944 S vs 944 NA
11-26-2002, 02:12 PM
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944 S vs 944 NA
Can someone tell me the differences between the 944 NA and the 944 S? I know the HP is different, and the 8 valves vs 16, but are there any other differences?
also...dumb question, as i am not a mechanic, but we all gotta learn..... what does the 16 valves do vs 8?
I have an opportunity to buy a 1987 NA or S. I know everyone is going to say buy the S, but i want to know where the extra money is going.
Thanks,
Matt
also...dumb question, as i am not a mechanic, but we all gotta learn..... what does the 16 valves do vs 8?
I have an opportunity to buy a 1987 NA or S. I know everyone is going to say buy the S, but i want to know where the extra money is going.
Thanks,
Matt
11-26-2002, 02:42 PM
#2
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Open up two browser windows and compare these side-by-side:
<a href="http://vista.pca.org/stl/944.htm" target="_blank">944 specs</a>
<a href="http://vista.pca.org/stl/944sspec.htm" target="_blank">944S specs</a>
In summary:
944 0-60:8.7s, 1/4-mile:16.4s, Top-speed:135mph
944S 0-60:7.5s, 1/4-mile:15.8s, Top-speed:142mph
<a href="http://vista.pca.org/stl/944.htm" target="_blank">944 specs</a>
<a href="http://vista.pca.org/stl/944sspec.htm" target="_blank">944S specs</a>
In summary:
944 0-60:8.7s, 1/4-mile:16.4s, Top-speed:135mph
944S 0-60:7.5s, 1/4-mile:15.8s, Top-speed:142mph
11-26-2002, 03:27 PM
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The S is faster(about a second faster 0-60) but you really have to wring the hell out of it feel the difference. It's great fun to drive, but it has absolutely no power below 4000 rpm.
In a nutshell, a 16 valve engine is able to get more fuel into, and more exhaust out of, the cylinders, therefore making more power. The 944S was one of the very first cars on the market with this configuration.
There are also a couple of critical maintainence issues that are present in the S but not the 8v - the main problem is a cam chain tensioner which has a nasty habit of fragging the entire head when it goes bad. When you do the belts (every 30K miles if you're smart) you want to replace the tensioner as well.
The S has a stronger transmission and different gearing.
That's about it as far as the differences go.
Both were pretty fast cars for their time, but so-so by today's standards. There is not very much you can do to make these cars faster without spending absurd amounts of money.
You can, however, make them handle unbelievably well.
Both are pretty reliable as sports cars go - there are plenty of 8v's and S's around with 175-200k on them.
Both can be staggeringly expensive to repair - the S more so - and it's vitally important that you pick a car with complete service records, ESPECIALLY relating to the timing belt, AND that you get a thorough PPI from a good Porsche mechanic before you buy. Spend lots of time on Rennlist, too. This board can save you thousands of dollars. These are not particularly easy cars to work on, but there are a lot of repairs you can do yourself if you're patient and careful.
I think most people on this board will tell you to go with the one in the best condition. You'll be much happier with an 8v that looks and drives like it's supposed to than with an S that's been thrashed to death. If you really want to go fast, keep saving and get a Turbo or an S2.
In a nutshell, a 16 valve engine is able to get more fuel into, and more exhaust out of, the cylinders, therefore making more power. The 944S was one of the very first cars on the market with this configuration.
There are also a couple of critical maintainence issues that are present in the S but not the 8v - the main problem is a cam chain tensioner which has a nasty habit of fragging the entire head when it goes bad. When you do the belts (every 30K miles if you're smart) you want to replace the tensioner as well.
The S has a stronger transmission and different gearing.
That's about it as far as the differences go.
Both were pretty fast cars for their time, but so-so by today's standards. There is not very much you can do to make these cars faster without spending absurd amounts of money.
You can, however, make them handle unbelievably well.
Both are pretty reliable as sports cars go - there are plenty of 8v's and S's around with 175-200k on them.
Both can be staggeringly expensive to repair - the S more so - and it's vitally important that you pick a car with complete service records, ESPECIALLY relating to the timing belt, AND that you get a thorough PPI from a good Porsche mechanic before you buy. Spend lots of time on Rennlist, too. This board can save you thousands of dollars. These are not particularly easy cars to work on, but there are a lot of repairs you can do yourself if you're patient and careful.
I think most people on this board will tell you to go with the one in the best condition. You'll be much happier with an 8v that looks and drives like it's supposed to than with an S that's been thrashed to death. If you really want to go fast, keep saving and get a Turbo or an S2.
