The Porsche 944 Story
The natural evolution of the 924 would be to equip it with a real Porsche engine. The base for the 944 engine design came from the aluminium V8 of the 928.
Porsche 944 - The Ultimate Guide
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Porsche 944 Basics
Manufacturer: Porsche AG
Production Years: 1982 - 1991
Production: 173,238 units
Designer: Harm Lagaay
Body style: 2-dr coupé/ convertible
Layout: Front-engine, RWD
Engines: 2.5 L M44/40 Inline 4, 2.5 L M44/51 Inline 4, M44/52 turbo Inline 4, 2.7 L M44/12 Inline 4, 3.0 L M44/41 Inline 4
Transmissions: 3 or 5-speed manual
Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Premiere: September 16 1981, IAA Frankfurt Motor Show press day
Predecessor: Porsche 924
Successor: Porsche 968
The car was the brainchild of the newly appointed Peter Schutz, the CEO of the Porsche company. He decided to debut the new 944, which was the replacement for the 924, at the 24 Hours Le Mans race of 1981. The project was greenlighted in 1980, in response to dropping sales of the Porsche 924. Although it was basically a 924 with a proper Porsche engine, body styling and trim, the 944 looked like a more grown up car than the 924. Improvements over the out-going 924 were plain to see - beginning with the flared front and rear wheel arches. These became the trademark of the 944, and pulled in the buyers due to the butch stance and powerful presence they gave the car. Other differences were small but significant - on US models, the ugly 924 side reflectors were replaced with smooth, bumper-line examples. A rear spoiler, lining the lift-glass, made the rear-end look more functional and sporty. Drag coefficient was reduced to 0.35 over the 924, and the body panels were zinc-coated in all markets to prevent corrosion.
This Porsche 944 was fitted with the new 2.5 liter four cylinder engine derived from Porsche's V8. There were however many changes made in the transition from half V8 to new inline 4 cylinder. The four cylinder engine had been fitted with dual counter-rotating balance shafts after the original 1904 design by British engineer Frederick Lanchester and improved upon by Japanese car maker Mitsubishi. The 944 engine got improvements over the years, including turbocharging being added to get even more power from the unit for the 944 Turbo models.
The Porsche 944 was Porsche's largest-selling front-engined coupe.The launch of the 944 traded heavily upon the new car being a 'brand new Porsche model', in an attempt to bury the image of all front-engined Porsches not being 'real' Porsches - a fate which had befallen the 924. The car was released for sale to European markets in November 1981, with the UK getting their quota in April 1982, and the USA in May 1982. Sales of the base 944 coupe went through the roof, with a massive 26,800 944s being produced by the end of 1982. To put this figure into context, the entire Porsche company made just 28,000 cars in total in 1981. Before the Boxster and Macan, the 944 was heralded as the savior of Porsche - the massive cash reserves that this model made during the 1980s kept the company afloat (just) during the world recession of the early 1990s.
Several updates and models were released over the life of the 944 and while the 944 was intended to last into the 1990s, this plan didn't not happen. Major revisions planned for a 944 S3 model were eventually rolled into the Porsche 968 instead, which replaced the 944. The Porsche 944 was a successful model and was available as both a coupe and cabriolet in naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms. Even today, it is considered the best handling RWD (rear wheel drive) car of all time and if you can get your hands on one you won't be disappointed.
Porsche 944 Model Guides
There were six core (mass produced) production Porsche 944 models over the years. Over the years, performance and looks changed as Porsche improved the core 944 platform. Below we take a look at the production 944 models in detail.
Porsche 944 Special Edition & Motorsport Model Guides
Several limited and special edition Porsche 944s were made over the life of the model. There were a few race cars made, most importantly the Porsche 944 Turbo Cup cars for the series racing created for the 944. There was also the Celebration model in 1988 and the Turbo S model also from 1988. The final special edition 944 was the S2 SE, UK only special edition, of which only 15 were ever made. See below for all the details.
Porsche 944 Evolution Over The Years
Porsche 944 (Base)
Porsche re-worked the 924 platform and abandoned the Audi engine, installing in its place a new all-alloy 2.5 litre straight-4 engine that was basically half of the Porsche 928‘s 5.0 litre V8. A four cylinder engine was chosen for fuel efficiency and size, because it had to be fitted from below on the Neckarsulm production line.
Porsche introduced the 944 for MY 1982 to great anticipation. In addition to being slightly faster, the 944 was better equipped and more refined than the 924, it had better handling and stopping power and was more comfortable to drive. The car had nearly even front to rear weight distribution and this gave it very balanced, predictable handling at the limits. In mid-1985 the 944 underwent its first significant changes.
