1987 Porsche 944

Porsche produced the 944 from 1982 to 1991 and was an evolution of the preceding 924 model. The 944 luxury sports car came with a more powerful Porsche-designed all-alloy 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 163 horsepower. The smooth running unit utilized two counter-rotating balance shafts running at twice engine speed. They carried eccentric weights that produced inertial forces balancing out the unbalanced secondary forces, resulting in smooth operation.

The revised bodywork had wider wheel arches that were similar to that of the 924 Carrera GT. The interior was fresh and modern and upgrades continued to the suspension and braking system. Performance, handling, creature comforts, stopping power, and visual presence were greatly improved over its predecessor.

A newly positioned rear transaxle along with a front-mounted engine resulted in excellent front and rear weight bias. This configuration allowed understeer, depending on the skill of the driver, to be transformed into oversteer progressively though accurate throttle control. The power steering had full power assistance at low speed, gradually decreasing as the speed increases, solving the steering vagueness at high speeds of the prior model.

Between 1982 and 1989, the 'S1' cars were equipped with 2.5 and 2.7 liter engines. Between 1989 and 1991, the 'S2' cars were powered by 3.0-liter engines. In mid-1985, the 944 received its first significant changes, including new door panels and dash, upgraded alternator, increased oil sump capacity, embedded radio antenna, larger fuel tank, new front & rear cast alloy control and semi-trailing arms, Porsche HiFi sound system, optional heated and powered seats, and revisions in the mounting of the transaxle to reduce noise and vibration. The 'cookie cutter' style wheels were upgraded to new 'phone dial' style units.

1987 Porsche 944

The 944 Motoronic DME (digital engine control unit) was updated for 1987, air-bags became standard as did a newly incorporated anti-lock braking system.

The Porsche 944 was powered by a water-cooled, overhead-cam four-cylinder engine that displaced 151.3 cubic-inches and produced 147 SAE horsepower. The 944S version had a 16-valve engine that offered 188 SAE horsepower. With this engine, the car was capable of achieving a top speed of 142 mph. A turbocharged engine was also available, offering 217 SAE horsepower.

The 944 could be purchased with a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic. Disc brakes could be found in both the front and rear.

The 944 was available as a coupe with 2+2 seating. Pricing ranged from $25,500 - $33,250 depending on the engine selected.

Porsche sold 23,632 vehicles in the United States in 1987, with that figure falling to 15,737 the following year.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2011