1986 Corvette or 1986 Porsche 944?

Question

I'm buying an older classic car for fun, hobby, and to drive around, and I can't decide between the two - I've driven both extensively, and like both for different reasons.

Which one would be easier/less expensive to work on? Most reliable?

Answer 1

I can only tell you what Porsche owners think of the 944. They laugh at them. If I were going to buy a Porsche I would go for the 911. Vettes....not to familiar with the 86's, but have always enjoyed the feel of the V8. Is the Vette an auto or stick? If stick, obviously more fun.

If you are into car clubs, the Vette is the way to go.

I collect Ramblers/Jeeps. The camraderie with those folks is great.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

I bought an 86 944 na 5 speed in October of 2010. Reclamation project. Partially restored. Painted and running so looked nice but turned out to need an entire top end engine rebuild. The car had sat for many years before someone else had partially restored it. Porsches do NOT like to sit. I am guessing a Vette would be the same way. The 944 has a 2.5L 4 cycinder engine. Hits 0-60 in maybe 8.9 seconds. The turbo version is much faster less than 6.0 seconds. However, both are high maintenance cars and the 951(944 turbo) is more costly to maintain. The 944 handles amazingly well as it has a near perfect 50-50 weight distribution (transmission is in the back near the rear axle). It is water cooled so 911 guys do look down on them. I bought it because I still love the body style. It looks good even today. If I could do it all over again, I would buy the nicest one I could find that had been properly serviced and maintained. I've thrown a lot of labor hours and parts at a car that is worth about $7 or $8k. I've invested much more than that. The 944 is a good track day car if you want to go racing but I am sure you can do the same for the Vette. The 944 is an easy daily driver and it is reliable once you get it in good mechanical shape. However, make sure you check to see if the following things have been replaced/done: 1) Top end engine rebuilt or lower balance shaft oil reseal, 2) complete brake system overhaul including lines, 3) complete A/C overhaul as the original compressor leaked badly (don't buy the oh it just needs a recharge claim), 4) odometer gear has been replaced (don't believe the mileage, the gears are plastic and constantly break - I've fixed mine 3 or 4 times), 5) get an engine compression test to make sure you are within spec on all 4 cylinders or you are looking at a top end rebuild, 6) exhaust system, 7) clutch, 8) timing belt and water pump must be replaced every 40,000 miles or 4 years whichever comes first - that must be religiously done or you will have a total loss about $750 to $1,000 depending on the cost of the parts which are escalating, 9) fuel system overhaul - they are notorious for having starting issues - check the starter, cross reference sensors, plugs and wires, distributor and buy a spare fuel pump relay as they notoriously die without reason, 10) do NOT buy a molested one where someone has done any weird aftermarket modifications - they are just trouble - skip the chromed/polished engine manifold or intake, wheels larger than 17", etc. - the car was designed as a Porsche by Porsche engineers and you should stick to that. The 924 was a joint venture between VW and Porsche. These cars are appreciating but you will never get back what you put into it. I doubt you will with the Vette either. Set a budget and double it to cover not only the cost of the car but the cost of bringing it back to roadworthy and cosmetic condition. Check religiously under the body for rust and skip all rust buckets. Try to find one that is an original or 2 owner car - but good luck. Also, have it inspected by a certified Porsche mechanic before purchasing it.

Answer 3

Great question!

When it comes to ease of repair the Corvette crushes the Porsche. The clamshell hood on the vette allows nearly unfettered access to the engine bay whereas the motor in the 944 is shoe-horned into the car and needs to be pulled for many common repairs.

When it comes to repair costs again the Corvette slays the Porsche. Parts for the Porsche can run 2-4 times the cost on the vette. It's not even close.

When it comes to reliability.... well, you are buying a 21 year old car that may, or may not have been, ridden hard and put away wet more times than a Tijuana whore. So that's a toss of the dice.

Personally I'd rank them as such:
1) 944 Turbo (turbo whoosh and great handling)
2) Corvette (V8 roar and raw power)
3) 944 non turbo - (yawn!)

Either way you will have a fun car and if you decide the one you got isn't right you can always switch to the other.

Answer 4

The porsche is way too overpriced. I have a 1988 944 and mine is in excellent condition and i wouldn't even expect to fetch more than 3k and mine has 83k original miles. For there time they were sleek and quick but now they are aged and easily surpassed my most run of the mill performance cars. If it was a turbo model than i would say go for it. The corvette is a bigger drinker with gas as it probably has a 350 cubic inch v8 vs the Porsche's 4 cylinder but will find the corvette to be easier to service, cheaper to maintain and much more of an eye catcher in any condition than the 944. Think and do what makes you happy because in the end your the one driving it.

Answer 5

As a 911 owner the 944 is an Audi not a Porsche first off. But give the choice the Corvette is the right choice.

Answer 6

I don t know how you guys treat your 944s, if you even own one, but my 1986 944 turbo has been rock solid reliable since I got it about 7 years ago from Japan via EBAY. I ve only done routine maintenance, except for having the Japanese metric speedometer changed to non-metric. I also had an electric fan sensor replaced. Right now it needs new brake rotors and pads, new tires, and front bearings (front bearings are cheap). I drive mine at PCA DE events and rallies.

I d say it boils down to your preferences (European or American feel , turbo or V8) and the condition of the specific car you drive.

Answer 7

the 1986 corvette would be easier and less expensive to work on but if your looking for style also the Porsche

Answer 8

I had 85 944 and it was eating my lunch on parts.Go with the vet. Parts are easier to get. Both are easy to work on

Answer 9

I don't know if either one would win any prizes in the reliability department, but the Corvette would be cheaper to work on because the parts, being American, are cheaper than the Porshe (German) parts.

Answer 10

Um definitly the corvette ..porsche parts are going to be outrageous in price.