Porsche
928
Porsche
944
Porsche 928 vs Porsche 944: 1991 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Porsche 928 comes out ahead of the Porsche 944 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
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.
944
Overall
Sentiment is deeply divided and highly dependent on owner expectations and mechanical aptitude. A strong, recurrent theme praises the 944 as an exceptional value proposition for experiencing classic Porsche engineering, handling, and driving feel at a relatively accessible price point, often cited as under $20,000. It is consistently lauded for its near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, which results in outstanding and communicative handling that was considered class-leading in its era.
Best version to buy
The 1988-1989 944 Turbo S (951 S) is highlighted as the ultimate performance variant. Specific improvements over the standard Turbo include a larger K26/8 turbocharger, forged pistons (250 hp), a limited-slip differential, a strengthened transmission with an oil cooler, adjustable Koni coilovers, and massive 4-piston Brembo brakes from the 928 S4.
Known issues
- ⚠Extremely high maintenance and parts costs: parts described as "ridiculously expensive" and "gold-priced," with simple items like a hood emblem cited at a high cost. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Bosch CIS (K-Jetronic) fuel injection problems: system is sensitive to vacuum leaks, gummed-up from old fuel, difficult to diagnose and repair, steep learning curve for owners. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Aging electrical system failures: corrosion at connections, erratic behavior, faulty wiring, particularly in pre-facelift models. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Porsche 928 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Porsche 944, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Porsche 944 is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Porsche 928 or the Porsche 944?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Porsche 928 and the Porsche 944. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Porsche 928 or the Porsche 944?
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 928 or the Porsche 944?
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 928 or the Porsche 944?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.