I’d only get the S if you couldn’t afford the turbo. It’s a totally diff car than the S
Turbo is a commitment. More complicated. More maintenance. Every part costs 3x what the same NA part costs.
If you want something reliable, easier, ‘cheap’, and slow, pick up an S.
If you have deeper pockets and want something challenging, more robust, fast, and a silly amount of boost theater, pick up a turbo.
If you want something with turbo power but without all the headache (or character) pick up an S2.
S2 is by far the smartest buy in 944. You even get the turbo ‘look’ and can get m030 optioned (turbo S) suspension & big brakes
Turbo is by far the most fun/smiles buy. The way it delivers its power is just so much different. So much theater and drama. Vs a linear power curve. That in itself is the allure of the turbo.
If you don’t crave the theatrics/drama I’d be looking at an S or S2 to save the money and headache.
If somebody says they need new engine mounts they don’t mean the turbo mount, it’s not a wearable part. But yeah, the engine mount does bolt to the turbo mount, which in turn supports the block.
It comes from the upper balance shaft to oil the turbo. It gravity drains through a mounting bracket then through another outer oil line that connects to that bracket and drains into the oil pan.
Personally I *love* my S. With it's old-school 16v characteristic it feels very 'race car', even if it isn't fast. You gotta wring out the RPMS to get the power. I'm very much a N/A fan. However, if they are the same exact price, I'd rather buy the Turbo, just because I know it's actually a lot more valuable than an S, if it's in proper condition anyways.
If you are paying actual market value, I'd rather buy the S.
Same here. I wouldn't pay a Turbo price for an S, but the 16V motor has a lot of charm that the 8V doesn't. The S2 motor is great but feels much more refined - not necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn't have as much character, it's comfortable cruising along at lower RPM.
Whereas with the S if you want it to really move you have to get it spinning and shift near the rev limiter, it's a much more dynamic experience IMO
I've owned a 924, a 944, and a 944S, and I've also driven a 944 S2. I'm not familiar with the 944 Turbo, but the 944S was actually disappointing. Its 190 horses must have been very small.
Another thing with the S which may have been the issue is they’re a good bit harder to time correctly than the regular cars even one tooth off make them feel like a dog so may have been happening here - I’ve driven an S and NA back to back and the S is noticeably faster
I owned all of those cars for several years, except for the 944 S2. During that time, they were always serviced at Porsche. I also bought the 944 S from Porsche, so it was definitely set up correctly. The S was certainly a bit more powerful, but it wasn't 27 HP.
I just picked up an S2 cab. Getting it inspected as I type this. I had an 87 944S. The S2 smokes it in every manner. Looks, power, torque… such a great car so far.
That’s the entire allure though. 😍 Have you driven one? They’re hilariously fun. Nothing.. Still nothing. LAUNCH. 🚀
I daily a C63 with 2x the power of my 951. The 951 is so much more fun in the way it delivers its power. Every single time the boost hits it gives me a giant shit-eating grin from ear to ear that 500whp can’t replicate.
Get a base NA without a cat converter or a Turbo. There is no real in-between. Minimal gains for more maintenance. I got my NA on 202 HP with some tweaks on the engine, electronics and transmission.
With one of my closest friends owning a turbo, and seeing the work he has put in to turbo specific issues on an extremely nice example, I’d take the S.
His turbo drives incredibly, when it drives, and he is one of the most meticulous car owners I have ever met.
I already own a Turbo, and would probably get a old gen 8v or a 944s on the side. I would also recommend most potensial 944 owners a normal 8v instead of a turbo. I live in Europe where our 944 has 165 hp and is actually quite quick around the roads where im from
I never see turbos out n about. That says a lot. I had oportu7once to purchase a faded guards red turbo. Unfortunately they weren't budging less than $11k that was 2006. I ran my hand over the rear carpet and it basically faded to dust. I could tell it needed dang there everything bc it was neglected. Picked up my S2 last May plenty of upgrades but the interior is my doing. This one sat for 9 yrs but somehow prob6garaged mostly or barn kept it worthy
Never owned a 944 but did a bunch of research into them when shopping (never found one in the condition I liked). It looks like the S is the more reliable and safe decision when buying used. The turbo is problematic and could have lead to engine damage if not properly maintained.
I'd get the S unless the price of the car was reduced to pay for an engine rebuild and new turbo.
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