Is A Clean Porsche 924 Turbo Better Than Beater 911?

"DailyTurismo" (thedailyturismo)
11/05/2014 at 12:36 • Filed to: Daily Turismo, Blog

The Porsche 924 was first released in 1976 and in the ensuing years, countless negative press has been heaped on the Audi van/sedan engine used to power the lithe little coupe. In 1979 Porsche was kind enough to introduce a turbocharged version with a few more ponies and a sweet NACA duct on the hood for extra emphasis.

Think of it as the automotive styling equivalent of an exclamation point. 924. 924 Turbo! Find this !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! currently bidding for $6,100 reserve-not-met with 5 days to go. For this price you could barely afford a rusted out rolling chassis 911 SC, so save the air cooled rear engine nonsense for another time. Plus, NACA ducts and turbos are rad.

Porsche didn't sell many of the 924 turbo versions in the USA (only 950 in the first year and a total of 7000 by 1983), but if you want a 924, it's the only one to get. Think of the 924 Turbo (also known as the 931) like a intergalactic superhero imbued with colossal cosmic powers riding on a magic surfboard instead of just some orphan with fancy toys that is the basic 924. Read more about the 924 and the 924 Turbo at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

The 924 power comes from the same Audi sourced 2.0 inline-4 cylinder engine, but it comes with a head designed by Porsche and is boosted to 143 horsepower and 147 ft-lbs of torque. This series 1 version is almost as fast as a contemporary 911 and the later cars had a few more ponies to narrow the gap even further.

The inside of this 924 Turbo is almost as nice as the exterior, the seats look in good shape and the touch surfaces only show minor wear. The seller lists 61k miles which is likely original and not rolled over mileage, but it would be important to get records verifying it as such.

See another cheap turbocharged Porsche with a small back seat? !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Originally published as !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

DISCUSSION (100)

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 12:37

That's really well kept, and not a bad price at all. I'd totally get that over an SC.

505Turbeaux > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 12:39

yes

DailyTurismo > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
11/05/2014 at 12:39

See - that is what I'm talkin about! A basic 924, I'd probably pass, but this is a limited edition Turbo with a tuna-can paint job and a NACA duct. Awesome!

Party-vi > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 12:43

Stef incoming in 3...2...1...

DailyTurismo > Party-vi
11/05/2014 at 12:44

That NACA duct would be the perfect resting place for a tired Puffalump...

Sn210 > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 12:55

yep, I'd buy this one

RazoE > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 13:16

Kinja'd!!!

This panel alone is worth any asking price.

Sweet Trav > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 13:17

Yes, because the 924 offers something a 911 never can: the engine is where it should be.

DailyTurismo > Sweet Trav
11/05/2014 at 13:20

#flamesuiton!

Sweet Trav > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 13:22

All 911's are just microwaved and melted VW Beetles, the continual evolution of shitty snap over-steering idea.

michael bleggi > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 13:25

"beater 911" just sounds like too much fun

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 13:37

There's what looks like one of these under a tarp and half-collapsed off of blocks along my way to work. Per the meme, I cry evrytiem.

Sam > RazoE
11/05/2014 at 13:45

Yes! My 924 has a panel that just says Porsche where that Porsche Turbo panel is. It's directly under a Porsche badge.

Kinja'd!!!

Here it is with a mini-924 on it. (They only pic I have of the rear.)

DailyTurismo > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
11/05/2014 at 14:22

What is up with people storing old cars? I even see it in the highly dense urban jungle I live in. There is a Maserati BiTurbo that hasn't moved in years and some old Opel that is rusting into the earth...in front of $900k homes.

luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 14:29

dayum! There is one near me for sale that I wan't soo bad. I'm having a hard time convincing the wife it's a good idea.

RallyWrench > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 14:39

You're better off buying a late 924S, 87-88. The 924's narrow light body, with the most powerful iteration of the NA 2.5L 944 engine. The Turbo looks cool, but the later S is faster.

