The Porsche 944 is unquestionably a worthwhile purchase in 2021, with average costs between $9,000 and $24,000.
Almost usually, the 904, 906, 908, and 917 are the first models mentioned when discussing vintage Porsches. The 914 is one of the Porsches that receives the least attention, though. a partnership between Porsche and Volkswagen. While many people disregard the 914 because it is rather unusual, among Porsche enthusiasts it is regarded as the company’s first genuine entry-level model.
Volkswagen-Porsche decided to create a prototype to replace the 914, and after a string of unfortunate events, the Porsche 924 was born. The 944, a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive Porsche, is the result of further development of their mid-level model. The 944 Turbo, 944 Turbo S, 944 S, and 944 S2 were among the several variations of the 944 that followed the 968.
Prior to the Boxster and 911 Carrera, the 944 was Porsche’s most popular model, yet it didn’t earn a place in automotive history as a classic. Whatever your opinion, the 944 is every bit a Porsche, and having one would be something a petrolhead would look forward to, especially given how affordable they are.
The Porsche 944 is unquestionably a worthwhile purchase in 2021, with average costs between $9,000 and $24,000. Prices are beginning to increase quite quickly as demand for the mid-level Porsche grows.
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Maintenance is essential.
When I say that upkeep on the 944—or any classic vehicle, for that matter—is perhaps one of the most crucial components of anyone’s current or future ownership, I’m not exaggerating. I won’t sit here staring at my computer and tell you that everything will be easy after you buy your 944 because it won’t be. When it comes to routine maintenance, let alone when you start accounting for any age-related repairs you’ll need to do, the 944 can be a pricey little beast. In general, it’s a good idea to choose vehicles with excellent service records and care while shopping for a car. Even though it may be quite tempting to choose a cheap, beat-up 944, doing so will cost you more money in the long run than just outright purchasing an example that is somewhat more expensive but has a solid service history. It’s also important to note that before you start driving a 944, make sure you have money set aside for a good servicing. If the automobile hasn’t been taken care of, it’s possible that you’ll discover more issues that require your attention along the route; nevertheless, we’ll talk more about that in the next point. Be sure to budget twice as much as you believe you’ll need to solve a problem.
Takes center stage is the Porsche 944.
The Porsche 944 was created by updating and improving the well-liked 924, and you can get one today for less money than a fully-loaded Toyota Camry. Prices can go as low as $30,000 depending on condition and mileage, with more pristine, low-mileage examples fetching upwards of $50,000 at auction.
The 944 was a front-engine car, unlike the sports cars Porsche makes today, yet it was lightweight and had a strong enough suspension to provide excellent handling even by today’s standards. The 944 was available as a conventional coupe or a convertible.
The 944’s initial model years had power output as low as 163 horsepower and increased to 208 horsepower before getting a fun boost. Although it may not seem like much power, the 944’s light frame and ability to make sharp corners made it a lot of fun to drive.
The Porsche 944 is no longer a good value.
Is the 944 a cheap, exhilarating Porsche or just an expensive, difficult-to-fix four-cylinder? Depending on who you ask, yes.
It is, on the one hand, a well balanced transaxle sports vehicle with a genuine Porsche engine. It’s one of the most attractive automobiles to come out of the 1980s thanks to its sloping nose and bulging fender flares. On the other hand, the Porsche 944 is not the best vehicle for the money at the moment due to its low power in most configurations, pricey parts, and current prices.
Even while the 944 isn’t the best value for your money, it’s still a sporty and elegant sports vehicle with a premium badge that typically costs entry-level pricing thanks to the fact that prices have stabilized after several years of rise. Large changes appear unlikely in the near future given the lack of any significant developments in the Porsche market overall (at least in comparison to previous years).
Porsche 944: the verdict from Classic & Sports Car
Despite a pretty substantial price increase over the previous ten years, the 944 is still a great deal today, whether you prefer the flexible, smooth power of a normally aspirated 944 or the supercar kick of a turbo.
A prize might become a source of anguish if it suffers through rust, clocking, or misuse. Additionally, a meticulous service record will pay off a tiny price premium tenfold over time.
Is the Porsche 944 from 1985 a nice car?
Porsche 944 evaluation Excellent aesthetics, plenty of driving enjoyment, decent gas mileage, dependability, and great handling, but not very quick. The two main problems to watch out for are timing belt and water pump replacement, which are expensive yet necessary. A great way to get started with Porsche ownership, with plenty available for purchase
What is the price of a Porsche 944?
Cost of the Porsche 944 Original MSRP for the Porsche 944 is $36,990 or $43,350 for the Turbo S. corresponding to $92,457 and $108,354 in 2021, respectively.
