sebastian944

Found this on the inter-webs. I thought the 86' Turbo was much more expensive.

All of this info is correct it is directly from Porsche

924

Statistics
2+2 hatchback coupe, liquid-cooled front engine, rear transaxle, 2623 lbs.

Where built: Neckarsulm, West Germany (Audi assembly plant)

First introduced: May 1976, as a 1977 model.

1977 [MSRP $9,395]

2.0-liter, OHC 4-cylinder, 95 hp, 8.0:1 compression ratio
CIS fuel injection, electronic ignition
Catalytic converter on California models only
4-speed manual transaxle
5-1/2x14 steel wheels
Front MacPherson struts, torsion bar/trailing arm in rear
Front disc, rear drum brakes
Optional equipment: 3-speed automatic, front and rear sway bars, air-conditioning, removable roof
VIN range 9247230001 - 9247235789
Underpowered, but light weight and good balance make it a pleasant car for those on a budget. Watch for rust on the front fenders, as only the main body was galvanized.

1977-1/2 Model Year

110 hp, 8.5:1 compression ratio
Catalytic converter on all models
Increase in horsepower made this a slightly better performer.

1978 [MSRP $11,325]

Oval section muffler and tailpipe
Rear suspension modified for easier vehicle height adjustment
Optional equipment: Alloy wheels, front and rear speed bars, Koni shocks, electric antenna, windows, mirror, headlight washers, rear wiper, foglamps
VIN range 9248200001 - 9248211638
Significantly improved in amenities and comfort over previous year.


1979 [MSRP $14,600]

5-speed manual transaxle (standard), with 928-style shift pattern
6x14 alloy wheels (standard)
Optional equipment: Limited slip differential
VIN range 9249200001 - 9249209636
Addition of the 5-speed transaxle turns this into a much more flexible vehicle. It’s especially comfortable at highway speeds, giving excellent fuel economy and low noise.


1980 [MSRP $15,900]

Lambda control system added to CIS fuel injection
New (different) 5-speed transaxle
Power windows (standard)
Outside mirror with mechanical adjustment from inside
Optional equipment: Sport group with 15" alloy wheels, rear disk brakes, larger stabilizer bars, rear spoiler from Turbo
VIN range 92A0410001 - on
Though still underpowered, the 924 became much more pleasant to operate, due largely to the new Lambda emission control system.


1981 [MSRP $16,770]

Front anti-sway bar (standard)
7 year limited anti-corrosion warranty
Optional equipment: “Weissach” package, primarily a paint and interior combination, sold in very limited quantities
VIN range WPOAAO92_BN450001 - on

1982 [MSRP $16,900]

Three-spoke steering wheel
Optional equipment: Rear spoiler
VIN range WPOAAO92_CN450001 - on

924 Turbo
Statistics
Turbocharged version of the base car, with a modified engine to accommodate the higher output. Items listed are unique to this model; 2822 lbs.

1980 [MSRP $20,875]

143 hp
Front anti-sway bar (standard)
6x15 alloy wheels
1979 version transmission, with 928 style shift pattern
Rear spoiler
Optional equipment: 16” alloy wheels, larger front and rear anti-sway bars
VIN range 93AO150001 - on
Updated and improved exhaust and turbochargers have been available for years. Check with your service department to see if they have been installed previously.


1981 [MSRP $21,500]

154 hp
Computerized ignition system, similar to DME
7 year limited anti-corrosion warranty
Optional equipment: “S” suspension package includes 16” wheels with 5 lugs, disc brakes all around, heavier shocks, springs and anti-sway bars
VIN range WPOAAO93_BN150001 - on

When equipped with the “S” package, the turbo was rated by "Car and Driver" as one of three best handling cars in the world, surpassed only by a Ferrari and a Lamborghini.


1982 [MSRP $21,500]

Limited slip differential (standard)
VIN range WPOAAO93_CN150001 - on

924 S

Statistics
Re-introduction of 924 body style to U.S., with 944 driveline.
First introduced: May 1986, as a 1987 model

1987 [MSRP $19,900]

Though it’s called a 924, this car is physically a 1984 944 without fender flares
Optional equipment: Sunroof, radio, limited slip differential, cruise control, wheel locks, electric antenna, anti-sway bars
VIN range WPOAAO92_HN450001 - on

Introduced into the market as an “attainable” Porsche, by reviving the 924 body with the 944 drivetrain.


1988 [MSRP $26,560]

158 hp, due to increase in compression ratio to 10.2:1
Engine oil level warning light
Larger sway bars (standard)
Optional equipment: Sport seats, alarm, cruise control, Special Edition package with new interior and upgraded suspension
VIN range WPOAAO92_JN450001 - on

This was the last year for the 924 S, and the best one, due mainly to the horsepower increase. As this car has a base weight of 44 lbs. less than a 944, and trimmer aerodynamics (no fender flares), it has quite surprising performance compared to 944s. Many more options available than 1987 model.

