What is your view of an early 928, as a 968 owner?
09-12-2016, 05:08 PM
#1
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What is your view of an early 928, as a 968 owner?
I've owned my 968 for a few years and it's not leaving the garage.
I've always loved the 928's design, especially the early years. I'm guessing some of you have experience with this model.
Would it be crazy talk to put one in the garage? It would be a 3rd/4th vehicle. Driven once a week on one hour road trips out of town.
David
I've always loved the 928's design, especially the early years. I'm guessing some of you have experience with this model.
Would it be crazy talk to put one in the garage? It would be a 3rd/4th vehicle. Driven once a week on one hour road trips out of town.
David
09-12-2016, 07:10 PM
#3
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I love them too. But in the end, the 928 sent me to the 968. I loved the style of the 928 but when I drove a couple back in the early nineties I was not impressed. Too big, not agile. It was a disappointment. But then the 968 came out. IMHO, the great looks of the 928 with the handling attributes+ of the 944 turbo. One test drive and I was sold. 968s ever since.....
09-12-2016, 08:49 PM
#4
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The very early 928s are interference free engines (78/79 IIRC) and are often referred to affectionately as the 'old buggers' by the 928 crowd.
If you are adverse to Automatics - keep in mind that the majority of 928s are not 5 speeds. Keep in mind that 928s are not known to be as nimble - but they are great touring cars. A 12 hour ride in the 928 is a very enjoyable event. Unfortunately, there was never a factory Cabriolet version released although from time to time a decent conversion shows up for sale. Another notable model is the Weissach edition (1982 only) in which only 215 models were made and sold in the US. Each came with a set of matching luggage.
The Euro models (up to 85) are the more desired if you want a little extra 'kick in the pants'. The S4 and later year models have the same (or slightly better) power output. as the Euro models. Stroker motors and supercharging have both been done with admirable results. There are a couple of specific parts suppliers for the 928 and 928 Internationalis a great source for used parts in addition to new parts. The owner of 928 International races a 928 with a 6.5L stroker motor giving the 911 crowd a serious run for their money with the higher power and 50/50 weight distribution.
The 928 crowd is very lively here on Rennlist - likely the most active site for 928 owners. There are a number of very knowledgeable folks that are quick to offer tips when you reach out looking for some assistance. There are a number of 928 get-togethers as well each year with one of the most popular is the Sharks in the Mountains event held in June.
One thing to note in addition to the above is the fact that the 928 was a 'clean sheet' build. A lot of electrical components (the rumor is that over a mile of wiring in each 928 - never measured it myself). Not readily embraced by the 911 crowd, the 928 was originally meant to replace the air cooled models as Porsche could no longer wring out much more power from the air engines and still comply with ever increasing US and European emission standards.
It was due to 928 Ownership that I managed to find Rennlist back in 1999 when it was still an email list.
If you are adverse to Automatics - keep in mind that the majority of 928s are not 5 speeds. Keep in mind that 928s are not known to be as nimble - but they are great touring cars. A 12 hour ride in the 928 is a very enjoyable event. Unfortunately, there was never a factory Cabriolet version released although from time to time a decent conversion shows up for sale. Another notable model is the Weissach edition (1982 only) in which only 215 models were made and sold in the US. Each came with a set of matching luggage.
The Euro models (up to 85) are the more desired if you want a little extra 'kick in the pants'. The S4 and later year models have the same (or slightly better) power output. as the Euro models. Stroker motors and supercharging have both been done with admirable results. There are a couple of specific parts suppliers for the 928 and 928 Internationalis a great source for used parts in addition to new parts. The owner of 928 International races a 928 with a 6.5L stroker motor giving the 911 crowd a serious run for their money with the higher power and 50/50 weight distribution.
The 928 crowd is very lively here on Rennlist - likely the most active site for 928 owners. There are a number of very knowledgeable folks that are quick to offer tips when you reach out looking for some assistance. There are a number of 928 get-togethers as well each year with one of the most popular is the Sharks in the Mountains event held in June.
