Car Lust--Porsche 928
It is inconceivable to me that the Porsche 928 doesn't have a more glorious reputation than it does. What was one of the all-time great cars of the 1980s (with some spillover from the 1970s and into the 1990s) is remarkably often regarded as a bloated, fat, ugly failure of a car, somehow barely worthy of the Porsche name.
Bah! The 928 was a fantastic car that helped define the sports GT category, marrying supercar performance with comfort and everyday practicality. The 928 had such an embarrassment of ability that it captured the imagination. Considering the standard of its time, it had incredible top speed and high-speed cruising ability; married to its relaxed nature and natural comfort, that made the 928 the perfect choice for bombing along the Autostrada at triple-digit speeds while listening to Chopin, or for compressing a trans-Montana drive from five hours into three. Think of it as an executive Lear Jet for the road.
Porsche purists, conditioned to rear air-cooled engines, never seemed to warm up to the 928; its water-cooled V-8, front-engined configuration, and relaxed athleticism made it an anethema. What they never seem to remember is that while the 911 was unique for its ability to make an outdated formula work, the 928 was unique for being dramatically ahead of its time. In many ways, the 928 provided similar performance without the 911's hard-edged compromises. The 928 offered one of the first truly modern high-performance V-8s in the late 1970s and, by the end of its run in the early 1990s, the 928 S4 was one of the fastest cars on the road. All this and a hatchback to boot!
The 928 doesn't have a great reliability record, and parts are expensive. Plus, its bloated styling came in for some abuse; some uncharitable folks compared the 928 to a bar of soap left in the shower too long. It should come as no surprise that I find the 928 unique and beautiful--its zaftig lines are aggressive without looking like every other car on the road, and the laid-down headlights give the car a unique personality it would not otherwise have had.
The 928 continued to get faster and more refined through its life, but from a stricly aesthetic perspective, I think the early 928s are the prettiest. Later in the car's life, Porsche seemed to try to flatten and sculpt the 928's characteristic soft curves, and for me that goes counter to the car's basic appeal.
But early or late, I'd proudly drive a 928, and to heck with the people who just don't get it. The amazing thing is that older 928s are remarkably affordable for what they are--thanks no doubt to the lack of public respect for the car and their evil reliability reputation.
All of these fantastic photos came from Flickr. The first two came from user Gwagenrally, the third from aMT, and the gorgeous moon shot from joscii.
The video is an original Porsche marketing video for the 928 S4, with typical 1980s marketing flair. A few of my favorite moments:
- I love the unsubtle elitism at play in this video. "Since good taste and exlusiveness have always had a cosmopolitan flair, Porsche's sucess is international. ... the car is an expression of exclusiveness and individuality." The car is later pictured driving at about 20 mph into a mansion's driveway. Way to play up the car's capabilities, guys.
- The Amiga-era computer graphics--especially the slow-motion animation of the combustion cycle that kicks off around the 3:30 mark--is just fantastic. You know that cost Porsche a pretty penny.
- There's a truly puzzling sequence that begins at 4:21; a guitarist and flamenco dancers take center stage and begin a musical number, with only an occasional shot of the car behind the dancers. There's no narration, no context, and no focus on the car. It lasts 30 increasingly confusing seconds and is completely inexplicable.
- That's immediately followed by an equally long dissertation on the history of Spain--the country where "all roads lead to the sun. ... The hardships of travel even in recent times, and the comforts one enjoys in a Porsche 928 S4 are worlds apart. A simple comparison of costs and time spent on the road would probably help even a time traveler to choose the century in which to visit Spain."
Um, yeah. Not enough car companies use that kind of language today to sell their cars.
- At the very end, after waxing eloquent about Spain and the safety and comfort of the 928 S4 (no comment on its performance), the narrator concludes, with a significant tone of voice, the non sequitor "Driving in its purest form knows no bounds."
Not only is that maddeningly vague, but it's also completely out of character with everything else in the video. I imagine some enterprising copy writer came up with the line, and the marketing team liked it so much that they threw it in as the final line even though it didn't really fit.
--Chris H.
