The Porsche 924, 928, 944, and 968 are a quartet of iconic sports cars that played a pivotal role in the history of the German automaker. From the entry-level 924 to the flagship 928, each model offered a unique blend of performance, luxury, and affordability that appealed to enthusiasts around the world.
In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the complete story of these four Porsche models, exploring their development, design, technical specifications, and impact on the automotive landscape. We will also provide detailed descriptions of each car, highlighting their key features and distinguishing characteristics.
The Porsche 924
The Porsche 924 was introduced in 1976 as a collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen. It was designed to replace the aging 914 and provide a more affordable entry point into the Porsche brand. The 924 featured a front-mounted, water-cooled four-cylinder engine that produced 125 horsepower. It was offered with a four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic transmission.
The 924 was a commercial success, with over 150,000 units produced during its eight-year production run. It was particularly popular in the United States, where it became the best-selling Porsche model of all time.
The Porsche 928
The Porsche 928 was introduced in 1977 as the flagship model of the Porsche lineup. It was designed to replace the aging 911 and offer a more luxurious and refined driving experience. The 928 featured a front-mounted, water-cooled V8 engine that produced 240 horsepower. It was offered with a five-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic transmission.
The 928 was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and accolades. It was particularly popular in Europe, where it became one of the best-selling luxury sports cars of all time.
The Porsche 944
The Porsche 944 was introduced in 1982 as a replacement for the 924. It was designed to offer a more sporty and performance-oriented driving experience. The 944 featured a front-mounted, water-cooled four-cylinder engine that produced 163 horsepower. It was offered with a five-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic transmission.
The 944 was a commercial success, with over 160,000 units produced during its nine-year production run. It was particularly popular in the United States, where it became the second best-selling Porsche model of all time.
The Porsche 968
The Porsche 968 was introduced in 1991 as a replacement for the 944. It was designed to offer a more refined and luxurious driving experience. The 968 featured a front-mounted, water-cooled four-cylinder engine that produced 240 horsepower. It was offered with a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.
The 968 was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and accolades. It was particularly popular in Europe, where it became one of the best-selling luxury sports cars of all time.
The Porsche 924, 928, 944, and 968 are four iconic sports cars that played a pivotal role in the history of the German automaker. Each model offered a unique blend of performance, luxury, and affordability that appealed to enthusiasts around the world. Today, these cars remain highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
If you are interested in learning more about these iconic Porsche models, we highly recommend the book "Porsche 924, 928, 944, and 968: The Complete Story" by Crowood Autoclassics. This comprehensive book provides a detailed history of each model, along with technical specifications, production numbers, and stunning photography.