I've come really close to owning both a base 924, a clapped out Martini no less, and a similarly clapped out Turbo. I don't regret passing on the Turbo.

DailyTurismo > RallyWrench
11/05/2014 at 14:43

This is certainly true, but the number of times you will ever get to a stop light with some scantily clad lady ready to drop a starting flag is limited. The number of times you'll stare at that NACA duct and drool...infinite.

RallyWrench > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 14:46

True, but you can bolt all that stuff on an S & get the same looks without the lag. The turbo engine isn't a very nice one. A thrashy industrial engine with an asthmatic kid breathing on it.

JR1 > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 14:51

Looks great, unique, turbo, and it is mint. Who wouldn't buy this? Must be the nicest 924 on the market.

Stef Schrader > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 14:52

924s are cool!

Just not as cool as a 911.

Stef Schrader > RallyWrench
11/05/2014 at 14:53

This. So much this. The turbo cars have a butt-ton of lag, while the naturally aspirated ones have such a nice, smooth rev range that pulls for days.

The 924S is my drivetrain in a lighter body. I've been drooling at them for ages.

Stef Schrader > Sweet Trav
11/05/2014 at 14:59

Kinja'd!!!

MK6GTI-now with added Miata > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:15

See.. I love it, but it's almost too nice. I'd be afraid to hurt it! Beater 911 please.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Party-vi
11/05/2014 at 15:16

I read that as "Stef coming in 3...2...1...."

I think both are correct.

Goofnik > Sweet Trav
11/05/2014 at 15:16

Neither the 911 nor 924 have the engine in the right place. Should be mid-engined.

Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:17

No... Because beater 911 is asking to be gutted, caged, and tracked without mercy... Such is the 911.

olmy > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:18

NO! The car is rare and therefore so are many of the parts which make this car much harder to maintain, beater 911s are much easier to own, more people can work on 'em, and if you're a DIY type, it's much easier to find help with old 911s.

Now if you love the look, and I dig this car, then this is the easily the 2nd nicest 924 turbo I've seen. (The nicest one had < 200 miles.)

Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:18

Kinja'd!!!

No.

jack baker > RallyWrench
11/05/2014 at 15:20

Ask anyone whoever owned one of these....great car when it ran....hell to work on...

Sweet Trav > Stef Schrader
11/05/2014 at 15:21

Yes because RR layouts are the standard fare on F1, Le Mans prototypes and every other form of racing. Oh wait...

The simple and undeniable truth is, if Porsche could ditch their silly rear engine layout, and put the twin turbo GT2 motor in the Cayman, it would kick the 911's teeth in and laugh in its face.

There are even rumbling of GM abandoning the Corvette's FMR layout for something more modern.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > RallyWrench
11/05/2014 at 15:22

Agreed (althought I'd really rather have a 928 or 944). This one is probably a better all-around car:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-92…

Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double > Stef Schrader
11/05/2014 at 15:22

Would you agree the the beater 911 is a masocist that enjoys the floggings, while the 924 is a bit vanilla and may not hold up to track abuse?

Sky Blue > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:23

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Kinja'd!!!

G/O Sucks > Sweet Trav
11/05/2014 at 15:23

Sacré Bleu! You shut your whore mouth! ;)

RallyWrench > jack baker
11/05/2014 at 15:23

I'm not afraid of them, but I've been wrenching on them for years. They're certainly not the best out there for most DIYers, Stef & K-roll excepted of course.

300hp30mpgrwdfor30k > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:24

no.

ShibbyUTman > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:24

Kinja'd!!!

CIS injection, i still cringe every time I think about working on this with warm up regulators and higher pressure fuel pumps in the tank.... ugh.