These included: a new dash and door panels, embedded radio antenna, upgraded alternator, increased oil sump capacity, new front and rear cast alloy control arms and semi-trailing arms, larger fuel tank, optional heated and powered seats, Porsche HiFi sound system, and revisions in the mounting of the transaxle to reduce noise and vibration. For the 1987 model year, the 944 was updated to incorporate anti-lock braking and air bags for increased safety.
Porsche 944 Turbo
For the 1986 model year Porsche introduced the 944 Turbo, known internally as the 951 (952 for right-hand drive models). This had a turbocharged and intercooled version of the standard car’s engine. The turbo was the world’s first car using a ceramic portliner to retain exhaust gas temperature.
The Turbo also featured several other changes, such as improved aero, a strengthened gearbox with a different final drive ratio, standard external oil coolers for both the engine and transmission, standard 16 inch wheels and a slightly stiffer suspension to handle the extra weight. Major engine component revisions, more than thirty in all, were made to the 951 to compensate for increased internal loads and heat.
In 1988, Porsche introduced the Turbo S option package with a more powerful engine. In 1989 the ‘S’ designation was dropped and all 944 Turbos featured the ‘S’ package as standard.
Porsche 944 S
In 1987 Porsche debuted the 944 S, the “S” standing for “Super”. It looked sportier than its non-S version and had substantial modifications to both the interior and the engine and offered more performance to Porsche customers.
This “Super” Porsche 944 was fitted with a more high performance version of the naturally aspirated four cylinder engine. The 2.5-liter inline-four engine fitted with 4-valves/cylinder technology. It offered more power and torque than the regular, 2-valves/ cylinder ones. The 2.5 L engine (M44/40) featuring a self-adjusting timing belt tensioner and this marked the first use of four-valves-per-cylinder heads and DOHC in the 944, derived from the 928 S4 featuring a redesigned camshaft drive, a magnesium intake tract/passages, magnesium valve cover, larger capacity oil sump, and revised exhaust system.
The revised Motronic 2 engine management system featured dual knock sensors for improved fuel performance for the higher 10.9:1 compression ratio cylinder head.
Porsche 944 S2
In 1989 Porsche 944S2 was introduced, and powered by a 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) 3.0 L engine, bore 104mm, stroke 88mm, the largest production 4 cylinder engine of its time. The 944S2 had the same rounded nose and a rear valance found on the Turbo model. This was the first example of the use of an integrated front bumper, where the fender & hood profiles would merge smoothly with the bumper…a design feature that has only now seen widespread adoption on nearly all cars.
The S2 was also available as a cabriolet, a first for the 944 line. Performance was quoted as 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds (0–100 km/h 6.8 s), with a top speed of 240 km/h (150 mph) (manual transmission). The 944S2 also received a revised transmission and gearing to better suit the 3.0 liter powerplant.
Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet
In 1989, Porsche introduced the 944 S2 Cabriolet, the first 944 to feature a convertible body style. The contract to build Porsche’s 944 S2 Cabriolet was awarded to ASC (American Sunroof Company) in Weinsberg, Germany.
The S2 Cabriolet was a very complicated build, where 944 coupe bodies were taken off the assembly line at Neckarsulm, Germany and then delivered to ASC in Weinsberg, Germany. At ASC, reinforcement plates are welded in the front end of the car and floor plate area to give the body the amount of torsional strength and crash safety required for the convertible.
Porsche 944 Performance Overview
Below we take a look at the performance and specifications for the core production model Porsche 944s.
The Porsche 944 Stories & Member-Only Content
Dive into The Porsche 944 stories that take you behind the scenes.
Porsche 944 Pictures, Galleries & Wallpapers
For those who want to see the Porsche 944 in all its glory, our Porsche 944 Pictures, Galleries & Wallpapers section features a stunning collection of high-quality images, including factory photos, rare color options, historical advertisements, and downloadable wallpapers for enthusiasts.
Porsche 944 Videos
Experience and enjoy the fabulous Porsche 944 in these fun videos we curated from across the internet.
Porsche 944 FAQs
What is a transaxle Porsche?
A transaxle Porsche refers to a front-engine Porsche model that uses a transaxle layout—where the engine is in the front and the transmission is mounted at the rear, connected by a torque tube. This design creates near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, dramatically improving balance and handling. The most well-known transaxle Porsches include the 924, 944, 968, and 928. Porsche adopted this layout to give these cars a different dynamic character from the rear-engined 911, prioritizing stability, predictable cornering, and everyday usability. Today, transaxle Porsches are celebrated for their engineering sophistication, driving feel, and rising collectibility.
Who designed the Porsche 944?
