Porsche 944 Alternative?

[lawtoma]

Hi all, I currently drive a 924 which I've had for a few years now and love the balanced FR setup and the surprising practicality (its amazing how much you can fit in it with the back seats down). But, the time has cone to move onwards and upwards.

I'm sorely tempted by a 944 S2, or maybe even a turbo, to keep the same balanced setup in a more powerful, more modern car, but would like your thoughts on the alternatives. I want something well-balanced and, preferably rwd, but also a bit practical (i need to be able to fit a passenger a guitar and an amp at the least, ruling out the likes of an elise). I love classics, which is why the '44 is so tempting, but dont want to write off new(er) cars.

Any ideas? Budget wise, let's say £20k. Whaddyareckon?

Cheers,

T

[bozmandb9]

You could get a very nice 928 for that, and don't believe the horror stories, most people who will wade in with tales of astronomical running costs have probably never been in one, I've owned two (or is it three?).

I had a couple of 924's, 924S's as well, lovely cars, if you want something similar that's more of a challenge, certainly the 928 is more of a GT rather than sports car. Really depends on what your preferences are, do you want a light chuckable thing? How many people need to fit in it? Is fuel economy important etc etc.

[rpm1969]

I'd suggest a BMW 3 series coupe - ticks all your boxes + has a great 6 cylinder engine. E46 M3 for more than £10k or E46 330 / E36 M3 for less than £10k.

[davepoth]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2447887.htm

BMW Z4 Coupe would be a bit closer to the mark.

[Roadwork]

968 all the way. If you liked the 924 and 944, the 968 is the logical progression, surely?

[davepoth]

Roadwork said:

968 all the way. If you liked the 924 and 944, the 968 is the logical progression, surely?

Probably, but even the newest ones are 16 years old now.

That said, £20k would get you this...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2226235.htm

With a bit to spare.

[Roadwork]

davepoth said:

That said, £20k would get you this...

Or this and a couple of years worth of petrol, tax, maintenance and insurance! You pays yer money...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1812677.htm

[RB26DETT]

Brooklands Capri or maybe a Tickford Turbo Capri ?

[lawtoma]

Cheers all!
911 is seriously tempting, but not sure it's practical enough. I'd love an old 3.2 carrera, but couldn't fit the guitar and a passenger, I don't think. The '68 is also an idea, but I prefer the '44 styling. Is the '68 that much improved? As for the '28, I want something more light and chuckable rather than a GT monster.
Not sure about the BM suggestions, I have to admit. I've never been keen. Nor so much the Capri.
Any other thoughts?

[davepoth]

lawtoma said:

Cheers all!
911 is seriously tempting, but not sure it's practical enough. I'd love an old 3.2 carrera, but couldn't fit the guitar and a passenger, I don't think. The '68 is also an idea, but I prefer the '44 styling. Is the '68 that much improved? As for the '28, I want something more light and chuckable rather than a GT monster.
Not sure about the BM suggestions, I have to admit. I've never been keen. Nor so much the Capri.
Any other thoughts?

The back seat is surprisingly good on a 911, even the older ones. It'd be a good idea to check before discounting it.

Ferrari 308 GT4 if you really want to ruin yourself?

[300bhp/ton]

lawtoma said:

Hi all, I currently drive a 924 which I've had for a few years now and love the balanced FR setup and the surprising practicality (its amazing how much you can fit in it with the back seats down). But, the time has cone to move onwards and upwards.

I'm sorely tempted by a 944 S2, or maybe even a turbo, to keep the same balanced setup in a more powerful, more modern car, but would like your thoughts on the alternatives. I want something well-balanced and, preferably rwd, but also a bit practical (i need to be able to fit a passenger a guitar and an amp at the least, ruling out the likes of an elise). I love classics, which is why the '44 is so tempting, but dont want to write off new(er) cars.

Any ideas? Budget wise, let's say £20k. Whaddyareckon?

Cheers,

T

£20k on a 944


Modern alternative, how about the RX-8? TheRX-7 was designed and built to compete directly with the 924/944.

Corvette C4/5 as a V8 alternative.

Nissan 350z (370z almost).

TVR Cerbera.