One thing to note in addition to the above is the fact that the 928 was a 'clean sheet' build. A lot of electrical components (the rumor is that over a mile of wiring in each 928 - never measured it myself). Not readily embraced by the 911 crowd, the 928 was originally meant to replace the air cooled models as Porsche could no longer wring out much more power from the air engines and still comply with ever increasing US and European emission standards.
It was due to 928 Ownership that I managed to find Rennlist back in 1999 when it was still an email list.
09-12-2016, 11:27 PM
#5
I have owned three early 928'S, 1980 Euro sold, 1978 Euro sold,and now own a 1978 US 928, all of them were and are manuals, I have to disagree about them being not nimble, all of mine handled like they were on rails, Never hesitated letting up in any corner. Of course I was on great tires and updated front and rear suspension. The Euros had great power, I also loved the old dog legged 5 Speed Manual. The early ones were much lighter and more nimble, you can really throw them around. Just my opinion and experience wit them. I also love the 968 and thats the next one going in my Barn. Has to be a Coupe and a rare color though. Best Regards LongRunner
09-13-2016, 09:38 AM
#6
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This is off topic, but if you are looking to add another Porsche to your stable, you should really consider a 996. They are incredible machines that have tons of power, super comfortable, AC that works incredibly well, and are highly reliable. If you get a 99, it has the dual row IMSB and is the cheapest of the bunch. You could buy probably for the same cost as a sorted 928.
Food for thought....now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Food for thought....now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
09-13-2016, 01:30 PM
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Another thought on the 996 option....IIRC the 2001 Turbo models are basically the same drive train as the 959. All wheel drive, turbo and damn near bullet proof from what I understand.
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09-13-2016, 04:42 PM
#8
Correction, the early 928's are non-interference.
Next, what years do you consider early? I own a 1984 928S (4.7L L-Jetronic 5-speed) and a 1994 968 (6-speed)
My 968 is not stock in that the previous owner modified the suspension with Koni's, various braces, M030 sway bars and added an RS Barn chip, exhasut, modified the airbox, and installed Carrera III wheels. The 928 is mostly stock except for Panamera wheels and Bilstein shocks.
They are both great cars but in different ways. The 968 is certainly lighter and feels more responsive suspension-wise but is harsher and noisier. Although it revs easily, the engine/exhaust sound doesn't hold a candle to the 928's V8.
The 928 feels more solidly built and is more comfortable and quieter inside. The 5-speed linkage is not as slick, but the clutch is much more progressive than in the 968. Handling is very good, I assume the 50-50 weight distribution has something to do with it.
The one thing that distinguishes the 928 for me is the V8 torque. Although the two cars have similar horsepower ratings, when accelerating the 928 has a "hand of god" shove in your back that the 968 cannot equal. Punch the throttle in third gear and you'll be going scary fast almost instantly. I can't imagine what it's like in the later S4 and GTS models.
Hugo
Next, what years do you consider early? I own a 1984 928S (4.7L L-Jetronic 5-speed) and a 1994 968 (6-speed)
My 968 is not stock in that the previous owner modified the suspension with Koni's, various braces, M030 sway bars and added an RS Barn chip, exhasut, modified the airbox, and installed Carrera III wheels. The 928 is mostly stock except for Panamera wheels and Bilstein shocks.
They are both great cars but in different ways. The 968 is certainly lighter and feels more responsive suspension-wise but is harsher and noisier. Although it revs easily, the engine/exhaust sound doesn't hold a candle to the 928's V8.
The 928 feels more solidly built and is more comfortable and quieter inside. The 5-speed linkage is not as slick, but the clutch is much more progressive than in the 968. Handling is very good, I assume the 50-50 weight distribution has something to do with it.
The one thing that distinguishes the 928 for me is the V8 torque. Although the two cars have similar horsepower ratings, when accelerating the 928 has a "hand of god" shove in your back that the 968 cannot equal. Punch the throttle in third gear and you'll be going scary fast almost instantly. I can't imagine what it's like in the later S4 and GTS models.
Hugo