Precision, balance, analog Porsche excellence – 944 Turbo

One thing is certain: the 944 model range divides opinion. Some are puzzled by it, others love it. However, one thing many agree on is that, for a product of its era, the 944 Turbo is a fantastic car to drive.

Its 50/50 weight distribution, sharp and purposeful steering, beautifully matched chassis, and confident stopping power make the 944 Turbo a fantastic machine that’s a joy to drive on winding country roads. It holds its own on track and doesn’t make you sweat in the city either. The 944 Turbo is especially dear to me, as this is where the whole madness began.

Why the 944 Turbo?

The car was built with quality and durability in mind. One indicator of this is the world’s toughest endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the 944 Turbo proved to be one of the most reliable cars, with some of the shortest pit times. The engineering was well thought out, and the car was finished to a high standard — as Porsches of that era were. Anyone who has opened and closed the door of a well-kept 944 knows what I mean. Even cars that have lived a harder life often retain that satisfying feel — solid and purposeful.

The image shows a 1991 944 S2, which largely shares the same appearance as the 944 Turbo.

The design — led by Anatole Lapine, who headed Porsche’s design department at the time — undeniably created a car that reflects its era. Angular, wedge-shaped forms, pop-up headlights, plastic spoilers, and other period-specific details make the 944 less timeless than its bigger brother, the Porsche 911, which is celebrated for exactly that quality.

Perhaps this is something worth noting today. Just as 1960s design is widely appreciated beyond automotive styling, the 1980s are now far enough removed for their design language to stand out clearly from the present day — and there are signs it may endure in a similar way.

Rarity - only about 16% of all 944s were turbocharged. Why? One reason is that the 944 suffered from the “Audi–Porsche” image of its little brother, the Porsche 924. Additionally, the price difference between the 944 Turbo and the Porsche 911 Carrera was so small that many buyers found the 911 the more tempting choice. For others, the price jump from the base 944 to the Turbo was simply too steep.

If the 944 Turbo and 911 Carrera were nearly the same price in 1985, it leaves room for speculation that perhaps one day the market could reflect that again.

944 Turbos remain relatively rare, undeniably rewarding to drive, and unmistakably products of their time.

And finally — no, we don’t currently own a 944 Turbo. Would we like to drive one, admire one, own one, or perhaps even sell one? Absolutely.