Porsche is one of the few automotive marques that design solely for the driver. With such a refined and well-crafted formula for their cars, it is no wonder that consumers get suspicious every time Porsche introduces a product that changes the brand concept. In 1982, Porsche fans found themselves in such a dilemma with the introduction of the Porsche 944.The Porsche 944 is a radically different type of Porsche, and one of the best affordable classics today.
Sporting an engine up front and rear-wheel drive, it is exceptionally traditional in layout. Despite concerns that the 944 could never live up to the Porsche, it finds itself sitting favorably in the brand's rich historical portfolio. Enthusiasts today are falling in love with it all over again, as it's an affordable way to journey into the world of Porsche.
Porsche 944 Powertrains And Drivetrains
All Porsche 944s feature a variation of the staple 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder. The base naturally aspirated 2.5-liter produces up to 158 horsepower, while turbocharged variants produce up to 247 horsepower. The 1989 only 2.7-liter four-cylinder produces 167 horsepower. A naturally aspirated 3.0 liter in-line four available in 1989-1991 produces 208 horsepower.
Power feeds to the rear wheels via either a three-speed automatic or a five-speed manual. The 944 features a relatively light dry weight of just 2,651 pounds at launch, helping to make the most of its peppy four-cylinder engine lineup. Efficiency is also a strong suit of the Porsche 944. A substantial 22 miles per gallon is admirable in a vintage sports car that does nothing but praise spirited driving.
Porsche 944 Performance And Handling
Despite a unique platform for the Porsche brand, the 944 feels like a Porsche where it matters most, behind the wheel. The Porsche 944 is the most fun consumers can have with under 200 horsepower, and turbocharged variants further enhance the appeal. At launch, the base 2.5 liter 944 does 0-60 in 8.3 seconds. However, the turbocharged 944 Turbo S reaches 60 in only 5.5 seconds. Impressive numbers in the 1980s and still stellar today. Handling in the 944 is overall sublime with stiff suspension that just asks for more as the driver powers through curves. The 944 Turbo S takes things a step further with front and rear adjustable Koni shocks, larger and stiffer front and rear torsion bars, 4-piston 12-inch Brembo brakes, and a standard ABS. Shifting in the 944 is precise with short throws and a tigh clutch. Turbo variants face the typical turbo lag that plagues cars of this vintage but drivers can compensate this once they understand the cars powerband. Overall the Porsche 944 provides an incredibly engaging driver experience regardless of the variant.
Porsche 944 Interior, Quality, And Technology
The interior of the Porsche 944 is cool and decidedly 1980s German in nature. Everything is exactly where a consumer would expect it to be. Climate controls and stereo controls are ergonomically in reach of the right arm without having to pick it up from the armrest. A ten-speaker Blaupunkt stereo system with an equalizer sets the tight cabin ablaze with rich sound quality.
Climate control switches are complex, with separate controls for heating and cooling. The air conditioning system is clearly an afterthought for the U.S. market, but the system is efficient enough to keep up with sweltering days. The shifter boot is of high-quality leather and is color-matched to the rest of the interior of the car. Clear analog gauges are directly in front of the driver.
The Porsche 944 Turbo is the first car to have standard airbags for both the driver and the passenger. While the large steering wheel obscures the gauges in some driving positions, the extra attention to safety is a clear sign of excellent engineering. The 944 comes standard with a sunroof; however, it only has a vent functionality. Due to the nature of the small roof, there is nowhere for the sunroof to retract into, thus forcing Porsche engineers to forgo a fully open position. Rear seats are extremely tight but fold flush to expand the cargo area. Only 8.8 cubic feet of space is available in the shallow trunk of the 944. Anything more than a few carryons will need to go into the backseat of the car.
Porsche 944 Pricing
The Porsche 944's Original MSRP is $36,990 or $43,350 for the the Turbo S. Equivalent to $92,457 and $108,354 respectively in 2021. Despite a substantial base price, over 163,000 944s are on the road from 1982-1991. Pricing for the 944, despite a recent upturn, is also well in the range of many car enthusiasts. Consumers can find clean examples of the 944 for well under $15,000, while those seeking a project car can find examples well below $5,000. Overall, the Porsche 944 is a perfect mix of 1980s performance and luxury that can impress today. Now available at prices in reach of enthusiasts, the 944 is quickly becoming a certified classic.