Porsche 944 - Buyer's Guide

944 Timeline

1981
The new 944 model is announced

1982
The 944 arrives on U.S. shores. Equipped with a front-mounted, 2.5-liter normally aspirated motor and a rear-mounted transmission, the new model generated 143 bhp and 137 lb-ft of torque. The rest-of-the-world 944s receive 163 bhp and 205 lb-ft

Originally stands on 7x15 in. Fuchs alloy wheels and 185/70VR15 tires.

1983
Variable assistance power steering optional. Interior deck lid release. Brake pad wear indicator.

1985
The 944 Turbo is introduced to the market. The turbocharged 2.5-liter motor produces 220 bhp and 243 lb-ft propel the new model to speeds over 160 mph. The Turbo receives larger brakes. The Turbo is given a unique front bumper. Cast alloy "telephone dial" wheels, sized 7x15 and 8x15, and wrapped in 205/55VR16 and 225/50VR16 tires are standard.

1985
Interior undergoes major upgrades, including dash and center console (already incorporated in the 944 Turbo). The windshield is flush mounted. Engine internals improved-oil channels allow better flow, combustion chamber revised, new pistons used. Water radiator enlarged. Engine starter motor improved.

Cast-alloy "telephone dial" wheels, sized 7x15, with 195x65VR15 become standard.

1986
A 16-valve, normally aspirated 2.5-liter engine is introduced in the new model, the 944 S.

Central locking becomes available on all models.

1987
Driver and passenger airbags becomes standard.
Anti-block braking system (ABS) offered as an option.
Horsepower increases to 160 for the NA 944

1988
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) becomes standard for all models.

The limited-edition 944 Turbo S is introduced. Horsepower for the new model reaches 250 bhp. The Turbo S is equipped with four-piston brake calipers and ABS. The transmission is strengthened.

The U.S. model of the 2.5-liter NA 944 is canceled.

1989
The Turbo receives "CS Design" wheels similar to the 928 wheels.

The 3.0-liter 16-valve 944 S2 is introduced. The larger engine produces 211 bhp and 206 lb-ft. The S2 receives the stylish front end and body trim of the Turbo. It also earns the Turbo's brake package. The wheels for the S2 are the "CS Design," sized 7x16 and 8x16 with 205/55ZR16 and 225/50ZR16, front and rear respectively.

1990
The Turbo and S2 wheels change to the seven-spoke "Design 90." The S2 Cabriolet is introduced.

1991
The limited 944 Turbo Cabriolet is introduced in Europe and produced for 1 year. The car is nearly identical to the Turbo coupe.

With the launch of the all-new 968, the 944 model range is canceled.