Looking at S4's
11-04-2007, 08:03 PM
#1
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Looking at S4's
Well after my trip down to Rennsport and hanging out with the Sharks. I have been really thinking about a nice S4. Come spring or early summer I will be ready to get something. Still can't decide between a earlier 911('69 to '83). a 928S4 or Gasp a Early Ferrari Mondial Cpe. But anyways. I currently have a 90 944S2 which would stay my daily driver/track Car, I would be using the new car as a weekend/summer/nice weather car. So I am familar with the watercooler cars. However what are areas that are specific to 928's. I know about tming belts and waterpumps and could figure out how to do them. So what are somethings I need to watch when considering a nice S4
11-04-2007, 08:30 PM
#2
Nordschleife Master
if an auto then you need to check crank end play, and release the tension off the crank,
do a search for thrust bearing failure.
other than that they are really good imo.
do a search for thrust bearing failure.
other than that they are really good imo.
11-04-2007, 11:30 PM
#4
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Well, that's one opinion from someone who's never owned a Mondial, or probably any Ferrari. since I own both a Mondial, and a 928GT(S4 with extra stones). And who's also had a '81 911 Targa, maybe I can help.
The 928 S4 is a true touring car. You can spend hours in it, and remain comfortable. It is not very sporting like the 911 or Mondial, but it's well suited to travelling in comfort.
the late 70 to early 80 911 is a great vintage. Almost all the bugs were worked out. You have your choice of Targa, cab, turbo look, SC all available with lots of options. Not nearly as refined as the 928, and a completely different driving experience than the 928. Gritty, and somewhat more noisy, depending on the chassis. There are tons to choose from at all prices ranges.
now the Mondial is a completely different animal. I would call it go-kart like in handling. You don't want to put anyone over the age of 6 in the back, but that's the same on the 928 or 911. It is very direct feeling to the road, thanks to stiff suspension for the heavier chassis and 328 size brakes. More than an hour in the car, can get tedious. The Mondial was a compromise on the 3x8 chassis for the 'family guy' crowd. It loves RPM, and you can carry a ton of speed into corners that seem scary at first, but works out well due to the low polar moment of inertia(mid-engine).
the Mondial 8 from 1980-82 is a dog. The four-valve engine came out in '83, and was better. the engine was punched out to 3.2L in 1985, but the speeds are identical to the early four-valve. The crowning of the Mondial is the 'T' model from 1988-to the end. 3.4 L engine mounted longitudinally ala-348. It has better acceleration due to the gearing, and great brakes. I have a 1983 Cabrio, and I've had trouble with the electrical system, and the FI. These faults are typical, and there's a good support network at ferrarichat.com.
Drive all three, and decide which suits your mission. They are different in many ways.
The 928 S4 is a true touring car. You can spend hours in it, and remain comfortable. It is not very sporting like the 911 or Mondial, but it's well suited to travelling in comfort.
the late 70 to early 80 911 is a great vintage. Almost all the bugs were worked out. You have your choice of Targa, cab, turbo look, SC all available with lots of options. Not nearly as refined as the 928, and a completely different driving experience than the 928. Gritty, and somewhat more noisy, depending on the chassis. There are tons to choose from at all prices ranges.
now the Mondial is a completely different animal. I would call it go-kart like in handling. You don't want to put anyone over the age of 6 in the back, but that's the same on the 928 or 911. It is very direct feeling to the road, thanks to stiff suspension for the heavier chassis and 328 size brakes. More than an hour in the car, can get tedious. The Mondial was a compromise on the 3x8 chassis for the 'family guy' crowd. It loves RPM, and you can carry a ton of speed into corners that seem scary at first, but works out well due to the low polar moment of inertia(mid-engine).
the Mondial 8 from 1980-82 is a dog. The four-valve engine came out in '83, and was better. the engine was punched out to 3.2L in 1985, but the speeds are identical to the early four-valve. The crowning of the Mondial is the 'T' model from 1988-to the end. 3.4 L engine mounted longitudinally ala-348. It has better acceleration due to the gearing, and great brakes. I have a 1983 Cabrio, and I've had trouble with the electrical system, and the FI. These faults are typical, and there's a good support network at ferrarichat.com.
Drive all three, and decide which suits your mission. They are different in many ways.
it is the Richard Simmons of Ferraris...
11-05-2007, 10:32 AM
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Fact, hmmmmmm. No. Opinion - yes. Don't tangle with one in your S4 unless you're on a very long straight road. It'll hand you your walking papers.
11-05-2007, 11:06 AM
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Hey everybody look at me...
I own an '89 S4 and a '86 Carrera both are modified and I race around alot. I'm in an area that is abundent in 911's and a 928 sighting in rare. An S4 for the same amount (or even way less) is a lot more car. As vain as this sounds I love the looks I get when driving the S4 and the stop light window roll down question and answer periods.
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11-05-2007, 05:53 PM
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11-05-2007, 06:20 PM
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What's it like in Panzer-world? Do they have pink balloons and dancing bears out there? I'm sure you are master of all you survey. You think you can outrun a Ferrari on a mountain road. Whatever.......
11-05-2007, 08:22 PM
#10
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Summer weekend play? Much as I love my 928, sounds like you need an open car to me.
Now ... if you have a one-hour commute or are going to do 2000mi/month the 928 is your car.
11-05-2007, 08:51 PM
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A real Ferrari- no... a poser Mondial- sure- It's the 924 of Ferraris!
11-05-2007, 09:35 PM
#15
Wikipedia:
Considering that Ferrari was making cars such as the Testarossa and F40 at the time, it was perhaps surprising to see that the Mondial t was barely capable of 150mph, whereas the Testarossa was capable of around 190mph and the F40 could reach 200mph and beyond. It was barely faster than much less expensive and exclusive cars such as the BMW 325i, Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, Honda Prelude, Nissan 200SX and Peugeot 405 Mi, but the presteige of the Ferrari badge meant that it was very much a competitor for entry-level supercars such as the BMW 850i, Chevrolet Corvette, Honda NSX, Lotus Esprit and Porsche 911 Carrera. It had the advantage of two (small) rear seats, something that a considerable number of competitors did not have.
Considering that Ferrari was making cars such as the Testarossa and F40 at the time, it was perhaps surprising to see that the Mondial t was barely capable of 150mph, whereas the Testarossa was capable of around 190mph and the F40 could reach 200mph and beyond. It was barely faster than much less expensive and exclusive cars such as the BMW 325i, Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, Honda Prelude, Nissan 200SX and Peugeot 405 Mi, but the presteige of the Ferrari badge meant that it was very much a competitor for entry-level supercars such as the BMW 850i, Chevrolet Corvette, Honda NSX, Lotus Esprit and Porsche 911 Carrera. It had the advantage of two (small) rear seats, something that a considerable number of competitors did not have.