240 vs 944

[Icepik240]

Here's the question: What do you think is the better way to spend $6k...

Option 1 is the 240 (s13) I already have. Needs minor exterior TLC, but otherwise mechanically sound. I would spend most of my time and money getting it "like new" (ie, fuel system, brakes, coilover conversion, urethane suspention bushings etc. etc...basically, everything you you would want in a 240 minus an SR or KA-T. Right now I'm very unsure on what route to take on the engine...

Option 2 is a 1986-1989 Porsche 944. Turbo would be nice, but keep in mind I'm trying to stay under the 6k mark. The car is in good shape mechanically, but IS 17 years old.

What way would you guys go with on this one? This is going to be a daily driver for the next year or two, then who knows. Ease and cost of maintainence matters. Parts availibility and upgrades matters as well.240 vs 944

[Phax]

...What way would you guys go with on this one? This is going to be a daily driver for the next year or two, then who knows. Ease and cost of maintainence matters. Parts availibility and upgrades matters as well.

The 240SX will be less of a headache. The 944 is a bit more pimp, simply because it is a Porsche. Personally, I'd keep the 240SX and do what you've mentioned, with getting it into tip top shape.

[cosmo]

. Ease and cost of maintainence matters.

Well then, forget the Porsche

[Bubba1]

If you're on a budget, stay away from the Porsche. Repair costs will shock you. S-13 is a bargain in comparison.

[[Zero-S]]

Seems like the general consensus is *against* the porsche, so I'll go with the porsche. Dude I've been looking for a 944 for a while now, and I let one get past me that I really liked (test drove it too...wow). You'll end up kickin yourself in the azz

[Bubba1]

You'll kick yourself in the azz for buying one when you see how much it costs to repair them. You can buy them cheaply, but that's the cheapest part. I suggest talking to a couple 944 owners (and not ones that are trying to sell theirs) . Might give you a better perspective as to what's involved.

[Rockenreno]

My dad has a 1981 Porsche 911 SC Targa and the repair costs are enormous. He's spent more fixing the car than he paid for it in the first place by a long shot.

[SeVa-S13]

944s are by far some of the pimpest cars on the road, despite their interior. =\ But they are not excatly easy on yer bank account when something blows up, and it will.

[Icepik240]

Thanks for the feedback all

[nametakennow]

Oh yes, repair costs will be a slaughterhouse. When I first saw the name of this thread I was reminded, quite embarrassingly, of the last time a 240 and a 944 were involved in a thread with "vs" in it...

[Spectre]

I looked at 944s before I bought my 240...no way. Repair costs are unreal with those and you can bet they're not as reliable as a 240. Screw vanity and go with reliability. The money you'd save from repairs on the Porsche would probably let you mod your 240 enough to make up the performance difference.

[MaineExport]

The money you'd save from repairs on the Porsche would probably let you mod your 240 enough to make up the performance difference.

That won't take much. The stock handling of the 944 is amongst the worst Porsche has ever put out. It is no better than a stock 240sx in good shape. Although, there is certainly more potential for the Porsche.... but at a price that would far exceed building up the 240's suspension.

As for HP... the base model 944 is only about 10hp better than the KA. The Porsche is also havier I would imagine (I honestly have no idea though). BUT... the turbo 944 is one sick biotch! There is a middle-of-the-line engine as well I believe that is just under 200hp I think. I used to know allthe numbers but it's been many years since I've paid any attention to Porsche.

I'd say go with the Porsche IF you can afford the repair expense on a regular basis, but only if you go with the turbo model. The base model is only SLIGHTLY better than a 240. The two cars are very similar in a lot of ways.

[SeVa-S13]

Through it's years of production, the 944 has seen a few different hp ratings in NA form, both a little lower and higher than the stock KA. Turbos 0wn us though. But the funny thing about the 944s is how alike they are to the S13s, about the same weight, same power, similar looks, even the same fuel capacity. Odd 944 Quirk - The Transmission is in the rear of the vehicle for better weight distribution.

[MasterMan]

the turbo 944 is an awsome car, my friend owned one and man, it was hella fast.. he had some stuff done to it tho (remember the misjif movie the second one, the TT porsche) well he got his chip from that guy.. makes a big diffrence.. BUT he payed so much in repairs on that car.. one week it would be 100$, next week it would be 600$, and so on, till he just couldnt pay for it and he sold it.. not that his car was a bad one, thats how all older cars are.. they brake... so stick with the 240, might not be as bling or fast, but they are still fun

[gsr778]

Being a porsche owner and a nissan lover i couldnt vote. But let me tell you something. When you buy a porsche have just the same amount of money you paid for it in savings for repairs. Since a porsche 944 is a front engine rear transmision car it has amazing handling charecteristics when there is suspension work done. It is possible though to get a 240 to out handle a porsche and at only a fraction of the cost to. So from a current porsche owner and nissan lover to a proscpective porsche owner and nissan lover/owner. GET A 240!!! Unless your only interested in getting looks, prestige and money is not a concern then get the porsche.

[toki]

uhm.

1988-1898 944 Turbo S (the 89 dropped the S, but still carried over the beefed up suspension and turbo)

250 hp and tq, 4 piston calipers, adjustable struts, all standard. The 88s/89 turbo are both great cars. I am very much considering one for my next car. Next step is just to actually find one to drive out here.