Hello,
Been cruising forums for a while and seems like an awesome group of people. I have never owned a Porsche, but recently my interest was sparked (by what I don’t have a clue). My plan is to have one by or soon after the first of the year. I’m not in a big hurry since winter is coming up. I would defiantly like to give autocross a try, but mostly just want a fun car to drive (plus cheaper on gas than my full size Bronco). I wanted a turbo, but……is it normal for a 951 to cost almost twice as much as a similar 944? Been looking around Ebay, Autotrader, & Craigslist. I’m in no hurry, so I can keep looking for the right car. Please let me know if I am overlooking any major car shopping resource.

 

Yes, it is normal for 951s.to be way more expensive.. I'm perfectly happy with my NA. It gets good gas mileage (20-25 around town, 30 highway). I don't race mine so having a turbo doesn't really matter to me (although I'd always want one if I had the money ). Depends on how much money you have available for spending I guess.

 

Get a turbo, they're faster.

Also if you don't mind doing some work you'll find a good deal in that amount of time

 

In a market where each seller sets their own price, you just have to wait for the deal to come along. It's only a matter of time (long or short) before you will get a great car for a great price. That's the theory anyway. But you gotta be quick before someone jumps you to the deal. With that said, go for the 951 and be prepared to wait.

 

Turbo is my first choice. I have been a mechanic for 15 years (so, I like to tinker & mod). I am very patient & time I have, just bought a second house that I am remodeling so cash is short right now.

 

I'd use the time you have to continue learning more about all varients of the 924/944/968 line. Be sure to test drive ones too, to help weed out "good" from "bad" and build a usefull basis to make informed decisions. Obviously you can look at a car and NOT buy it, so do that for a bit.. or look for a local RL to check out his/her ride and share their wisdom.

The 944S2 and 968 make strong arguments that a Turbo isn't necessary imho. Heck, even my base model is more fun than I thought it would be.

 

I would go and drive an NA, a turbo, and a 16 valve (S or S2) to find your liking. Turbo is fast, no doubt, but, unless you tune it really well, the turbo lag is, let's say, a surprise!

I really like my 16 valve motor, sounded great and had an awesome power band. When it hit 5k rpm, whew, awesome!

 

ah, I know that feeling in my 944S. Other than that, a 944 base model would be a nice choice and even they are peppy.

 

It's hard to take your argument seriously when I read your signature LOLOL


Enjoying "tinkering and modding" and being patient are two qualities that will give you an awesome turbo. There really isn't much to gain from an n/a 944, trust me, I've searched

 

Is the lag that bad (I have only owned one turbo, 1990 Eclipse GSX)? From evrything I've been reading the turbo is the one to get for a street/track car??? I will try to test drive each providing I can find them in my area. Also thought about checking out my local autox events, & maybe someone will be running one there.

 

I've had a few versions of the 944's and think the 951 is still my favorite. The 83 I had was great, raw, light-weight, simple, very tossable (like a heavier Miata), the 944S was a great addition as far as power goes but it felt more refined and cushy...the 951's is so easy to mod plus the brakes and suspension were a cut above all the NA's I've owned or driven. I drove a friends S2 and liked it, it didn't pin you to the seat but it was amazing for a 3.0L NA. I never drove a 968 but they never had a problem keeping up with me except climbing passes at higher altitudes. To be honest I loved them all but you better have some wrenching experience to keep them true to form and running great because they will eat you alive with small issues.

 

So true I have had and still have so many STUPID thing wrong with my car. Sometime they keep me from driving it which annoys the hell out of me.

Anyways, about your decision I don't have a whole lot of experience with Turbos but I like the NA more. I autocross mine very frequently with my local PCA and I can tell you that Turbos are not as much fun for autox.

 

Well, I guess whatever you do, be prepared to do some work on it, or pad your wallet a bit so you can pay someone else to do it.

Also, keep in mind, if you do get a turbo, you'll probably wanna start modding the crap out of it. It's a trap!

Der turbo ist intoxicating...

 

All opinions are welcome as I have never autocrossed, please explain?

lol, so many things in life are that way. But, we still do it

 

Trust me you can get power out of an N/A but money to power ratio isn't worth it.