Porsche 944 Turbo

vs

Porsche 944 Turbo S

Germany vs Germany — 1986 vs 1988

Porsche 944 Turbo (1986)
Porsche 944 Turbo S (1988)
Specifications
944 Turbo944 Turbo S 951
Horsepower220 hp250 hp
Torque243 lb-ft258 lb-ft
Engine Size2,479 cc2,479 cc
0-60 mph5.9 sec5.5 sec
Top Speed153 mph162 mph
¼ Mile14.2 sec13.8 sec
Weight2,976 lbs2,976 lbs
Wheelbase2,400 mm2,400 mm
Length4,200 mm4,213 mm
Units Produced25,2451,635
Original MSRP$39,950$48,550
Value (Excellent)$60,000$110,000
Collectibility7/108/10
Rarity5/107/10
The Verdict

The 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S 951 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.

Overview

The Porsche 944 Turbo lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo with the 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S 951 reveals how Porsche refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. The 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S 951 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 250 hp compared to 220 hp, a 30-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S 951 edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 5.9 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,635 units built, the 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S 951 is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 944 Turbo's 25,245 examples.