Some people like the newer, more "modern" Dash of the 85/2+ cars. There are also a lot of differences component wise that you may not notice currently. Both have their benefits and charms.

As for Wheels:
*83-86 had "Early Offset" giving the option to use Fuch Wheels, and current wheels with large Spacers.
*87-91 had "Late Offset" which can not fit Fuchs, but can fit most current wheels without spacers.

If you are just buying it for a fun, whatever kind of car, just look at the Dashes, and see which you like better, and which car has the best service history. Then go with that one.

Personally, I have run into minor issues when I have wanted to mod my Early Car, as some things are easier or have more aftermarket options for modifying/upgrading on a Late Car. However, again, if you are just buying it for fun, this will not be an issue.

One note is, Later cars did come with ABS and Airbag(s). Option, then later standard, so if those are something you want, search for info on that.

 

Besides the dash change, they moved the fusebox/relays to an under-the-hood location. It's a big deal to anyone who's had the pleasure of trouble shooting electrical items in the earlier 924/924S/944.

 

Sold! Where do I pick it up?

 

unfortunately that's probably about all mine is worth...but it's not for sale.

I love my S2 !

What's crazy is that you can buy an early boxster for $11k and a 996 for $20k these days....so it just kills 944 values.

 

I am the original owner of an 87 na and the second owner of an 88 951. The factory called for changing the timing belt at 45,000, but I heard from many sources change them at 30,000. Mine were changed at 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000. I then had nine years and 23,000 miles on the belts and was about to start DE. I read in Panorama the belts should be changed every five years regardless of miles. It was changed right away. It was changed again five years later. It never broke. The clutch went 92,000 miles on each of them. The rubber broke on the NA and the throwout bearing died on the turbo. There was lining left on the na clutch, but not on the turbo. The wheels on the na are 15X7. I have a second set from an 89 that are the same. For another $2,000 16" wheels were an option for the na. The turbo came standard with 16X7 in the front and 16X8 in the back. I have a second set from an 87 turbo that are the same.
Norm

 

Well, this is my 3rd car....3rd Porsche 944 that is. I have a 1988 944 Spec race car, 1991 944S2 that I just sold yesterday and here is my 1987 944S commuter/parts car with early offset 15x7 23.3mm offset Phone Dials mounted with 225/50/15 tires. Front camber has to be at least -1.5 degrees and the rears at least -1 degrees. The front is lowered with 250lbs Weltmeister springs and the rear is lowered by adjusting to the lowest setting on the spring plates.

Early Phone Dials look so much nicer than late offset PD's. I just love how the wheel and tires fill out the fender wells

 

Beautiful car!