RSAErick

Hi. I previously owned a 944S, so maybe I know something about this. While I agree with most every comment that I read in this post, I think that there is more to the equation.

First of all, how much are you interested in spending? For the same price as a completely stock 911, you might be able to get yourself a 951 with coil-overs, upgraded brakes, track wheels and tires, roll bar, harness and possibly more.

Are you looking for "raw" or fast? Strip the interior of the above 951 to get it as light as possible, and I'd argue that it's a pretty "raw" car. Maybe not the same raw as the 911, but it probably would be faster than the stock 911 on the track - maybe even significantly faster.

I guess I don't really know what point I'm trying to make. Maybe I'm just regretting the fact that I could have spent much less for a car that still kicked butt on the track!

Good luck deciding! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Erick

john d 81SC

Rick Klem (post: "My friends called me an idiot...") should have his friends read all these posts. Maybe then they could START to appreciate the Porsche mystique, whether 911 or 944. If only these folks knew what they were missing! *G*

Braut Burner

Hi. My son and I both own Porsche cars. My son owns a 1987 944 NA and I own a 1975 911 S. We both share the cars. Both of these Porsche cars are great. Like everyone else in this discussion has said, the 944 is a great car for beginners and it really makes you feel like a professional race car driver around curvy roads. The feeling the 944 gives is incredible. The 911 S does have more of a "raw" feeling to it. The sound of the flat 6 engine and the handling charateristics of the 911 add a huge fun factor to the car. The 911 gets a lot more attention on the road and in public places. People seem to connect to the 911 more easily than the 944. But that doesn't matter. What matters is the feeling the car gives you. The 911 and 944 are both great cars. Porsche is great!

Biotron

Ditto to most of the above. I have had and autox'd most of the T-cars, Healeys, MGB's, and 4 Bimmers. 72 2002 TII was a favorite. Blew the rings out of my 56 vette and put in a 57 283 vette engine. Punched it out to a 301, Isky, Headman headers etc. Thought it was fun until I drove my girlfriends dads Super 90 out of the mountains. Bought a new 944 in 85. This car was balanced and had a great feel. I was happy until I drove a friends 81SC. I now drive an 88 Carrera and feel sorry for the people who "haven't a clue" when they ask me why I don't drive a Chevy.

ninethirtyguy

I have to agree with most. The 944 is definately more "forgiving" than the 911 on the track, but the 911 (after you learn to drive it & I'm still learning) will do more for you in the long run.

They are definately both fun to drive!

A friend of mine once told me (when I was deciding to buy another 944 or a 930), "You have a ruff life, trying to figure out what kind of Porsche you want to buy", so I guess either way 944 or 911 your still lucky to be driving a Porsche. It's a good day:-)

Rich Sandor

And I would say there more storage space in the 944 too. Not that I buy it to haul stuff, that's what my Cavalier is for.. buy I digress.

People always imagine a 911 when you say you own a Porsche. I HATE it when I tell someone I have a Porsche, they see it and then say: "Oh, it's not a 911..." I have to admit, it is annoying, but those who know what a 944 Turbo is, well... they have a different reaction.

Both are great cars, but like I said, a 951 is more affordable, better bang for buck.

But my eyes are always on adding another P-car, a 911, to the garage.

RJay

I just completed my search for a "cheap" DE car and went with an early 911 RS Clone. Comparable cost to a real nice 951. I considered several 944 variants, I owned a 944 proper back in '87 and always thought it was a terrific handling car. In the end, I opted for a 911, as A) I have a 996, and wanted a comparable (at least rear engine) experience and B) I wanted the lightest car possible, and C) to get the power to weight I wanted I'd have to have gone modded 951 and I'm not overly fond of turbos.

As others have noted the 911 is well known and understood, in talking to my mechanic, (I suspect yours too, given your moniker) turbos require a bit more looking after, which means more money, more problems etc. I prefer to just show up and drive, whenever possible I autocross as well, and felt I'd be happy in a 911. I don't think you can make a mistake either way.