Or a built classic, lots of scope here. From an MGB V8, juiced up Triumphs, classic 911's, even kits.

GKD Evolution


http://www.gkdsportscars.com/

[edo]

£20k on a 944? WTF!

2003 PORSCHE 911 2dr Carrera 4 Coupe
Private Seller




37,000 miles, 2 Door 911 ( 996) Coupe, Metallic Black with Black Leather, 3.6l Petrol/320 bhp, 6-speed Manual. 37,000 miles, full Porsche Main Dealer service history (last serviced Feb 2011). MoT July, Taxed April. Alarm, immobilser, tracker. Traction control. Heated electric seats, electric windows, air con, rear wiper, sports seats, 18" 5-spoke alloys. £18,995. £18,995 No canvassers or agencies.

[edo]

or, spend even less:

1990 PORSCHE 928 Series 4 FH
Trade Seller: Adrian Crawford Specialist Cars




Automatic, Coupe, 31,300 miles, Metallic Linen Silver. Genuine 31000 miles. Full Porsche service history, all original books, tools, even the touch up stick, serviced 18 times in 30k!. If you are looking for something special to keep and enjoy this could be the one. Half the price of a comparable 911 at the moment but much more rare. Fabulous on road manners. RHD. Further details and pictures on request. Air conditioning. Part/Ex, Warranties, Nationwide Delivery, Export. £13,995

[duff]

OK, so a few grand over budget but....



http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2495696.htm

Edited by duff on Monday 14th February 22:31

[300bhp/ton]

edo said:

£20k on a 944? WTF!

2003 PORSCHE 911 2dr Carrera 4 Coupe
Private Seller



37,000 miles, 2 Door 911 ( 996) Coupe, Metallic Black with Black Leather, 3.6l Petrol/320 bhp, 6-speed Manual. 37,000 miles, full Porsche Main Dealer service history (last serviced Feb 2011). MoT July, Taxed April. Alarm, immobilser, tracker. Traction control. Heated electric seats, electric windows, air con, rear wiper, sports seats, 18" 5-spoke alloys. £18,995. £18,995 No canvassers or agencies.

I actually don't mind the 996, but it truly amazes me how tragic the interior is in them considering their new asking price.

I'm sure it might 'feel' better than a budget hatchback, but it certainly doesn't look it.

[GKP]

Lotus Excel. Simply because that what journos at the time were suggesting.

This one is sold, but search for one in similar spec:





http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2436202.htm

[Caruso]

Various Mazda RX7s where the competition in the day for the 924/944.

[Ozzie Osmond]

lawtoma said:

I'm sorely tempted by a 944 S2, or maybe even a turbo, to keep the same balanced setup in a more powerful, more modern car, but would like your thoughts on the alternatives. I want something well-balanced and, preferably rwd, but also a bit practical

Any ideas? Budget wise, let's say £20k. Whaddyareckon?

Can't claim to know much about them but you'd easily get into a C5 Corvette at that price with
Big, powerful engine
Rear transmission
RWD
Luggage space.

In essence a more modern 944.

[BlueMR2]

edo said:

or, spend even less:

1990 PORSCHE 928 Series 4 FH
Trade Seller: Adrian Crawford Specialist Cars




Automatic, Coupe, 31,300 miles, Metallic Linen Silver. Genuine 31000 miles. Full Porsche service history, all original books, tools, even the touch up stick, serviced 18 times in 30k!. If you are looking for something special to keep and enjoy this could be the one. Half the price of a comparable 911 at the moment but much more rare. Fabulous on road manners. RHD. Further details and pictures on request. Air conditioning. Part/Ex, Warranties, Nationwide Delivery, Export. £13,995

That's a nice 928.

[GravelBen]

300bhp/ton said:

Modern alternative, how about the RX-8? TheRX-7 was designed and built to compete directly with the 924/944.

I think it was built to compete with other sportscars in general rather than just the 924/944 (I thought the RX7 might have been built first but on closer inspection the 924 beat it by 3 years).

For a more reliable (piston engined) alternative, how about a 200SX or R32/33 Skyline?

Edited by GravelBen on Tuesday 15th February 05:52