Billu

Assuming automatic transmissions, both of these could have thrust bearing issues, but the S4 maybe more so. Read up and make sure to have this verified. This can be fatal.
If you are over 5’10”, NOT having a sunroof is a big plus.
The S4’s seem to have less issues with dash cracks and shrinkage, and the seats seem to maintain their form better.
The later cars generally have a firmer ride, but not always.
Post your location and see if someone on this board is close. Having someone with knowledge of these cars can be valuable to help with inspection.

Jason89s4

Go drive both and decide what you like. The '84 (OB) is a very different car than the '89. The '84 will be less costly to maintain, and is less complicated, and offers a more raw driving experience. (I'm surprised that Nate "GT6ixer" has not chimed in about the '84 being the best choice.) For a cross-country trip, you cannot beat the '89.
I will reiterate what others have said--buy the most well-maintained, documented car you can afford. That will pay dividends.
-Jason

GT6ixer

As you may be finding out from the posts above, the US 1984 928S was the best of the breed. I didn't read any of the above posts, but I'm assuming that is what everyone is telling you though, right?

Sure the '89 will be more powerful and is a great model year (arguably the second best of the MYs). And all things being equal (a situation that in reality you will never find) each car will be reliable. There was a thread on here a while back about 928 reliability that you can search for which essentially draws the conclusion that once all of the deferred maintenance is caught up, these cars are modern-day reliable. Do a search for Philippe Delaporte's essentially stock 1990 928 that he drove around the world with his sons. One needs to go no further than his story to know the true spirit of these cars.

So in your case it will really come down to looks of the S model vs the S4. Each came in some colors that were unique to their respective models and year. So that may be a consideration that eliminates one or the other if there is a color you must have.

Good luck with your search! That in some ways is the best part.

Drewshepard60

I currently have a 89s4, but I have owned 5 others (2 euro spec straight, 2 s and 2 s4s)...I find that the 16v cars to be the funniest to drive, much more responsive at the lower end, however if you want a high speed autobahn cruiser, the s4 is my car of choice! I spent almost 15 years in Dutchland and loved it. I wouldn't bother getting a gts ( no offense intended) just don't want to buy someone else's problem child, ie turbo.

928cs

Philippe's car is a French 1989 GT without catalytic converter, from factory. This was a great base to start, even if I think that a manual S4 without catalytic converter would be the perfect base.

z driver 88t

Lots of opinions on both sides of the fence. A couple things to consider: if you are looking for a manual trans. they are more plentiful in the 78-84 era. By the time the S4 came out they were skewed heavily to automatics. If you are a DIY guy, the 16V (ended in '84) is a little easier to access under the hood, and if you were used to working on 80s cars as a kid, the Bosch L-Jet is as basic a system as was used on my 80s Z cars. Timing is also done by simple vacuum advance. Overall, they are just a simpler car to own. The later models do have increasing electronics and increasing complexity. Not that you should avoid them, but there is just more stuff to trouble shoot, keep an eye on, etc.

My understanding is that the added HP from the 32V motors really adds the power at the top end with better air flow, but low end torque feels about the same on both the 16V and 32V. So I would not think day to day driving would feel markedly different, but I've only ridden in one S4 automatic, so my opinion on that is purely anecdotal. My '84 does feel more "raw" and I the S4 era does feel more refined, if that is a consideration.

For me there was also a big pull for the early body style because of Risky Business. Loved that movie in high school and it was sort of living out that high school dream when I first bought it. I still get Risky Business comments on it ("Who's the U-Boat commander?" comes up often at gas stations).

The biggest piece of advice that I will echo from others is, whatever you choose, buy the best one you can afford. There is no shortage of basket case money pits out there. Spend a little more and get one with good documentation on maintenance vs. rolling the dice on an unknown car. You will save thousands of $$ in deferred maintenance and repairs this way.

Lastly, if you are not a DIY guy, you really need to be prepared to become one. Depending on where you live there is a shortage of mechanics that know these cars - even reputable Porsche indy shops mostly work on air-cooled cars and 996/997 era water cooled. Not too many guys know these cars. Learn to do at least the basics yourself. The biggest thing working in your favor is Rennlist. It is the most helpful and informative automotive forum I've ever been part of and just about everyone here is passionate about keeping these cars on the road for the long term. Lots of cottage industry folks making NLA parts and photo documented repair procedures for just about anything you can imagine is held on this website or on websites hosted by forum members.

Good luck in the search.

alex70

As others have said buy the best one you can afford.

I've owned an '85 auto and an '87 5sp w/LSD. I really enjoyed rowing through the gears on the '87.

GL

slownrusty

Looks like the OP ghosted us....maybe he bought a Corvette after the thought of how much it might take to bring a 928 up to spec.

William_Jackson

I would like to extend a tremendous THANK YOU for everyone who has contributed to this thread. This is by far the BEST forum as well as most responsive to my request. The advice here is wonderful and I am still in the market. I have applied the brakes slightly in response to the suggestions made here. I hope to complete my purchase in the next few months as opposed to rushing the purchase. I am looking forward to posting pictures once I complete my purchase and attending some events to meet everyone. Thanks again for your help and looking forward to talking more in the future.

soontobered84

Super good plan William. Take your time and find the one that calls out to you. Good Luck

Popoboy944

Problem solved! i just picked this guy up this week: http://www.grooshsgarage.com/1987-porsche-928s4/ Car is way too nice to be messing around with the trans, so i will just enjoy it with the auto. Thanks for all of the input!

Sagres74

Beautiful looking car! Congrats!

Popoboy944

thanks a lot!