Porsche 924 - The Ultimate Guide

The Porsche 924 has long been one of the most accessible entry points into classic Porsche ownership, though its values have been on the rise in recent years as enthusiasts begin to appreciate its unique place in the brand’s history. For standard models built between 1976 and 1982, prices remain relatively modest. Project cars or non-running examples can still be found for as little as $2,000 to $5,000, while clean, running driver-quality cars typically range from $6,000 to $12,000. Well-preserved or fully restored examples can push into the $15,000 to $20,000 range, especially if they have low mileage and original paint.

The more powerful 924 Turbo (931) commands a premium due to its performance and relative rarity. Expect prices for decent examples to start around $8,000, with good condition cars landing between $15,000 and $22,000. Exceptional examples — low-mileage, well-documented, or concours-restored — can reach $25,000 or more. These turbocharged variants offer significantly improved performance over the base models and are increasingly sought after by collectors looking for under-the-radar classics.

At the top of the 924 hierarchy sits the Carrera GT, a rare homologation special produced in very limited numbers — only around 400 units were built. With aggressive bodywork, serious performance, and true motorsport pedigree, the Carrera GT is now a genuine collector’s item. Values for these cars start around $75,000 and can climb past $125,000 depending on condition, history, and originality.

As the air-cooled Porsche market continues to climb, more enthusiasts are turning to transaxle cars like the 924 for their analog driving experience and retro charm. While they were once overlooked, clean and unmodified 924s — especially Turbos and Carrera GTs — are becoming increasingly appreciated in the classic car world.

The horsepower output of a Porsche 924 varies depending on the model and year, as Porsche made several updates over the car’s production run. The original 924, introduced in 1976, was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produced around 95 horsepower for U.S.-spec models, and approximately 110 horsepower for European versions. This engine was sourced from Audi and Volkswagen, and while not particularly powerful, it delivered respectable performance for a lightweight sports coupe of the era. With its near-perfect weight distribution thanks to the front-engine, rear-transaxle layout, the car was more about balance and handling than outright speed.

In 1979, Porsche introduced the 924 Turbo (internally designated as 931) to address criticisms of the base car’s modest performance. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine significantly improved the power output, producing 143 horsepower in early European models and around 150 horsepower in later versions. U.S.-spec Turbo models were initially detuned to about 143 horsepower, but later updates brought them closer in line with European counterparts. The Turbo variant transformed the 924 into a much more capable and exciting sports car, offering a genuine performance upgrade while retaining the 924's handling characteristics.

There was also the ultra-rare 924 Carrera GT, developed in 1980 as a homologation special for motorsports. This model featured a heavily reworked version of the turbocharged engine, now producing 210 horsepower, which gave it serious performance credentials. With a wider track, aggressive bodywork, and improved suspension, the Carrera GT showcased the full potential of the 924 platform. It’s considered the pinnacle of the 924 series and one of the most collectible transaxle Porsches ever made.

So, depending on the variant, a Porsche 924 could have anywhere from 95 to 210 horsepower, with the driving experience ranging from economical and nimble to legitimately quick and motorsport-inspired.

The original base 924, produced from 1976 through the early 1980s, wasn't built for outright speed. U.S.-spec models, with just 95 horsepower, took around 11 to 12 seconds to reach 60 mph. European versions were slightly quicker thanks to their higher output (about 110 horsepower), managing the sprint in roughly 9.5 to 10 seconds. While those numbers might not sound impressive today, the car's lightweight build and excellent handling made it feel more agile than its raw acceleration figures suggested.

With the introduction of the 924 Turbo (931) in 1979, performance improved significantly. Early models could hit 60 mph in about 7.5 to 8.0 seconds, depending on tuning and the market. Later versions, especially the upgraded post-1981 models with improved engine internals and slightly more power (up to 150 hp), could manage it in as little as 7.0 seconds, making the Turbo a genuinely quick car for its time.

The high-performance 924 Carrera GT, with 210 horsepower, pushed acceleration into a different league. It could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, putting it in the same conversation as some of the more powerful sports cars of the early 1980s. Combined with its aggressive styling and racing pedigree, the Carrera GT was the most dynamic and fastest member of the 924 family.

In summary, 0–60 mph times for the Porsche 924 range from around 12 seconds for early base models to 6.5 seconds for the rare Carrera GT, reflecting the model’s diverse performance spectrum over its production life.

When it comes to picking the “best year” for a Porsche 924, the answer depends on what you're looking for—whether it’s performance, collectibility, reliability, or historical significance. That said, a few standout years rise to the top depending on your priorities:

1980 – 924 Carrera GT (Homologation Special)

For collectors and enthusiasts seeking the ultimate 924, 1980 is the crown jewel. That’s the year Porsche introduced the 924 Carrera GT, a limited-production homologation model built to allow Porsche to compete in Group 4 racing. It featured flared arches, upgraded suspension, a more aggressive body kit, and a turbocharged engine pushing out 210 horsepower. With only around 400 units made, it's incredibly rare, highly collectible, and a genuine performance machine—making 1980 arguably the best year for the 924 in terms of legacy and desirability.

1981–1982 – 924 Turbo Series 2 (Refined & Quicker)

If you're after a fast and drivable 924, then the later Turbo models (Series 2) from 1981–1982 are excellent choices. Porsche improved reliability and performance over the earlier 1979–1980 Turbos, including a revised cylinder head, better fuel injection, and a more robust engine block. These cars had around 150 horsepower, improved turbo response, and better refinement, making them more enjoyable as both weekend and occasional daily drivers.

1977–1978 – Best Value & Simplicity

For budget-conscious buyers or those who appreciate simplicity, 1977–1978 models represent the best value. They lack the complexity of the later Turbo models, and being early in the production run, they still retain the clean, original design and analog Porsche feel. Plus, many of these earlier cars are now considered vintage and are gaining traction among entry-level classic Porsche enthusiasts.

