Introduced in 1981 as the successor to the 924, the Porsche 944 was a front-engined sports car built on a proven layout but with significant upgrades. It featured a wider body and a unique 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine—derived from half of the 928’s V8 and smoothed with balancer shafts—that produced 163 horsepower.
Its rear transaxle and uprated 924 running gear aimed to deliver superior handling, and the line later expanded to include Turbo, 16-valve (S/S2), and cabriolet models, with the 944 S claiming 190hp and able to reach a top speed of around 142mph.
However, not all reviews uphold its sports car pedigree. In a deliberately skeptical review, Regular Car Reviews pushes back against the 944’s reputation. Driving a 1987 944 S, the host finds it slow, reluctant to rev, and ultimately disengaging—an underwhelming experience that challenges its celebrated balance and Porsche badge.
Source: Regular Car Reviews
