Izzy

In the constant evolution from a junker Porsche to something that suites me better and better, I think I've finally kicked the 944 habit. I had the chance to take test drive a '89 GT (maybe a 90) a week ago, with the intention of purchasing it. Absolutely amazing car, with simply replacing the exhaust, the engine sounds like you're driving a very high end sports car, well actually - you are.

Anyways, this may be an upcoming purchase for myself in the next few months or even a year or so, but I'd like to take my time and actually find the best 928 for my money. I'd also like to end up in a position where there isn't much more to be desired.

The difference between the two cars is thousands of dollars, 10hp, and a few features which right now mean nothing to me. PSD on a GT as opposed to an older S4 and 10hp. Is PSD worth buying a newer model? I saw a pretty neat video on google last night made by Porsche, advertising the 928 PSD. You see a car power into a turn and go *** out, but WITH PSD, all of a sudden you can drive at hundreds of miles an hour without any loss of traction, well maybe not.

I never had the chance to push the GT to where I noticed this differential, and also probably wouldn't notice the 10hp difference. So if I'm looking for something to keep around for awhile, whats the reasonable choice? And where do those 10hp come from?

Manual/auto? Which lasts longer and which empties your wallet? Will repairing a PSD transaxle cost you an arm and a leg?

Can these cars be chipped as easily as the later 944's could be? And higher speed handling, how does it compare to a 944? (I didn't want to be the guy to crash the car test driving it.)

ErnestSw

The GT has a different cam profile and produces HP all the way to the (higher) redline. It's a performance oriented car with all the refinement of a true GT. It's a little louder and is a good choice for someone who's looking for a slight performance edge. The S4 is a little quieter and only gives the edge to the GT at nine tenths.
Try them both and make up you're mind. Chips don't add as much to a GT as to an S4.

folding wing 5 speed

I think until the 90 MY the LSD was a mechanical version, and could be had on both autos and manuals as an option. Check for option code 220 when shopping and good luck!

ROG100

The 928 was designed around the auto gearbox - if you want the perfect combination of speed and drivability the auto is the way to go. The stick for the 928 was an afterthought so they suffer from the "I gota get of the lights quicker than a surburban" idiosyncratic behaviour that detracts from the pure bred Gran Turisimo ideal.
No difference in performance what so ever unless you live on the track.
Clutchs are a PITA and expensive, and I have never had a problem with the auto box itself.
Ask your self "why were 60 to 70% of 928's automatic"?.
Drivers speak with there $.
I am not biased in any way what so ever. Autos

ErnestSw

Roger is considering having his left leg amputated so that it doesn't get in the way of the "pure bred gran tourismo ideal". Of course, if you share taste in cars with dentist's wives and Porsche driver wannabees, the automatic is right for you.
Anyone who enjoys the 928 differently from me is wrong, and I am unanimous in that!!

Imo000

[QUOTE=ROG100]...........
Ask your self "why were 60 to 70% of 928's automatic"?.
Drivers speak with there $.......QUOTE]

Divers?!?!?! Buyers not drivers. When new, most of the 928s were bought by buyers that cared more about the image of owing a Porsche than to really care about driving. I’ve owned both an auto and a 5-speed, and the manual gearbox makes all the difference between the two. Driving an auto is fun but driving a 5-speed is a blast.

ROG100

I was worried for as minute that I was the only one awake!!!

"Divers" was that a freudian slip I wonder?

Vilhuer

Roger, all those gear selections autobox has made on your behalf has rotten your brain. Autobox was only necessity caused by people who can't walk and chew gum at same time without choking.

Looking just 5sp models made between '87 and '91 model years, there are really five or six different versions depending on how one counts them.

'87-'88 S4 manual without or with 40% LSD
- In US models 5th gear is tallish 2.20:1

'89 S4 manual without or with 40% LSD
- Basically same as previous except gearing was 2.63:1, '87-'88 ROW S4 use this same gearing
- Dash was changed to more modern digital version at beginning of MY
- There were made only up to point when GT arrived and only about 50 US models exist making them rarer than '89 GT

'89 GT, always manual with 40% LSD
- Different cams, pistons and LH & EZK programing result 10 hp more
- More important thing than those 10 hp is that gearing is shorter 2.73:1
- There were other more minor differences also like shorter gear lever
- M474 sport suspension might have been stock

'90 GT, always manual with PSD
- Only really new thing was PSD and airbags, except in ROW cars where bags became standard little later
- M474 definitelly optional this point forward as it was in S4

'91 GT, always manual with PSD
- Changes to power steering, sound insulation and different gear knop

Value conscious choice is S4 with LSD. PSD is more modern technology but in my opinion is not alone worth the cost difference from S4 to GT. If you on other hand want to have digital dash you either have to find '89 S4 from somewhere or settle for GT. In both cases its going to cost more than earlier S4. Its all up to you if it makes sense to spend more $$$$.

pmotts

Entertaining thread

Roger, hope the surgery goes well.

The '91 GT is the best 928 to own

'90GT, Red, RIP
'91GT, White, Being Transformed
'90GT, White, Daily Driver
'91GT, Red, Supercharged

heinrich

Izzy if you buy a good S4 5spd you will experience no difference between it and a GT.

tv

You have to be able and more than willing to do your own work. It is a complicated exotic that IMO is NOT a daily driver. The cars limits are higher than yours which leads novice drivers to conclude that the car is slow.

Avoid the S4 auto as you will start off in 2nd gear, if that bothers you. Pay for a well cared for car, the deals are deals for a reason. Some are on here complaining constantly about the 928 after they buy a bargain basement neglected one. Get the WSM and read it.

pmotts is not awake yet, he meant LH euro

ROG100

"Of course, if you share taste in cars with dentist's wives and Porsche driver wannabees, the automatic is right for you."

BITCH!

pmotts

No offense intended but that is just a silly statement.

ErnestSw

I am NOT a bitch, you big thilly!

Vilhuer

In some ways S4 is better than GT. With longer gearing its more relaxing drive on highway.