 1/4 mile 15.4 / Max 140
924 Turbo S2 0-60 7.7 / 0-100 20.4 / 1/4 mile 15.7 / Max 142
924 Carrera GT 0-60 5.4 / 0-100 13.4 / 1/4 mile N/A / Max 150
944 pre mid'85 0-60 7.2 / 0-100 20.1 / 1/4 mile 15.4 / Max 137
944 post mid'85 0-60 7.9 / 0-100 21.9 / 1/4 mile 16.0 / Max 137
944 2.7 0-60 7.0 / 0-100 20.0 / 1/4 mile 15.7 / Max 136
944 S 0-60 7.5 / 0-100 21.1 / 1/4 mile 15.7. / Max 142
944 Turbo 220 0-60 6.0 / 0-100 15.6 / 1/4 mile 14.8 / Max 157
944 Turbo 250 0-60 5.3 / 0-100 13.5 / 1/4 mile N/A / Max 163
944 S2 0-60 6.0 / 0-100 15.5 / 1/4 mile 14.4 / Max 150
968 0-60 6.1 / 0-100 15.7 / 1/4 mile 14.7 / Max 153
968 CS 0-60 6.1 / 0-100 15.3 / 1/4 mile 14.5 / Max 154
968 Turbo S 0-6 5.0 / 0-100 10.5 / 1/4 mile N/A / Max 175
...well, that was quite tedious.
Oli.
Edited by zcacogp on Tuesday 3rd October 16:59
I feel the 944 v 968 debate coming on again and we all stand up for the cars we own.
At the end of the day it depends on what you are looking for but I suppose the best thing you can do is to look at a few of each and make your own mind up.
Some people are still trying to hold out for silly money on the 968 which does make a S2 look very attractive.
At the end of the day it depends on what you are looking for but I suppose the best thing you can do is to look at a few of each and make your own mind up.
Some people are still trying to hold out for silly money on the 968 which does make a S2 look very attractive.
Chris71 said:
Any idea how the equipment levels vary? It would HAVE to have better brakes than the 924, preferably with ABS. Air con would be an advantage, but not essential.
All the S2/Turbos and the 968 have 4pot Brembo calipers all round,so the braking on these is still pretty good and (I think) the S2 and later Turbo have abs as standard. Most later Turbos I've seen have Aircon but not so common on the S2.(though mine does
) chris71 said:
Normally I wouldn't go back to a brand, but I haven't found anything that offers such well balanced, docile handling. Something similar in better condition with a bit more power might be quite fun!
It is indeed! The 924S is really just a narrow bodied pre '85 944 so I understand what your saying completely.
I felt the same after selling my '84 944. The only thing I could think of replacing it after trying lots of alternatives was an S2 or Turbo. Nothing comes close for the money imho.
HAB, next time could you type the lists so that they line up vertically, horribly difficult to read old chap 
Hope the back gets better soon.
In answer to the original question - YES you should get another front engined watercooler. Your budget will decide which one to get as they all have excellent handling and a fair turn of speed. If 5.5k is the sensible limit then a good S2 will be in reach. 10k will get you an excellent Turbo or maybe an average 968, but as all these cars are over 10 years old its wise to leave some spare budget for any immediate mechanical work so I think a good 968 will be out of reach.
Hope the back gets better soon. In answer to the original question - YES you should get another front engined watercooler. Your budget will decide which one to get as they all have excellent handling and a fair turn of speed. If 5.5k is the sensible limit then a good S2 will be in reach. 10k will get you an excellent Turbo or maybe an average 968, but as all these cars are over 10 years old its wise to leave some spare budget for any immediate mechanical work so I think a good 968 will be out of reach.
diver944 said:
HAB, next time could you type the lists so that they line up vertically, horribly difficult to read old chap Hope the back gets better soon.
Hope the back gets better soon.Funny thing is Diver,They do line up when it's viewed in the message box, though when you post on the forum or preview, it mixes up the spacing
and I got fed up of trying to correct it. 
