The 944 with 2.5 and 2.7 litres
The base model with the two-valve engine: from the first 1982 model year to the 2.7 litre of 1989.
In short: The 944 was faster, better equipped and more mature dynamically than the 924 it grew out of. Its two-valve four-cylinder grew from 2.5 to 2.7 litres in 1989.
Origins
The four-cylinder was chosen for fuel efficiency and size – and because it had to be fitted from below on the Neckarsulm line. Neckarsulm was an Audi plant; most 944s were built there.
Development over the years
- 1982–1985: early version with the first dashboard.
- Mid-1985 (“1985.5”): major revision with a new dashboard, cast-alloy control arms and further changes – see the model-year article.
- 1987: revised engine management; ABS and airbags become available.
- Early 1989: 2.7-litre displacement with a different cylinder head and larger valves.
What to look for
The base model shares the family’s typical points: documented belt changes, water pump, clutch, engine mounts and the crack-prone dashboard. The buyer’s guide sums them up.
The power figures below come from a secondary source; European and US versions differ in compression and emissions equipment.
Technical values
Only work with the workshop manual and the correct tools. Do not use unverified values without checking them – wrong tension values can destroy the engine.
| Value | Figure | Condition | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 944 2.5 l (1983–1986, Europe): power | 163 hp (DIN) at 5800 rpm | – | unverified | [3] |
| 944 2.5 l (1983–1986, USA): power | 150 hp at 5500 rpm | Given as «DIN» for the US too – standard unclear | unverified | [3] |
| 944 2.5 l (1987–1988): power | 158 hp at 5900 rpm | – | unverified | [3] |
| 944 2.7 l (1989): displacement / power | 2688 cc / 162 hp at 5800 rpm | – | unverified | [3] |
| 944 2.5 l: displacement / bore × stroke | 2479 cc / 100 × 78.9 mm | – | unverified | [3] |
| 944 2.5 l (without catalytic converter): torque | 205 Nm at 3000 rpm | – | unverified | [4] |
| 944 2.5 l (without catalytic converter): 0–100 km/h | 8.4 s | – | unverified | [4] |
| 944 2.5 l (without catalytic converter): top speed | 220 km/h | – | unverified | [4] |
| 944 2.5 l (without catalytic converter): kerb weight | 1180 kg, from 1986 1210 kg | Standard (DIN or EU) not stated | unverified | [4] |
| 944 2.7 l (1989): displacement, other figure | 2681 cc, bore × stroke 104 × 78.9 mm | Conflicts with 2688 cc | unverified | [4] |
| 944 2.7 l (1989): torque | 225 Nm at 4200 rpm | – | unverified | [4] |
| 944 2.7 l (1989): 0–100 km/h | 8.2 s | – | unverified | [4] |
| 944 2.7 l (1989): top speed | 220 km/h | – | unverified | [4] |
| 944 2.7 l (1989): kerb weight | 1290 kg | Standard (DIN or EU) not stated | unverified | [4] |
Sources
- Secondary source Porsche 944 (Abschnitt «Production»)
Secondary source. Production tables per model year, no book citation; totals are partly inconsistent.
- Secondary source Porsche VIN specification
Secondary source. Lists WMI, type positions 7/8/12, plant codes and serial ranges. To be checked against factory documents.
- Secondary source 944 specification tables
Data tables 944, Turbo, S, S2 (1983–1991).
- Secondary source Porsche 944
Secondary source. Covers special series (Turbo S, Celebration Edition) among others. «Technische Daten» table with torque, 0–100 km/h, top speed and kerb weight, without its own reference.