944

Statistics
2+2 hatchback coupe, liquid-cooled front engine, rear transaxle; 2778 lbs.

Where built: Neckarsulm, West Germany (Audi assembly plant); all engines were built and tested at Porsche factory in Zuffenhausen.

First introduced: April 1982, as a 1983 model


1983 [MSRP $18,980]

2.5-liter, OHC 4-cylinder with twin counter balance shafts
143 hp, 9.5:1 compression ratio
DME fuel and ignition system
5-speed manual transaxle w/synchronized reverse
7x15 alloy wheels
4-wheel disc brakes
Front anti-sway bar
Front foglamps
Rear spoiler
Electrically operated and heated mirrors
Air-conditioning
Removable roof
Electric windows
Optional equipment: Power steering, larger front anti-sway bar, rear sway bar, 8x15 rear wheels, 3-speed automatic
VIN range WPOAAO94_DN450001 - on
Although clearly a derivation of the 924, introduction of the 944 was met with much fanfare, as the aggressive fender flares and the Zuffenhausen-built high torque engine brought the 4-cylinder cars closer to the hard-core enthusiast. "Car and Driver" named it the best handling car in America. A real performance bargain, especially at today’s pre-owned car prices.


1984 [MSRP $21,440]

Power steering now standard
Electric rear hatch release
Optional equipment: Electric tilting sunroof, cruise control, leather seats
VIN range WPOAAO94_EN450001 - on

1985 [RP $21,440]

essentially unchanged from 1984
VIN range WPOAAO94_FN450001 - on

1985-1/2 [MSRP $22,950]

Idle stabilizer on DME, gives a constantly regulated idle speed
New dashboard design with more instrumentation, new switches, four-spoke wheel and central warning system
Flush-mounted windshield with integrated antenna
Entirely new electrical system, fuse panel now under hood for easier access
Larger polymer fuel tank
Full climate control system
Partial power seat on driver’s side
Lighter cast alloy suspension arms, front and rear
Telephone dial style wheels, 7x15
Optional equipment: 7x15 front and 8x15 rear forged wheels, full power seats

This model represents a big step forward toward more comfort and amenities in the 4-cylinder range, creating a clear separation from the 924 derived previous models. Most of these improvements are not noticeable from outside the vehicle.


1986 [MSRP $24,500]

first year for third brake light
10 year limited anti-perforation corrosion warranty
Optional equipment: Raised hub steering wheel, central locking, full leather interior, club sport suspension
VIN range WPOAAO94_GN450001 - on

Rated one of the “ten best” by "Car and Driver" for the fourth year in a row. 5-year/50,000 mile drivetrain warranty means most likely dealer serviced and repaired.


1987 [MSRP $27,840]

Revised suspension geometry allows use of ABS
Protective side moldings (standard)
Optional equipment: airbags, ABS, 16” 928 style forged alloys
VIN range WPOAAO94_HN470001 - on

1988 [MSRP $30,995]

158 hp, due to increase in compression ratio to 10.2:1
Engine oil level warning light
Central locking (standard)
Rear anti-sway bar and larger front anti-sway bar (standard)
VIN range WPOAAO94_JN450001 - on

1989 [MSRP $33,245]

2.7-liter, 10.9:1 compression ratio, and 162 hp
Alarm system with flashing LEDs in lock buttons (standard)
ABS (standard)
Cruise control (standard)
Power tilt sunroof (standard)
VIN range WPOAA094_KN450001 - on
VIN range WPOAA294_KN450001 - on, with airbags

944 Turbo

Statistics
First introduced: September 1985, as a 1986 model; 2899 lbs.

1986 [MSRP $29,800]

2.5-liter, OHC 4-cylinder, 217 hp, 8.0:1 compression ratio
DME\KLR fuel, ignition and boost control system
Water-cooled turbocharger with intercooler
External engine oil cooler
5-speed transaxle stronger than standard 944, with oil cooler
7x16 front, 8x16 rear wheels, telephone-dial style
4-piston alloy brake calipers, brake pads w/o asbestos
Aerodynamically improved front end
Cowl panel under rear bumper
10 year anti-perforation corrosion warranty
VIN range WPOAAO95_GN150001 - on

The 944 Series now reaches supercar status! New technology in engine management and the water-cooled turbo make this a strong, reliable performance car, with 74 more horsepower than the base model. Additional improvements in suspension, brakes, wheels and tires round out the performance refinements. 5-year/50,000 mile drivetrain warranty means it’s likely to have been dealer serviced and repaired. It’s currently considered a “Best Buy” among Porsche performance enthusiasts.


