1983 Porsche 944

The Porsche 944, built from 1982 through 1991, was one of Porsche's most successful models ever, with sales exceeding 160,000 units. Its front-engine design and rear-wheel-drive layout with rear transaxle offered near-perfect weight distribution and a top speed approaching 150 mph. It impressed the buying public and media alike, with Car and Driver naming it one of their 10 Best in 1983. In comparison to the 924 in replaced, the 944 was faster, had better-stopping power, and was far better equipped. It offered the Porsche enthusiast community a tremendous sports car value and a viable alternative to the rear-engine 911.

The styling was similar to its predecessor, the 924, although it wore a unique front nose and modified rear end, along with wider fenders to accommodate wider tires. The 151.3 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine produced approximately 30 (SAE) horsepower more than the 121.1 CID four powering the 924, with similar power output to the 924 Turbo equipped with a KKK turbocharger. The 924 used disc brakes in the front and drums at the rear, while the 944 came equipped with disc brakes at all four corners. The 1982 Porsche 924 was priced at $16,770 with the naturally aspirated engine and $20,875 for the Turbo, while the 1983 Porsche 944 was priced in between them, at just under $19,000.

1983 Porsche 944
The 944 was powered by a Porsche-built engine (rather than the Volkswagen/Audi-based four that had been found in the 924 series) that displaced 151.3 cubic-inches and developed 143 SAE horsepower. The engine was a five-main bearing unit fitted with a Bosch LE-Jetronic fuel injection system and used dual balance shafts to minimizing vibration. The engine was backed by a standard five-speed manual gearbox or an optional three-speed automatic.

Pricing for the 2+2 Coupe was $18,980, a bargain considering its 911SC sibling was priced from $29,950 to $34,450, and the range-topping 928S with V8 power listed for $43,000.

Further refinements followed in 1985, including a new dash, upgraded alternator, cast alloy control arms, and larger fuel tank. A turbocharged version (also known as the 951) brought horsepower to 217 (SAE net) hp. More than just a regular 944 with a turbo slapped on, Porsche thoroughly upgraded the machine to cope with the added power and heat from the engine, using different front and rear spoilers, an underbody spoiler, rear skirts, oil and gearbox coolers, intercooler, a strengthened engine, retuned suspension, and big Brembo brakes straight from the 911 parts bin.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012