Porsche 944 Series 2 Road Test

Released in 1976 and accompanied by an advertising campaign proclaiming ‘Porsche Rethinks the Sportscar’ – the release of the 924 had particular significance as it was the first Porsche to reach production with the engine up front.

Originally the 924 was designed by Porsche on behalf of Volkswagen but the project was shelved by VW execs due to financial concerns. This suited Porsche fine, as they needed something with which to supersede their aging 912 and 914 models. Eventually the rights to the 924 design were bought and Porsche released the car under its own badge.

While the chassis generally lived up to market expectations, the feeble engine ultimately let the 924 down. Even the introduction of a Turbo model part way into the 924’s lifecycle could not help flagging sales. Additionally, there was a general sense of apathy towards their new flagship GT, the 928. Released in 1977 to complement the 924, it was originally hoped this front-mounted 4.5 litre V8 coupe would replace a certain obsolescent rear-engined model with the numbers 911 on its tail.

Technologically advanced and eminently comfortable, the 928 devoured big distances, its futuristic design (highlighted by a famously curvaceous rear end) regarded by many as timeless. However the weight a V8 engine over the front axles upset the handling, making it more suited to being an autobahn cruiser than a pure driving machine.

It seemed Porsche were not able to produce a front-engined machine without issues, so after analysing the strengths and weaknesses of both 924 and 928, Porsche looked to develop a bespoke model that would sit between the two in price and performance; the 944.

Introduced to the world at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1981 with deliveries starting a year later, the 944 became the Porsche one could buy on a somewhat entry-level budget. The designers decided they were onto a good thing with the 924 styling, so in the traditional Porsche way of design, they left the majority of the exterior alone and only made some key refinements. In this sense the 944 can be seen as an of the 924’s ethos. To preserve the handling a smaller and lighter engine was required, but not at a detriment to performance. They installed a four-cylinder 2.5 litre engine that delivered the power in a package the chassis deserved. Over its model lifecycle, the 944 used various engine sizes ranging from 2.5 litres in the early 944 models to 3.0 litres in the later 944 Series 2’ range. During the mid eighties a Turbo model was introduced which boosted power levels and turned the 944 into a track weapon, while still maintaining the façade of a perfectly usable road car.

Harnessing the 944’s newfound engine power, sensible suspension and brake upgrades were a key compliment to the already outstanding chassis. The fundamental reason why the 944 is the pick of the three front engined models is its near perfect weight distribution, helped no doubt by its rear mounted gearbox in the tradition of many great sports cars. There was a choice between a 3-speed automatic or 5-speed manual gearbox, though the 5-speed was much better suited to a driver whom liked to test the chassis on occasions.

After six years of trying with the 924 and 928, Porsche had finally created a front-engined sports car that delivered on all fronts, without the hefty price tag.

Test case

The test car is a 1990 944 Series 2 model (944S2). An Australian delivered car, it is one of only 71 locally delivered 944S2’s from that year. Porsche produced nearly 10,000 S2’s from 1989 to 1991, with only 128 being delivered to Australia before the 968 took over. This is a rare and special example of the Porsche product circa 1990. Alongside the coupe there was also a Cabriolet model, though these were produced in even smaller numbers.

There is an air of excitement as I walk over to the white 944, idling smoothly. I take in its swoopy rear profile and spoiler, long bonnet and wide guards and realise this is a special day. Today is my first drive in a Porsche and also the day that hopefully confirms my belief that Porsche creates truly great sports cars.

Taken from the 944 Turbo, the smooth front bumper and rear valance give the 944S2 a purposeful yet tidy appearance. The wide rear tyres fill the pumped guards well – the 944 has a great set of hips on it which really define its appearance. Everything works with everything else on the exterior – it all fits together and flows both visually and functionally with precision. Opening the door and sliding into the fabric and leather driver’s seat, the precision continues. A mixture of leather, vinyl, fabric and plastic greet the driver. The flat dash oozes function-by-design, with air conditioning and stereo nestled in the centre console. The gauges are nice and clear, the speedo lets you know with a red mark when you are getting close to 60kmh (crawling speed!- ed) and the tacho signals it is all over at the 6,500 rpm redline. The gear knob for the 5-speed gearbox is minimal distance from the wheel and feels pleasant to hand. It is a nice place to be. Touches such as the handbrake on the right; placed low near the electric seat controls, create plenty of space for you left leg and let you know the designers have really thought about making the driver feel comfortable while maintaining the theme of ‘function by design.’

