951 vs. S2
11-24-2015, 02:45 AM
#17
I've owned both, and everyone here is right. The S2 is a better driver in the city due to the low end torque, but it'll leave you wanting more after 4000 RPMs. The Turbo feels like it's down 50 horsepower on the S2 (because it is) until you get to around 3500 RPMs, when it suddenly gets a 60 (Turbo) or 90 (Turbo S) horsepower kick in the ***.
Very different engines.
Very different engines.
11-24-2015, 10:15 AM
#18
I weighed the two out carefully when I went for the upgrade. I went with the S2 for the following reasons, couldn't use the Turbo's extra top speed (6-12mph) to it's full potential on the roads I drive (same for the S2 really), S2's instant abundant torque for the twisty, hilly mountain roads roads, less plumbing and sensors, simpler exhaust, past experience with VW DOHC 16 valve engines, past Turbo experience and as Dassiblerwedge said "With the S2 you get the exclusivity factor too" 
If you want a higher top speed than the S2's 149-150MPH (depending on source) or to hot rod it, get a Turbo.
If you want a higher top speed than the S2's 149-150MPH (depending on source) or to hot rod it, get a Turbo.
11-24-2015, 11:08 AM
#19
I like my s2, but at times i wish it had more, even with the 968 motor in it. Being at 6,000ft is not helping me on that though. Boost is just nice at this altitude, where as i'm down 30+ hp up here.
The S2 is easier to maintain, but the turbo has more potential. You can do some things with the S2 (stand alone, hot cams, exhaust, 968 intake) that will help though, but all of that is more work and expense than popping a chip in the turbo. After that initial Chip upgrade on the turbo, things get more involved on it too though.
Get the best S2 or Turbo you can find.
The S2 is easier to maintain, but the turbo has more potential. You can do some things with the S2 (stand alone, hot cams, exhaust, 968 intake) that will help though, but all of that is more work and expense than popping a chip in the turbo. After that initial Chip upgrade on the turbo, things get more involved on it too though.
Get the best S2 or Turbo you can find.
11-24-2015, 01:47 PM
#20
Drifting
The S2 is not as fast as the turbo. In fact the 944S is faster off the line then the S2. And it's much easier to bolt on power adders to the turbo that make a lot more power. So if you want a slower car to start off with then an S2 is the way to go. However if you want to more power and win the lotto you can turbocharge the S2, that could be made much faster then the a modded SOHC turbo 2.5. Just saying...
11-25-2015, 07:14 PM
#23
Drifting
You should just get an 8v 2.5 944 and race the heck out of it. It's cheaper then both the S2 and turbo, pretty much just as fun. And you can upgrade to turbo or S2 parts as you go if you want. They are pretty much the same chassis. The 87 944 would be easier to work with in regards to the suspention upgrades.
11-25-2015, 10:19 PM
#25
Race Car
Thread Starter
I wont lie, I'm saving my pennies for an S2 that I have seen the add for. All black. Well taken care of. Factory Sunroof delete and european bumpers. Haven't seen it in person.
I see a lot of pluses to the 951 though... the first (for me) is parts availability (heads/blocks/cranks/pistons). As the world rotates, this will become even more critical. Around this area you don't see many 3 litre 944s... Which isn't a good thing in my opinion.
I almost bought a 951 (red with brown interior) last weekend after chatting with the owner. Had cash in hand and trying to make the long drive to get it. But the colour combo isn't my favourite. And it would be all of my available funds to buy that car. If it was closer I could really have a look at it, you know, jack it up & wiggle things; give it a thorough inspection.
But my past has a few examples of rushing into vehicle purchases, and I always overlook something.
I see a lot of pluses to the 951 though... the first (for me) is parts availability (heads/blocks/cranks/pistons). As the world rotates, this will become even more critical. Around this area you don't see many 3 litre 944s... Which isn't a good thing in my opinion.
I almost bought a 951 (red with brown interior) last weekend after chatting with the owner. Had cash in hand and trying to make the long drive to get it. But the colour combo isn't my favourite. And it would be all of my available funds to buy that car. If it was closer I could really have a look at it, you know, jack it up & wiggle things; give it a thorough inspection.
But my past has a few examples of rushing into vehicle purchases, and I always overlook something.
Last edited by Noahs944; 11-25-2015 at 11:13 PM.
11-26-2015, 07:03 PM
#27
Rennlist Member
S2 is the safe choice but pretty boring. Turbo is a lot more fun and with a Ton more potential to modify. It would take a lot more money to make an S2 a third as fast as a mildly modified Turbo. Depends on your budget.
11-27-2015, 12:32 PM
#28
s2 all the way. guys are building 400hp na motors.
11-27-2015, 01:33 PM
#29
Burning Brakes
I think a lot have missed the "keeping stock" party of the question. To me, if keeping it stock, it's much easier to say go for the S2, since it has better low end and about the same top end. My 2 exceptions would be if you live at altitude or if you consider a chip change as keeping it stock, then I might consider the 951 for it's higher top end power.