G. Jones on September 21, 2008 at 08:50 PM
I have a 1986.5 928S. It's by far the best performing vehicle I have ever driven. Its fast and corners as if on rails. It is a very reliable car, but can be expensive to repair. Finding a quality 928 is getting harder to come by. I got lucky. If your wanting to purchase one, do your homework. You will love the engineering that went into to Porsche's original design.
Reggie on October 11, 2008 at 06:12 PM
I have been the proud owner of a 1985 928S for almost 20 years. the car has been an outstanding ride. i have spent a great deal of money keeping the girl running and it does run with the best of the new vehicles on the road. What I enjoy most about my S is the rock solid feel and how it handles. With the S you never feel like you are not in conrol. I drove the car in Europe on the autobahn for 4 years and I know it will run at 140 MPH for extended periods of time.
As with any high preformance vehicle if it requires repar it will cost a great deal of money. So it is best to find a good 928 technician and develop a good relationship. The weak point of the cqr is the airconditioning system. I have replace compressors 4 times/ I also own a 93 928GTS and it has the same weakpoint.
When i compare the two cars I like the S. Not as refined but one hell of a car.
928 International is a good source for repair parts.
on November 22, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Heavy? My stock 928S4 weighs less than an Infinity G35. It also has more power and torque, a much higher top speed, and perfect 50/50 weight distribution. As to the 911 vs. 928, let’s go out for a spirited drive in the mountains and see what happens when there is a big rock in the road around a blind corner. The 928 can stop while turning; the 911 will either hit the rock or go off the road backwards. My car has gone 145,000 miles, I drive it daily and it has been extremely reliable. I will agree with the article however that the HVAC system is a weak point.
on November 23, 2008 at 02:07 AM
98% of drivers will be better driving a 928 than a 911. It's simply a better handling car. But 911 drivers like to pride themselves on being able to drive a vehicle that is known to be a difficult ride, which can kill you if you get in over your head. Which is just stupid. No one has designed a rear engine performance vehicle since the original 911, for good reason. Porsche only continues to build 911 type designs because, like Harley-Davidson, they have a loyal following of folks who like antiquated designs. The 928 was a vastly superior design, but Porsche never raced it, so there wasn't the following that it deserved; big mistake on their part. It's still one of the finest cars in the world.
nick on November 29, 2008 at 05:43 PM
I have completely fallen in love with the 928! Even though the car is decades older than I, it still lookes modern and like nothing else. I am only 17 at the moment, but as soon as I turn 18 and get access to my trust-fond, I will for sure buy a 928 :) I prefer the looks of the earlier models, mainly because I don't like the way Porsche tried to make the 928 more mainstreem in the later years. Great cars whatsoever though...
Stelios on January 01, 2009 at 03:03 PM
It's great that everybody wants a Porsche 928GT, but I'm trying to sell one in the UK right now. Nobody wants to buy it. What am I doing wrong? It's in good condition and I love it to bits (I've had it since new), but I need a left hand drive car now!
Stelios on January 01, 2009 at 03:04 PM
It's great that everybody wants a Porsche 928GT, but I'm trying to sell one in the UK right now. Nobody wants to buy it. What am I doing wrong? It's in good condition and I love it to bits (I've had it since new), but I need a left hand drive car now!
Stelios on January 01, 2009 at 03:04 PM
It's great that everybody wants a Porsche 928GT, but I'm trying to sell one in the UK right now. Nobody wants to buy it. What am I doing wrong? It's in good condition and I love it to bits (I've had it since new), but I need a left hand drive car now!
Don on January 06, 2009 at 06:08 PM
Love 928's!
Don on January 06, 2009 at 06:09 PM
Love 928's!
ddave on February 17, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Just found a near mint 79 5 speed with all records...for $3grand. Go figure.
Uranium Metallurgist on February 20, 2009 at 10:18 AM
I am the very happy owner of a 1993 RED GTS here in Vancouver. The car has never failed to put a smile on my face once I am in the driver's seat and the motor is running! I am about to have major maintenance done at a local Porsche shop - Replace the 7 foot long timing belt, rebuild the belt tensioners and water pump; and replace the collapsed motor mounts. Total bill is about $ 3,500. If I had a heated garage I could do it myself but since I have a few spare $s it will be done at the shop.
