Germany vs Germany — 1985 vs 1978
| 944 Turbo S | 928 4.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 240 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,479 cc | 4,474 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.5 sec | 6.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 162 mph | 143 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.8 sec | 15.1 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,197 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,500 mm |
| Length | 4,200 mm | 4,445 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,635 | 15,800 |
| Original MSRP | — | $28,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $85,000 | $55,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1985 Porsche 944 Turbo S brings quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity to the table, and the 1978 Porsche 928 4.5 answers with stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Porsche has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1985 Porsche 944 Turbo S with the 1978 Porsche 928 4.5 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1985 Porsche 944 Turbo S producing 250 hp and the 1978 Porsche 928 4.5 delivering 240 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Porsche 944 uses a Inline-4 Turbo SOHC 8V displacing 2,479 cc, while the Porsche 928 relies on a V8 SOHC with 4,474 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1985 Porsche 944 Turbo S edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 6.8 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,635 units built, the 1985 Porsche 944 Turbo S is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 928's 15,800 examples. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1978 Porsche 928 4.5 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.