1st gen 86 vs. Porsche 944
 

Just like the title says. Not a 944 S or Turbo, just the standard 2.5 liter, 160 bhp model. If it matters, it'd be a pre-facelift 944 (early 1985), with the early interior/dash. Track potential as well as DD. Low miles. Discuss amongst yourselves...I gots my reasons. :)

(The '86 would be a '13 FR-S)

On track, you can find prepped 944s for relatively cheap. Daily driver? LOL!

I want a 944 so bad. The prices ballooned right when they caught my eye.

Depends what you call cheap. I've got a friend trying to sell me a 100% stock (with Fuchs) 30K mile '85 for mid teens. Total creampuff..just had belts, water pump and all other services done. Just trying to decide if it'd be a reasonable replacement for my FRS or not...

I'd prefer the post face lift model. Interior doesn't look like it was designed in the 70s by VW. Honestly the overall performance is probably a draw but I'd be willing to bet everything is better on the FRS. Steering, shifting, speed, basic comfort.

Unless you're a mechanic of intermediate ability I wouldn't recommend the Porsche.

A "classic" car is not going to be a great daily driver. The only advantage is cachet with 944 nerds, who are all dudes.

A pre-facelift 944 was my dream car as a kid. The 1st gen 86/BRZ is a modern replacement with a bit worse front to rear weight ratio (non transaxle). I would buy the 944 only if I wanted to have a classic car.

I made a similar move. I sold my 2020 86 and got a 1992 Nissan 240sx with a stock 155hp KA24DE in a very good condition. And I never looked back! I enjoy the 240 way more. The steering, shifting and overall feel is better. And it is a better daily driver because the engine although having less horsepower has a better torque curve, so it is pleasant to drive at speed limits and the car is smooth instead of being jerky. I haven't taken it to a track yet, just waiting to refresh the brakes and put some coilovers, but I'm constantly taking it to twisty roads and it feels amazing.

I guess the Porsche 944 would feel in a same way nicer than the BRZ/FRS/86.

I used to prefer the facelifted interior, but the styling of the original has aged better than I thought it would, and I kind of like it now. It's more interesting than the facelift one, for lack of a better word. The FRS shifter feel has never been terribly impressive for a rwd car. The steering is very nice, but the 944 is no slouch in that department either... The idea of manual windows and mirrors, simple radio, etc are also quite appealing to me.

Turning wrenches is not an issue for me. lol

I've had several daily drivers that were otherwise referred to as classics. I enjoy a bare bones car, especially one with some character. And as far as cachet with '944 dudes', take a look around this place...it's a sword fest in here. I'm 54...the days of women being interested in what I drive are way behind me.

price new lifters on an 8V and you will poop your pants a little))

Yeah, I'm familiar with the P tax...I've done a fair amount of work on air cooleds. It can take your breath away..

I actually wanted a 944 when I started the purchasing process that led to my 86. It went like:

-Let's get a 944. Those are what? 5 grand?
-Oh no, good ones are actually 10 grand
-Crap, even those ones aren't great. And you can get a Boxster with a flat-6 for that money
-Well, a really decent Boxster 2.5 is actually 15 grand
-Wait, I can get an 86 for a couple grand more
-> buys an 86.

Both are fun cars. It's tough to find a transaxle car that hasn't been modded/hacked.



I have about the same amount of monies in both.