Which to get : porsche 944 turbo S 1989 or 944 S2 1991?

Question

Ok so it's gotten down to these two options. I've asked here about the 968 and the 928 S4, and finally I've narrowed it down to the 944 in its turbo S or the S2 models, because I'm looking for a car that won't cost me as much as a 928 to maintain, and I prefer the looks of the 944 to those of the 968. So the 944 it will be.
I will be mostly driving the car in the city with the occasionnal hop on the highway. I know both cars quite reliable if well taken care of, and cost about the same to maintain (chain tensionning vs turbo).
So what I'm looking for is advice from those of you who have owned, driven or know about these models. Which one would you get and why?
Thanks for you input!

Answer 1

I've not owned either, though I have driven a number of examples of each, and am well aquainted with people that track both cars... so:

The 951 is a great car. In stock form it is quite quick, and in non-stock form has the potential to be blazingly fast! Aside from the turbo, there are many small upgrades on this car over the base (of the same era) that make it so good. Like all 944s, it has some utility. But while the 951 is a reliable car, the plain fact is that Turbos put more stress on the engine, and as such there will be more problems and more costs.

The 944S2 on the other hand benefits from a couple more years of development, and offers alot of performance compared to all other 944s, aside fromt he Turbo.

For regular driving in the city, with occassional runs on the highway, the 944S2 is probably going to be the better fit. Both cars can handle city driving, highway, and are very much on home at the race track too. But the 951's nature is such that you will be paying a premium for a car that is better suited to the later two environments when you will seldomly be using it.

In the end, you may want to make a decision based more on the specific cars available (ie, a good buy on a mint 951 would trump a so-so 944S2)... though you are probably more likely to find a selection of the S2 than you are a 951S.

Answer 2

1989 Porsche 944 Turbo

Answer 3

Porsche 944 Turbo S For Sale

Answer 4

Get the Porsche 944 Turbo S 1989.

Answer 5

The S-2 will be a better drivers car for the city, and the Turbo will be a better choice(and more expensive to maintain) for lot's of freeway driving.

I have driven both Turbo's and normally aspirated Porsche's and I prefer the normal engines since there is no lag between the foot and response(regardless of what anyone tells you)

I personally think the 968 is a quantum leap over the 944, and would jump on that in a heartbeat if it's in great shape.

Answer 6

Very hard for me to decide but i guess if you are going to drive it everyday than a 1991 s2 and the 1991 has a better name it just sound better a 90's Porsche rather than an 80's Porsche but both are fun what every really makes you happier
GOOD LUCK

Answer 7

944 Turbo-s due to the only real problems are if timing belt is not changed or car was poorly maintained. Get carfax and ask for maintenance records and if either are not available then find another. They are cheap and well maintained run great and look better. You are right the 928 is unreliable, expensive to maintain and there are few left that are worth anything since people trade out as problems grow.

Answer 8

994 Turbo S

Answer 9

If you are ever considering increasing the power outputs, the 89 turbo S can be staggering. Otherwise, if you are just looking for a 944 not necessarily based on output, the '91 is a bit newer and a little more refined.

Answer 10

I would get the 944 S2. Obviously It is more technically advanced than the turbo s. They would still be very close to eachother in performance, but the S2 would beat turbo. If you are thinking of Insurance, the S2 would be more expensive to insure.