The Porsche 924 is a sports car from Porsche in Germany from 1976 to 1988. It was the first production Porsche to use a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and water cooling for the engine. It was also the entry-level model for Porsche, replacing the 912E and 914. The 924 was a joint project of Volkswagen and Porsche. It used a modified Volkswagen/Audi inline-four engine. It was a success for Porsche, selling over 150,000 units worldwide. In today’s article, we will know about Porsche 924.
Porsche 924 History:
The Porsche 924 was a sports car in Germany from 1976 to 1988. It was the first Porsche to use water cooling and a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. It was also the first Porsche to offer an automatic transmission.
The 924 was initially a collaborative project of Volkswagen and Porsche, intended to be a flagship coupé for VW and a replacement for the 914 for Porsche. However, due to the 1973 oil crisis and a change of management at VW, Porsche returned to the project and launched the 924 as its entry-level model.
It used a modified 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from VW/Audi, mounted in front of the rear axle for better weight distribution. The car had a sleek and practical hatchback body designed by Harm Lagaay. The car met with public acclaim and sold over 150,000 units.
The 924 underwent a series of improvements and updates throughout its production run. In 1978, Porsche introduced the 924 Turbo, which boosted the power to 170bhp. It added a distinctive front spoiler and bonnet vent. In 1980, Porsche launched the 924 Carrera GT, a limited-edition homologation model with a wide body, an intercooled turbo engine, and 210bhp. The Carrera GT spawned several racing versions, including the Carrera GTR that competed at Le Mans.
In 1982, Porsche replaced the 924 in the US market with the 944, which used a larger 2.5-liter engine developed by Porsche. However, in 1986, Porsche revived the 924 with the 924S, which used a detuned version of the 944 engine and offered better performance and handling than the original 924.
Today, the 924 is appreciated as a classic car that offers an affordable and enjoyable entry into Porsche ownership.
Design and Development
The 924 was originally intended to be a flagship sports coupe for Volkswagen, developed by Porsche but powered by an existing VW/Audi engine to keep costs down. However, due to the 1973 oil crisis and a change of management at Volkswagen, the project was canceled by VW and bought by Porsche. Porsche modified the engine with a new cylinder head, fuel injection system, and exhaust manifold. They also designed a rear-mounted transaxle for better weight distribution. Harm Lagaay styled its body, who later designed the 911 (993), Boxster, and Cayenne. It was sleek and aerodynamic, with a large glass hatchback and pop-up headlights.
Performance and Variants
The 924 was launched in 1976 with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 95 horsepower (71 kW) in Europe and 110 horsepower (82 kW) in the US. The engine was coupled to a 4-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission. Its top speed was around 200 km/h (124 mph), and the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration took about 10 seconds. It had four-wheel disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and independent suspension.
In 1979, Porsche introduced the 924 Turbo, which boosted the power output to 168 horsepower (125 kW) with the help of a KKK turbocharger. The Turbo also had cosmetic changes such as a slotted nose, a NACA duct on the hood, and unique alloy wheels. The Turbo could reach a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds.
In 1980, Porsche launched the 924 Carrera GT, a limited-edition homologation model for racing purposes. The Carrera GT had an intercooled turbocharged engine that delivered 210 horsepower (157 kW), a wider body kit, flared wheel arches, polyurethane bumpers, and spoilers. The Carrera GT could reach a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) and accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.9 seconds.
In 1982, Porsche replaced the 924 Turbo with the new 944 model, which had a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine developed by Porsche. However, the base 924 continued until 1985, when it received a slightly detuned version of the same engine as the 944. This model was the 924S, and it had 150 horsepower (112 kW) in Europe and 143 horsepower (107 kW) in the US. The 924S also had improved brakes, suspension, and interior from the 944. The top speed of the 924S was around 220 km/h (137 mph), and the acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) took about 8 seconds.
Why the Porsche 924 is the best entry-level classic Porsche?
If you are looking for an affordable, reliable, and fun classic Porsche, you should consider the Porsche 924. The 924 is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car produced by Porsche from 1976 to 1988. It was Porsche’s first production to use water cooling and a transaxle for better weight distribution. It was also the entry-level model for Porsche, replacing the 912E and 914.
It has many advantages over other classic Porsches. First, it is cheaper to buy and maintain than a 911, the most popular and iconic Porsche model. It uses a modified Volkswagen/Audi engine that is easy to service and has plenty of parts available. The 924 also has lower insurance. Its tax costs than a 911 and better fuel economy.
Secondly, it has a sleek, elegant design that still looks modern and attractive. It has a large glass hatchback that offers good visibility and practicality. The pop-up headlights give the car a distinctive and sporty look. The interior of the 924 is simple but comfortable, with supportive seats, a clear dashboard, and a spacious luggage compartment.
Thirdly, the Porsche 924 is a joy to drive, thanks to its balanced and agile handling. The 924 has a low center of gravity, a near 50/50 weight distribution, and responsive steering. The suspension is firm but not harsh, and the brakes are powerful and reliable. The engine may not be very powerful by today’s standards, but it is smooth and torquey, delivering enough performance for most situations. The manual transmission is precise and satisfying, while the automatic option is smooth and convenient.
In conclusion, the Porsche 924 is the best entry-level classic Porsche because it offers a combination of affordability, reliability, style, and driving pleasure that is hard to beat.
How To Keep 924 in Good Shape:
The Porsche 924 is a classic car that deserves proper servicing and maintenance. Here are some tips and resources to help you keep your 924 in good shape:
– Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance program, which usually includes fluid exchanges, filter changes, brake pads, oil changes, and tire rotations. The schedule can be found online or in your owner’s manual.
– Use the workshop manual from Porsche to perform repairs and adjustments on the engine, fuel system, ignition system, and other components. You can download the manual from ManualsLib or other websites.
– Consult Porsche’s service and parts manual to order genuine spare parts and accessories for your 924. You can also find the manual online or in your dealer’s catalog.
– Upgrade your 924 with improvements from the 944, 968, or 928 models, such as brakes, wheels, suspension, or sound insulation. You can find compatible parts from online shops or forums.
– Treat it with extra care and respect if you have a rare or special edition 924, such as the Turbo, Carrera, Le Mans, or GTS. These models are highly sought-after and valuable. They preserve their originality and performance.
The Porsche 924 is a practical and enjoyable classic car that can last many years if you take good care of it. With regular maintenance and occasional enhancements, you can enjoy driving your 924 for a long time.
Conclusion:
The Porsche 924 was a significant car for Porsche, as it helped the company survive during a difficult period in the automotive industry. It also paved the way for the more successful 944 and 968 models. The 924 is famous for its attractive styling, classic rear-drive handling, and affordable price. The average value of a 924 in good condition is around $10,000. There are variants such as the Turbo or Carrera GT can fetch much more.