Porsche 944s are quick?
In conjunction with Porsche, the US-Spec 944 turbocharged package was first made available in 1983 by American tuning business Callaway Cars. The basic 2.5 L inline-four engine’s 9.5:1 compression ratio and complicated Bosch Motronic engine management system made it susceptible to failure when subjected to forced induction, hence the engine was not appropriate for forced induction. By removing metal from the piston heads and chamber walls and increasing the volume of the engine’s combustion chambers, Callaway engineers were able to solve this issue. They also installed their own Microfueler unit and modified the Motronic system to ensure optimal fuel injection to the turbocharged engine. The complete engine had to be disassembled for this phase to work, which added significantly to the package’s cost. Although the compression ratio of the resulting engine was lower than that of the normal engine (8.0:1), linear power delivery was still guaranteed. Callaway installed a common internal waste gate and advised the use of 91-octane fuel to boost engine reliability in order to prevent any catastrophic engine failures. In addition, a new free flow exhaust system with a larger exhaust pipe was fitted, coupled with an IHI RHB6 turbocharger, on the right side of the engine for maximum performance. Because there was no turbo-lag, linear levels of boost were guaranteed. A boost control knob on the dashboard was optional, although the turbocharger produced 10 psi of boost. In comparison to the normal car’s 143 horsepower (107 kW) at 5,500 rpm, the modified engine produced 284 hp (212 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 312 Nm (230 lbft) at 4,000 rpm. With a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 165 mph (266 km/h), performance surpassed that of the normal vehicle as well. According to Callaway, removing the rev limiter would result in even faster acceleration times. One of the rarest Porsche 944s ever made, only 20 vehicles were made.
What’s the market price of a 1987 Porsche 944?
Prices for the Porsche 944 1987 range from $6,600 for the base trim level Coupe 944 to $28,600 for the highest trim level Coupe 944 Turbo.
How durable is a Porsche 944?
In case you are unsure, have a compression test performed; it will also reveal any gasket and valve leaks as the Nikasil-coated aluminum blocks cannot be rebored.
To prevent a blown engine, it is critical to replace the cam drive and balancer-shaft drive belts at 48,000 miles or four years. If in doubt, the water pump should also be checked and changed. Replace the hydraulic tensioner and the (mid-head) chain that transfers power from the exhaust to the inlet cam on the twin-cam S/S2 at least every 96k miles.
Look for smoke on turbos and listen for rumbling. The unit has a lifespan of well over 100k miles when kept in good condition; the typical maximum boost is 1.7–1.75bar. Examine the engine and power steering for oil leaks; the oil pressure should be 5 bar at speed and 2-2.5 bar at hot idle.
A worn-out engine mounting is a common cause of vibrations; if the bottom hose reaches the offside chassis leg, the mount has collapsed. It is typical to have a stiff or worn gear linkage; upgrades employing 968 bushes, which are significantly more durable, are available. The lower arm must be replaced entirely since the front suspension needs to be replaced. Wider wheels and reduced suspension can cause fractured arms, which can be dangerous. It is possible to upgrade with 968CS suspension components.
Brake calipers frequently seize and can be expensive to repair. Over tougher terrain, cabriolets may rattle and squeak, while coupes may crash and thud. Unsightly tailgates make more noise. Verify the proper operation of the electric seats, mirrors, sunroof, tailgate release, and air conditioning, if equipped.
Wheel offset altered in ’87, making it difficult to switch out alloy wheels for a later or earlier model. For a spare Spacesaver, a compressor, and a toolbox, check the boot.
What is the Porsche 944’s horsepower?
The 944’s base engine produced approximately 143 horsepower (later base models would produce up to 163 horsepower), and the top-of-the-line Turbo S produced 247 horsepower from its 2.5-liter inline-four turbocharger.
The Porsche 944 is air cooled, right?
The Porsche 944 was the company’s second vehicle with a water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine up front and a transaxle-style transmission in the back. It immediately followed the Porsche 924’s track record of success. Launched in 1981, the 2+2 seater sports automobile was produced by Audi in Neckarsulm until 1991. Only the very last models left Zuffenhausen’s assembly line. It was offered as a coupe as well as a convertible from 1989 to 1991. The Porsche 944 was the most popular Porsche sports car ever, selling over 160,000 units, until the Porsche 996 overtook it in sales.
The 944 Turbo is dependable.
Similar to any other 944, turbos are dependable IF they have received frequent and thorough maintenance. I’ve had 2 944s so far (Lux & S2) and they are amazingly good value, if you buy properly and are willing to be patient when searching. If you acquire a nice one, they are a dependable and surprisingly practical day-to-day car.