Porsche 944S
ENGINE 2479cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 187bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 170lb ft@4300rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 141mph 0-60MPH 7.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 14-26mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT September 2018 ODOMETER 151,394 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The car has no difficulty in starting and the idle seems healthy. A lack of vibration suggests that the engine mounts are good. The 2.5-litre unit is refined and has plenty of torque but the real power band is up above 4000rpm. There is some give in the clutch pedal but the clutch itself is strong with no slipping or juddering. The gear lever has some slop but the gearbox is good and ratio selection decisive. Near-perfect weight distribution means that the handling on these cars is spot on and this particular example is no different. Grip is superb and there is very little body roll in the corners. Braking is perfectly adequate and the suspension components seem to have survived well. The steering is positively weighted, providing plenty of feedback.
BODYWORK CHECK
The paint is showing no signs of wear or deterioration and the underneath of the car is in similar condition. Some repair work was carried out to the sills and lower front and rear wings in late 2017 due to corrosion, but this has been completed to a very high standard. Other problem areas, such as around the bumpers, rear panel and windscreen, are free from blisters, flaking paint or signs of rust. The four original Porsche alloys are in fine order and all tyres are undamaged, evenly worn and have plenty of tread left. The space saver spare is also present and correct.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The leather seats and trim still look fresh and have suffered no weathering or sun damage. Items that are usually susceptible to wear – seat bolsters, carpets, steering wheel, gear knob, etc. – are all still in fantastic condition. The sunroof seals are intact and show no signs of leaking. Our only gripe is that the water temperature gauge seems to be stuck on maximum. This is obviously incorrect because the engine itself doesn’t overheat.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine comes up to temperature quickly and stays there without smoking or leaking oil. The suspension struts and springs look good with no corrosion, cracks or leaks. The brake pads and discs are well within minimum wear limits and there are no whines from the rear differential. The balljoints and anti-roll bar bushes look to be in good condition and this is backed up by the quality of the ride. The engine bay is tidy with all pipes, hoses and connections accounted for and a quick inspection of the oil filler and dipstick shows a healthy cylinder head gasket.
THE CCW VIEW
The 944 Turbo may be more desirable, but the naturallyaspirated S is still a very focused sports car with cracking handling and punchy performance. This particular example is well priced and ready to go.