This is car related, despite the title it has nothing to do with my genitals.

Today I was trolling the caryards and happened upon a gorgeous, mint condition, stunningly beautiful guards red porsche 944, with the 5 speed, with the original wheels, the dead animal's fur upholstery, complete service history, even the original tyre - from the damn factory 24 years ago - on the spare wheel. It must have been resprayed yesterday because the paint was spot on, there was no rust, no moisture smells to betray leaks, nothing.

The clutch/gearbox were a bit heavier than what I was used to, and I've not owned a car without power steering for years, but all that would have been fine... except for one fact. The steering wheel is small, sits literally between your knees, level with your navel, and is non-adjustable. I've heard its a cheap work-around for converting a native LHD platform to RHD, but whatever happened, I couldn't get into it. I mean, I could sit in the seat and drive it (it was hella small inside and awkward to get into, but it was still really comfortable to sit in) but I couldn't be enthusiastic about it. It was one of those "meet your heroes" moments, and were it not for that damned wheel, and the fact that it wasn't quite as poky as I'd hoped, I would have bought it then and there, even if they did only give me 2k for the soupcar.

I wanted to love it, but in all honesty, I've driven hot hatches more fun - and a hell of a lot more responsive. Hence the pain in my balls.

Im not sure what you are experiencing with the steering column.

I have sat in a dozen various year 944s and despite being so low to the ground forcing a stoop/step/plop arse into cockpit, I found them very spacious inside, including my steering wheel accomodation.

Im 6' feet no inches tall and a good size belly depending on the time of year and had no problems. Can you take some pics of the steering column with you in it? Im just kinda curious.

I feel you pain with the awkwardness of getting in/out. The Corolla I'm learning has a very low down steering wheel making me go through a contortion act just to get in. And thats with the seat fully lowered and as far back as possible.

Anyway, its a shame that you didn't like the 944. I get the feeling it will be like that for me when I get into either a Corvette or 911. I love them now, which subconscious sets a very high bar.

thank god I'm a small person. that's all I can say

Whiiiii! Try getting into a Can-Am car!!:D:D

IMO it's hard getting into many sports cars but if once you are inside you are comfortable then there is no problem at all. There is a reason why the seat and steering wheel are so low.

BUT if you don't like the way it drives don't buy it.
Why would you waste your money?

the good thing is if its a pain in the ass to get in and out of, once in it you will keep driving just so you dont have the discomfort of getting out lol

^ Very interesting theory!

Interesting that you said it didnt seem as responsive as you would have thought. I have heard many times that the 944 has one of the best handling chassis ever (maybe I was being misinformed or too optimistic?) but in nay case, do you think that the suspension may have been worn out and that was the reason for the lack luster driving?

Either way, if you cant drive the car comfortably, then it would end up just sitting in your driveway.

^ I think he's talking responsive as in 'put your foot down and see how the engine reacts' responsiveness...

^ I think he's talking responsive as in 'put your foot down and see how the engine reacts' responsiveness...

Ahh, I see. I thought he might be talking about that as well.

What year and trim was the 944? The older ones only had something like 170hp I think (dont quote me on that), and if the engine had a lot of miles on it, it may just be worn out.

In my humble opinion the 944 is the greatest car Porsche has ever placed on the face of this earth, but they are definitely not for everyone.

Only the turbocharged and 3.0L S2s really pack a punch, so if you're looking to be surprised by the power in a regular model you're bound to disappointed. They can also be a PITA in terms of maintenance, and are a little tricky to get parts for without paying a bit of a premium.

Still, it's hard to find a better balanced car that can obliterate both road courses and autocross runs if they are really setup. :cool:

I modified the title, because "Pain in my balls" is neither really descriptive nor truly appropriate.

Interesting that you said it didnt seem as responsive as you would have thought. I have heard many times that the 944 has one of the best handling chassis ever (maybe I was being misinformed or too optimistic?) but in nay case, do you think that the suspension may have been worn out and that was the reason for the lack luster driving?

Either way, if you cant drive the car comfortably, then it would end up just sitting in your driveway.

