Porsche 944 1982–1991 car dimensions: 4200 mm long, 1735 mm wide and 1275 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,180 kg. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
The cabin is a practical 2+2 layout with supportive seats that became power-adjustable and heated as options later in the run. Air conditioning was available across the generation and standard in most markets on Turbo models, with automatic heating control as a further option. Cruise control was an option that became more common and standard on later Turbos. Power windows, central locking and electric mirrors were widely fitted. Driver aids stayed basic with no electronic stability or camera systems. ABS arrived as an option from 1986-87 and became standard on S2 and late Turbos, while dual airbags were standard on US Turbos from 1987 and optional elsewhere.
The hatchback coupe offers a usable boot of around 250 litres with the rear seats in place. Folding the rear seats increases capacity to about 500 litres, making it practical for a sports car of its size.
Braked towing capacity is listed at 1200 kg with unbraked at 500 kg. Payload sits around 300-340 kg depending on model and year. An external oil cooler was available as an option for heavier use.
The M030 sport suspension package with stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars was a popular option for firmer handling. The car is a pure sports coupe rather than a work vehicle, with limited roof load of 35-75 kg.
The cabin offers a supportive driving position with high-back seats that provide good lateral hold. From mid-1985 the dashboard is fully redesigned for better ergonomics and more legroom under a raised steering column. Air conditioning and electric windows are widely fitted. Optional power-adjustable front seats and heated front seats add convenience. An electric sunroof that can be fully removed is a popular option for open-air driving.
Unleaded fuel only required.
Good fuel economy for a sports car with ranges over 500 miles on later 80-litre tanks.
Oil and filter change every 15,000 miles.
Camshaft and balance shaft belts every 48,000 miles or four years.
ABS optional from 1987 then standard on later models. dual airbags standard on US Turbos from 1987 and later models.
Door side-impact beams standard from 1985.
The 944 runs on unleaded fuel and delivers strong economy for its performance class. Later cars with the enlarged tank allow long ranges between fills.
Servicing centres on regular oil changes at 15,000-mile intervals. The timing and balance shaft belts must be replaced every four years or 48,000 miles along with the water pump to protect the engine. Brake fluid is changed every two years.
Safety equipment includes dual-circuit ventilated disc brakes all round. From 1985 door beams improve side-impact protection. ABS became available in 1987 and standard later, while dual front airbags arrived as standard on US Turbos in 1987 and spread to other models.
The galvanised body resists rust better than many contemporaries yet still needs checks in common areas. Engines last well past 100,000 miles with proper care. Parts remain readily available and the car is straightforward to keep on the road with specialist attention to the belts and cooling system.
Length 4200 mm, Width 1735 mm, Height 1275 mm, Wheelbase 2400 mm (944 1982–1991)
Sources: manufacturer data, elferspot.com portrait specs tables and partworks.de technical data, excellence-mag.com 1983 specs and workshop manual excerpts, ADAC and carfolio.