Its a great endorsment of a car when a owner says they want another as the competiton is not as good. Even more so when talking about a 15 year old car !!
Not wanting to go off topic but as I usally day dream about 911 ownership (15K price bracket) one day, I wonder if I will be dissapointed after the 944 S2 experince ?
As in you pay 3 times as much, but is it 3 times the car ?
Not wanting to go off topic but as I usally day dream about 911 ownership (15K price bracket) one day, I wonder if I will be dissapointed after the 944 S2 experince ?
As in you pay 3 times as much, but is it 3 times the car ?
The complaints with my 924S (which to be fair might not have been the best example) were....
Soggy suspension, it had that 'muscle car' squat when you put the power on which was quite ammusing, but it just felt a bit wayward down bumpy roads. Also a certain ammount of play in the steering. Probably explained by worn out bushes/dampers. Also ran on very high profile tyres.
Dissapointing brakes, could have done with A LOT more stopping power and some feel to the pedal. Had to leave miles of space following anyone at speed, because any decent modern saloon could outbrake it. Also a few niggling things like a pitiful headlamps and wipers that made driving in the dark and rain a distinctly exciting experience! Plus, it seemed to have rather bizzare gearing that left it feeling distinctly sluggish up to about 60mph and then comparitively quick from there on. I know the 944 is somewhat heavier, but 165 (for my late S) versus 211hp should see a fairly dramatic increase in performance.
Despite my misgivings about the car (20mpg running costs are also an issue!) the one thing I can't get out of my head is its balance. In the dry it was fantastic neutral and could be provoked into easily caught, controllable oversteer. Despite my pretentions I am not an especially talented driver, yet I found that sort of thing quite within my reach. From what I've heard I'd have put a 911 straight into the hedge, so thats why if I do ever get another porsche it'll have its engine in the front! (or maybe in the middle I suppose...)
I now have a bit more age and NCB for the insurance and reckon I could afford (and find space for) a second car, and I'm in no rush so I can make sure any future purschases were in exactly the sort of condition I need. Its not as if theres a shortage of them either. They seem to have the advantage of being one of the most plentiful affordable sportscars. From what I've heard I'm not sure the 968 really warants its premium over the 944, certainly not when I'd have to save up three times as long to buy one!!
The only derivative that would tempt me away from an S2 is a cabriolet of some description. Thats a point - does the S2 have a removable sun roof like the 924? I'm really not a poser, just enjoy a spot of al fresco motoring in the summer!
Soggy suspension, it had that 'muscle car' squat when you put the power on which was quite ammusing, but it just felt a bit wayward down bumpy roads. Also a certain ammount of play in the steering. Probably explained by worn out bushes/dampers. Also ran on very high profile tyres.
Dissapointing brakes, could have done with A LOT more stopping power and some feel to the pedal. Had to leave miles of space following anyone at speed, because any decent modern saloon could outbrake it. Also a few niggling things like a pitiful headlamps and wipers that made driving in the dark and rain a distinctly exciting experience! Plus, it seemed to have rather bizzare gearing that left it feeling distinctly sluggish up to about 60mph and then comparitively quick from there on. I know the 944 is somewhat heavier, but 165 (for my late S) versus 211hp should see a fairly dramatic increase in performance.
Despite my misgivings about the car (20mpg running costs are also an issue!) the one thing I can't get out of my head is its balance. In the dry it was fantastic neutral and could be provoked into easily caught, controllable oversteer. Despite my pretentions I am not an especially talented driver, yet I found that sort of thing quite within my reach. From what I've heard I'd have put a 911 straight into the hedge, so thats why if I do ever get another porsche it'll have its engine in the front! (or maybe in the middle I suppose...)
I now have a bit more age and NCB for the insurance and reckon I could afford (and find space for) a second car, and I'm in no rush so I can make sure any future purschases were in exactly the sort of condition I need. Its not as if theres a shortage of them either. They seem to have the advantage of being one of the most plentiful affordable sportscars. From what I've heard I'm not sure the 968 really warants its premium over the 944, certainly not when I'd have to save up three times as long to buy one!!
