It may be hard to believe, but not all of Porsches road cars carry the cache of the infamous 911. Elevated to superstar status and placed on a plinth by devoted gearhead fans, the sought-after Porsche 911 overshadows the rest of the manufacturer's line-up and has always done.
This is a shame, as a dig back through the Porsche archive reveals several cars that are equally special but were less popular simply because they failed to share the 911 rear-engined layout. Porsche's first foray into a traditional drivetrain layout, the vastly underrated 924, whet the car-buying public appetite for an accessible Porsche and paved the way for the muscular 944.
A true symbol of the 80s, the Porsche 944 has languished in near obscurity for decades, having been discarded and overlooked by many. A superb sports car in its own right, it offers up a very different experience to the 911, and thankfully so. Still, the affordable Porsche coupe and cabriolet of choice for clever buyers here are eight reasons why we love the Porsche 944 and two reasons why we'd never buy one.
10 The Poor Man's Porsche
A very popular car in its day, the Porsche 944 did however suffer from high depreciation on the second-hand market. Not considered a true Porsche because its engine was in the front, it was shunned by die-hard Porsche fans. Which is a crying shame.
Often referred to as the poor man's Porsche, the 944 was very affordable. In the late-90s, tired, early examples could be picked up for under $1000. It may seem crazy today, but that's how truly unloved the lesser Porsche 944s were at the time.
9 Much Better Than You Think
Despite having its engine up-front, the Porsche 944 still provided a very satisfying drive. Far better balanced, and easier to drive fast, than its rear-engined brethren. A Porsche 944 was less likely to bite its speed-loving owner when the weather turned foul.
Far more useable daily than some other sporty coupes, the Porsche 944 offers decent practicality. The trunk is of a decent size. The rear squab seats can be used by children and small adults. In all, it's a very sorted vehicle.
8 Lovely Engine Options
Throughout its life cycle, the Porsche 944 came with a variety of engine options. All were performance focused and power outputs ranged from 140hp up to a turbocharged 250hp. Which, in a cabriolet, can result in some lovely wind in the hair thrills.
Top of the tree in regard to naturally aspirated models was the 3.0-liter engine. Fitted to the 944 S2, its 16valve internals would deliver 211hp and 207 lb/ft of torque. This smooth engine allowed the 944 S2 to hit 60 mph in as little as 6.4 seconds.
7 Turbo Power
A growing trend in the 80s saw more and more cars equipped with turbochargers. The 944 Turbo, released in 1985 originally put out 220hp. On boost, the Porsche 944 Turbo could haul to 60mph in 6.1 seconds, making it a seriously quick machine.
The later, revised 944 Turbo saw its power shoot up to 249hp. The extra muscle now put the 944 Turbo into a whole new league as it blitzed to 60mph in 5.7 seconds. On the move, the more powerful car could cover ground at a truly alarming rate.
6 Motorsport Potential
Straight out of the box, the Porsche 944 had the potential to be a winning track car. Its blend of balanced handling and outright pace made it the perfect motorsport weapon. Privateers also found the low secondhand vehicle prices very tempting, too.
Even today, a Porsche 944 makes a compelling choice as a motorsport tool. The turbo versions offer the greater potential of being easily tuned for additional power. Stripped out and fully race-prepared, a 944 Turbo will be able to embarrass much younger motors.
5 Entry Level Classic
It might seem like it's too good to be true, but a Porsche 944 makes a decent first classic car. Solidly built, and with a healthy supply of spare part outlets. Getting an unloved example back onto the road isn't going to provide many problems.
Early 2.5-liter engined cars are relatively easy to work on at home, with later 3.0-liter versions requiring more mechanical knowledge. The internet is also awash with decent secondhand replacement parts. Whilst thousands of forums offering loads of useful advice.
4 It Won't Ruin You Financially
Keeping a Porsche 944 running is no financial hardship. Whole spares cars can be sourced and bought cheaply. Able to turn in a respectable mid-twenties to low-thirties mpg figure, the 944 is also relatively economical to run on a daily basis.
Prices for decent examples are also strengthening. This potentially means that whatever time and money that is put into improving a Porsche 944 won't be wasted. They are fast becoming recognized as a modern classic, with an ever-growing fanbase.
3 Not Like Other Porsches
Thankfully, the Porsche 944 doesn't carry any cherished heritage. Modifying, improving, and completely altering the appearance or purpose of the car will not send a dedicated group of fanboys into a meltdown. It's almost a blank canvas for creativity.
This previous disregard for the Porsche 944 has led to a number of fantastic creations being born. Whether they be created for speed, off-road use, or simply for posing in. It's a Porsche, but one that is more suited to a hardworking life than show-and-shine.
2 We Wouldn't Buy One: It's No Substitute For A 911
As good as the Porsche 944 is, owners will still hanker after a 911. There's no escaping the fact that anyone buying a 944 would have rather been able to afford a 911. Those who wish to argue otherwise are simply in total gearhead denial.
There is little chance that the Porsche 944 will ever reach the heady, sought-after heights of a similar vintage 911. The Porsche 911 has a huge following. It's a car that has, and will, emblazon childhood bedroom posters for decades to come. The Porsche 944 won't.
1 We Wouldn't Buy One: That Life-Long Stigma
It will always be known as the poor man's Porsche. There's nothing wrong with being poor or owning a 944, but you'll always be referred to as the one who wanted a Porsche 911 but couldn't afford one. Even if you have the money, the stigma sticks.
The Porsche 944, despite its abilities, is still a product of the 80s. And the 80s were simply awash with similar cars that offer the same or more. Even the badge affixed to its hood can elevate it beyond more exciting competition from Japan.