PorscheG96

Gotta wonder if demand for the 968 and other 4 cyl/small engine volume Porsches will increase and cause the values to rise or if all gasoline vehicle values will fall as a result of higher prices at the pump...

PorscheDude1

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080521/...sed_small_cars

Damian in NJ

3 liters isn't exactly small-remember, it was the largest capacity 4 cylinder available . . . at that time.

RajDatta

This whole 4 cylinder thing can sometimes with a little misleading. My 325i, which is a 2.5 liter 6 cylinder gives better gas mileage than its 2.4 liter 4 cylinder japanese counterparts. 4 cylinder engines have to work harder to make the same power.
I did notice that people are more gentle with their throttle when they take off. I know I have changed by driving style to squeeze maximum gas mileage.
Raj

PorscheDude1

second largest.

RajDatta

Care to share what other production 4 cylinder engine is bigger?
Raj

PorscheDude1

I was waiting for someone to ask...

1961 and 62' Pontiac Tempest had 194.5 in³ (3.2 L) straight-4, marketed as the "Trophy 4"

PorscheDude1

There was also De Dietrich 4 cyl. 17,000 cc motor. But made in small production runs.

RajDatta

I guess Porsche was inaccurate then in claiming the 3.0 to be the largest production 4 cylinder engine.
Raj

PorscheDude1

German arrogance?

IIRC they claimed second largest.

PorscheDude1

Also the Model A Ford was built with a 3.3 liter straight-4

SpeedBump

I believe it still has the most torque for a naturally aspirated 4 cyl

PorscheDude1

IMHO, over the long haul I doubt it.
But I do expect to start seeing lots of bigger SUV's at give away rock bottom prices.
Perhaps americans will regrasp the station wagon as their first choice for a family truckster.

Todd951968

I tried saving gas in the 2.5l BMW by being gentle with the throttle.....it netted me less than 1 mpg. So, I'll probably go back to my normal brisk driving style.

I think inexpensive used 4 cylinder cars may go up in value a bit but cars like the 968 are luxery itmes , which people will proabably cut back on. This will probably offset the demand for a 4cly sports car. I get about 17 mpg in my 968 so its not all that impressive. On the cheaper end, say a early 90's Miata, you may see those go up.

Large SUV's are taking a big hit. I read their values have dropped more than 20% since January!

PorscheDude1

My driving habits have not changed due to gas prices.