The only derivative that would tempt me away from an S2 is a cabriolet of some description. Thats a point - does the S2 have a removable sun roof like the 924? I'm really not a poser, just enjoy a spot of al fresco motoring in the summer!
Edited by Chris71 on Wednesday 4th October 13:15
Edited by Chris71 on Wednesday 4th October 13:17
As to the "is a 911 three times as capable as an S2?" question, an earlier thread of mine is an interesting read. It's here:
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=48&t=290338
Chris 71, about the 'slow to 60, quick thereafter' problem - my S2 seems similar. It is not that quick to 60mph, but seems proportionally quicker from 60 up. The figures posted by HAB show that it is 0-60 in 6.0, then 60-100 in 9.5. All other cars I have owned have shown a slightly slower 0-60 time (but not much slower), but then a MUCH slower 60-100 time. My indie's comment was that the S2 is not that much of a sports car, but is a damn fine cruiser and feels very stable at high speed. Perhaps this is what he is trying to refer to.
Yes, the 944 has the lift-out sunroof, same as the 924. (In fact, I think that the actual part itself may be interchangable between the two.) I am told that the cabrios suffer quite badly from poor driving dynamics, but have never driven one to know.
968's are about twice as much as a good S2. Are they twice as good? Never driven one, but I know which I prefer the looks of. And mechanically they are really pretty similar. And I also know of lots of great things to do with a spare £5k ...
Oli.
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=48&t=290338
Chris 71, about the 'slow to 60, quick thereafter' problem - my S2 seems similar. It is not that quick to 60mph, but seems proportionally quicker from 60 up. The figures posted by HAB show that it is 0-60 in 6.0, then 60-100 in 9.5. All other cars I have owned have shown a slightly slower 0-60 time (but not much slower), but then a MUCH slower 60-100 time. My indie's comment was that the S2 is not that much of a sports car, but is a damn fine cruiser and feels very stable at high speed. Perhaps this is what he is trying to refer to.
Yes, the 944 has the lift-out sunroof, same as the 924. (In fact, I think that the actual part itself may be interchangable between the two.) I am told that the cabrios suffer quite badly from poor driving dynamics, but have never driven one to know.
968's are about twice as much as a good S2. Are they twice as good? Never driven one, but I know which I prefer the looks of. And mechanically they are really pretty similar. And I also know of lots of great things to do with a spare £5k ...
Oli.
Edited by zcacogp on Wednesday 4th October 13:25
While you are talking about an S2, I thought I'd respond to your questions with my experiences with my 944 lux (1988 2.5 - same lump as your old 924S), which I've had for about 22 months now, and I love to bits (and frequently in bits
)....
I've got 17" Cup 2s on my 944, no discernable roll - I would guess your 924S needed new dampers more than any inherant dynamic shortfall - I love my 944's ride and handling - perfect for a comfortable cruiser/daily driver, but still brilliant on the twisties when you need it
I've always felt the brakes on my 944 to be brilliant - but I did end up replacing the lot with recon calipers etc - this may well fix any poor feelings you have towards a 944's brakes, they will be 14+ years old by now, and it's not particularly expensive.
Wipers are fine IME - just make sure they are changed for new Bosch items every 12 months ish (they're cheap enough fron Eurocarparts/GSF etc.
Headlamps are a bit on the crap side on dipped beam, full beam is great though. Perhaps one of the multitude of upgrade kits for a MK2 golf (with which it shares headlamps) would solve this? (Might try this one myself)
It isn't exactly greased lightning, but careful practice of launch technique (avid Drag racer here!) coupled with ludicroua amounts of mechanical grip give a very good 0-30, then it is a bit slow until 60, when it does seem to pick up again (ang keeps going way into license losing territory)...
I get 30-31 mpg on a long daily run, including a lot of town/city driving, and I do love the excellent handling - it's also really comfy for long trips as well as transforming the daily grind into Brummidgeham a pleasure....
Mine is my only car, and costs me £400 pa on a classic policy - and I've only got 1 years no claims...
