944-Cash

Do I even want to ask?

As I look for a 944 (prefer a non turbo, but would be ok with one) it is something that crossed my mind. No airbags.... But I feel like it's a solidly built car.

I found an old thread here for 03 about this but couldn't find anything newer (I'm on the iPad so search is a bit hard).

max_boost951

There's airbags in '87 and newer 944's

944-Cash

Actually I didn't know that.... I'll look for an 87...


Still though, what could I expect if I get in an accident?

catamax944

Yes but only optional,not all have them.
I'd rather be in a 944 instead of any brand new econobox in case of accident.
But i'd rather be in any brand new luxury saloon rather than a 944 in case of accident.
....or get a full roll cage and ram anything that gets in your way

TexasRider

The 944 is a solidly built and strong car.

There have been instances where they were wrecked on road , or during lapping, or track days in 944's that did not have a roll cage. The force could have or would have torn open a less strong cars like a banana. The drivers were mostly Ok.

There are a couple thoughts. One valid one is an airbag is better than no airbag. Another very valid one is the outcome of a wreck, and the resulting injury poetential , depends on where the impact occurs, and with what force, and the other conditions. You could be mashed with the airbag deployed, or just walk away after you crawl out with no airbag. I personally did not want yet another something to work on like the airbag on a 25 year old car.

All that said they are not like a new 2011 car. Even the 944s with an airbag.

My wifes Infiniti M37 S has a complete curtain of multi stage airbags all around the car. They even come from the roof. It has another whole series of crash sensors and warnings, active head restraints, intelligent brakes, boosted brakes, blind spot warning, traction control, VDC, etc, etc, There is a LOT of stuff in that car that no 25 year old car can ever have.

But I think if I had to have a wreck I might still prefer my old F250 Ford Powerstroke with hardened steel oil field bumpers on it. A chick ran into the back of me once. Left a little sctratch on my bumper and hitch. It mangled her car. I even helped the chick. Then more stuff out of her. Then her lawyer called . Then my lawyer called them. Then she and her lawyer and insurance company called and apologized and asked what they could do for me.

Up to you of course.

Depends on how many F250's are around !

danhiman

Most death resulting accidents in the 944 are single car hi speed accidents. I'd figure 80% of the "wrecked" cars are rear ended because the 944 truly stop on a dime. The remainder are cars cutting in front of the car because the 944 are low and often hard to see past parked cars on corners. With the "In the Pocket" steering, that the newer car rarely have, you can literally cut the wheel and change line with out loosing hold of the ground. Air bags do save lives, but they take littles ones lives as well. Of course a big truck is always the safest.

VirginiaF1

My '88 base has no supplemental restraints but I simply couldn't imagine a 23-year old airbag system to still work today.. or even one from 20 years ago.

V2Rocket

i can tell you from experience that the 944 holds up well in a crash and airbags should not be necessary if you are at least average height (distance from steering wheel)

btw, if im not mistaken, airbags were initially developed as a safety measure for people not wearing seatbelts.

danhiman

Seat belts do save lives.

JohnKoaWood

OK few points, thought I would throw them in here..

ALL U.S. Market 944 TURBOS 87 and after have airbags, they were standard for the 87 turbo. Not in 86.

88 944 N/A U.S. Market cars airbags were (a rarely chosen) option available.

Airbags became standard on all U.S. Market 944s in 89 IIRC.

ROW cars I am not sure, as many of the U.S. standard and optional equipment bits were U.S. only for many years, while others were standard in other countries long before making their way here...

flat12boxer

I have an '89 2.7L N/A with the 3 speed Auto Trans and it did not come with an airbag. I even have the window sticker and the factory build sheet for the car and airbag is not listed. I am running a momo wheel now, but still have the original four spoke wheel with the rectangle porsche script horn pad. Car was 100% factory original when I bought it about six years ago.

M758

Wear your seatbelt.

I believe these cars to be qute good. My father was in offset head on with chevy pickup in the 87 924S (non-airbag car). The tub was bent badly, but motor and gear box were fine and most importantly he was un hurt.

My 88 Turbo S has dual airbags, but I don't feel like they make me any safer.

V2Rocket

does this tell you anything?
https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-...r-is-pics.html

TexasRider

UUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

danhiman

Ouch!