944 Turbo or 968?
02-01-2002 | 07:57 PM
#16
Addict
Rennlist
Lifetime Member
Rennlist
Lifetime Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 98
From: Sammamish, WA
[quote]Originally posted by Robby:
I believe you're right about the suspension on the normal 968's vs the normal 951's, but the 968 MO30 was slightly stiffer than the 951 S MO30. the 968 MO30's t-bars were about 1mm thicker w/thicker roll-bars, etc.<hr></blockquote>
All 968s used the same 25.5 mm torsion bars as the 951S. The M030 968 augmented the rear setup with a set of pseudo coilover shocks that were not height adjustable. Since the 968 M030 used exactly the same front springs as the 951S, this biased the handling more towards the rear and gave excellent steering response.
[quote]The ZF LSD is better than the Torsen in some types of driving (from what I've been told)<hr></blockquote>
The true clutch type LSD is better on the track because it will always transfer torque, whereas the Torsen type will not transfer torque if any wheel lifts in a turn. This is not a concern for a street car but would be for a stiffly sprung track car. The true LSD also helps during braking while the Torsen is just along for the ride. Unfortunately, the true LSD also promotes more understeer, and it really needs to be rebuilt periodically. I have the Guard Transmission torque sensing unit in my car and I love it.
I believe you're right about the suspension on the normal 968's vs the normal 951's, but the 968 MO30 was slightly stiffer than the 951 S MO30. the 968 MO30's t-bars were about 1mm thicker w/thicker roll-bars, etc.<hr></blockquote>
All 968s used the same 25.5 mm torsion bars as the 951S. The M030 968 augmented the rear setup with a set of pseudo coilover shocks that were not height adjustable. Since the 968 M030 used exactly the same front springs as the 951S, this biased the handling more towards the rear and gave excellent steering response.
[quote]The ZF LSD is better than the Torsen in some types of driving (from what I've been told)<hr></blockquote>
The true clutch type LSD is better on the track because it will always transfer torque, whereas the Torsen type will not transfer torque if any wheel lifts in a turn. This is not a concern for a street car but would be for a stiffly sprung track car. The true LSD also helps during braking while the Torsen is just along for the ride. Unfortunately, the true LSD also promotes more understeer, and it really needs to be rebuilt periodically. I have the Guard Transmission torque sensing unit in my car and I love it.
02-01-2002 | 10:54 PM
#17
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 15
From: Apex, NC
I think that the younger age and refinement advantages of the 968 might offset the speed advantage of the 951 - unless you have to have the speed. The 968 is the ultimate 944 - they should have just called it the 944 S3!
02-03-2002 | 03:27 PM
#18
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Warwick, NY
The 968 was named a 944 S3 until the last minute when they felt it had too many different parts. Any way, if stock is your route, a 968 is the better choice because of it's refinement over the 951's. Also the tractability of the 3.0 engine ands it's low end torque make for a better driver especially around town. If you want power upgradability, then the nod goes to the 951. As you can see by all the 951's on this board, it is easier and cheaper to modify because of it's turbo engine. Suspension-wise both cars are similar. Now for the ultimate ride, a 968 Cabrio w/ a 951 turbo set up on it's 3 litre engine would be great. Actually I was planning on going that route but I found a very clean '86 951 that I couldn't pass up. Either car will bring smiles.