The Porsche 944 was designed by Anatole “Tony” Lapine, Porsche’s chief designer at the time. Lapine, who also led the design of the 928, was instrumental in shaping Porsche’s styling direction during the 1970s and 1980s. The 944’s design was an evolution of the 924, featuring flared fenders, integrated bumpers, and a more aggressive stance, giving it a distinctly Porsche identity and improved aerodynamics. While based on the 924 platform, the 944’s styling refinements and mechanical upgrades helped it stand out as a more muscular and purposeful sports car—one that remains a design icon of the era.
Where was the Porsche 944 built?
The Porsche 944 was built at the Audi factory in Neckarsulm, Germany, under Porsche’s supervision. This was the same facility where the earlier 924 was assembled, and it allowed Porsche to leverage Audi’s production capacity while maintaining quality control over the finished product. Final engine assembly and some quality control steps were handled at Porsche’s own facility in Zuffenhausen, especially for later models. Despite being built outside of Porsche's main plant, the 944 was engineered and designed entirely by Porsche and maintained true Porsche character, both in driving dynamics and build quality.
What engines does the Porsche 944 have?
The Porsche 944 came with a range of inline four-cylinder engines, all front-mounted and water-cooled, with variations depending on model and year. Here's a breakdown of the main engines used throughout its production (1982–1991):
2.5L SOHC inline-4 (1982–1988): Found in the base 944, this engine was Porsche-designed (not VW-derived like the 924) and initially produced around 143–150 horsepower, depending on market and year.
2.5L Turbocharged inline-4 (1986–1989): Used in the 944 Turbo (951), this version added a turbocharger and intercooler, producing 217 hp in early models and 250 hp in the high-performance 1988 Turbo S.
2.7L SOHC inline-4 (1989 only): Offered in the transitional 944 base model just before the 944S2, this version made 162 hp, offering better torque and drivability.
2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline-4 (1987–1988): Found in the 944 S, this advanced twin-cam engine made 190 hp and introduced a higher-revving character to the lineup.
3.0L DOHC 16-valve inline-4 (1989–1991): Used in the 944 S2, this was the largest four-cylinder production engine of its time, producing 208 hp with strong midrange torque and smooth power delivery.
Each engine brought unique performance characteristics, with later models—especially the Turbo and S2—offering performance comparable to or even surpassing some 911s of the same era.
How innovative was the Porsche 944? What made it so special?
The Porsche 944 was quietly revolutionary when it launched in the early 1980s. While it didn’t shout innovation the way some exotic cars did, it introduced a level of engineering sophistication, balance, and usability that made it one of the most complete sports cars of its time. What truly set the 944 apart was its transaxle layout—a front-mounted engine paired with a rear-mounted transmission—resulting in perfect 50:50 weight distribution. This gave it exceptional handling and road manners, making it incredibly stable and confidence-inspiring, even at the limit. It also had ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), available on all 944 models as an optional extra. Another momentous change was the inclusion of airbags. In fact, in 1987 the US version of the 944 Turbo became one of the first cars in the world fitted with both driver and passenger airbags as standard equipment.
Beyond balance, the 944 was special for being the first Porsche to use a fully Porsche-designed inline-four engine, rather than sourcing from Volkswagen like the 924. It also brought everyday practicality to the Porsche lineup, with a usable rear hatch, excellent fuel economy, and refined driving dynamics. The 944 Turbo added cutting-edge turbocharging, while the S2 introduced one of the largest four-cylinder engines ever in a production car. Combined with timeless styling, strong build quality, and real-world livability, the 944 stood as a sports car that didn’t demand sacrifices—a blend of performance, engineering, and usability that was rare then and still special today.
How fast is the Porsche 944?
The Porsche 944’s speed depends heavily on the model and engine variant, but across the board, it offered respectable performance for its era, with some versions capable of serious speed even by modern standards.
The early base 944 (2.5L, 143–150 hp) had a 0–60 mph time of around 8.3 to 9 seconds, with a top speed near 130 mph.
The 944S (2.5L DOHC, 190 hp) improved those figures to about 7.5 seconds to 60 and a top speed of around 140 mph.
The 944 S2 (3.0L, 208 hp) could hit 0–60 in about 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 149 mph, making it one of the fastest naturally aspirated four-cylinders of its time.
The 944 Turbo (951) really changed the game: early versions did 0–60 in 5.9 seconds, while the 1988 Turbo S (250 hp) could do it in as little as 5.5 seconds, with a top speed just over 160 mph.
In short, the 944 started as a quick, balanced GT car and evolved into a genuinely fast sports car—especially in Turbo and S2 trim, where it could hold its own against contemporary 911s and even Ferraris of the day.
