islaTurbine

The title says it all folks. I'm from the 996 world and have been considering jumping into the market for either a 944 S2 or 944 Turbo (or possibly a 928) to enjoy for a few years and then probably sell. I'll likely be looking only at cars with less than 100k miles on them.

Gimme your pros/cons for which is better. Thanks!

odonnell

I would say S2. A lot more 951s were produced and many are modified. They're more fun but the resale is favoring clean cars. Prices have been rising to some extent, no 944s are going down in value.

Mike1982

If you are keeping stock, the S2 (coming from a NA 996) will be more fun. If you are going to modify it, want to go faster, the turbo all day long.

islaTurbine

No Lag

S2 ‘s are rarer. As an example my 91 coupe is 1 of 510 produced. However as an investment the condition plays a huge part.

jderimig

Over a 2-3 year horizon the investment return will probably be about the same. If you are going to drive it mainly on the street I agree with the others that the S2 will be more fun and easier to maintain by yourself.

However in my opinion if your time horizon is longer I think a stock clean low mileage 951 is going to way over appreciate the S2 mainly because its a "turbo". Sure there are more 951's than S2s but there will be many more people wanting the clean/stock 951.

Jay Wellwood

Pardon the slight detour....but if you're looking for production and exclusivity, then the 968 is even more rare than the 944S2.

Total production and imported to the US (Coupes and Cabriolet):

944S2 = 6,127 over three years of production (3,650 Coupes and 2,477 Cabriolets)
968 = 4,242 over four years of production (2,234 Coupes and 2,008 Cabriolets)

Regardless, both models are fine cars and were both 'hand built' - something I suspect went by the wayside with the introduction of the 996 and Boxster models.

islaTurbine

marc abrams

"Investment", now that a interesting word. You said you'll want to drive it so there's going to be some maintenance cost involved, money you'll never get back. So with that said buy the car that "speaks to you". You only go around once so enjoy the ride.

islaTurbine

That's a good point. "Investment" in this instance means not lose my *** when I eventually go to sell it.

jderimig

I don't think you can lose you *** on any clean 944, unless its not clean anymore when you want to sell it. I agree with Marc Abrams, go with the car that calls you and drive it with spirit.

968gene

IMHO, I would suggest scouring the market for the absolute best low mileage, fully documented, enthusiast maintained examples of 968’s, 951’s, and S2’s. What you find will make up your mind. Personally, I would look for unique examples (colors, options, etc)
As for rare, an unmolested Silver Rose Turbo S May be the most difficult thing to find.
One last option, you could import a true 968 Club Sport!

odonnell

+1 even a base model NA is going up in value if it's kept clean.

fejjj

islaTurbine

Um...a 50,000 mile S2 and a 50,000 mile 951. Both Guards Red and black and fully documented. Pick one.