heinrich

There is such a broad range between individual cars that you really can't always say. However yes the GTS does come with more advantages off the bat. You only want to make sure the car runs right and doesn't have oiling issues. Is a GTS worth the extra 50% over an S4 5spd? Only you can answer that Harv. I think, for you, it is. Because you demand ultra-low-mile cars, in like-new shape, I think you should buy a GTS. It will undoubtedly cost you a ton of money to update and maintain, but that would be the case harv if you bought an S4 too. You are a unique beast, and you should get a GTS. For me, I will never buy one unless the bottom falls out of the market. I even passed on a black auto at 23k some years ago. Because it was auto and black, and because I didn't think it could add much if any value over my powerful S4 5spd.

FlyingDog

I'd rather have an 89 GT than a GTS, but I guess I'm strange. Although the wide rear end and big brakes would be nice; the oil problems, high price, and PSD aren't worth it. In addition, most people seem to think the GTS performance isn't much higher than a GT. The dyno runs I've seen certainly don't show much of a difference.

bigs

Harvey, Harvey, Harvey...

You know damned well what you want... What you're even lusting for, I suspect. Quit trying so hard to talk yourself out of it!

Your post sounds like the guy with his finger poised on Halle Berry's doorbell, trying to convince himself that Susie Smith next door will be just as good because, after all, they both have the same basic body parts!

Tell ya what... Come on down to your friendly neighboring state, and I'll let you drive mine. If you wanna make me an offer, I'll listen to that as well.

(Edit: Plus, in my experience, "want" is usually more demanding than "need!")

Chuck Z

Having had an S4 5-spd, S4 auto, 89 GT, a 78 928 (honestly it's driven very little - it's very primitive compare to all the rest in terms of creature comforts) and 3 GTSs I can tell you there is little difference the average 928 driver will notice "SOP".

Some of the things I noticed as differences between the S4, GT and GTSs are; sport shocks would be nice to have (89 GT was stock, 90+ GT & GTS optional; only one of the 3 GTSs I've owned had it), the GTS has noticeably more low end grunt than either the S4 or GT and the GTS is much better insulated from external noises giving it the feel of a more refined ride. Due to larger secondary mufflers the GTS is noticeably quieter than the GT.

It really comes down to which body style you prefer, how much you're willing to spend and what you plan to do with the car in terms of modifications. I've made my choice(s).......... ..........but, would still love to have another 89 GT too!

sublimate

In the case of a GTS I think Jennifer Lopez would be a more appropos example.

Chuck Z

Are you guys really that concerned about this? To date, I have not experienced oil issues with any of the 3 GTSs I've owned. I have talked with a lot of GTS owners over the years and with the exception of what has been called normal oil usage between changes, not a single person has ever described an oiling issue that later caused any sort of engine failure. I know that there have been several engines replaced by Porsche for excessive oil consumption when the motors were relatively young. People have reported potentially fatal oiling starvation issues under heavy cornering loads during track use but I personally have not heard of a GTS engine failure as a result. Doesn't mean it hasn't happened, I just haven't heard of any. Frankly, I am not concerned with all the oil issues people keep bringing up on this forum.

bigs

Wisdom straight from a self-proclaimed "*** man!" Good point.

bigs

I'll second that.

I drive mine 3-4K miles a year and add maybe a quart at the end of the year. Just hasn't ever been an issue.

ErnestSw

The GTS has more torque than the GT, but it comes on later. The GTS has no more HP than a properly tuned GT, but it's available at lower rpms. The GTS has more muscular haunches and, in my opinion, looks better from the rear than the GT. The subjective driving experience is VERY similar.

FlyingDog

For regular driving it would not be a concern. For more severe usage, I would be concerned by the reports of oil problems I've seen. It's not just that the GTS injests more oil, it's that the parts to repair a GTS would be more expensive if there was a problem.

Of course this is just mental masturbation on my part since I don't have the money to own one and you have the money to own two.

rjtw

I can't add much to the above (but will try anyway). First, my advice is to go out and drive the different flavors, and in multiple examples, if you have not done so already. This will almost certainly eliminate any uncertainty! Second, though I have limited experience with the later model years, I have driven a GTS (a '93 but an automatic). For what it's worth I was a little let down after building up high expectations about it over the years. It felt too quiet, too -- may I say -- tame? Perhaps "refined" is a better word. Take this with a grain of salt, as I have an '83 5-speed, and it is definitely a bit more raw than the later cars but I love its throaty gurgle and the directness of its character (and of course only drove the GTS for a limited time). The S4s still have some rawness in their character though a bit toned down. The GTS is more refined still and almost seems like a Benz in comparison (my pet theory is that Porsche was starting to aim the car in its last few years of declining sales at the Benz SL type of market). I have not driven a GT for comparison. I am NOT saying this is bad or good -- merely that the character of the cars does differ, and whether this is a plus or a minus depends on what you want. In my case for example, were I to add another 928 to the stable, I would go for the GTS 5-speed even given the above because I love the looks and the uniqueness-factor (not to mention all the other features that other posts have pointed out). As for you -- drive 'em and see what you think!! Auto purchases are not strictly a rational decision no matter what we tell ourselves.
Rick

the flyin' scotsman

That pic is from last weekend (end of Oct) before the temperature took a dramatic downturn and fresh white stuff arrived; a Sunday day trip with a buddy and our wifes and his '71 Vette (no contetst!)

The black line is my poor attempt at modifying the pic to make it Avatar friendly.

Back to the topic..................where's my new GT?..................Jim????????

Shane

Harvey go buy the GTS, you know you want to!! It is as Heinrich says and yo know it!!

Sell the 968 and go buy one, hell I bet your better half would even ride in the GTS, so it is a win-win.

Then some time down the road you can mount that supercharger on the '85 and have your fun track car. Because you know you can't sell the '85 for what you paid for it. Which means you have to keep it, and drive it to get your money back.

Weissach

Having owned all of said cars, and then some , here is my thinking. I now have a 94' GTS and an 04' Lexus SC430(daily driver). Forgetting about performance and focusing on feel(whats really important).

An S4 "feels" good but old. Even if it's perfect, it still somehow feels old(maybe it's the old dash design). The GTS on the other hand feels fresh and up to date. I'm always amazed on how well it compares to the SC430. It doesn't feel older, just different(far more solid and substantial). The GTS rides and handles better. The engine pulls like there is some sort of magnet is pulling the car. The SC 430 engine is a little smoother, but it runs out of breath at high rpm.

I like the SC430, but I LOVE the GTS. Those who compare numbers are missing the point. Yes, the GTS is only a little bit faster than an S4, bit it feels WAY better.....

morganabowen

TOUCHE