G/O Sucks > Sweet Trav
11/05/2014 at 15:27

In all honesty, joking aside, that's just regurgitation of Jeremy Clarkson drivel (and the guy is a master at producing such twaddle *for entertainment*). Anyone who's actually driven one from any year knows full-well what a silly notion the Beetle analogy is.

cdydatzigs > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:29

YES for days. I have never been a fan of the "melted jellybean" look that 911s have, i'd take this long-nosed, sexy butt Porsche any day of the week over that.

G/O Sucks > RallyWrench
11/05/2014 at 15:30

Yes, but that car is kinda worthless. No offense, but it's the low-end version of the entry-level car, built in fairly large numbers and is utterly undesirable. The same might be said of the 924 Turbo but it's a rare bird, was the top version of its time and is commanding increasing respect nowadays.

2¢.

ninjagin > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:31

Great car! What a find!

Dream Theater of the Absurd > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:32

If I were looking for something built on this platform, I'd probably go with an 85 1/2 or later 944. Or, if I really wanted the narrow-body look, I'd look for a 924S.

I'd take the beater 911 over either of them, though.

G/O Sucks > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
11/05/2014 at 15:36

I SO agree. It's collectible, drivable, and unlike a comparably-priced SC it actually rolls. To get an SC in this condition (and be able to support its gigantic servicing needs) you'd need a helluva lot more bankroll.

To be clear, the 911SC is way, way better and its investment upside is looking ridiculously good. But buy-in and running costs are now beginning to leave the realm of mortals.

melikecars > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:39

Whenever I see a 924, I immediately envision a 944 and remind myself I think it looks better. Other than cost, does the 924 have advantages?

TheBaron2112 > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:40

No.

Next question.

G/O Sucks > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:40

I think you answered your question! Owners of $900k homes have bigger fish to fry and deeper pockets to cover up bouts of neglect we all suffer from. "I'll get to it someday" applies for messy closets, weed-filled yards and...sigh...well-oxidized cars.

twelvehappymen > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:43

My first car was a 1980 924 with that paint job. Dad an I found it, not running, in a farmer's field back in '97 and bought it for $900. Replaced a fuel pump relay and it fired right up.

Slow as molasses, but oh god was it well balanced. The fact that it was a Porsche that tolerated a 16 year old driving the wheels off of it without sending me backwards into a tree says it all. They never had the same quality feel as the 911, but who cares. I will always have a huge soft spot for the 924/944/968 line.

classbutnostile > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:45

$6k on a Porsche. Not gonna be a show car whether its this pristine 924 or a POS 911 SC. So, it might as well be fun to drive. Therefore: No.

G/O Sucks > michael bleggi
11/05/2014 at 15:45

Having experience with 911's, it sounds more like, "top ramen for years" or "Your Honor, I'm filing Chapter 13 because my car needs seals."

mtdrift > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:47

Kinja'd!!!

Not stock, but an improvement for sure.

Scootin159 > RazoE
11/05/2014 at 15:48

Eh, not really. They were a popular aftermarket component made back in the day. I'm not sure what the market value of them is today, but demand is quite low and supply is fairly high. Both versions (the "PORSCHE" and the pictured "turbo") seem to be equally omnipresent.

RallyWrench > G/O Sucks
11/05/2014 at 15:49

I'd argue that the entire 924 range is gaining respect, as has the 914. The early cars are pretty crummy, but they were pretty well sorted by the last of them.

360ad > RallyWrench
11/05/2014 at 15:50

Totally. Not to mention the reliability issues of the turbo.

Anthony Miller > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:51

Nopenopenopenopenope, 924 S of the last year is the only way to go.

360ad > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
11/05/2014 at 15:51

Giggity?

Scootin159 > classbutnostile
11/05/2014 at 15:55

I bought a very clean '87 944 for $4k 12 years ago. Today that same car could be found for $3500. A 924, 924S or 924 turbo all should come in at a slightly lower price point. IMHO, this car will be a tough sell at $6k, with $4k being a more reasonable value if well maintained. This asking price is more in the territory of a clean 944S2.

