rickb20

Ok, really a stupid question but something I've always wondered about...

When the 968 coupe was introduced, Porsche dropped the back edge of the rear side windows so that they ran parallel to the fender line. On all 944 (and 924 coupes) up to that point, the lower edge of that rear side window kicked up and the bottom curve mated/matched fairly well with the curve of the rear hatch.

Question: Anyone ever seen any discussion about why this was done? Was it purely for looks or for some other (aerodynamics?) reason?

I prefer the 944 look - what about you guys/gals?

Sincerely,
Rick

Zporsche944

I never noticed till u brought it up.

chilix

i noticed it while i was grided in F-class at the road atlanta race last weekend waiting to be released in the sunday warm up

jmporsche944

I couldn't be more confused...

rickb20

jmporsche944,

I re-read my original post and can understand why you were confused.

To see what I'm talking about, study the shape of the side windows on a 944 (not the door windows, but the back ones) then study the shape of the side windows on a 968 coupe. The bottom of the 944's window slope upward, whereas the bottom of the 968 windows is parallel to the ground.

Just wondering if I'm ****, or if anyone else has noticed this enough to wonder why this was done.

Thanks,
Rick

nine-44

There has been talk of swapping the windows to get the windows without the big rubber seal, they won't fit tho. They do look alot cleaner in my opinion.

IMB951

You're absolutely right! Nice observation. The 968's quarter window isn't exactly parallel to the ground, just less angled towards it than the 944.

Comparison shots:

Clowd

I think the 968 is an all around better looking car...

shh, don't tell my cars!

rickb20

Thanks for illustrating my point for me.

I know that the 968's glass was more flush and aerodynamic all around, so maybe this was part of that effort.

That back window on the 968 has never looked right to me though. The original shape flows better into the shape of the rear hatch.

If you ask me, the ideal look is that of the 944S3. What's that? See the S2 cabriolet by mayaman where he grafted a 968 tail on to a 944S2 cabriolet.

See this link for what the 944/968 almost became.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~dr_scott/spyshots.htm

Rick

PennyWise

Interesting..... I suppose thats what they called the 'porsche evolution'.... At first glance they look the same, but you know one is nicer, but you can't put you finger on it, until someone points out the subtle differences have that subconscious effect.

Mark944na86

Have to disagree. I appreciate the technical superiority, but all the styling "improvements" were a step backward for me.

It's not that I think they're ugly, just rather bland and ordinary looking. They lost the magic somehow. The 951/S2 is still the pinnacle for me as far as styling in the series goes... and I don't mind if you tell my car that (S2)!

-Mark

PennyWise

Even though I want a 968 badly.... My S2 still loves me... ( I love it too)

Chris_924s

Wow- i never noticed.. and I have looked at a quite a few in my time..
It really does clean up (Symmetry wise) the B pillar.

Good eyes!

Opeth

I like the front lights on the 968 over the 944 , the back end is nicer on the 944, for some reason the 968 rear dosent look right to me.

Zero10

I'm not a big fan of the 968 back end, but I do like the front!