capndar

Help me out here - I have done my homework, and I understand (I think) the main differences between the 944 series 1 and 944 series 2 (1985.5)....given that I am looking at two cars- a 1984 and a 1985.5 -both with slightly over 100 k miles - neither has had any major engine re-builds or head work - help me decide - the 1984 is a solid car with a good recommendation from a local mechanic- who has servivced it through three owners - in his words- this car has not been ragged out....the 1985.5 has a less solid history, although it appears well kept, and has recently had the timing belt and engine seal service done at a reputible shop...my question to the esteemed RENNLISTERS - is the ventillation THAT much different? What handling differences do the ball joint/front suspensions changes make? I am all ears...

RobbyK

Only from the side vents. I know many people rag on the pre- 85.5 system but its always been ok for me hot in the winter cold with the A/C in the summer. Many people are against the old dash but if the car is in decent shape and has known records and is checks out better then the 85.5 it should not keep you from buying it.

Post 300!

epbrown01

I'm happy enough with the ventilation in my early car, but the ergonomics in the 85.5 are much improved over the early cars. More clearance from the steering wheel, better control positioning - it's a friendlier layout all around.

Emanuel

Dave

The suspension changes are negligible, unless you are buying balljoints. The extra 7 hp of the later car may or may not be important to you.
The usual advice is "buy the best example you can."

Fishey

I love the early dash... To bad you rarely see any in good shape or with nice covers like Jason's 924s (truly a nice example)

SidViscous

Don't have any problems with my ventilation.

I like the early dash a lot more.

Suspension isn't as high tech. But replacement parts can be had from VW for a cup of coffee and sofa change.

Supachink

what are the suspencion replacement parts that i need?

*Michael.*

I like the earlier dash more also. I haven't ridden in a later model car with A/C so I am not to sure about that. The heating/defrosters work just fine on the early models. The A/C in my car isn't the best if there are two people riding in it. Pretty much each person gets one big center vent. The side vents are worthless. If I am by myself and have both center vents aimed at me and then it is fine.

This was during a heat wave that we had this summer, 95 with high humidity. Pretty hot for Germany.

Here is my interior, except now I have a Momo steering wheel.

capndar

Michael

check PM

Thanks

Mike

ljd-924SE

i vaguely remember reading somewhere on the rennlist that the early dash is a tad bit lighter as well.

88BlueTSiQuest

I thought overall the early 944's were lighter than the late 944's. Making the 7hp increase pretty non-important. For the price of a balljoint replacement alone, I'm happy with my early

tifosiman

85.5>on cars have noticably more leg/thigh room under the steering wheel; if you are tall this will be important to you. I noticed this when I was searching and this pushed me toward them over and above pre-85.5 cars.

The early vs. late balljoint commentary is now a moot point with the advent of the kits for the late cars (ala KLA, Rennbay, SSI).

The 85.5 car will be a better buy if you are planning on doing certain modifications to it like 951 sideskirts and rear underspoiler, as the mounts are already there for them.

There are other small changes that occurred in 85.5: flushmount windshield, integrated antenna, etc. There are a lot more small ones but I can't find my list anywhere and they probably aren't too important.

EDIT: Oh, thought of another one. The 85.5 cars got a larger gas tank. I can't remember the sizes exactly, but IIRC maybe 21 gallon verses 17 gallon.

odie

I'd say it mostly comes down to interior styling preference.

M758

Really it is personal preferece with respect to seating position and look of the dash. Which dash do you like better? Which car is in the better condition?

I have both and given the warm Phoenix summer months I give the not to the later car for better A/C. In spite of that I have driven both my Turbo and 84 in the summer and i'd rate the air flow as ok in 84 and good in the turbo. Of course my 951 has tinted windows and the 84 does not. This does impact inside car temps while driving in the summer.

Dave

Actually, the 85.5-86 were the lightest 944s thanks to the aluminum suspension parts that cost so much to maintain. Different sources will quote different numbers but our own 944 FAQ lists the 83-85.1 as 2675 lbs and the 85.5-86 as 2637 lbs.
As for which to buy, I'm still sticking with my previous advice!