seeking knowledge
03-10-2002, 09:32 PM
#2
The most basic difference is that the 944S has 8 more valves, an extra cam and about 190 HP vs about 150-160 for the 8V. The extra power makes itself felt above 4000 RPM and isn't really noticed in normal driving.
The S has some maintenance issues with the tensioner for the chain that drives the second cam.
The S has some maintenance issues with the tensioner for the chain that drives the second cam.
03-11-2002, 01:59 AM
#3
Burning Brakes
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Owning an 87 S, 87 NA and an 87 951, I feel I can speak with a little background...
THe 87 S is a wonderfull car! No more to worry about than an S2 in the chain tensioner department.
Don't be led by the non owners that quote what they may have heard from their brothers sister in law, that once new a truck driver that had a friend that used to drive a cab for the owner of the gas staion that serviced the car of the local delivery boy who's father once read something about the Dodge Ram that was written by the owner of a VW Bus that dreamed of one day owing a 944S...if only it was not prone to faileure like heard from the guy down the block who's dad talked to....well....you know.
THe 87 S is a wonderfull car! No more to worry about than an S2 in the chain tensioner department.
Don't be led by the non owners that quote what they may have heard from their brothers sister in law, that once new a truck driver that had a friend that used to drive a cab for the owner of the gas staion that serviced the car of the local delivery boy who's father once read something about the Dodge Ram that was written by the owner of a VW Bus that dreamed of one day owing a 944S...if only it was not prone to faileure like heard from the guy down the block who's dad talked to....well....you know.
03-11-2002, 07:22 PM
#4
John, perhaps I should have qualified that I had an 84 which I sold after I got my 87 S (which I love except for the sunroof right now).
I expect that the S will give loyal service as long as I pay attention to its special chain tensioner need. One problem with these boards is that we tend to hear of the cars that cause problems more than the ones (many more) that don't.
I expect that the S will give loyal service as long as I pay attention to its special chain tensioner need. One problem with these boards is that we tend to hear of the cars that cause problems more than the ones (many more) that don't.
03-12-2002, 06:35 AM
#6
Instructor
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[quote]Originally posted by Tom:
<strong> The extra power makes itself felt above 4000 RPM and isn't really noticed in normal driving.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Suppose it depends what you consider 'normal' driving.
I agree with John on the reputation issue. There was a 944 buyer's guide in 911 & Porsche World recently which had a lengthy section about the dangers of the cam chain tensioner on the 16 valvers, and how they wouldn't want an S over an NA. They then went on to recommend the S2 as their best buy, which has the same tensioner. Go figure.
<strong> The extra power makes itself felt above 4000 RPM and isn't really noticed in normal driving.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Suppose it depends what you consider 'normal' driving.
I agree with John on the reputation issue. There was a 944 buyer's guide in 911 & Porsche World recently which had a lengthy section about the dangers of the cam chain tensioner on the 16 valvers, and how they wouldn't want an S over an NA. They then went on to recommend the S2 as their best buy, which has the same tensioner. Go figure.
03-12-2002, 02:29 PM
#7
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What "911 & Porsche" was saying is that they felt the S didn't give enough performance over the n/a to warrant the additional hassle of the chain tensioner. (IOW the S isn't really taking full advantage of its extra 8 valves) However, it is felt that the S2 provides a good performance boost over the n/a. Or the S2 is really reaping the benefits of the extra 8 valves. Note that this is not my opinion, just what the magazines and such will tell you. I have a n/a so can't really comment first-hand. But basically, if you find a nice one, just be aware that you have to maintain a chain tensioner as well. If you are cool with that, then don't fear the S!
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03-12-2002, 07:15 PM
#9
The S2 reaps the benefit of an extra half liter of displacement. Having experience with both, I would go with the better condition car, most of the time the performance difference isn't that great.
One thing that may color some of the discussion is that when European journals compared 944's they were comparing a 190 HP 944S with a 163-165 HP 944. In less privliged parts of the world like North America it is 188HP 944S vs 143HP 944 a more noticeable difference. That may be why there are those who consider the 2.7L 944 the best of the non-turbo lot.
Some other observations about thr 944S are that it is geared slightly lower than the 944. 70MPH is about 3000rpm in my S vs 2500rpm in my 84. The 944S has a higher rev limit which is useful in autoX although this is somewhat canceled by the gearing change. The 944S is a lot smoother and sounds a lot better above 3500rpm though.
One thing that may color some of the discussion is that when European journals compared 944's they were comparing a 190 HP 944S with a 163-165 HP 944. In less privliged parts of the world like North America it is 188HP 944S vs 143HP 944 a more noticeable difference. That may be why there are those who consider the 2.7L 944 the best of the non-turbo lot.
Some other observations about thr 944S are that it is geared slightly lower than the 944. 70MPH is about 3000rpm in my S vs 2500rpm in my 84. The 944S has a higher rev limit which is useful in autoX although this is somewhat canceled by the gearing change. The 944S is a lot smoother and sounds a lot better above 3500rpm though.