2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

FC na VS. 944 Turbo: Driver Comparo

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Old Jan 2, 2004 | 12:15 AM
  #26  
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From: west
Originally posted by truespin88
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the Porsche can outhandle both the Rex and the Talon, but I prefer the Talon's stance to the Rex... both cars are stock with stock-size tires, and the Talon just feels much more secure on the road (it's an ESi) than my RX does. It's probably just that my RX has crappy, skinny tires. To me it's just a matter of feeling. My butt doesn't read handling in Gs...
It probably it has to do with your old shock/springs and maybe less than factory spec tires. The Esi is a base model and the Tsi is the turbo model (beefier suspension). If your NA was new and you compare it to your friends newer Esi, the FC will run rings around that car and a TII will run rings around a Tsi and straight line. I suspect the shocks and springs on most cars on this forum are STILL on original set up. If you admire the handling of your friend/s car, try changing to even Bilsteins and stock springs. You'll be amazed at the improvement!
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Old Jan 2, 2004 | 01:06 AM
  #27  
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From: Laredo, Tx
Originally posted by Terrh
NOTHING stops fast ast 120+mph. Really.

I've driven a 944S with stock everything and 100,000 miles and it would outhandle any FC I've been in EASILY. You guys are nuts.

87 Sport+Brembo Rotors+Metal Masters pads+ SS braided lines=fast stop from any speed. Trust me.
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Old Jan 2, 2004 | 08:21 PM
  #28  
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not warp speed. only the battlestar gallactica can stop fast at warp speed.

can you believe i've never watched a single star trek episode and I'm this much of a dork. sweet.
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Old Jan 4, 2004 | 01:17 AM
  #29  
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From: midwest
Re: FC na VS. 944 Turbo: Driver Comparo

Originally posted by truespin88
I had the chance to take a couple hours and drive a Porsche 944 Turbo today, and I would like to share my experience with everyone, and also compare it to my experience driving my FC. I know that an N/A RX7 is not quite comparable to a Turbo 944, but! I still have a comparison to make.

I forget what year the Porsche is, but it's a turbo 944 5-speed, and that's what's important, right?

So here we go.

Porsche 944 Turbo
The first thing you will notice as you approach the 944 is that the 944 and the FC share a basic shape, and the lines down the side are shared, along with the hatch shape. As soon as you open the door and slide into the deep leather bucket, that's the first thing you notice, the depth of the bucket, and the supple feeling of the leather. The steering wheel is a MOMO, and is also leather wrapped. So luxurious is this Porsche, with power windows, power sunroof, and leather all over the place. Also, you will notice that the handbrake is on the left, nearly beneath the seat. Anyway, on to driving the car. Once you fire it up, you can feel how stiff the clutch is, along with the brakes. Straight line acceleration is absolutely insane. Bottom end isn't anything to shout about, but once the turbo spools (2.0 BAR, at least that's what the boost guage says), you are practically pulled, kicking and screaming, into the backs of the seats. But once you try to turn, the steering feels gooey and unsure, even though the rubber is giant at all four corners. I really couldn't get over how poorly the Porsche seemed to handle. The brakes are amazing, though. Overall I have only one way to describe the Porsche: Bad as hell.

Mazda RX-7 N/A
When I first drove this car, I was in love. The car accelerates smooth, sounds good, and doesn't jerk around. The brakes are sufficient, the transmission is smooth (once you get good bushings!), and the clutch is nice. The car handles amazingly, surpassed only by cars designed to handle well. I have not, however, driven a turbo 7, so I can't exactly compare the two properly. The seats are flat in comparison to the deep Porsche buckets, the wheel is dull in comparison to the soft yet grippy MOMO, but I do love the RX shifter (OEM) much more than the Porsche shifter (OEM.. leather). Overall: RX-7 is a great daily, but with proper mods could be a beautiful weekend/sunny day car. One phrase for the RX: Perfectly balanced.

You can choose whatever you want between the two, but as a daily driver I still prefer my RX7 over the 944. However, for some good old high speed, high powered fun, the 944 is the way to go.

In closing, I have this to say.
I have fallen in love, and her name is BOOST .
I've driven a 944 Turbo and used to own a RX7 T2. Handling wise, they're very similar. Both have the same basic suspenion setup (MacPherson front, semi-trailing arm rear), so neither car has an edge per-say. Performance wise, you can do A LOT more with a T2. Last but not least, there is the issue of cost. Porsche parts are SUPER expensive. Insuring a Porsche is more expensive....maintaining a Porsche is more expensive.
Go with the T2
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