Was the Porsche 944 used for motorsport?
Yes, the Porsche 944 was actively used in motorsport, both by the factory and private teams, and it enjoyed a solid racing career across various disciplines. While not as legendary as the 911 on the track, the 944 proved itself to be a formidable, well-balanced race car, especially in endurance and GT-style racing.
Porsche itself developed and campaigned a limited number of 944 Turbo Cup cars for one-make series in Europe and Canada during the mid-1980s. These were specially prepared lightweight race versions of the 944 Turbo, with upgraded suspension, stripped interiors, and power bumps to make them more competitive. The Turbo Cup series was highly regarded for its close racing and helped showcase the performance potential of the 944 platform.
Additionally, 944s competed in SCCA and IMSA GT series in North America, especially in the GT2 and GT3 categories, where their reliability, handling balance, and affordability made them popular with privateers. The 944 Turbo also saw success at events like the 24 Hours of Daytona, often punching above its weight in endurance formats thanks to its robust engine and balanced chassis.
Even today, the 944 remains a popular and competitive choice in vintage and amateur racing, including PCA (Porsche Club of America) events, NASA, and grassroots endurance series like Lemons and ChampCar. Its transaxle layout, low cost of entry, and vast aftermarket support make it a favorite for both newcomers and seasoned drivers looking for a rewarding car to race.
How many 944 sportscars did Porsche make?
Porsche produced a total of 163,192 units of the Porsche 944 between 1982 and 1991, making it one of the most successful models of its time and a major financial success for the brand.
Here’s a rough breakdown by variant:
944 (Base Models): ~113,070 units
944 S (1987–1988): ~12,936 units
944 S2 (1989–1991): ~14,071 units
944 Turbo (951) (1986–1991): ~25,245 units
944 Turbo S (1988): Included in the Turbo total, with around 1,635 built for North America
These production numbers reflect the 944’s popularity and global appeal. Its success helped stabilize Porsche financially during the 1980s and remains a cornerstone of the brand’s transaxle legacy.
How much is a Porsche 944?
The price of a Porsche 944 varies significantly based on factors such as model year, condition, mileage, and specific variant. Here's a general overview:
Project or High-Mileage Cars: Early 944 models in need of restoration or with higher mileage can often be found for under $10,000.
Driver-Quality Examples: Well-maintained 944s suitable for regular driving typically range from $10,000 to $20,000. For instance, a 1989 Porsche 944 with 121,684 miles is listed at $9,900.
Low-Mileage or Excellent Condition Cars: Vehicles in exceptional condition with lower mileage can command prices between $20,000 and $35,000. A 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo with 70,335 miles is listed at $29,944.
Special Editions and Turbo Models: Rare variants like the 944 Turbo S, 944 S2 Cabriolet, or limited-production models can exceed $40,000. For example, a 1990 Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet with 16,447 miles is listed at $42,499.
It's important to note that the 944 Turbo models generally fetch higher prices due to their enhanced performance and desirability among enthusiasts. Additionally, vehicles with comprehensive maintenance records, original documentation, and those in rare color combinations or with unique factory options may command a premium. Given the fluctuating nature of the classic car market, it's advisable to consult multiple sources and, if possible, have the vehicle inspected by a professional before making a purchase.
What is the best year for a Porsche 944?
The best year for a Porsche 944 really depends on what you're looking for—whether it's performance, reliability, collectibility, or overall driving experience. That said, 1988 is often considered the standout year by enthusiasts and collectors alike, thanks to the introduction of the 944 Turbo S. Here’s a breakdown of why certain years stand out:
1988 – Turbo S
Widely regarded as the pinnacle of the 944 lineup, the 1988 Turbo S featured a 250 hp (vs. 220 hp in the standard Turbo), with M030 performance suspension package, a limited-slip differential and larger brakes and wheels. It had the distinctive “Silver Rose” color option (on many examples) and it was the most powerful and best-performing 944 from the factory—and also the rarest of the regular production models.
1989–1991 – 944 S2
The 944 S2, especially in 1989 and 1990, is often viewed as the best naturally aspirated version. With a 3.0L DOHC 16-valve engine making 208 hp, it offers the best blend of power and drivability without turbo complexity. The S2 also introduced subtle styling updates and was available as both a coupe and a cabriolet.
1985.5 – Mid-Cycle Refresh
If you’re interested in the earlier base 944s, the 1985.5 model year is ideal. Porsche made significant interior and mechanical upgrades mid-year, including a redesigned, more modern dashboard, improved HVAC controls, a larger fuel tank, upgraded suspension geometry. These changes made the car feel more refined and livable without drastically increasing cost.
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