Year / Model Reviewed: 1991 Porsche 944S2 Cabriolet
Summary: Three years ago, I was looking to buy a used Mustang convertable, mainly because at 6'3" tall, I don't fit into a lot of smaller sports cars. After test driving a few Ponys, I remarked to a friend that I really wished Porsche had made a convertable 944, because that was what I really wanted (I had no idea at the time that they had).
That very day, I saw a '91 944S2 Cabrio with 99K miles on a lot at a local used car dealer. "Fate" I said, and after a 30-minute, white-knuckle test drive, it didn't take much of a sales pitch to agree on a price, hand over the cash, and drive it off the lot.
The car had been "well-used", and it does (still) require a lot of minor maintenance, most of which I have learned to do myself because of the cost. But the body, undercarriage, and motor are in top shape for a car this age. And it is a blast to drive. It handles amazingly well, and the 3.0L 4-cyl engine provides enough power to make it fun, but not too much power to get into trouble.
Like most front-engine sports cars, it has a noticible understeer, which again helps keep one out of trouble at the expense of a little nimbleness (unlike it's rear-engine Carrera cousins).
And as other reviewers have pointed out: even at 16-years-old, it's styling sure turns a lot of heads! (A lot more than would have turned for that Mustang!) Given that this car can be had for under $12000 for one in excellent condition, I can't think of a better buy for the sports car enthusiast on a budget.
Strengths: Styling, reliability, performance, value
Weaknesses: Some low-quality interior components. Complex and tight quarters in the engine compartment make repairs/maintenance difficult. Expensive replacement parts.
Similar Products Used: 1973 MGB GT, 1985 Toyota Celica GT convertible, 2001 Volvo C70 HT Convertible
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Summary: Bought car July 2005 with 195k miles. Obviously not taken care of in the past 5yrs but ran the hell out of it anyway. 15k miles later it still runs like a top. did a few check ups and minor work to keep up with maintenance as you should. All in all this car has seriously impressed me as it has taken redlines multiple times and high revs every day with no hint at any problems whatsoever. Those Germans really knew what they were doing. The 924 does what the 944 but the 944 styling is quite a bit more attractive with the flared fenders and smoother contoured interior. I plan on attaining one very soon.
Strengths: Easy to drive, corners perfectly. rear wheel drive is always fun compared to most cars that are fwd. ITS A PORSCHE!! who doesnt raise their eyebrows when they hear that? And of course ,that grin that you get when someone next to you wants to race, oh yeah!
Weaknesses: although they are cheap to attain, repairs are a little more costly than say a chevy or ford,but keep in mind that this car is a bullet proof vest to a bb gun
Similar Products Used: nothing can really compare.
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Summary: porsche 944's are nice cars and have great styling and performance. go with the turbo if you want real power
Strengths: nice body style, handeling,performance,rwd, removable sun roof!, hatch with plenty of room, small back seats( no rides!) pop up headlights, its a porsche so people automatically think its worth 20000, easy to work on, nice interior, low profile, good mpg
Weaknesses: repair! be prepared to spend a lot cause something is always going wrong. you can save a lot by ordering the parts off the internet and installing them yourself. Its old, not extremely fast unless its a turbo, no afermarket stuff!,hard to find parts and thier expensive!(go on ebay for best deals)
Year / Model Reviewed: 1991 Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet
Summary: Great ride, totally unique styling. The best thing about this car is its handling; have never driven anything that has outhandled this car, and I used to be a valet driver, so I've driven the best. It's like driving a sports car while dreaming; the degree of subtle handling capable with the 944 is unmatched.
When I replaced the stock chip with one designed by Steve Rossokov, she really woke up though. Not just in terms of HP increase (estimated 10 to 15), but also in basic driveability, engine warmth and response, and fuel mixture. It's as if the chip allowed the car to function as she were truly, originally meant to, instead of being imposed with some foreign limitation.
I've got the Cabriolet, and while I wasn't looking for this when I was shopping for a 944, now I love the option of going topless. Living in Southern California, there are many opportunities to enjoy this, if one is willing to give up a degree of privacy.
On a scale of 1 to 10 of user satisfaction, I'd definitely score her a 10, without exaggeration. It's one of the rare times when user expectation actually met or surpassed practical application. This includes categories of styling, which is just drop-dead sexy (mine is black), handling (unsurpassed), uniqueness (have only seen 1 other in L.A. so far), performance (not a turbo, but I don't need the tickets anyway, and I'm not racing her on a track), and mystique.
This is the most exciting vehicle I've owned since my 1992 Suzuki GSX-R 1100; but then again, I've a greater chance of survival with the Porsche.
Strengths: Handling, performance, uniqueness, design/styling, 50/50 weight balance, quiet cockpit even with convertible top, well-designed interior - nothing gaudy or fancy or unnecessary, rigid frame
Weaknesses: Tends to run hot, have to be careful in summer months; am considering a cooling system overhaul/rebuild; labor is pretty expensive (e.g. new Sachs clutch, $1650), the audio system is really pretty horrible, am going to do something about it as soon as I can afford to
Similar Products Used: nada
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