944 also has the removable roof, but I've never bothered to remove it
).... Chris71 said:
The complaints with my 924S (which to be fair might not have been the best example) were....
Soggy suspension, it had that 'muscle car' squat when you put the power on which was quite ammusing, but it just felt a bit wayward down bumpy roads. Also a certain ammount of play in the steering. Probably explained by worn out bushes/dampers. Also ran on very high profile tyres.
Soggy suspension, it had that 'muscle car' squat when you put the power on which was quite ammusing, but it just felt a bit wayward down bumpy roads. Also a certain ammount of play in the steering. Probably explained by worn out bushes/dampers. Also ran on very high profile tyres.
I've got 17" Cup 2s on my 944, no discernable roll - I would guess your 924S needed new dampers more than any inherant dynamic shortfall - I love my 944's ride and handling - perfect for a comfortable cruiser/daily driver, but still brilliant on the twisties when you need it
Chris71 said:
Dissapointing brakes, could have done with A LOT more stopping power and some feel to the pedal. Had to leave miles of space following anyone at speed, because any decent modern saloon could outbrake it.
I've always felt the brakes on my 944 to be brilliant - but I did end up replacing the lot with recon calipers etc - this may well fix any poor feelings you have towards a 944's brakes, they will be 14+ years old by now, and it's not particularly expensive.
Chris71 said:
Also a few niggling things like a pitiful headlamps and wipers that made driving in the dark and rain a distinctly exciting experience!
Wipers are fine IME - just make sure they are changed for new Bosch items every 12 months ish (they're cheap enough fron Eurocarparts/GSF etc.
Headlamps are a bit on the crap side on dipped beam, full beam is great though. Perhaps one of the multitude of upgrade kits for a MK2 golf (with which it shares headlamps) would solve this? (Might try this one myself)
Chris71 said:
Plus, it seemed to have rather bizzare gearing that left it feeling distinctly sluggish up to about 60mph and then comparitively quick from there on. I know the 944 is somewhat heavier, but 165 (for my late S) versus 211hp should see a fairly dramatic increase in performance.
It isn't exactly greased lightning, but careful practice of launch technique (avid Drag racer here!) coupled with ludicroua amounts of mechanical grip give a very good 0-30, then it is a bit slow until 60, when it does seem to pick up again (ang keeps going way into license losing territory)...
Chris71 said:
Despite my misgivings about the car (20mpg running costs are also an issue!) the one thing I can't get out of my head is its balance. In the dry it was fantastic neutral and could be provoked into easily caught, controllable oversteer. Despite my pretentions I am not an especially talented driver, yet I found that sort of thing quite within my reach. From what I've heard I'd have put a 911 straight into the hedge, so thats why if I do ever get another porsche it'll have its engine in the front! (or maybe in the middle I suppose...)
I get 30-31 mpg on a long daily run, including a lot of town/city driving, and I do love the excellent handling - it's also really comfy for long trips as well as transforming the daily grind into Brummidgeham a pleasure....
Chris71 said:
I now have a bit more age and NCB for the insurance and reckon I could afford (and find space for) a second car, and I'm in no rush so I can make sure any future purschases were in exactly the sort of condition I need. Its not as if theres a shortage of them either. They seem to have the advantage of being one of the most plentiful affordable sportscars. From what I've heard I'm not sure the 968 really warants its premium over the 944, certainly not when I'd have to save up three times as long to buy one!!
Mine is my only car, and costs me £400 pa on a classic policy - and I've only got 1 years no claims...
Chris71 said:
The only derivative that would tempt me away from an S2 is a cabriolet of some description. Thats a point - does the S2 have a removable sun roof like the 924? I'm really not a poser, just enjoy a spot of al fresco motoring in the summer!
944 also has the removable roof, but I've never bothered to remove it
Chris71 said:
Soggy suspension, it had that 'muscle car' squat when you put the power on which was quite ammusing, but it just felt a bit wayward down bumpy roads. Also a certain ammount of play in the steering. Probably explained by worn out bushes/dampers. Also ran on very high profile tyres.
