Genesis of the Porsche 924
The Porsche 924, launched in 1976, marks a turning point in Porsche history.
Unlike its predecessors (the 911s), the 924 represents a strategic and technical turning point for the German automaker, which decided to venture into uncharted territory in terms of design and market.
Development context
In the early 1970s, Porsche was looking for new markets to diversify its range and attract a wider customer base. Flagship models like the 911 were popular, but the brand wanted to offer a more accessible, modern car to appeal to younger buyers. It was in this context that the idea of the Porsche 924 was born, initially conceived as an entry-level sports car.
The story of the Porsche 924 begins in collaboration with Volkswagen (sound familiar? Yes! The 914!). Indeed, the project was initially developed under the code EA 425, a partnership in which Volkswagen was to produce a sports car with the help of Porsche's expertise. However, upheavals within Volkswagen meant that the project was abandoned by the Wolfsburg-based firm. Porsche then decided to take over the project and make its own model, adapting certain technical specifications to match its own quality standards.
The market launch
In 1976, the Porsche 924 made its debut to a mixed but curious reception. Brand purists were initially skeptical, not least because of its Audi-sourced engine and less radical design. However, the wider public and new buyers were won over by its more affordable price, modern lines and balanced performance.
The exterior design of the 924, with its retractable headlights and clean lines, reflects a modern aesthetic for its time. The interior, though more spartan than the 911's luxurious standards, is functional and well thought-out, offering comfort and practicality.
Impact on the future of Porsche
The Porsche 924 not only marks Porsche's entry into a more accessible market segment, it also paves the way for future models such as the 944 and the 968, which benefited from and enhanced the concepts introduced by the 924. This car plays a crucial role in stabilizing Porsche's finances during a period of transition, and helps to broaden the brand's customer base.
The 924 Coupé bears witness to an era when Porsche took calculated risks to evolve and adapt to the new demands of the global automotive market.
Porsche 924 engines
An innovative technical approach
The Porsche 924 is revolutionary for several reasons. It is the first production Porsche to adopt a water-cooled engine, a major departure from the air-cooled engines of earlier models such as the 911. The engine, a 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder, is front-mounted, another first for Porsche, which is more accustomed to rear- or mid-engine configurations.
This avant-garde configuration allows better weight distribution, with the engine at the front and the transmission at the rear (transaxle), offering superior balance and handling.
The chassis is also more modern, using elements borrowed from Volkswagen to reduce costs while ensuring Porsche-like performance.
Each engine version offered a balance of performance, efficiency and cost, making the 924 attractive to a diverse customer base.
The original engine: a 2.0-liter
When launched in 1976, the Porsche 924 was equipped with a 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine, originally designed by Audi. This fuel-injected engine delivered around 125 hp (92 kW) at 5,800 rpm, enabling the car to reach a top speed of 200 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 9 seconds. Although not as powerful as the 911's 6-cylinder engines, it offered an acceptable combination of efficiency and performance for an entry-level sports car.
Porsche 924 Turbo (931)
In 1978, in response to criticism of the base version's lack of power, Porsche introduced the 924 Turbo, also known by the chassis code 931. This model was equipped with a turbocharger that increased power to 170 hp (125 kW) at 5500 rpm. 0 to 100 km/h was reduced to around 7 seconds, and top speed was increased to 225 km/h. This engine enabled the 924 Turbo to compete more effectively with the other sports cars of the day.
Porsche 924 Carrera GT
In 1980, Porsche launched an even more powerful version of the 924: the 924 Carrera GT. Equipped with a modified 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, this variant developed 210 hp (154 kW). From 0 to 100 km/h was achieved in 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h. This model was aimed at customers seeking exceptional performance on the road.
Porsche 924S
Towards the end of 924 production in 1986, Porsche introduced the 924S. This version used a 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine borrowed from the 944. This engine produced 150 hp (110 kW) at 5900 rpm, improving overall performance while maintaining reasonable fuel consumption. 0 to 100 km/h was achieved in 8 seconds, with a top speed of 215 km/h. The 924S offered an interesting compromise between power and cost, being more affordable than the 944 while offering comparable performance.
Nothing to do with a 911
The 911, with its 6-cylinder air-cooled engineoffers a unique driving experience with a low center of gravity and precise handling. The 924, meanwhile, uses a water-cooled 4-cylinder engine mounted at the front, with a transaxle transmission at the rear, enabling near-perfect weight distribution (48% front, 52% rear).
The 924 was designed to be more accessible in terms of cost and ease of maintenance. While the 911 is often perceived as a sports car for purists, the 924 was aimed at a wider audience, including young professionals and sports car enthusiasts looking for a more economical option.
Déjà vu? With the 944? Well, that's to be expected.
The Porsche 944, introduced in 1982, is often seen as an evolution of the 924. Although these two models share many similarities, there are some key differences that set them apart. The 944 was designed to be an improved, higher-performance version of the 924, capitalizing on the strengths of its larger sibling while making notable improvements.
What makes the Porsche 924 so different?
The Porsche 924 stands out from the rest of the brand's models for a number of reasons. Its design, technical choices and market positioning make it a unique model in Porsche history.
Collaboration with Volkswagen
Unlike other iconic Porsche models, the 924 was developed in partnership with Volkswagen. This collaboration influenced many aspects of the car, including the use of Volkswagen and Audi components, which reduced production costs. This approach was a radical departure from the proprietary design methods used for models like the 911.
