F451

Hey guys,

Have any of you gone from owning a US model S4 5 sp, to owning a 5 sp pre-'85?

If so, how do you like your earlier 928? Do you feel it is lacking vs the later model that you owned?

How about those of you who own both? Is the older one providing a similar level of fun, but perhaps just in a different way?

I'm considering picking up a pre-S4 5 sp 928. I'd love to find a sunroof delete 86.5 five speed, or a '85 or so euro (who would not?), but I also really like the earlier '78-84 ones also (especially the '78-79's).

I'm very tempted to pick up one of the very affordable, nice condition early 928's that keep showing up for sale here (dang it!). The lack of a sunroof is also very appealing to me, as well as the body style, the 16v motor, and the relatively cheaper buy-in cost vs the same condition S4+.

Please give me your thoughts, and please keep it to 5 sp's, I won't be buying an automatic (no offense).

Thanks guys!

Ed

Malibu310

I'd take the S4 - but the older ones (at least with automatics) are geared much better for acceleration out of the hole because they had much less power - however when you increase power the older automatics are not as strong.

Rick H

F451

Thanks, but automatics are not in the running for me at all, so won't be a part of my deliberations.

SteveG

I have a GTS A/T and hadn't driven the 85 5-sp for a couple months. But when I drove it I noticed the diff. In its own way the S is more fun. As mentioned, must be the gearing, it is a little faster off the line (butt-ometer) and feels lighter. I can't speak about either in the 60 to hoho range simply b/c where I live you just can't get there very often. too many distractions, etc., make it less than flat out.

Regarding maint issues, in general:

I went to a dyno session and turned down the oppty to run the GTS. I'm glad I did. I then discovered my cam gears were badly worn. I believe the belt was set properly when I got the car, but at some point it was too tight; it might not have been an issue on the dyno but I recommend esp on interference cars that you open the cam covers. Get a mirror or whatever you need to see the exposed portion of the gear.

trialattorney

I have 2 89 S4's (one auto, one 5spd) and an 84S 5spd. They are like children - they are all different. While the 84 lacked the power and speed of the 89 5spd (until I supercharged the 84) it was, and still is, my favorite 928 to drive. I'm not sure I can explain it - it feels more solid, has proven to be more reliable (except for the supercharger) and it replaced my 84 auto as my daily driver. All that being said, however, if you are looking for punch and speed, I'd stay with an S4, GT or GTS 5spd. I don't know if you are going to Sharktoctoberfest this month, but I'll have all 3 of my 928's there. You are welcome to drive the 89 and 84 5spds to make your own comparison.

heinrich

massive difference

BC

I like the early bodies, without the sunroof, as you suggested. If you aready have a 928, you have time to build whatever you want. Put an S4 motor into an OB. Thats what I am doing.

shmark

I prefer the early style and the power deficit can be fixed...and then there's always a euro. There's a nice 85 euro for sale right now too, decent price.

rixter

I own both (multiple of both) and I love them all, and for different reasons

ShawnSmith

One might note that for folks in strict smog states like California, the early OB cars are about to hit the magic 30-year-no-more-inspection limit, meaning you could get quite creative in the engine bay without needing to clean it up every 2 years or bribe your test tech to go fuzzy-eyed on the visual inspection

ROG100

I have a number of both and the Automatics are far far better than the very poor 5 speeds.
In cross country driving the auto cars are far superior to the 5 speeds whether its an OB or 87 plus.
My 82 Weissach Auto has the most awesome 2nd gear - why bother with a "wooden spoon in a basin" stick shift. 8>)

BC

Many 928s have very poor feel in the stick. But this can be fixed.

shmark

Because autos are for old fogeys.

ROG100

I may be old but my Auto's are far faster and more comfortable than a stick ship.
I already have a big d**k and do not need a stick ship to prove it 8>)

the flyin' scotsman

My 2 cents..............I love my auto but unless there's something wrong with the calipers it eats brakes.

The very recent run we did to the Road to the Sun my car was very capable on the flats, and up roads.............brakes got roasted on the way down and that was with 2 stick '85 928s.

I'm going to try a new pad soon and with a reflush with Blue fluid we'll see. That doesn't satisfy then Roger gets the BIG caliper order.