Subject: ISO shark? new(er) vs old(er)?
From: "Paul H Kupiec" <Paul_Kupiec@freddiemac.com>
Date: Fri, 10 Sep 1999 08:53:11 -0400
X-Message-Number: 12

Those of you looking for your first 928 my be uncertain as to the "series" shark
that is right for you.  Not intending to diss anyone, my experiences with an 83S
(for almost 10 years) and an 87 s4 (for 1 year) may be informative.
Maybe not.

If your budget is somewhat limited (who's isn't), the earlier cars may be worth
considering.  If money is not an issue, my recommendaton is to buy a new 996 C-4.

While the later 32 valve cars are clearly more powerful and more modern looking,
they are significantly more complicated and harder for the home mechanic to work
on.

Since you will need to work on your shark, this is something to consider.

The early 80s S models are slower than a 32 valve car.  If racing/track is what
you are about then an unmodified S will probably be too slow for you.

If you are looking for a daily driver, the S cars are just fine and have some
benefits over the later cars.

Maintenance is easier.
Build quality is better (IMO/experience).
Interiors (full leather and real wool carpets) are much more desirable and more
durable (if maintained properly) than later interiors (one of my build quality
issues).  Lots of S4s and GT that I have seen have had ratty interiors.
Electrics are less complicated and perhaps more reliable (to my knowledge, the
full injection brains--while not as smart--- do not fry or have the habit of
stop working after ten years or so)
The ride is less stiff which can be nice for a daily commute.
Cars are really cheap to buy.
More production means model specific parts are generally more reasonably priced
(as if any porsche parts prices can be called reasonable).

Down side of early cars compared to later 32 valve cars:
Less horsepower.
Less handling; the ride is less stiff.
Less Braking.
(While less of each, the power, braking and handling of an S are still way more
than adequate for a daily driver.)
Age.
If you get "hit" little  blue book value and hence quick "total" by the
insurance company.

As a daily driver commuting back and forth to work, I actually prefer my  83S.

I have no experience with the Euro models which may be a good way to go.  I
leave this for others to comment on.

Remember, whatever shark you purchase, it will likely need some (maybe lots of)
attention to "put it right".
The early cars will leave you lots more cash to put the car right or upgrade
brakes/suspension/exhaust/stereo/wheels as you wish.

No, I'm not selling my 83S.  This is not an add.

phk