The Porsche 968 mystery

"Porsche was my first word" (porschewasmyfirstword) 01/05/2016 at 20:10 • Filed to: None

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Just been roaming through the Porsche inventory of german autotrader.com equivalent !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and wondered why you can get Type 986 Boxster (S as well) and even 928s for less money than the 968. It cannot be because of the pop-up headlamps as the 928 has such as well. Given the egg-looking headlamps of the Boxster it is still the better and faster car. What do you think?

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Porsche was my first word 01/05/2016 at 20:30

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the 968 is an oddity, the last of the front engine Porches (until the Panamera) and possess a bloody big 4 cylinder... Some people (like me) like the meaty 4... Plus its a good looking and comfortable car... More reliable and cheaper to repair than a 928 and more interesting than a Boxter. I get it. No mystery here, just gearheads.

Saracen > Porsche was my first word 01/05/2016 at 20:31

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Probably because far fewer 968’s were built.

RallyWrench > Porsche was my first word 01/05/2016 at 20:32

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Because the 968 is arguably the funnest front-engined car Porsche has yet made. It’s the ultimate evolution of the 944, extremely well balanced, with the big, punchy 3.0L and a nice interior. It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to keep running like most 928s, doesn’t have the IMS stigma (or high production numbers) that Boxsters do, and has more usable space than the Boxster.

MultiplaOrgasms > Porsche was my first word 01/05/2016 at 20:36

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Well the 968 holds the distinction of being the last of the big-block 4cyl Porsches and it is also objectively the best as it has the best drivetrain and chassis of them. Like all front engined Porsches it is fairly practical and it doesn’t feel as cheap as a Boxster. The Turbos are damn fast even by todays standards and you could have it with yellow wheels. It is also quite rare compared to the 944, 928 and Boxster.

Thomas Donohue > Porsche was my first word 01/05/2016 at 20:45

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I was looking online for 968’s in Europe last week and was surprised at how much more they were compared to here in the US, even though the exchange rate is fairly reasonable now. Much more to choose from over there, but not the bargain I had hoped for.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Porsche was my first word 01/05/2016 at 21:08

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I’ve always like the 968 looks, it was very well like in the press as well.

Master Cylinder > Porsche was my first word 01/05/2016 at 21:29

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I dunno if I agree that the Boxster is the “better” car. I have a 944S (not a 968, sure, but reasonably close) and my dad has a Boxster S. The Boxster definitely has the edge in power, acceleration, and braking (and exhaust note), and probably in handling too (although neither of us are nearly good enough drivers to find the limits of either car).

But the 944 has higher build quality, is way more practical, and (IMO) offers way more in terms of driver feedback and engagement. Maybe it’s because the Boxster has a more modern suspension and is more composed. It’s a different driving experience, I guess. Kind of like how some people would prefer something like an E30 M3 even though the E46 M3 is definitely faster and can generate more lateral Gs in a turn.

The 944 also fits me better as a 6’3” tall person.

So it’s pluses and minuses, but I wouldn’t say the Boxster is better in every way. Or maybe it’s just I’m biased as an owner :)

Nymphicus Hollandicus > Porsche was my first word 01/05/2016 at 21:33

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Definitely because it’s the best of the front-engine cars, it looks fantastic (especially the cabrio) and only 12776 were made. It’s such a shame because a 968 Cabrio is my dream car, I really hope to get one before they go way up in value.

Stapleface > Porsche was my first word 01/05/2016 at 21:36

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FWIW, the 968 is my favorite Porsche design of all time. If I was buying a Porsche, that’s what I’d go for. Even if the Boxster is (arguably) the better car. NB

Porsche was my first word > Master Cylinder 01/05/2016 at 21:39

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... but I wouldn’t say the Boxster is better in every way.

Of course not. Was pointed into power/acceleration-andsoon-direction.

Maybe it’s because I was never into 4 banger Porsches and it never occured to me as a practical car since I’m hauling my bicycles around all the time.

Have to check that build quality thing though sooner or later.

Porsche was my first word > Stapleface 01/05/2016 at 21:43

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The 986 Boxster isn’t a good looking car at all.

The 928 on the other hand, wow. I hope to snatch one before the prices skyrocket like 911’s.

Master Cylinder > Porsche was my first word 01/05/2016 at 21:53

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It’s tough to judge these days since so many 944/968s aren’t in the best condition anymore, but if you can, compare one that’s well-kept to a Boxster in good shape. It’s not like the Boxster has awful build quality, but the 944 has that 70s/80s German build quality. It’s just solid feeling.

The 944 isn’t a “practical car” in the objective sense, but when it comes to sports cars, it’s basically an SUV. I can easily fit a bicycle in the hatch.

But yeah, they’re both pretty good cars. I like the Boxster but between the two my choice would be the 944. 968 would be even better.

Stef Schrader > Porsche was my first word 01/05/2016 at 22:56

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The 968’s front end isn’t my favorite, but it’s a much rarer car than the Boxster and a less ‘splode-prone design. I’d say it’s a safe bet that the 968 is rarer than the 928, too—and a bit more of a modern design inside and out. It’s just a weirdo car you don’t see. Also, that 3.0L engine is the stuff of dreams and magic. I want it. I want it so much. I want to stuff it into my 944 and hope no one notices.

CodyVella > Porsche was my first word 01/05/2016 at 22:59

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Having previously worked at a shop/salvage yard that specialized in Porsches, I’ll venture a guess that it’s because it’s the rarest of all the 1980-2010 Porsches (I’m talking as a standalone model, not sub-models or trim levels). As JawzX2 said, it’s an oddity. There weren’t many to begin with, and there are even fewer left. Unfortunately until recently, many people never saw them as valuable, or attractive vehicles. So many were simply left to rot once the maintenance became too much for their owners.

When I used to work for said Porsche shop/salvage yard, we rarely had any 968s come through. However the sheer number of Boxsters we parted out was staggering. We actually parted out more Boxsters than the 944/924 family. It seemed that once a Boxster hit 10-15 years old, no one wanted anything to do with it anymore.

Personally, I didn’t like the styling of the 968 as much as the 944. The 944 seemed like a timeless 80s design (yes, an oxymoron I know), where the 968 seemed to scream early 90s plastic. But again, just my opinion.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Porsche was my first word 01/05/2016 at 23:18

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I don’t get the 968. The 924 was a pure simple design. The 944 was a beefed up macho evolution of the 924. The 968 However is soft, it doesn’t have the edge of the 944, or the light simple look of a 924.

It just looks like a 924, ans a 928 had a baby.

Porsche was my first word > Master Cylinder 01/06/2016 at 03:21

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A friend of mine owned a 944 and he fitted a kayak inside.

For me it’s often up to 4 bikes and gear. The only Porsche I can get that much stuff in easily is the Cayenne. But thats of course a whole other story.

Master Cylinder > Porsche was my first word 01/06/2016 at 07:33

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I’d love to pick up a nice 928 with a manual. They’re hard to find, though, and yeah, the prices are starting to creep up. There’s a guy who’s been trying to sell a manual 928 with no title near me for a few months and the longer it sits there, the more and more tempting it is to take a risk on it.