Despite this the car's cost to own and operate is not bad. I have replaced the brake pads front and rear and lots of the little fiddly bits (hot water valve, seat latches, minor trim parts, etc.) that normally wear out. I also installed a rear muffler bypass and now have a lovely rumble at idle that transforms into a mean growl under hard acceleration.
I do the minor stuff myself and strongly recommend any interested to take the plunge and buy one. There are plenty of guides on what to look for. It is always best to find one with maintenance records but if that isn't possible check with the local Porsche club. If you are lucky like me you will find a GTS that has a little extra torque. Mine is an automatic but it meets my need quite nicely and I can shift down 2 gears when the need arrises.
The car hangs in there with more modern sports cars including all the 911s.
One great ride!
Frank M on March 16, 2009 at 09:09 PM
The 928 is a great car. I own a 1991 928S4 with only 26,000 miles. It is such a great looking car that I am stopped constanly by other sport car owners. It drives great and I have had no issues.
Thanks
joe norman on April 04, 2009 at 07:56 PM
i've got an 87 S4, compaired to my 87 nascar aero coupe its lite years ahead. both are so fast that they can scare you half to death, with thier neck snapping acceleration. and my 73 pantera is just an overpowered super expensive rocket compaired to the 928. Its refined, quiet, very nimble and sure footed in any driving condition. It came loaded; the only option, being auto or manual trans. Like the pantera it has timeless styling. The big cat is a very demanding lady maintance wise. living in the desert, rust isn't the issue like other parts of the country. The shark is mostly aluminum, its very easy to care for. I drive the porsche as often as possable. the pantera and chevy sit a lot. If you can afford to get a 928, you'll never be sorry. the car is pure fun and that is what life is really all about. FWIW, the 928 can still out run just about anything out there still.
Braden on August 08, 2009 at 09:53 AM
This care is awesome, my dad got a strait up 928 for free from a buddy. It needs a bit of work but runs good. I love it. Seems to get up and go really nice.
928s owner Gary Haines on October 09, 2009 at 11:13 AM
The best of both worlds the sound and power of a muscle car but the handling and modern look of any era. Had lady ask how i got classic plates for such a new vehicle, the car is an 80 s that looks so modern. If you dont like euro 928s porsches then you couldnt have ever driven one. Best car of the 80s and best value for performance on earth!!!!
Justin Harp on January 12, 2010 at 06:59 PM
I beat a new Dodge Challenger RT in my 1984 928 S with an automatic transmission. The dude had no chance. I run K&N filters, Ansa exhaust, a Jacobs energy coil, and a leaky transmission. When I hit the kick down on the floor, the car took off and ate this guys competition orange lunch. And I did with a car that I bought out of a junk yard for $1300. Beat that story.
Justin Harp
PorscheWerks
1-501-680-6985
TheOldMan on July 01, 2010 at 06:19 PM
My 1990 928 5sp has 89000 miles. I bought it used in 1994 for $31000 and it runs perfectly. The previous owner was a co-founder of Oracle Corp and used to race it a Laguna Seca. I haven't spent lots of money on parts/maintenance although I did get the cams machined a few years ago for a couple of thousand dollars. There's no way I'll ever be able to own anything this nice again (married, children, etc...) so I just enjoy the ride.
Trebor Mahkciw on August 19, 2010 at 07:05 PM
I just bought my 1st 1989 928 5 speed. My 10th 928 I have in my posession. These cars define driving.
Vanilla Pimp on December 12, 2011 at 02:04 PM
I wish my 928 S4 was as ugly and unappealing as many of the commenters here would make it to be. Then I wouldn't I have to answer dozens of questions every time I drive it, and hear endless compliments and stories of guys' childhood dreams to own one. The thumbs up and waves on the freeway are tiring, as well. Simply put, my 928 steals the show at any car show I pull into. Give me a dozen Vettes, half dozen Mustangs, an old Charger, any number of rice burners, etc., and when I pull in, the crowd migrates to my car. The 928 is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned, certainly the best head turner, and not that hard to maintain if you own your own tools and have a garage bay. These cars are a dream, but not for the weak.