944
- Thread starter colin944
- Start date
As the saying goes: "Speed costs money: how fast do you want to go?" As you progress from Lux through the S2 and Turbo, the cars gain in power but cost more to buy and more to maintain. What is your budget for purchase, and what are you expecting to put in for the inevitable first-year sorting out, and the subsequent annual upkeep? Of course, outright acceleration is not the be-all and end-all. Even the slower 944s, if in good order mechanically, are quick enough after 20+ years to keep up with enthusiastic traffic and to be fun to drive. And mechanical condition makes a lot of difference. A good Lux may outdrag a tired S2. A good S2 may embarrass an off-song Turbo. More seriously, before you decide which engine you want, you need to decide whether you want an older 944 (square dash), or a newer 944 (oval dash). The answer to that question probably falls out of whether you want: a) a more retro-feeling car, more the old-school sports car, with no antilock brakes, less grip, usually manual steering, but light in weight, (square dash) or b) a more refined car, more the GT, smoother, grippier, and more modern-feeling (oval dash), power steered, mostly ABS equipped, some air-conditioned, and available as a Lux, an S2 or indeed a Turbo. If you go for an older model, most of the are the Lux with the 8 valve 2.5 litre engine. If you prefer the feel of a newer car, there is a wider choice of model If you are really on a tight budget, I would go for the best Lux you can find, and would always suggest buying a better example of a lower powered model rather than a rough higher powered model for the same money. But if you can afford to run an S2 then still try both and see which you like better.
jonnyporsche
PCGB Member
Hi 944 people
944 or 944 S2
944 or 944 S2
As the man says, 944s come in such a variety and all have there good bits ACCORDING TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS. ask Andy Hairyarse, bought a nice S2 but swapped it for an early car 'cos that's what he actually wanted. The S2 is a better day to day car, but I at least think the early cars are more fun - I have a square dash and a 2.7. Try some and work out what you want. They are all good!
Hairyarse
New member
Yep, after 2 weeks of owning an S2 I put it up for sale! Nowt wrong with it at all, it was a very sorted example as well. But I set out to buy a more retro, classic car - as Lowtimer mentioned. The S2 was a cracking car, if I wanted a daily driver then I would have kept it. It felt modern, smooth, handled well and was fast. My only criticism of the S2 was that it was so smooth it didn't get my pulse racing as much as stood outside looking at it! However, it felt classy and a very solid motor. The only other thing I didn't like so much is the instruments. They remind me of 80's Nissan for some reason? The square dash I now own ticks all the retro boxes, has separate, recessed dials like some old sports car and has keep fit steering so I feel everything the car is doing. This one will be a keeper but I'm sure when funds permit, one day I will be chopping it in for an S2 Turbo - they're insane![8D] So, as mentioned above, if money is not the issue, try all variants if you can as they all feel different - even the S2 and turbo are different cars IMO. However, I also can't stress enough, whatever you buy, buy the absolute best you can afford and your wallet wont suffer too much during ownership, hopefully [
] Good luck with your search Cheers Andy
] Good luck with your search Cheers Andy
jonnyporsche
PCGB Member
Thanks guys that answered my question. You have all helped so its upto me now.....................anyone got a nice S2 for sale at a very tempting price in East Yorkshire? preferebly the fastest colour!!!!! Jonny
jonnyporsche
PCGB Member
Hi Ben Thanks for the offer but maybe not quite what I will be looking for. Still loads of fun I bet.[] Jonny
] Jonnypixie*porsche
New member
Jonny, I prefer the early cars! [] The later ones are more "sloppy" in my opinion and the early cars much more better to drive. OK, you'll get more power in an S2 but a well sorted early car has more than enough for the roads. They feel much more direct and I prefer the interior too. If you're interested in seeing a nice early car, feel free to PM me. I would really say don't discount an early 944 without actually trying one first. The main thing to remember is to buy a solid car, I honestly think 80-90% of 944s for sale are unloved, uncared for examples and a large restoration project waiting to happen. I also think a cheap 944 is a very false economy but thats all in my opinion of course. Mine may well be up for sale shortly, once I've finished prepping it (nothing major just polishing wheels and giving it a good overall polish as well as "feeding" the leather).
] The later ones are more "sloppy" in my opinion and the early cars much more better to drive. OK, you'll get more power in an S2 but a well sorted early car has more than enough for the roads. They feel much more direct and I prefer the interior too. If you're interested in seeing a nice early car, feel free to PM me. I would really say don't discount an early 944 without actually trying one first. The main thing to remember is to buy a solid car, I honestly think 80-90% of 944s for sale are unloved, uncared for examples and a large restoration project waiting to happen. I also think a cheap 944 is a very false economy but thats all in my opinion of course. Mine may well be up for sale shortly, once I've finished prepping it (nothing major just polishing wheels and giving it a good overall polish as well as "feeding" the leather).pixie*porsche
New member
Heres something that proves we all like the different cars! I prefer the early cars cabin!
It depends what you want and what you like. An S2 is probably the most complete usable daily 944. An early 44 offers a different driving experience that is lots of fun, reliable and cheaper to run. However at the risk of upsetting some, I would go for a 924S over an early 944 as IMO they are a sweeter handling more responsive car, a controversial thing to say on the 944 section I know!
Suffolk944
Moderator
Blasphemer ! Though I reckon you are quite right on that. That said I do think that the square dash 944 interior is a bit more quirky and appealling that the 924's (unless Pasha is involved !)
pixie*porsche
New member
If you can get over the looks of a 924 that is ... []
]
I understand the thoughts about the 924S, but I just LOVE the arches from the outside and especially in the rear view mirror! My wife prefers the early interior, you sit lower, but I think I like the newer inside. But the biggest difference is the driving!
jonnyporsche
PCGB Member
Hi Alan. Everyday second car for pleasure and play, I previously had for 17 years a 1977 911 2.7 coupe (the slow one!) still fun, sorted suspension, good rubber, light-no extras, magnesium gearbox, it just worked, but not an everyday drive. Jonny
Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members
Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions
