944 model years... 1984?? To purchase or not?
12-04-2002, 07:44 PM
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944 model years... 1984?? To purchase or not?
What about the 1984's that were produced. Any major problems to look for.What about HP.......150?? Did theychange the engine size throughout the years...And now I'm going to the website that was suggested.Looking for fast input..you know kinda like these cars.
You guys are great with your help!
Thanks!
Gary
You guys are great with your help!
Thanks!
Gary
12-04-2002, 08:53 PM
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I have an 84 and it is a great car. The main differences between the pre 85 1/2 and post 85 1/2 are the dash layout and the A-arms.
The dash is a modernized upgrade with easier to read gagues and a better airflow through the HVAC ducting.
The newer A-arms are said to be stronger but you can't change out the ball joints on the newer ones. This is a problem because those newer ball joints are going to fail soon (up to 17 years old) and you must put in an entire new or rebuilt A-arm ($200+++ apiece). You can change the ball joints in the older A-arms. As for strength, if you bend one (you'd have to smack it on a curb going fast to bend it) it's only about $35 for a new one plus $20 for a ball joint. I prefer the older design personally. I ran my car hard and never felt a flexing or bending A-arm.
The 2.5 liter engine is the same until I think the 1988 model year where they upped the displacement to 2.7 (188hp?) liters then again to 3 liters a few years later. The 1984 has 143 hp while the post 85 2.5 liter has about 150 hp due to a DME program upgrade.
My suggestion if you have 2 cars of equal condition, one pre 85 and one post 85, go for the newer car. But like any Porsche, buy the best example you can afford. A 1984 in great condition for $5500 is much better than an 87 in OK condition that needs some work for $5000.
The dash is a modernized upgrade with easier to read gagues and a better airflow through the HVAC ducting.
The newer A-arms are said to be stronger but you can't change out the ball joints on the newer ones. This is a problem because those newer ball joints are going to fail soon (up to 17 years old) and you must put in an entire new or rebuilt A-arm ($200+++ apiece). You can change the ball joints in the older A-arms. As for strength, if you bend one (you'd have to smack it on a curb going fast to bend it) it's only about $35 for a new one plus $20 for a ball joint. I prefer the older design personally. I ran my car hard and never felt a flexing or bending A-arm.
The 2.5 liter engine is the same until I think the 1988 model year where they upped the displacement to 2.7 (188hp?) liters then again to 3 liters a few years later. The 1984 has 143 hp while the post 85 2.5 liter has about 150 hp due to a DME program upgrade.
My suggestion if you have 2 cars of equal condition, one pre 85 and one post 85, go for the newer car. But like any Porsche, buy the best example you can afford. A 1984 in great condition for $5500 is much better than an 87 in OK condition that needs some work for $5000.
12-04-2002, 10:41 PM
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[quote] 2.7 (188hp?) <hr></blockquote>
165HP. I'm torn between the interior styles after owning both. I think the old style looks more "race-car-ish" and the new style more luxury. It's all in personal opinion.
-Matt
165HP. I'm torn between the interior styles after owning both. I think the old style looks more "race-car-ish" and the new style more luxury. It's all in personal opinion.
-Matt
12-04-2002, 11:35 PM
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Pilot Dave is right on, except that the ball joints on the newer arms can in fact be replaced. The kit (from SSI Auto) is more costly than the replaceable VW ball joints for the early arms, but at $175 for both, it beats buying new arms or having them professionally rebuilt.
As for the interior looks, Matt has a point. I enjoy the sporty look of the pre 85.5 cars, but when you get on the gas at highway speed, the newer cars are plainly faster.
As for the interior looks, Matt has a point. I enjoy the sporty look of the pre 85.5 cars, but when you get on the gas at highway speed, the newer cars are plainly faster.
12-07-2002, 02:01 PM
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I currently have one of each the early and late NA's...
They each have their strong suits, but that early car is so much more fun to drive. It's got almost 3 times as many miles on it, but it's a much rawer feeling car. Not that the late models isolate you from the road, but my early car at least feels much more like a sports car...
the late car more like a luxury car. Not just in looks, but also in road feel and fun factor. Thats why I couldn't sell it after I got the newer one....
FWIW it depends on which you prefer...drive both and decide...
They each have their strong suits, but that early car is so much more fun to drive. It's got almost 3 times as many miles on it, but it's a much rawer feeling car. Not that the late models isolate you from the road, but my early car at least feels much more like a sports car...
the late car more like a luxury car. Not just in looks, but also in road feel and fun factor. Thats why I couldn't sell it after I got the newer one....
FWIW it depends on which you prefer...drive both and decide...