Summary

Best Overall (Performance + Collectibility): 1980 Carrera GT

Best Turbocharged Driver’s Car: 1981–1982 924 Turbo (Series 2)

Best Budget Classic: 1977–1978 base 924

The Porsche 924 has historically been one of the most affordable classic Porsches, and while values have been rising lately, it’s still considered “cheap” compared to its siblings like the 911 or even the 944. There are a few key reasons for this:

Shared Parts with VW/Audi

One of the biggest knocks against the 924—especially among Porsche purists—is that its original engine was sourced from Audi/Volkswagen. The 2.0-liter inline-four used in early models was originally designed for the VW LT van and Audi 100. While it was reliable and efficient, it didn’t deliver the kind of performance or sound that people typically associate with the Porsche name. That perception of being “not a real Porsche” stuck for years, especially in comparison to the iconic 911.

Modest Performance (Base Models)

The early U.S.-spec 924s only made around 95 horsepower, which even by 1970s standards was underwhelming. Though the car had great balance and handled very well thanks to its transaxle layout, its straight-line performance couldn’t match the muscle cars or higher-end sports cars of the time. As a result, it gained a reputation as a “slow Porsche,” which lingered in the minds of enthusiasts and buyers.

Entry-Level Stigma

Because it was marketed as Porsche’s entry-level car, the 924 was often bought by first-time sports car owners or drivers who weren’t necessarily Porsche fanatics. That led to many cars being poorly maintained or modified over the years, especially as values dropped. The association with being “the cheap Porsche” made it less desirable for collectors—until recently.

Maintenance vs. Value

Although they’re inexpensive to buy, 924s still require Porsche-level maintenance in many areas—especially the Turbo and Carrera GT variants. For a long time, it didn’t make economic sense to spend thousands restoring or maintaining a car that was only worth a few grand. That kept supply of truly nice examples low and values stagnant.

Changing Tastes (But They're Rising)

Tastes are starting to shift, though. As air-cooled 911s and 944 Turbos become increasingly expensive, people are beginning to appreciate the 924’s lightweight chassis, clean design, and analog driving experience. The once-dismissed transaxle platform is gaining recognition for its balance and engineering. As a result, the best examples—especially 924 Turbos and Carrera GTs—are climbing in value.

In short: the 924 was “cheap” because of its modest performance, VW/Audi roots, and decades of being overshadowed. But today, it’s being rediscovered as a hidden gem—one that offers a pure, balanced driving experience with vintage Porsche charm at a still-reasonable price.

Porsche produced a total of approximately 150,684 units of the Porsche 924 across all variants from 1976 to 1988. Here's a breakdown of the major production numbers by model:

Standard Porsche 924 (1976–1985)

Approx. 121,000 units

These included the original base models with the 2.0-liter Audi-sourced engine.

Most were built for the European market, with a sizable number exported to North America.

Porsche 924 Turbo (931) (1979–1982)

Approx. 13,616 units

This includes both early and late-series 924 Turbos.

Offered better performance and Porsche-developed enhancements over the base model.

Porsche 924 Carrera GT / GTS / GTR (1980–1981)

924 Carrera GT: Approx. 406 units

924 Carrera GTS: Approx. 59 units

924 Carrera GTR (race cars): Approx. 17 units

These were built primarily for homologation and motorsport purposes and are extremely rare today.

Porsche 924S (1986–1988)

Approx. 16,669 units

The 924S marked a return to the 924 body style but used the Porsche-designed 2.5L engine from the 944.

It offered better performance and was seen as a more “authentic” Porsche.

Total 924 Production (All Variants):

Approximately 150,684 units

The Porsche 924S is special because it represents a unique blend of two Porsche worlds: the accessible, lightweight charm of the original 924 and the mechanical excellence of the more powerful 944. Produced from 1986 to 1988, the 924S was Porsche’s way of reviving the 924 platform by finally giving it a true Porsche engine, and in doing so, it gave the car the performance and pedigree many enthusiasts had been craving since the 924’s debut.

Real Porsche Power

What truly set the 924S apart was its engine. Unlike the early 924s that used a 2.0L inline-four sourced from Audi, the 924S got the 2.5L inline-four engine from the Porsche 944, albeit in slightly detuned form. Initially producing around 147 horsepower (and later up to 160 hp in 1988), the 924S had real sports car punch while maintaining the original 924's light weight and nimble chassis. This combination gave it impressive performance—especially considering its price point—with 0–60 mph times in the low 7-second range.

Better Balance and Handling

Because the 924S retained the original 924’s smaller body and lighter frame while gaining the 944’s engine and upgraded suspension, it achieved a near-perfect balance. The front-engine, rear-transaxle layout gave it excellent weight distribution, and many enthusiasts argue the 924S is even more fun to drive than the 944, thanks to its lighter, more tossable nature.

Affordable Porsche Fun

At the time—and even today—the 924S offered an affordable entry point into Porsche ownership without compromising on quality or driving experience. It was a return to form for the 924 series, finally silencing some critics who dismissed the original as “not a real Porsche.” It delivered genuine sports car performance, Porsche build quality, and classic transaxle charm—all at a reasonable price.

An Underrated Gem

Though often overshadowed by the 944 and 911, the 924S is now recognized by enthusiasts as an underrated gem. It marked the last hurrah for the 924 platform and did so with a proper Porsche heart. Today, it’s a great choice for those who want a vintage Porsche driving experience that’s both rewarding and relatively affordable to own.

In short, the 924S was special because it gave the 924 the performance and Porsche DNA it always deserved—combining light weight, great balance, and proper Porsche power in one sleek package.