The chassis was magic, the suspension was still taught and steering response made my cousin's FD3S look fat.

I was commenting on the lazy throttle. It was crap almost to the point of BMW sponginess.

What year and trim was the 944? The older ones only had something like 170hp I think (dont quote me on that), and if the engine had a lot of miles on it, it may just be worn out.

'94 model. 170hp sounds about it; I did some quick research and the stats aren't too bad - if anything it should give an MX5 a run for its money, but it just didnt feel that way.

In my humble opinion the 944 is the greatest car Porsche has ever placed on the face of this earth, but they are definitely not for everyone.

Only the turbocharged and 3.0L S2s really pack a punch, so if you're looking to be surprised by the power in a regular model you're bound to disappointed. They can also be a PITA in terms of maintenance, and are a little tricky to get parts for without paying a bit of a premium.

Still, it's hard to find a better balanced car that can obliterate both road courses and autocross runs if they are really setup. :cool:

I modified the title, because "Pain in my balls" is neither really descriptive nor truly appropriate.

The guy offered me a 12 month warranty. :(

VR6 is right - for all its brilliance it just wasn't comfortable to drive and would never have left the driveway.

That hasn't killed my hopes, though; I'm going to keep my eye out for an S2.

It's funny you found the comfort issue so offing.

For me the ergonomics in the 944 are about as good as it gets. I love a small steering wheel shoved into my lap, just like a formula car. My Corvette is the same way.

Look for a 951 (944 turbo), easier to modify over a S2 and a lot more fun.

Finding a 944 for sale that doesn't resemble a broken washing machine is like winning the lottery.

I seriously think the RHD was a cheap afterthought. Even if it isn't, it wouldn't bother me so much if there was power steering.

You know, if I was in your boots I'd be replying with comments such as "man up, you nancy" and "grow a pair", but the fact is I don't have room for two cars, nor do I have the patience to wrestle with the old school technology every day, be it on the way to class or coming home from work. If it was for a toy, I'd have bought it in a heartbeat, but it isn't.

I actually drove an 08 Fiesta XR4 the other day - its what Ford Aus calls the turbo model with racing stripes - and I had more fun than I did in the 944. That's where the inappropriate title came from, I just forgot to put it into the OP.

Dammit Rav, now you've got me interesting in 944s again. I just bought a new guitar, you can't go getting me all excited and spending my savings like this.

I gather that 944s are a bit more plentiful here in the US but they still hard to find in good condition.

(and I don't care bout the title, haha, just had to modify it a little)

Dammit Rav, now you've got me interesting in 944s again. I just bought a new guitar, you can't go getting me all excited and spending my savings like this.

I gather that 944s are a bit more plentiful here in the US but they still hard to find in good condition.

(and I don't care bout the title, haha, just had to modify it a little)

I thought the same thing when he first made this thread. I almost did some searches on the internet for 944s for sale in my area. My conscious broke through though and reminded me of my Cabby that needs finished.

The 944 is very comfortable to sit in...getting in can be a little problematic, but that's just because it's low. The number of times members of my family have hit their heads... :/
But we still love it, no matter how violent it gets :p

Hey Rav.....you do realize that the wheel height is adjustable in those, right?.......
You may be blowing off your dream car because you do not know how to do something as simple as a seat adjustment

I have had 2 porsches and I am 6' 4"....if I can fit, so can you

Hey Rav.....you do realize that the wheel height is adjustable in those, right?.......
You may be blowing off your dream car because you do not know how to do something as simple as a seat adjustment

I have had 2 porsches and I am 6' 4"....if I can fit, so can youI think the adjustment was killed when the steering wheel was moved to the wrong side of the car, but that was my first thought also.

Rav what's holding you back?

Get one dammit!

I've had a friend who goes through owning old Porsche's, the 944's are generally quite rusty though, but he always has at least one in his collection!

Chris.

I think the adjustment was killed when the steering wheel was moved to the wrong side of the car, but that was my first thought also.


