The car is 1983 928-S 5-speed, with 116,000 miles. It was the first year of the larger 4.7 liter engine, producing between 234 and 242 horsepower at 263 footpounds of torque, with 9.3:1 compression and L-Jetronic injection. It was the first "S" car produced, and in 1983 this was the fastest automobile sold in the United States. Published performance times are 0-60 in 6.8 seconds, and 146 MPH top end. Tires are Bridgestone 225/50-16 RE-730's, and it was a toss up between the RE-730 or the Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP, both of which offer superb wet/dry performance and wear for the money. Mobile-1 15W50 synthetic oil is used in the Tennessee climate which ranges from around zero up to 100 degrees. The car is a "daily driver" every other week, being swapped out for a 1984 944 on alternate weeks.

Mr P.
1983 928 S 5-speed
Nashville, Tennessee

While there are some similarities between the 928 and the 944, there's no comparison when it comes to the torque and power of the 8 cylinder car. The 944 is lighter weight and handles the twisties very well, but as soon as a hill or a section of open road shows up, the 928 would easily outdistance the lighter car. The 928 5-speed requires concentration on the first to second shift, beause it requires an "up-and-over-to-the-right movement", which is not ideally suited for the 0-60 stoplight dash, but the 928 was designed for high speed over-the-road performance anyway, and that's what it does best. Once the shift pattern is mastered the car can be driven very effectively and smoothly, but it does require an effort. The first to second gear shift pattern in the 944 is "straight-down-into-second" gear, with an over-and-to-the-right movement to get into third gear. With all of the torque there's rarely a reason to shift the 928 into second gear when the car is moving. First gear is so low that the car can be started from a complete stop on any hill. Second gear can be used to accelerate from a standstill with no apparant wear or strain on the drivetrain. Third and fourth gears "feel" fairly close ratio and work with the engine to give an absolutely stunning real-world power band over the road. 5th gear is long legged allowing effortless high speeds.

I've run some new Corvettes with this old girl and they are very fast cars, however, the real difference between the two cars can only be seen on the long straightaways. There's not much of a chance that a new Corvette could ever get away from (or pass) this 928-S on a winding road (they're too equal in real world driving performance)unless, of course, there was a Le Mans factory race driver at the wheel of the Vette. On the open interstate I've had a couple new Corvettes give me a run, and although it's apparent they are marginally faster, they still can't put enough distance between us to really count for any bragging rights. The only place the Corvette can really brag is in the acceleration numbers from a standstill, and those numbers don't really count much once the two cars are moving over the road. Of course, this 1983 car is not a 171-MPH machine like the late model S4 or GTS, it only tops out in the 145 to 150 range, which is faster than I'm going to run. I think the 18-year old 928 has a much better ride and doesn't rattle like a new Vette.

At approximately $50,000 for a 1983 928-S car 18 years ago with a few options, the 928-S cost more back then than a new Boxster or Corvette costs today. In 1998 Chevrolet produced around 28,000 cars, which is 3000 more Corvettes in one year than all of the 928's imported into the United States between 1978 and 1995. In 1983 Porsche imported 2746 cars into the United States and this was one of their top sales years for the car, but on some of the latter years this number was down to around 100 cars before finally going out of production, with only 745 cars being imported during the last 5 years of production. Many people don't realize how rare this superbly engineered and hand crafted aluminum car really is. When people compare the 928 to a Corvette, they're really doing an awfully big favor to the Corvette by allowing it in the same class. Most of the time the Corvette owners are the ones doing it, but I wanted to do it here to set a few things straight. If you're looking primarily at 0-60 and quarter mile times, then the Vette starts looking very impressive, however, there is such a thing as engineering refinement and build quality that makes a big difference to the informed lucky few 928 owners.

Mr. P, Nashville, Tennessee

Also, here's a photograph of one of the biggest Porsche 928 fans there ever was, Terri-the-Terror, A/K/A "SHARKDOG". My main problem with this dog is, she likes to get on the computer and order parts for the 928. Things are always showing up! Ha ha.

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