Chris71 said:
Dissapointing brakes, could have done with A LOT more stopping power and some feel to the pedal. Had to leave miles of space following anyone at speed, because any decent modern saloon could outbrake it.
It sound like you might have had a fairly tired 924S.The brakes are fine if they are working properly,easily up to the performance.
Luckily for me,the previous owner of my old 944 was absolutely obsessive with servicing,filing every reciept in a folder. The amount of preventative work that he'd had done was frightening,but I bought a car that drove beautifully. I've driven a fair few 944's,and none felt as tight as that car.
The S2 I bought has good service history as well,but it had done very little mileage in the previous 3 yrs.These cars need to be used regularly to stay reliable imo.
Since having it a year I've changed the steering shaft,rear discs,shocks,arb bushes,cam chain,tensioner,radiator hoses and a few other bits & pieces.Lots of things I didn't need to do in the 944(because they had already been done)
Initially I was disappointed with how the S2 felt,wishing I hadn't sold the old car.
But it now drives great;it's transformed it,and feels just like I hoped an S2 would. Though,it's definitely a step up costs wise.
Chris71 said:
it seemed to have rather bizzare gearing that left it feeling distinctly sluggish up to about 60mph and then comparitively quick from there on. I know the 944 is somewhat heavier, but 165 (for my late S) versus 211hp should see a fairly dramatic increase in performance.
The acceleration times relative to weight and HP are actually pretty good,even compared to some current sportscars. The thing with the 944,they are smooth and quiet,and they don't sound all that great,so I don'think you get as much an impression of speed as some sportcars.
One thing I did find with the earlier car is you could catch out the (primitive)Motronic DME quite easily.Sometimes if you just mashed the throttle it wouldn't pick up as quickly as gradually pushing it to the floor. The mapping is pretty basic on the 924s & early 944.
Chris71 said:
Despite my misgivings about the car (20mpg running costs are also an issue!) the one thing I can't get out of my head is its balance. In the dry it was fantastic neutral and could be provoked into easily caught, controllable oversteer.
If you are thinking on buying an S2,be prepared for pretty large fuel bills,if you use the car in town a lot.With motorway driving you should get nearly 30,but the second you put your foot down,it drinks petrol at a quite alarmng rate. I have a friend with a 250 Turbo,and he gets MUCH better urban miileage than me:in town he just drives it off boost all the time!
chris71 said:
From what I've heard I'm not sure the 968 really warants its premium over the 944, certainly not when I'd have to save up three times as long to buy one!!
Ah,that old chestnut.
The 968 has variable valve timing and a 6 speed gearabox. The brakes, suspension and layout are indentical on The S2 and 968, and even the standard CS.
The performance is by and large identical to an S2.
The S2 is roughly 70kg lighter than a 968 and 10kg lighter than the CS in the tests I quoted from.
The 968 definitely looks a lot more modern than the 944,some people don't want the 'dated' 80's look of the 944.And their are parts of the 968 I prefer. Whether it looks better is personal opinion.
The 968 was made in much smaller numbers than the 944, this coupled with the more modern looks,might be the reason it holds it value better, rather than being a better overall car,all imho of course.
Edited by HAB on Wednesday 4th October 23:06
Hmm, don't think my budget would stretch to a boxster. Not least havign to make use of modern car insurance on something with any performance at 23.
928 anyone?
Think if I did get one it'd be a 944 S2.
The basic underpinings of my 924 were the most competent of any car I've driven, just desperately needed refining in a few areas, probably due to the condition of that example more than antyhing else.
Also, for that matter, what would the difference be between an S2 and a 944 turbo? an extra 30hp or so seems relatively small increase for forced induction.
928 anyone?
Think if I did get one it'd be a 944 S2.
The basic underpinings of my 924 were the most competent of any car I've driven, just desperately needed refining in a few areas, probably due to the condition of that example more than antyhing else.
Also, for that matter, what would the difference be between an S2 and a 944 turbo? an extra 30hp or so seems relatively small increase for forced induction.
Edited by Chris71 on Thursday 5th October 16:47
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