Why no love for the 968? | FerrariChat

Why no love for the 968?

Discussion in 'Porsche' started by Texas Forever, Dec 12, 2017.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 28, 2003
    75,370
    Texas!
    Everybody loves 944 turbos, but it appears a 968 is the ugly step sister. Why? Does a 968 handle as well as a 944?
     
  2. KM1959

    KM1959 Formula Junior

    Nov 12, 2014
    984
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    You said it yourself, the "968 is the ugly step sister". How many opt for the one with the "great personality"? Some do, but most won't.
     
  3. 88MONDIAL

    88MONDIAL Formula 3

    Apr 13, 2005
    1,052
    Racine, Wisconsin
    Full Name:
    Jim Smith
    I had 3 944's and a 968. The 968 is the best, I loved it and I wish I still had it, but that was a long time ago. I can't say enough good things about either any 944 or 968. Great cars!
     
    Texas Forever likes this.
  4. BoulderFCar

    BoulderFCar F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 16, 2004
    12,109
    Asheville, NC/Ft Lauderdale
    Full Name:
    Tom
    This reminds me of a 944 S2 I had. Almost a 968. I only had the car for a year but it was a great car. Looked good, had fantastic AC which was unusual for a Porsche and was reliable. Really solid motor. Did a 3K road trip in it and it was a fantastic GT type car.
     
  5. 375+

    375+ F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 28, 2005
    11,880
    When new the 968 was expensive and IMO overpriced. That might be a reason that they never attracted a following. I think that they are the ultimate refinement of the 944 and are terrific cars. Now not overpriced.
     
  6. Tcar

    Tcar F1 Rookie

    That's because it was an Audi... :)
     
  7. Gh21631

    Gh21631 F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2011
    8,325
    East
    At the time the 968 was the most technically advanced car Porsche made and therefore expensive. Normally aspirated 4 cylinder, 6 speed manual producing 240 HP (I believe). I thought they were great BUT it wasnt a 9 1 1.
     
    375+ likes this.
  8. BMW.SauberF1Team

    BMW.SauberF1Team F1 World Champ

    Dec 4, 2004
    14,244
    Doesn't look as good as a 911.
     
  9. BoulderFCar

    BoulderFCar F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 16, 2004
    12,109
    Asheville, NC/Ft Lauderdale
    Full Name:
    Tom
    I never knew they were considered ugly until this thread. I always liked the looks of them.
     
  10. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 6, 2003
    24,957
    Las Vegas, NV
    Full Name:
    Ryan Alexander
  11. Devilsolsi

    Devilsolsi F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 1, 2007
    8,503
    MD
    Full Name:
    Alex

    I always thought the cab looked great, but the coupe was a weird cross between a 928 and a 944.
     
  12. Rory J

    Rory J Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    May 30, 2006
    1,078
    I had a 944 S2 as well -- 3.0-liter engine, but without the 968's Variocam, so down about 30 horses. Great car, sold it after a couple years because it was more of a touring car than a sports car. 968s just don't look right to my eye, but some people love them -- I have a friend with four of them!
     
    Texas Forever likes this.
  13. AndrewJM

    AndrewJM Formula Junior

    Jun 18, 2012
    383
    Norfolk, VA
    It’s funny, I never liked the cab but always thought the coupe was the best looking of the 4 cylinder cars. I prefer the styling over the 964 from that era as well.
     
    Texas Forever likes this.
  14. 4CamGT

    4CamGT F1 Rookie

    Jun 23, 2004
    2,649
    Southern California
    #14 4CamGT, Dec 15, 2017
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2017
    IMHO, silhouette and proportion are under estimated in pushing a buyer’s emotion to buy and covet. As an automotive designer, this is the biggest fight with engineers. Even the sound of the motor and the switchgear (or the feel and sound of closing a door). The engineer and accountant usually win these days. Emotion and aesthetic choice is intuitive. The Jensen Interceptor, XKE 2+2 and 944/968 are examples where the engineer set the criteria. You don’t have to be a designer or artist to feel the difference between a XKE SWB 2 seater coupe vs a LWB 2+2. When it’s done for the heart, it’s magic! Collector values are subjective to people’s emotions.

    The 968 is a really great car but is polarizing to a small audience (usually more pragmatic) where the 911 is a religion. Remember, this is only my opinion!

    Freeman
    Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
    Texas Forever likes this.
  15. Carrerarsr

    Carrerarsr Formula Junior

    Sep 29, 2014
    279
    Germany
    Full Name:
    Frank
  16. jjmalez

    jjmalez F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 8, 2005
    5,947
    Northern Illinois
    Full Name:
    Joseph

    I've owned both a 944S and a 968 Cabriolet. The 968 is a "better" car. But the 944S 16 ventiler was more fun to drive. It was lighter and more nimble. The steering felt more direct. The 968, in cabriolet form is more of a GT.


    My $0.02
     
    Texas Forever likes this.

Share This Page