iloveporsches

So far in my search for a 944, I've only really been looking at later cars. But recently I spotted an 84' n/a with only 44k miles on it. I was wondering what the advantages/ differences were, aside from cosmetics, between the early and late cars. Thanks.

ERAU-944

how about relative simplicity. the early cars have different engine controls, there's less mumbo-jumbo under the hood to work with. not much, there's also a few less hp, but they are fun cars. i like the 84 i drive daily, have no problem working on it. the thing that throws most people off is the interior. basically make sure the timing belt/water pump/seals have been done and that the odometer works. 44,000 isn't bad at all! make sure the car runs well and pulls hard. is the car manual or automatic? find out how often the gear oil/transmission fluid was changed. basically get a thorough ppi done and see whats the deal. if it comes out that it needs some work use this to lower the price. if its in good shape i'd not hesitate to buy the early car!

-Mike

John..

The early cars are just as good as the later cars, provided they have been maintained. My 83 looks better than most 89s.

dave120

and also the early ones were about 300 lbs lighter than the later NAs...they seem to have a little more pep to them actually..

Micah

Here's an early car disadvantage... MAKE SURE the car you are looking at actually has 44k and not 144k.... that darn 5-digit odo!

Micah

BTW, I own both... the later cars are better on average w/ regard to just about everything IMHO... but the early cars, like someone mentioned, seem more simple, and I think that's pretty cool
I agree with the statement about "pep" to a certain extent... to me the early cars "feel" faster, but the later ones actually accelerate better by the numbers.
Don't hesitate AT ALL to get an early car IF it's the right one.