The weight of the 928 varied greatly across model years.
The 79-79 weighed around 3,500 pounds, but then dropped to 3,100 pounds in 1980. From what I read, this was due to lightening the torque tube components and a few suspension parts.
By the end of production, they were up to 3,700 pounds!
Why? Meaning, what components added the weight? I know the seats became a bit heavier and the 32V heads added probably 40 pounds or so, but there is a HUGE difference between 3100 and 3700 pounds.
I have 4 928s and can notice a distinct advantage in the 1981 (one of the 3100 pound models) - only later learning weight differences.
I also have an 86 1/2 with a turbo on it that needs nearly an total redo - but ponder should I put it all over into my 1981?
The SIX HUNDRED POUND DIFFERENCE between 1980/81 models and the last models is a massive difference. Anyone know what causes the extra weight - ie what components.
Also, were the 80/81 torque tube assemblies much weaker than early or latter units?
I would guestimate that Porsche added weight to later models due to higher top speeds - common in all manufacturers - to hold them better to the ground.
Anyone know how to lighten later 928s (other than seats, exhaust, spare, battery)?
At 3100 pounds, the 928 for its power, size and torque was actually quite light weight, but at 3700 pounds they were getting up there. That also might explain why my 1981 928 is both more agile and faster (not just for the lower trans ratio) than my later models (but only through 86 1/2).
Sometimes manufacturers would use literally steel plates or put steel bars inside frame components to add weight. Any dead-weight additions Porsche put on 928 models that you know of?
Also, anyone know the weight difference between the 16V and 32V motor?

Thanks...

Mark

 

Correction - early models were in the 3300 pound range, not 3500, and then dropped to 3,140 in 1980...then went back up after this.

 

Hmmm... my 78, non-sunroof 5 speed weighs 3440 with a full tank of gas and the enormous battery. Maybe 3500 is with sunroof and electric seats? There is a "lightening thread" that is fairly current -- IIRC there is about 70 lbs of "tar" sprayed all over the interior sheet metal. Certainly ABS & PSD added significant weight.

 

I didn't think there was ever much drop in weight. Euro car were lighter than the US cars (bumpers and cats) though, so that may be what you're thinking.
See https://www.928gt.com/t-928engine.aspx
pretty much a steady increase for like models (US vs Euro, 5spd vs auto) as bigger engines and more features were added.

 

My GTS with all options including rear A/C and half tank of gas just weighed in at 3505. I think the 3700 number is a bit high.

 

3700 is probably a good number for a late 928 fully topped up on all fluids & fuel, with an average-sized driver(shaddap, Normy ).

 

But Not Lazy !!!!

 

I believe that the factory quoted curb weight figures for the 928 are pretty accurate. For my model, a GT, I have seen as tested weights as low as 3449 and as high as 3590 (before driver and test equipment). That is a pretty tight deviation from the 3505 when compared to what I have seen on other P Cars.

For example, the 996 was marketed as having a curb weight of around 3000 lbs. I have not seen a test report where they actually weighed a test car that approached this. Most were 100+ lbs higher (before driver and test equipment). For example, 996 C4S Convertible weighed in at 3451lbs, C4S at 3297lbs, C2 was a tick under 3200 IIRC. Even a 2004 996 based GT3 test had the car tip the scales at 3140lbs pre driver and test equipment. Also, I saw a 997 test where the car was stated to have a 3200 lb curb weight which again puts it about 125 lbs heavier that the factory rating.

I think that there are two factors at work. One, the 928 was pretty optioned out (unless you look at the special Club Sport version which had it's own stated curb weight). So the difference between the base vehicle and a 'loaded' version is not much. You can buy a more basic 911, there are more goodies to add. The actual weight will be higher as the goodies go on. The other factor, and this is just my opinion, is that Porsche is marketing the car with the lower weight (I should say the lowest possible weight that they can show for a stripped down base version of their today's vehicles) since sophisticated buyers are very educated about this and want a low number.

 

The factory states my turbo should weigh 3270 pounds. The car has had some minor things added and it actually tipped the scales at 3120 with a full tank. Thats 150 pounds less which is a considerable amount. Don't know what to say although I know of several other 3.6T owners and all weigh less than the factory quoted weight.

I can't think of many options that could be added to the GTS to make it weigh more. I guess the auto tranny's weighed a bit more but on the 5 speed I don't think full leather or 6 disc CD would add that much to bring it above 3500 pounds. I think If I removed the stupid useless factory cell phone option the car would be closer to 3495. You should feel the weight of that thing.

 

Thanks for the input on the 993 Turbo. Maybe they set the curb weight for the 996 before they realized that they needed to add water! :>).

Re the 928, the auto was always stated to be about 50 lbs heavier.

 

Good one.

BTW the 94 is actually the 964 last of the single turbos. More punch with less power.

 

My duh! on the 964. Kinda obvious from your avatar!

 

The sunroof is very heavy. The PSD system is very heavy. The ABS system is heavy and so is the cruise control. All the little stuff adds up. Brake pad warning system, tire pressure system, the dual fans are quite heavy. The sound suppression gunk is heavy. The 'million way seats" are really heavy.
I'd guess the factory just kept sticking more gee gaws onto the 928 without really weighing all the consequenses..
Don Hanson

 

my 77 weighs in right about 3000
no sound deadening
manual seats
no sunroof
no ac
no cats