SteveF Posted 23January, 2015 Report Share Posted 23January, 2015 Thank you very much for your insight. It is much appreciated. In my early days of working out which car to get I did drive an '86 928 and loved the shape but was underwhelmed at the time with the drive but suspect it was the car and the short period of time that I drove it. Recently the later model S4 has appealed so I was interested to get your thoughts on each model. Thank you again. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coastr Posted 23January, 2015 Report Share Posted 23January, 2015 In a short précis, what exactly are the defining differences between S, GT, GTS, S2 and S4? Is it just different packaging of the same basic concept, or is it a difference in tune and setup (i.e. C2 vs GT3) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazzieman Posted 25January, 2015 Author Report Share Posted 25January, 2015 In a short précis, what exactly are the defining differences between S, GT, GTS, S2 and S4? Is it just different packaging of the same basic concept, or is it a difference in tune and setup (i.e. C2 vs GT3) 16 valve vs 32 valve engine , later cars L Jetronic /ABS/airbags/more electronics i.e. "modern" feel. Cars got heavier too , same with 911s in that regard. Other than that , you'll just have to do the reading http://jenniskens.livedsl.nl/Evolution/The%20Porsche%20928%20history.pdf Some want the luxury feel , others the sporty feel. The manuals are hard work around town. The 928 was an autobahn stormer (best above 120km/hr) thus a waste of time as a CBD daily drive. The cars are no slouches, but obviously the youngest is 20 years old now. As with 911s there are many options for customising the performance. But the factory did pretty well. You can scare yourself silly on twisty roads and live to tell the tale. One other thing which I was warned about , it takes several months to really get a feel for this model. First impressions can be as Steve F experienced , underwhelming. Don't discount the fact that some cars may not be in an optimal state of tune. e.g. The L jetronic injectors are getting pretty old nowadays and hard to replace. Many Rennlisters greatly prefer a 928 to a 911 , but they are totally different cars. Horses for courses, and the best approach is to own one of each Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tit Posted 25January, 2015 Report Share Posted 25January, 2015 That was a good read! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coastr Posted 25January, 2015 Report Share Posted 25January, 2015 Yes it's interesting to reflect back and see how many common technologies first appeared on a Porsche. I didn't know the 928 was the first to have speed sensitive power steering , for example. There are many others mentioned in that article. What is also interesting is that GT cars - while well respected and loved by many - don't seem to attract a big following in comparison to other sports cars and muscle cars. It's not just the 928 - 6 series BMWs, Mercedes SLs - even Jag coupes - they all seem to fall into the 'yeah, they are nice but I wouldn't buy one'. Sure, there is still a big enthusiast following of each of my examples, but you don't see fawning at auctions and that type of thing, like you do with some corvettes made 911s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazzieman Posted 26January, 2015 Author Report Share Posted 26January, 2015 A 928 will leave What is also interesting is that GT cars - while well respected and loved by many - don't seem to attract a big following in comparison to other sports cars and muscle cars. It's not just the 928 - 6 series BMWs, Mercedes SLs - even Jag coupes - they all seem to fall into the 'yeah, they are nice but I wouldn't buy one'. "I wouldn't buy one" means "I cannot afford the repair builds on sophisticated old luxury cars (that I cannot repair myself)" The 928 is in a different league from the equivalent machines above and will leave them for dead in every way. Yes I too considered the GT alternatives - even a V8 Aston! But the 928 wins on better handling and entry price Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazzieman Posted 1February, 2015 Author Report Share Posted 1February, 2015 The central warning system for the 928 was copied from DeHavilland But not this one This one http://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/porsche-928-gts-end-front-engined-debate for now it addresses the main downside of 928 ownership: as with all Porsches, maintenance and repair can prove costly. But for most, the refinement, looks and pedigree it offers in return will do enough to justify a wince-worthy bill every now and again. Perhaps even the rear-engine die-hards will come around one day, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KGB Posted 3February, 2015 Report Share Posted 3February, 2015 How anyone at Porsche ever dreamed, no matter how wildly, that the 928 was a replacement for the 911 boggles the mind... Now, a few days into 928 possession and comparing it to my 964, they are truly different beasts, both feel like a Porsche, solid, planted and sharp (well, 928 sharp'ish). One is a slightly rabid dog the other a thoroughbred racehorse, both with four legs but that's about it in common. One other thing which I was warned about , it takes several months to really get a feel for this model. First impressions can be as Steve F experienced , underwhelming. Don't discount the fact that some cars may not be in an optimal state of tune. e.g. The L jetronic injectors are getting pretty old nowadays and hard to replace. Many Rennlisters greatly prefer a 928 to a 911 , but they are totally different cars. Horses for courses, and the best approach is to own one of each The 928 is now having a thorough once over, zeroing the service situation, doing it all at once, belts the lot. It'll be a big invoice and should deliver a "new car". So far it is actually a little underwhelming particularly after stepping our of the 964, although variety is the spice of life. Looking forward to getting to know it once it's been zero'd and servicing is up to date. I'm sure it's qualities will become appreciated over a little time shared. