Porsche 944 vs Porsche 944 turbo starter track car
#17
Rennlist Member
Yep, unless you have deep pockets to build a powerful and reliable turbo, you're better off on the n/a route. Of course you could also look to buy one that is already built and sorted but the consumables as have been mentioned, will be more expensive. In terms of driver satisfaction, I find the turbo a lot more fun but that's because you can beat GT3's not just early 911s. Budget is the main factor.
#19
Rennlist Member
I would recommend a 944 N/A...when you're first learning, at most tracks a 944 N/A will be just about as fast as a turbo - the difference between the 2 in a lower DE run group would be basically the driver's ability to push the car towards its limits.
Either car would be a blast on track though
Either car would be a blast on track though
#20
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Even though Skip Barber can teach you the basics, I'd suggest you start with DEs at your local tracks in your own car. Hire a good coach and do some data aquisition and analysis. You'll be able to compare your lap times to actual race results and will have a good feel where you stand before your first race.
#21
I own both a 944 turbo and 944 na cup car. I havent driven the turbo in 2 years and dont miss it. I have never had so much fun making a slow car go fast. Oh yea and the competion in this class is awesome.
You want to be a great driver, then get a NA. Learning to keep up the momentum and forget about that brake pedel thats where its at...............
You want to be a great driver, then get a NA. Learning to keep up the momentum and forget about that brake pedel thats where its at...............
#22
Get a 911.... Seriously had a turbo and would not go there again. I spent a lot of money on it and pretty much everything was new but still had lots of issues. I also did not like the turbo driving style as much, granted the boost is fun but there is some lag and predicting for it ahead is just one thing i dont miss. To be fair a NA I think is a safer option but the turbo IMHO is not worth the hassle. I got my 911 and never looked back..... Best thing I ever did
#23
Drifting
The only problem with the 911 is the engine's in the wrong place, the rear......and there's to much interior space. I like the claustrophobic feel of the 944-968's.
#24
Drifting
Hey DanR -- tried to PM you -- your mailbox is full!
Hey Dan
Saw your post that you had a 951 and had issues despite
things being new.
I'm moving to a 951 for a drive to track car and DE/track queen.
I've got a 924S for Chumps Races and that is what I am most used to.
I've already got the 951, but I'm in prep for track mode.
What issues did you have so that I can at least be prepared.
I already know about oiling issues and have already addressed those (crankscraper, pickup, baffle, 2nd oil cooler)
thanks,
mike
Hey Dan
Saw your post that you had a 951 and had issues despite
things being new.
I'm moving to a 951 for a drive to track car and DE/track queen.
I've got a 924S for Chumps Races and that is what I am most used to.
I've already got the 951, but I'm in prep for track mode.
What issues did you have so that I can at least be prepared.
I already know about oiling issues and have already addressed those (crankscraper, pickup, baffle, 2nd oil cooler)
thanks,
mike
#25
Rennlist Member
968 and 944s2 are pretty comparable. The 968 is newer but many of the components are the same like the suspension, brakes and basic shape/frame. The s2 has a 5 speed with several different choices of gears and final drive ratio. The 968 is a 6 speed with no real choice in gears or final drive unless you spend 5k on custom gears or ring/pinion. The engines put out similar HP with the 968 being a little higher but the S2 is a little lighter car.
#26
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
If I were making the decision today, I'd skip either of the two for the OP and go the spec Miata route. Cheap, lots or cars and competition and will teach you to be a better driver.
#27
Rennlist Member
Agree with Tom, go the miata route if on a limited budget. NA 944 is not much quicker. Turbos maybe more expensive to run but they are also a lot of fun.
#28
Advanced
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Ft Myers, FL
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So now I am considering either a 944 S2 or a Miata. The Miata would be great just to start tracking and developing my driving skill then I could get a feel for how much expense is actually going to this hobby. I feel as if I got a 944 the parts/maintenance would be more expensive and less avail. However, I would much rather be driving a 944 than a Miata down the track...
#29
Rennlist Member
968 is a great car. Parts are expensive vs the 944.
Can get you 60% off the Bondurant schools if you can fly out to Phoenix.
You can buy a well prepared track ready 944 NA 2.5L for under $8500. The 944 Cup has a South Chapter which has several events in Florida ( http://www.44cup.com/south). Also, Cup Nationals likely to be at Daytona in 2013.
Consider how much competition you will have when selecting a 944 to race in your area. Bunch more 944 NA 2.5L 8V to race against then the Turbo or 3L 16V. In Florida, bunch more for Cup 944's (http://www.44cup.com/south-standings) vs just 944 Spec.
Consider how much competition you will have when selecting a 944 to race in your area. Bunch more 944 NA 2.5L 8V to race against then the Turbo or 3L 16V. In Florida, bunch more for Cup 944's (http://www.44cup.com/south-standings) vs just 944 Spec.
Last edited by 944Cup; 07-21-2012 at 11:55 AM.
#30
Drifting
fit a few go fast parts in there and still be valued sub-$500.
But our team are mostly newb's, so value really is irrelevant
as its all about track time and having fun.
m