G/O Sucks > RallyWrench
11/05/2014 at 15:57

Eh...I wouldn't disagree vehemently with that but the 924 range has a big ways to go before it reaches the long-in-coming respect the 914 finally achieved. IMHO, I think respect for the 944 is gaining ground far quicker, held up only by its stiff repair costs.

The caveat to all of this is the 924 Carrera GT — the wide-body missing link between the 924 and 944. That's a very collectible gem!

Kinja'd!!!

RallyWrench > G/O Sucks
11/05/2014 at 15:58

Love those, and they have the racing history to back up the look.

classbutnostile > Scootin159
11/05/2014 at 15:59

Totally agree, but the 944S2 changes this debate altogether. Now that I'd take for $6k.

RazoE > Scootin159
11/05/2014 at 15:59

I know, seen some for a few Mercedes and 280ZX's, but they're just so 80s-Tastic.

heeltoehero > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 15:59

Beater 911. Every time.

Kinja'd!!!

abgwin > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 16:01

Yeah, the 924 turbo is fun, but the 911 doesn't have neck snapping turbo lag to surprise/punish you with. Seriously, it's so abrupt it's like an on/off switch to a black hole in front of you.

MINI STIG > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 16:14

Always had a soft spot for these cars. Right down to the dogleg 1st gear shift pattern. Fun, light, fairly stout Audi block, and not too bad parts prices. I would happily park this next to our Boxster S if budget and garage space permitted.

LightStriker > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 16:20

6k? It's fair price. It's the price for the similar aged 911 that make no sense. Another example would be the 928, which is superior to both 924 and 911, but you will find the same "clean" 928 for 6-7k.

Sadly, the 911 is just about the myth and popularity.

KSEGGFTW > Sweet Trav
11/05/2014 at 16:21

*flamesuiton!*

And now they're overpriced cars made for rico-suave' weekend racers determined that they are superior human beings because they can afford $50,000 rear wipers.

Daddio > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 16:24

"reserve-not-met"

Still, pretty cool. Carpeted hump serves well as an arm rest. I'd be tempted to yank the steering wheel, otherwise a nice and plain and remarkably not-silly 1980's dashboard.

CraiginAustin > Sweet Trav
11/05/2014 at 16:25

Well, to be fair the GT2 911 will also beat all of the other 911's, so no surprise there. While I admit the 911 is the physical manifestation of engineering over logic, they really are amazing to drive and not all the monstrosity you describe.

Chairman Kaga > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 16:33

This is going to sound crazy, but that looks like an insanely easy engine to work on, at least with regard to layout and accessibility.

472CID > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 16:34

Kinja'd!!!

THIS. SHIFTER. IS. AWESOME.

360ad > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 16:39

Why 924 to 911? why not compare the 944? IMO, the 944 is much better looking and addresses some short comings the 924 had. Much better buy, especially the 944 S2, with only 3650 hardtop examples (2402 cabriolet) sold in the US. Prices for clean examples are under $10k. 3.0L of naturally aspirated power.

DailyTurismo > Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder
11/05/2014 at 16:40

Okay, that is pretty cool. Could you find one under $10k?

DailyTurismo > Stef Schrader
11/05/2014 at 16:41

I guess, I was trying to ask if a mint condition 924 Turbo is cooler than a ratty POS 911...and I think the answer is yes.

DailyTurismo > luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln!
11/05/2014 at 16:42

Four words you need to know as a married man. Slush Fund & Secret Garage.

DailyTurismo > mtdrift
11/05/2014 at 16:43

Agree 100%.

DailyTurismo > 472CID
11/05/2014 at 16:43

Seems to be the consensus.

DailyTurismo > TheBaron2112
11/05/2014 at 16:44

What... is the air - speed velocity of an unladen swallow ?

Dr. Hoon > jack baker
11/05/2014 at 16:45

Kinja'd!!!

Even cut up into a race car it's hell to work on. Fun when it runs... Ghetto spoiler got ditched mid-race.

Just Joshing > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 16:45

Oh my, it's gorgeous.