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazzieman Posted 3February, 2015 Author Report Share Posted 3February, 2015 You have to stick the boot in , listen for Thor's hammer - and hang on It is both blunt and sharp. Will be interesting to see pics and share experiences. Even amongst 928s , the different years have different characteristics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KGB Posted 3February, 2015 Report Share Posted 3February, 2015 Instant l/100km readout MAX so far 64l/100km. Absolutely NO whales saved with that take off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazzieman Posted 3February, 2015 Author Report Share Posted 3February, 2015 Instant l/100km readout MAX so far 64l/100km. Absolutely NO whales saved with that take off. Gauges never work properly on these old cars They use less fuel than a 930 btw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f3nr15 Posted 3February, 2015 Report Share Posted 3February, 2015 Crikey, the highest mine has ever read was 30-something, and I've been daily driving mine for a year. KGB, a manual or auto? Any pics? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KGB Posted 3February, 2015 Report Share Posted 3February, 2015 Auto. Pics to follow once she's been serviced. That was instant read out not average consumption. Thor's hammer made a clank. P.S. Drive it harder.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tit Posted 3February, 2015 Report Share Posted 3February, 2015 Have any of you guys driven the bmw e39 540? It's my only driving reference point for that generation euro v8. I remember that having a sort of smooth and creamy power delivery. Oodles of torque but still very refined. In stock form is quite quiet. Velvet hammer if you will... In my mind the 928 donk might be similar. Would that be a fair comparison? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazzieman Posted 3February, 2015 Author Report Share Posted 3February, 2015 Have any of you guys driven the bmw e39 540? It's my only driving reference point for that generation euro v8. I remember that having a sort of smooth and creamy power delivery. Oodles of torque but still very refined. In stock form is quite quiet. Velvet hammer if you will... In my mind the 928 donk might be similar. Would that be a fair comparison? Sort of , but not with my non-stock exhaust. I had to tone it down , but it is still scaring elderly people , small children, animals and V8 ute drivers. Just puts a big smile on my face , even with gentle pushes of the pedal. Big push = loud snarl. Do not feed the animal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f3nr15 Posted 4February, 2015 Report Share Posted 4February, 2015 So true. A 911 is like a gazelle, all poise and agility. A 928 is a lion - seemingly ponderous and heavy, but furious when provoked. Tit, check out this period comparo with a BMW V12 - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter M Posted 4February, 2015 Report Share Posted 4February, 2015 How anyone at Porsche ever dreamed, no matter how wildly, that the 928 was a replacement for the 911 boggles the mind...Comrade,I don't think it was the case of a "replacement" as such for the 911.I think it was the case that they had all their eggs in one basket and they were trying to reduce their risk exposure in US market in particular in the event that the 911 was legislated out of existence due to noise/emissions being air cooled and being rear engined there was a risk that it may face a similar fate that beset the Corvair.So what better risk strategy than to do something the completely opposite to the 911 - front engine, water cooled and passive steer rear end! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazzieman Posted 4February, 2015 Author Report Share Posted 4February, 2015 True Peter , and they were on the ball only 6 years after the 911 was brought out. It was an era of major change in the auto industry , not to mention politics at Porsche as the family divested themselves of directorship. Here is a page from a recently discovered Porsche engineer's manual ; waiting for a rennlister to scan the rest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazzieman Posted 4February, 2015 Author Report Share Posted 4February, 2015 More grist for the mill http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/1985-porsche-928s-road-test-review Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomo Posted 10February, 2015 Report Share Posted 10February, 2015 I thought the panamera was the 928 updated or backdated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazzieman Posted 12February, 2015 Author Report Share Posted 12February, 2015 In March 1981 , Stirling Moss & Phil Hill (proper drivers eh what) reviewed 15 cars in a million dollar shootout. The cars were: Porsche 928 & 924 turbo BMW M1 & 633 Csi Pantera Countach Ferrari 512BB &308GTSi Merc 380SL Aston Martin Volante Corvette Manta Lotus Esprit Jaguar XJS DeTomaso Longchamp There can only be one "winner" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ Posted 12February, 2015 Report Share Posted 12February, 2015 be interesting to hear their opinions on the longchamp - i can imagine it was something like 'XD falcon with a big engine and weird balance' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazzieman Posted 12February, 2015 Author Report Share Posted 12February, 2015 I kinda wanted a Longchamps a while back. I'll dig into the article further. The 928 wasn't the fastest in the test , but it had the USA strangled 240hp engine cf the 300hp ROW one. edit: Stirling not so happy with the DTL and amazingly it was twice the price of the 928. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KGB Posted 16February, 2015 Report Share Posted 16February, 2015 A very complicated yet beautiful thing, even half undressed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazzieman Posted 16February, 2015 Author Report Share Posted 16February, 2015 Not at all complicated compared to modern cars! But not a sewing machine either. How are the cam gears looking? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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