1987 [MSRP $36,300]

Revised suspension geometry allows use of ABS
Airbags are standard equipment
Optional equipment: ABS, sport suspension
VIN range WPOAAO95_HN150001 - on

1988 [MSRP $39,765]

Engine oil level warning light
Improved exhaust manifold to aid serviceability
Optional equipment: “S” package includes 247 HP engine, sport suspension and brakes, club sport wheels, limited slip, cruise control, and a number of interior features. Also available are speaker and amplifier upgrades
VIN range WPOAAO95_JN150001 - on

The “S” package proved to be another dramatic increase in performance for the 944 Series. It is actually built to the specifications of the 944 Turbo Cup race series, held in Europe. The additional 30 hp, 928 brakes and sport suspension with externally adjustable Koni shocks have made this car a “PCA track event” favorite. Initially expensive, this model now represents an outstanding value on the pre-owned car market.


1989 [MSRP $44,900]

“S” package is now standard equipment
Cruise control (standard)
1 key central locks and alarm (standard)
ABS (standard)
Amplifier and speaker package (standard)
Electric tilt sunroof (standard)
VIN range WPOAA295_KN150001 - on

The last year for the Turbo, and undoubtedly the best.

944 S

Statistics
First introduced: October 1986, as a 1987 model

1987 [MSRP $30,850]

2.5-liter, DOHC 4-cylinder with new 16-valve head, dual knock sensors
188 hp, 10.9:1 compression ratio
New generation DME requires no idle or fuel mixture adjustment
“Self-Diagnosis” system allows easier engine servicing
“16 Ventiler” on front of door guards
Optional equipment: Airbags, ABS, sport suspension
VIN range WPOAAO94_HN450001 - on

The first year for the 944 S brought a significant increase in top end horsepower (28 percent) and torque (21 percent).


1988 [MSRP $36,830]

Engine oil level warning light
Airbags (standard)
VIN range WPOAAO94_JN460001 - on

944 S2

Statistics
First introduced: February 1989, as a 1989 model, 2886 lbs.

1989 [MSRP $41,900]

3.0-liter, 208 hp, resonant induction
External engine oil cooler, like 944 Turbo
Stronger transmission than 944 Turbo
Turbo body
ABS (standard)
Driver and passenger airbags (standard)
Turbo suspension and brakes (regular model, not the “S”)
7x16 front, 8x16 rear wheels
Optional equipment: Limited slip, sport chassis
VIN range WPOAB294_KN450001 - on

The combination of the Turbo body and chassis with the new, powerful 3.0-liter engine produced the most well-rounded 944 combination yet.


1990 Coupe [MSRP $41,900],
Cabriolet [$48,600]

Cabriolet now available, as of September 1989
Rear window wiper (standard on Coupe)
Optional equipment: Sport suspension (same as ’89 turbo)
VIN range WPOAB294_LN450001 - on, Coupe
VIN range WPOCB294_LN480001 - on, Cabriolet

1991 Coupe [MSRP $43,350],
Cabriolet [$50,350]

Minor refinements to the DME system
“Check engine” monitor lamp
Optimized suspension bushings
Brake pad wear sensors on all eight pads
New rear spoiler on coupe
Improved alarm/central locking system
VIN range WPOAB294_MN440001 - on, Coupe
VIN range WPOCB294_MN480001 - on, Cabriolet

jasonlp

That's base price from a time when 1 million dollars could buy you almost anything you could want....

M758

It is really amazing how prices went up.
The 924 started a 9395 in 76
By the end it was 16,900. Sure more power, but up price nearly 80%

The 944 was popular in 83 since it was as powerfull as the 924 Turbo, but for less money.
19,980 by 88 it was 33k up 66% for no that much more car.

The 87 924S seem like a bargain at the same price of an 83 944 in 87. However in 1 year it went up 7k (34% in 1 year) and I am sure that killed it.

The Turbo went up 50% despite gaining only 30 hp. Again amazing.

The 91 S2 cab at 50k Wow.

Shows me that Porsche could not keep a lit on pricing. I could have been caused by exchange rates, but really shocking. I can see how it would be hard to buy new backin 87, 88

jasonlp

The US economy dipped it's toes in the toilets in the 80s also

User 52121

Well, according to http://www.westegg.com/inflation/ anyways, that $29,800 MSRP for an '86 944 Turbo works out to almost $58k in 2008 dollars. Seems about inline with current Cayman prices. In other words - not exactly cheap.

jasonlp

base model

ramius665

I've still got my original window sticker from my '86 951. I'll have to go dig it out, but IIRC the MSRP was just a bit over $36k. That bought sport seats and fuchs wheels, plus LSD and the obligatory sunroof. At least the original owner knew what options were important.