Porsche
924
Porsche
928
Porsche 924 vs Porsche 928: 1991 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Porsche 928 comes out ahead of the Porsche 924 on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
924
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific model year and powertrain. The original 2.0L naturally aspirated models (1976-1982) are widely criticized for being "woefully underpowered," "pretty terrible," and "a joke," with performance described as lackluster and the engine considered anemic. These models are frequently derided as "not a real Porsche" due to their Volkswagen/Audi origins, shared components, and underwhelming driving experience.
Best version to buy
The 924S is consistently highlighted as the best version for ownership. It combines the lighter, narrower body of the 924 with the more powerful and reliable Porsche-designed 2.5L engine from the 944, addressing the primary criticism of the original car.
Known issues
- ⚠Severely underpowered engine (early 2.0L NA): described as anemic, lackluster, a "dog," with approximately 95-110 hp. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Bosch CIS (K-Jetronic) fuel injection problems: system is hugely sensitive to air leaks, prone to failure if neglected or from old fuel, difficult to diagnose and repair without specialized knowledge. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical issues: dirty spade connectors, failing relays, brittle steering column switches, and faulty ignition switches causing no-start or running issues. Frequency: recurrent.
928
Overall
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep emotional attachment and appreciation for its unique character as a grand tourer. Owners consistently describe the driving experience as putting a "massive smile" on their face, praising its high-speed stability, powerful top-end pull, and engaging, visceral feel. The car is noted for its historical significance as a technologically advanced flagship, featuring a front-engine V8 with a rear-mounted transaxle for near 50/50 weight distribution, and for its role in saving the company financially.
Best version to buy
S4 (1987-1991) and GT (1990-1992) models are implicitly favored. The S4 is specifically mentioned for its upgraded 4-piston Brembo brakes, which were shared with the 944 Turbo S.
Known issues
- ⚠Extremely high maintenance and repair costs: described as "very costly," "expensive to maintain," and requiring a significant annual budget. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Age-related component failure: all rubber hoses, plastic parts, and vacuum lines become brittle and require wholesale replacement. Electrical wiring harnesses degrade, leading to difficult-to-diagnose faults. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine oil consumption: linked to the hypereutectic aluminum block design, similar to issues in other manufacturers' sleeveless engines. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Porsche 928 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Porsche 924, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Porsche 924 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Porsche 924 or the Porsche 928?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Porsche 924 and the Porsche 928. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Porsche 924 or the Porsche 928?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Porsche 924 or the Porsche 928?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Porsche 924 or the Porsche 928?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Porsche 928 than the Porsche 924. See the known issues comparison above.