The seats are cosy with side leather and fabric in the middle. Bolsters for your rear-end and around your mid-section and shoulders yield a snug fit which is not only comfortable, but provides a reassuring feeling of being ‘anchored’ into the car. The driver and front passenger seats are electronically fully adjustable and sculpted leather bucket seats are added for the two rear passengers, though in reality this car is really a 2 seater unless you are prepared to compromise your driving position (or carry small passengers in the rear). Technically you could say it seats four, but would be better classed as a 2+2. Porsche could have compromised here by moving the rear seat back a little as the boot is quite large. The intrusion into the ample boot space would have been worth it, with the reward being the ability to seat four adults in comfort.

On the road

Put it in gear, squeeze the floor-mounted throttle and be transported into another world. The build quality is such that even after 18 years everything works and all components feel solid, letting you know that you can depend on them doing their job. At cruising speeds on residential roads it can feel like a normal road car, however you get the sense the 944 just wants to be opened up a little. In truth, the 944 really comes into its own when moving through the gears and using all its glorious rev range. Like a wild brumby, it conveys a feeling that it just wants to run free.

The floor-hinged pedals add a special feel to the driving experience, unmistakably different in feel to the top hinged pedals in most cars. The throttle pedal is quite heavy though once accustomed, the pedals feel natural and the initial heaviness of the throttle becomes a memory as familiarity grows.

The Series 2 was introduced in 1989 and is powered by a 155kw (211bhp) 3.0 litre water-cooled four cylinder with two overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. It is a tremendous engine. The performance was quoted as 0-100kmh 6.9 sec onto a top speed of 240kmh for the manual. Though I cannot confirm these figures, the 0-100kmh time would seem about right. The 3.0 litre four cylinder delivers effortless torque and a firm shove in the back under acceleration. A quick squirt from 2,000rpm in fourth gear really showed the engine’s class with almost linear, but relentless power delivery.

Put your foot down and “once you drop it into second gear it pulls beautifully,” according to fellow autisie Adam. The engine is so flexible up and down the rev range. The 944S2 transports you away from the harshness of some mass-produced inline sixes and clunky gearboxes, to a place where things are made with precision and low tolerance for error. The rear mounted gearbox provides an almost even weight distribution, yet gear changes can be slightly vague due to the lengthy linkage mechanism, producing a ‘notchy’ feel on occasion.

Complimenting the engine room is an equally capable chassis. Independent four wheel suspension with wishbones, suspension struts, stabilisers and longitudinal torsion spring bars up front while the rear is composed of diagonal control arms and transverse torsion bar springs, telescopic shock absorbers and stabilisers to create a package which is at ease on smooth and rough surfaces alike. The suspension is comfortably firm, yet it feels as though it is constantly working with you. At slow speeds it glides over any surface soaking up the bumps while maintaining excellent communication from all four wheels. The words balance and poise spring to mind.

Porsche have never had to search for answers when it comes to acceleration; nor have they needed to find answers to braking effectively. When the brakes are applied your previous speed simply ceases. While not aggressive, the braking power of the 944S2 must be respected: a highlight of the road test.

With a wheelbase of 2400mm and weighing 1,340kg, the 944S2’s handling can only be described as sublime. Steering is precise and quite communicative as it loads up through the bends; however around the dead centre the information flowing back becomes a little indistinct. The 944S2 is not an all out track-ready sports car so this steering feel is entirely acceptable.

During the test, road noise was minimal, though this comes as no surprise when you consider Porche’s world renowned build quality. There was notable absence of rattles or squeaks from the 18 year old 944. Mostly all you can hear is the hum of the engine and the subdued exhaust sound, until you open it up a little. Then the aural delight filters though to the cabin – though by no means is the exhaust intrusive. Perfect for a daily driven road car with its flexible engine, sublime handling and braking to match while maintaining a great look from the exterior, the 944 Series 2 can do it all.

With a good sized boot, comfortable seating for two occupants, a +2 option to make four occupants for short trips and well laid out interior; as a road car it ticks all the boxes. Equally, seeking out a country road it would transform itself into a beautifully balanced sports car for the driving enthusiast. It really lets you know who is in control and constantly re-assures that it is you who makes the decisions from the driver’s seat. There are no hidden surprises waiting to attack the unsuspecting. After two failed attempts, Porsche created a superb front-engined sports car, an everyday Porsche at an affordable price.

For those who are interested in this car, is currently for sale at Brooklands Classic Cars for $33,950. Our thanks go to the team at Brooklands Classic Cars for providing the test car and for their support.

© 2010 lautista.com.au.