We can at least tell him where to look....LOL

I still want a 928 more than a 944, but the lit5tle one is better for economy with the price of fuel today

I don't give much of a sh1t how hard it is to get in and out of a vehicle if it's comfortable when I'm in it and it drives well. But that's me..

My uncle is about 6 foot and 4 inches. He has a little bit of a gut. He couldn't fit in the newest model GTO. He told us no one over 5 foot and 7 inches could fit. He tried ajusting the seat... Negetive. No dice. Thats why he bought the Maruader.

Anyways, if you love it Rav go for it. If you can't fit in it that well... Eh, not my decsion... If you want it go for it. If you don't buy it 2,000K saved for you... Good luck on your decsion...:)

In my humble opinion the 944 is the greatest car Porsche has ever placed on the face of this earth, but they are definitely not for everyone.

Only the turbocharged and 3.0L S2s really pack a punch, so if you're looking to be surprised by the power in a regular model you're bound to disappointed. They can also be a PITA in terms of maintenance, and are a little tricky to get parts for without paying a bit of a premium.

Still, it's hard to find a better balanced car that can obliterate both road courses and autocross runs if they are really setup. :cool:

I modified the title, because "Pain in my balls" is neither really descriptive nor truly appropriate.

It also had a transaxle, didn't it? I agree, definantly one of the better porsches.

The dealer has posted an ad online:

http://carpoint.com.au/used-car/PORSCHE/944/Western%20Australia/csn5986972.aspx?State=WA


The steering column/source of agony

http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/dealer/carpoint/11301337.jpg

That's an aftermarket wheel.

Maybe you could change it back...?


And why the hell does a 944 have friggin' shag seat covers???

I'd hit it.

All of these cars have little quirks.. I think you'll grow to like it like Bosses.

You took 2k for the Supra?!? Do you have any pictures of it?

The 924/944 was designed for little people. You sat 2" off the floorpan (ala 914) with an eccentric steering wheel.

The 924/944 was built in an old bicycle factory in Necarsulm. The former used an adaptaion of the VW Rabbit(Golf) engine. The latter used half of a 928 engine. I can't speak for the front suspension; but the back of a 944 was the same geometry semi-trailing arms as a 924 with big wheel spacers and fat fenders.

They were slick designs intended to be low-budget. Yeah, right! A 944 auto trans drive plate (starter ring gear + rubber + center ) cost $950 a decade ago!!!


Like Harleys; real Porsches made in Zuffenhausen hold their value.

That's an aftermarket wheel.

Maybe you could change it back...?



Wouldn't make a difference.

And don't knock the "upholstery". I liked it, and so would the girlfriend ;)


I'd hit it.

All of these cars have little quirks.. I think you'll grow to like it like Bosses.

You took 2k for the Supra?!? Do you have any pictures of it?

Hell no, I'm not letting my soup car go for less than 4, 3 if there's a really good incentive.

There's a shot in one of the "your rides" threads, I'll see if I can find it in a sec.


They were slick designs intended to be low-budget. Yeah, right! A 944 auto trans drive plate (starter ring gear + rubber + center ) cost $950 a decade ago!!!


I understand they came out cheap in the first few years but the cost shot up by the mid eighties.

I checked out cost of parts, things like wheel bearings and timing belts - put it this way, 4 bearings and a belt would cost half as much as the car.

my wife just pointed out a 944 here on craigslist yesterday. he wanted $2,000 or best offer for it. he said he was moving and needed cash quick

why is the handbrake on the right hand side of the seat???

why is the handbrake on the right hand side of the seat???

Because that is where hand brakes belong. Shifters belong on the right side of the seat too, but some of the bass ackwards countries put them on the wrong side:D

Jaguar is the real pain. When they sent the XJS to the US, they put the steering wheel on the correct side, the shifter is where it belongs, but the hand brake is between the driver seat and the door.......It figures that the english had to screw up a good car somehow......LOL

They do it to keep the tranny tunnel clean, so there's space between seats. Aston martin does it too.

Hey, be glad they don't do those crappy lever hand brakes that you pull out from the dash.