Damian in NJ

I guess all looks are subjective, but the reason it didn't sell more than the 944 has nothing to do with appearance and everything to do with global economies and inflation-most 968's were 45K and over, almost as much as a 911.

I owned a 944, and now have my second 968. To this day I get people asking if this is a new model-way different than the responses to my 944.

951 more fun-on a track, yup. The 968, with it's six speed and great torque, is a lot more fun as a daily driver.

And yes, Raj and I are addressing the speed factor-a track 951 will soon be purchased for those 'get your ya-ya's out' weekend warrior DE's.

Jim Child

Not really. An M030 eqiupped 968 and a 951S handle almost identically. I've driven both on the track, and you really can't tell the difference in the corners. As far as lap times go, stock to stock, a 951S will only be 1-2 seconds faster around a typical road course given equal drivers. IMO, that's not enough difference to affect the fun factor. In fact, with a only little extra skill, a 968 driver can beat a 951S around the track. Now *that's* fun.

Evan70

the only problem is that there don't seem to be a lot of M030 968s.

LFA951

In this country, everything is based on appearance and image. Gas prices and inflation are not going to keep me from having my dream car. An '89 Turbo S was 50K back in the day, so for all you got (turbo cup car specs), it was well worth the 5K difference. The 944 (not to mention the 924) has been around almost 23 years, and the only difference with the 951 is the rear spoiler and the nose, so of course people are going to think it is older cause of the traditional look and minor differences, then again those are people not familiar with Porsches. Oh, and 6th on the 968 is only 500 rpm more than 5th, not much difference there in terms of overdrive or lower top end rpm's, plus the term "boost junkies" exists for a simple reason and that is cause there is no feeling like the thrust of power that kicks in just after 3,000 rpm in a 951, which is unmatched in a 968...

RajDatta

I spoke to Chris Cervelli a day back. In his opinion a 968 M030 out of the box is the best handling car he has ever driven. Now he said, handling. It might not be the fastest car, especially when people start modifying their 951's.
I think for someone like me I would chose a 968 M030 as a daily driver and 951S as a track car just because as my skills increase, I can increase the performance of the 951. With a 968, it would require something drastic.
Raj

Jim Child

True, but its not that big of a deal to do an equivelant or better conversion. Its just front brakes, shocks and bars. If you're buying a 968 with 60K or more miles, you'll probably want to replace the shocks anyway unless the PO beat you to it.

Regarding the boost kick, believe it or not, I've had many non-Porsche people ask me if my 968 has a turbo. There's a very noticible kick at 4,500 rpms when the variocam comes on. Its not nearly as dramatic as the boost kicking in on a 951, but its still extremely fun to engage it.

LFA951

There's also a noticeable kick in a Honda V-TEC, still nothing compares to a turbo.........

Evan70

We had an Acura RSX Type, and the v-tech kick is nowhere close to the turbo on the 951. I think I've just gotten too acustomed to cars with 270+ rwhp, and nothing else will satisfy me now.

richard glickel.

With my black car I've had other drivers at the track accuse me of lying when I told them my engine and drivetrain were bone stock (the suspension on that car was modified to M030 spec with big reds up front). Drivers have asked if the 968 had an 8-cylinder engine . . . or, surely, a turbocharger? Many so-called PCA enthusiasts don't even recognize the (968) car.

With all due respect, you can drive a 968 at D.E.s for at least 5 years before your skills would merit a faster, more competent, track car.

I'm sure you can have a lot of fun with a 951, or for that matter, an early 911. I'd say buy the best example of a P-car you can get within your budget. I think Boxsters, which are plentiful and a relative bargain, will become the popular D.E. ride within the next couple of years.

Richard

cantal10

I regrettably sold my 95 968 coupe and was going to buy something other than a porsche but came across an 89 951 S. To tell you the truth I like the 968 alot more than the 951. Yes, when the turbo kicks in its a great feeling and really pulls, car handles great too. If I could go back in time I wouldn't have sold the 968. The styling IMO is far better than that of the 951. I always got asked if the 968 was a new model, with the 944 its an outdated looking 80's sports car. Overall the 968 is more refined, I'd take the 968....

ldt1

I test drove a 94, 968 hardtop a year ago and kick myself for not buying t for 10k.

CustomSolutions

How about both... I have a 968 with a full 951 engine/tranny swap. Nicely done. Let me know if you are interested.

sayporsha

Any pics? What issues were there in the conversion and how did you solve them? For example, intercooler placement/airflow, electric water pump for turbo, etc?

jlturpin

I miss my 951. My 968 is super nice, but I miss the Boost.

LFA951

There is no comparison, once the boost kicks in and the turbo starts whistling, the thrust, the exhiliration, nothing compares to that rush...nothing, it's like when you're taking off on an airplane and you feel the force push your lower back into the seat, pure acceleration, a natural high, you want more and more, only difference is, you're in control, what better drug than the one that has no negative side effects??