H2

Is it true that the only two really significant differences between the later S2 and the 968 is that the 968 has a totally sexy body and Variocam? And maybe a better trans? I love the 968 body. For me, that and its handling were the two major selling points for me. And, oddly, I like the 968 headlights better too.

That said, I still think the perfect sports car would be a 968 with a reliable turbo or supercharger. You'd have it all then....exotic looks, wonderful handling, great comfort, and LOTS of power. The 951 remains a popular car. Just imagine what a bunch of factory turbos would be selling for today if they'd made them in 951 numbers!

Harvey

Lord_Galva

Seriously, I don't know why they only made 15 968 Turbo's. I think it had something to do with the marketplace during that time period. Probably why they also dropped the 928 at the same time. The Boxter was inevitible and was designed to replace the 968 as the bottom rung Porsche. Any way, back to the S2 (correct me if I'm wrong) it didn't have the MO30 package or LSD avalible.

thingo

I think the 968 has a lot of changes from the 944, it's not just the body it is the chassis that is different, if they had of changed the interior people would've realised as soon as they went around the block.They changed the floor but left the dash!

333pg333

Well I'll bite. I think that is pretty much the difference between the 944s and the 968. Some say that the 968 has a stiffer chassis, but I've yet to see that confirmed. I have actually always thought that the 944/51 has better lines than the 968. Both have their good and bad angles but from side on the 951 has more curves and the 968 is too straight. The 951's rear quarter windows sit on a 'hip' which gives them a more attractive curve. The rear section on the 968 is better if only because of the more modern molded lights, but viewed from front on 3/4 angle looking up the car, the 951's wheel arches look waaaay better than the 968 and the sealed lights tend to look neater, or better still the 924 Carrera Gtr's clear lens type. The rear glass hatch on both can look a bit bulbous although it does offer more room inside than if it were flatter like an Rx7.
My 0.02 cents.

H2

Interesting comments. I don't know much about the 944 except the 951ers are a zealous group with a lot of model allegiance. Porsche lit says that the 968 has about 86% new parts. It doesn't look that way, offhand, however I guess we'll find out as we buy parts that are 968 specific.

Harvey

biotechee

I think there were a few reasons why the 968 was tanked, both in regular form and in TS form...

1) Production costs were outrageous for the "intended" market segment. Couple this with the impending launch of the Boxster, and voila! You now have a vehicle which is cheaper to build, sells for less, and will appeal to a "better" market segment... "Better" in that the segment is bigger and typically more willing to part with their money for a toy. It's a winning combo.

2) The performance of the TS was damn near as good as or possibly even better than the 911 (don't remember performance #'s, but I think it was close). Given the platform (superior handling dynamics) and potential for tuning, I think the old guard got a little nervous. The 911 is king in the Porsche camp- whether you believe it or not, it is the case. Just look at how much they held back on the Cayman!! A mid engined platform with an only minutely more powerful engine than the Boxster? Come on! It's all about marketing my friends!

3) Future plans for the SUV market may have also come into play as well, although that may be a stretch. Personally, I think entering the SUV market was a mistake, but it appears to have worked for Porsche. I still think the Cayenne looks like the bastard offspring of a 996 and a Pontiac Aztec... Anyone care to front the money for some DNA testing?

4) More marketing: In my opinion, the marketing folks at Porsche were looking to get away from the 4 cyl waterpumper. They were trying to tap into a bunch of new market segments (SUV, dedicated 2 seat convertable, etc.) for which the venerable 924/944/968 platform just didn't fit. The mark comes down to the 911 and the supporting product lines. It was time for some new supporting product lines... which they created and brought to market. This allowed them to further the 911 lineage and become the most profitable car company in the world. Good for Porsche, the folks who fit into the new market segments, and the tried and true 911 fans. Bad for the folks who like the 924/944/968 product.

I think, from a corporate standpoint, they did the right thing. They embraced change (although not company wide - they kept the 911) and they used it to excel. I also think it was smart to keep the 911, in some shape or form. I think only the Corvette has a longer tenure in the sports car world, and they are just as crazy about their cars as the 911 guys.

It is sad to see such a wonderful car (968) discontinued, but then that just adds more personal value to the ones we do have. I am very personally interested to see what Porsche does over the next few years... I love the Cayman as well as the Boxtser- I think they are awesome vehicles and would love to have either. I think they did a great job in revamping the 911 into the 997 because I personally thought the 996 was an atrocity. The Cayenne- hate it. The Panamerica? Are you kidding me? Don't bother.

My only true problem- I'm not wealthy enough to own all the Porsches I want!

Just a humble opinion from a current 968 owner / former 944 and 944S2 owner who wants desparately to own a 968TS and a 993RS...

H2

Good points, Biotechee,

While I'm not a fan of the Pepper Van, it did sell 150,000 units (though dropping rapidly in popularity now). At those prices, and the profit margin on the equally successful Boxster, Porsche made a wad of money, even if they did appear to wander from the old path. However, that said, I'm waiting for the Panamera and the various spinoffs to come from that. It'll be a 928 front pumper warmed over. Maybe if the gas prices continue like they are, they'll even consider another 4 cylinder? Stranger things have happened.

From a marketing/profit standpoint, Porsche is uneaqualled in the transportation world...and I think that might even include Harley-Davidson?

Harvey

Jason Judd

I agree about the best combination being a 968 that's turbocharged.

Jason

rmdsolutions

The S2's did have the M030 as well as LSD available.

Lord_Galva

Don't kill the Panamera idea before it even get goin. They were originaly going to make the Pana back in the 80's. The Pana WILL bring back the 928 but wheather or not it's as good as the old 928 we will have to see. I'm looking forward to the Panamera TurboS.

pops968

Great Idea.. how about adding a turbo to the 968. Would cost be prohibitive? I guess so everyone would be doing it except for the purist. Heh?

Jason Judd

how about adding a turbo to the 968. Would cost be prohibitive?
____________________

Don't even THINK of asking me how cost prohibitive! Doesn't mean we don't do it, though.

Jason

333pg333

Biotechee, don't forget that the front engined, water cooled engines were meant to in fact phase out the 911. It was only public backlash that saved the rear engined cars. The front engined cars are a better design and far easier to work on mechanically. Just ask your mechanic? I love the 911 and most of it's variants and I'm glad they didn't phase it out but when the owners of the 993s, 996s, 997s etc tell me to get a real Porsche, that's when I think, just you guys wait until the track!