DailyTurismo > classbutnostile
11/05/2014 at 16:46

Not even with the NACA duct...I mean come on...the shape was designed by the pre-NASA National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics by suits wearing dudes who used slide rules for calculations and WAGs on anything they didn't know.

CaptainBoss > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 16:46

These are great cars. My stepfather had a 1987 924S (which is a late 924 with a 155hp 944 motor) and, while it wasn't "fast," it handled incredibly well and was great fun to drive. Cheap to buy and expensive to maintain, but I'd roll in one.

DailyTurismo > 360ad
11/05/2014 at 16:49

My point was that the nicest 924 Turbo is going to cost less than a really horrible 911, so the same comparison couldn't be made to the 944, since they are also inexpensive (relatively speaking). If you are looking for a H20 cooled Porsche, I gotta go with the 951 for sure, but the point was for someone looking for a budget 911 SC, he could step right into a 931. Or a 944 S4 as you pointed out.

KatzManDu > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 16:49

I've been hunting a 924 or 944 as my commuter car here in Belgium. Many people laugh at the 924 notion and have been edging me more towards the 944. Yes, the 944 looks a little better, but with the some TLC, the 924 can perform just as well. That and the entry price is usually a bit less.

DailyTurismo > KatzManDu
11/05/2014 at 16:52

For the price of a mid-condition 944 you can get a nice 924, so you've got to ask yourself what is more important — magazine stats or the feeling the car gives you each time you drive it.

CCanavan > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 16:53

Both are nice, but here is my personal preference...

Kinja'd!!!

believe it or not, daily driver.

360ad > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 16:53

Ah got it. Also, the 944 would be much easier to DIY. The 968 would be interesting too, and with many updates... just look a bit goofy.

Dr. Hoon > Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder
11/05/2014 at 16:55

Win. Want.

DailyTurismo > 360ad
11/05/2014 at 16:57

968 — now you are speaking my language. If I ever get a drop top, it is going to be a 968, those things are really cool looking and undervalued today IMHO. Just look at that rear deck lid. LOOK AT IT!

Kinja'd!!!

Soused > mtdrift
11/05/2014 at 16:57

Thanks for mentioning that. I was saying to myself there was no way that was a VW/Porsche shifter.

360ad > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 17:01

Indeed. It's a hidden bargain right now. Good luck finding one though.

Dr. Hoon > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 17:03

Cool, but no.

Fuel_of_Satan > 472CID
11/05/2014 at 17:05

Is that a CV-joint boot? Genius! I'm replacing that crappy dust-catcher first thing tomorrow...

OdinThe1337 > 472CID
11/05/2014 at 17:09

That's what she said! To sit on at 4000rpm.

Sweet Trav > CraiginAustin
11/05/2014 at 17:11

Why build something less good than it could be? That's why I'd never buy a 911

burntartichoke > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 17:14

I didn't know that the 924 had so many common parts from the VW family. It has the same interior and exterior door latches as my GLI and possibly even the same glove box only upside down. I feel right at home behind the '80s VDO gauges and the angled ignition switch. Oh how I wish I could bid on this.

burntartichoke > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 17:17

What do you mean? An African or European swallow?

Mosqvich > DailyTurismo
11/05/2014 at 17:18

Kinja'd!!!

So, it's a turbo?

DailyTurismo > twelvehappymen
11/05/2014 at 17:19

In 25 years will people have stories about "I found a Ford Fiesta ST in a field, replaced the ECU, Infotainment center, ABS computer, CAN bus, HID ballast and it fired right up"?

DailyTurismo > heeltoehero
11/05/2014 at 17:20

You had me at flat black...

DailyTurismo > CCanavan
11/05/2014 at 17:21

914s are sweet, seating position is go-kart like — I approve!!

DailyTurismo > MINI STIG
11/05/2014 at 17:21

That has the leg of dog shift pattern? I did not know that. Like it even more.