Driving the 1987 and 1988 Porsche 924 S back-to-back highlights how transmission and setup can completely reshape the same car. Both models revive Porsche’s original front-engine, entry-level formula, sharing much of their mechanical DNA with the 944, but their personalities diverge on the road.
The 1987 924 S pairs its 150-hp 2.5-liter four with a rare three-speed automatic. Expectations are low, yet the result is a relaxed, surprisingly satisfying cruiser. Steering feel is honest, the ride is supple, and the long gearing encourages smooth, unhurried progress rather than aggression. It’s not fast, but it’s easy to live with—arguably one of the most approachable classic Porsches for daily use.
The 1988 924 S tells a different story. With a five-speed manual, a 160-hp bump, and light suspension upgrades, it feels sharper, tighter, and far more engaging. Shorter gearing wakes the engine up, body control is vastly improved, and the chassis rewards committed driving on a twisty road. It still retains comfort, but now blends it with genuine back-road capability.
Together, these two cars prove the 924 S is more than a footnote in Porsche history. Whether as a relaxed automatic cruiser or a driver-focused manual, it delivers authentic Porsche balance, steering feel, and character at a fraction of the brand’s usual entry price.
Source: Porsche Club of America
