Which is the Best?

[Guest]

I've posted a similar question on the 924 forum - of the 924 and 944 models, which is the most economical in terms of running costs? I've noticed conflicting reports in different documentation which is just plain confusing me!

I started out this week thinking I would like a 944 as my first Porsche as it would be cheaper to run/repair/find parts for etc. Then I heard that the 924 was more suited as a starter model, now I've read somewhere else that no, it's definitely the 944 (2.5) that's best. HELP!!!!!

I'd appreciate it if you could be as unbiased as possible as I'm a total novice when it comes to these cars. Do any of you have experience of both models that you could impart to me? Sort of help me weigh up the pro's and cons?

I'd appreciate any help going as I'm now back where I started!

Cheers....

Paul.

 

[John Sims]

Hi again Paul,

Both are Porsches - if you want ecconomical by a diesel![]

Subject to what you spend in the first place, I can't see any advantages or disadvantages in favour of either a 924 or a 944 as far as ecconomy is concerned.

If you have a choice between a very early high mileage 944 and a late low mileage 924, at a similar price, then the 924 would be the better bet, perhaps!

The 924 is a little narrower and so produces marginaly less drag so, with the same engine (ie 924S) it is marginaly faster and more ecconomical than a 944 Lux, but the difference is so small you wouldn't notice it in the real world.

At the end of the day you buy a Porsche with your heart not your head. Which ever car you choose there will be times when it will seem like a money pit. You must realy want the car to make it worth the stress of potential (and actual) big bills with the knowledge that, if you don't pay up, everything you have put into the car previously will be waisted. A Porsche (for those of us on a limitted budget) is not just a car it is a way of life - are you realy up for such a life altering experience? What is more to the point, are your nearest and dearest also up for the experience, because it will impact on them as well.

 

[944Turbo]

Hartech have a good guide to the various models on their web site - do a google search for hartech +Porsche
Tony

 

[danmason]

I have owned my 924 (in which I've covered 30k miles) for nearly 3 years now, and my 944 Turbo for just over 6 months (I've already driven 10k miles in it, but that included a drive around mainland Europe).

In terms of fuel economy, the 924 consumes less but only by a small margin; I get 27-30mpg in the 924, depending on driving style, and 24-27mpg in the 944 (driven hard for 3000 miles around Europe in 8 days I averaged exactly 25mpg). Considering the performance differential between the two, there's a surprisingly small economy gap.

I think you really need to drive a couple of 924s and 944s to be able to decide which car is right for you. Personally, I love my 924 and for most of its time with me it has been a rolling restoration (thankfully finished in the summer!) but objectively it is not as good a car as the 944; by comparison it's noisy, uncomfortable and slow (though I noticed none of these things before acquiring the 944 - it's all relative!). The 944 did cost 3 times as much to begin with though...

Both cars have been very reliable for me, but I have had a few breakdowns in the 924; water pump, starter motor, stripped cambelt (the tensioner messed up) ... that's what happens when you don't have a service history I guess. If you're getting a 944, be warned it's not as simple to work on as the 924 and there will be more things where you have to pay someone else to do the work (the only work I've ever delegated to someone else on the 924 is the respray).

From a purely financial perspective, the 944 does cost more to run, but most of this is in servicing/maintenance as opposed to everyday running costs; spare parts cost a LOT more on the 944 (this may only be the case for the Turbo) but insurance costs are similar (I'm actually paying less on the 944).

Hopefully I haven't confused you too much here... I have had a few mishaps in the 924, but I deliberately purchased a car that needed some work doing; a late 924 or 'oval dash' 944 with full or substantial Service History will be a reliable and rewarding car, great fun to drive and eyecatching as well of course! These cars are SO GOOD compared to other cars you can get for the same money.

If you have any further specific questions feel free to drop me an email.

Happy hunting!
Dan

 

[Fen]

ORIGINAL: danmason
In terms of fuel economy, the 924 consumes less but only by a small margin; I get 27-30mpg in the 924, depending on driving style, and 24-27mpg in the 944 (driven hard for 3000 miles around Europe in 8 days I averaged exactly 25mpg). Considering the performance differential between the two, there's a surprisingly small economy gap.

Well, thanks for that. I was toying with getting a 924 for the work run instead of my Mk2 Golf GTI. The Golf returns 35-38 though, so I guess I'll not be adding a third Porker to the collection after all.

Fen