Front-engine configuration
One of the most notable differences in the Porsche 924 is its front-engine configuration. This configuration was an innovation for Porsche and was intended to improve the car's stability and handling.
Water-cooled engine
The 924 is also the first production Porsche to feature a liquid-cooled engine. Previous models, such as the 911, used air-cooled engines. The switch to a water-cooled engine not only improved thermal efficiency, but also met increasingly stringent emissions and noise standards.
Market positioning
Porsche designed the 924 to appeal to a broader, younger clientele, offering a more affordable model than the 911. This market positioning strategy differed from Porsche's usual focus on high-end sports cars.
Design and ergonomics
The design of the Porsche 924, with its clean lines, retractable headlights and aerodynamic profile, also stood out from other Porsche models. The interior of the 924 was simpler than that of the top-of-the-range models.
Performance and efficiency
The Porsche 924, despite its positioning as an entry-level model, did not sacrifice performance. With its various engine options, it offered dynamic driving and superior handling, essential characteristics of Porsche cars. The Turbo and Carrera GT versions, in particular, showed that the 924 could compete with more expensive sports cars in terms of performance.
These differences enabled the 924 to play a crucial role in Porsche's history, expanding the brand's range and opening up new market perspectives. The 924 remains an iconic model that marked a turning point in Porsche's design and marketing philosophy.
Similarities between the Porsche 924 Coupé and the Porsche 944
The Porsche 924 Coupé and the Porsche 944 share a common base that makes them very similar in many respects.
Both have been developed to offer a more affordable alternative to the legendary 911, with a front-engine configuration and transaxle transmission at the rear, ensuring balanced weight distribution.
Their exterior design is also quite similar, with clean lines and an aerodynamic silhouette that reflects the style of the 80s.
How can you tell a Porsche 924 from a Porsche 944?
Although the Porsche 924 and Porsche 944 may seem almost identical at first glance, there are several details that distinguish them.
On the outside, the 944 is based on the general design of the 924, but with wider fendersfenders redesigned bumpers and a more aggressive stance. Under the hood, the 944 is powered by a 2.5-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine, derived from the 928's V8 engineengine, offering enhanced performance than the 2.0-liter engine of the 924.
The 944 also incorporates improvements in suspension and braking, offering a more responsive ride and better roadholding. Inside, the 944 offers more modern equipment and a higher level of finish.
How did Porschists welcome the Porsche 924 Coupé?
On its release, the Porsche 924 elicited mixed reactions from brand enthusiasts and car critics alike. For many Porsche purists, the 924 represented a radical break with the brand's tradition, due to its collaboration with Volkswagen and its water-cooled front engine.
However, the 924 quickly gained popularity with a wider audience. Drivers appreciated its balanced handling, elegant design and more affordable price compared to the 911. Critics praised the 924 for its stability on the road, its driving comfort and its ability to offer an authentic sports car experience without the high costs associated with high-end models.
In terms of sales, the 924 succeeded in attracting many new customers to the Porsche brand, broadening its fan base. The model also laid the foundations for Porsche's future range of front-engined sports cars, including the 944 and 968, demonstrating that Porsche could succeed by diversifying its product portfolio.
Competitors to the Porsche 924 coupé
At the time of its launch, the Porsche 924 faced fierce competition from several other sports car manufacturers offering similar models in terms of price and performance. Here are some of the 924's main competitors:
- Datsun 280ZX: The Datsun (Nissan) 280ZX, with its 2.8-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine, offered performance similar to that of the 924 while offering modern comfort and equipment. The 280ZX was particularly appreciated for its reliability and distinctive design.
- Mazda RX-7: With its unique rotary engine, the Mazda RX-7 offered a very different driving experience. Light and agile, the RX-7 was known for its maneuverability.
- Alfa Romeo GTV: The Alfa Romeo GTV, with its distinctive Italian design and 4-cylinder DOHC engine, offered an attractive alternative to the 924. True Italian charm.
- BMW 320i E21: The BMW 320i, although more luxury-oriented, offered decent performance with its 4-cylinder engine and solid construction. It was often compared to the 924 in terms of ride quality and interior finish.
- Lotus Esprit S1: Although more exotic, the Lotus Esprit S1, with its mid-engine and futuristic design, represented serious competition in terms of pure performance. The Esprit was prized for its agility and speed, although far less practical for everyday use than the 924.
FAQ about the Porsche 924 Coupé
What are the features of the Porsche 924?
The Porsche 924 is distinguished by features that marked a turning point in Porsche history. Here are the main ones:
- Engine: 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder for early versions, offering around 125 hp.
- Transmission: Available with a 4 or 5-speed manual gearbox, as well as a 3-speed automatic.
- Performance: Top speed around 200 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in around 9.5 seconds.
- Weight: Approx. 1,080 kg, contributing to excellent manoeuvrability.
- Design: Streamlined, aerodynamic bodywork, with a distinctive '70s and '80s silhouette.
- Interior: Comfortable, ergonomic interior with sport seats and well-designed basic equipment.
What are the differences between the Porsche 944 and the Porsche 924?
Although the Porsche 944 and Porsche 924 share a common base, there are several differences that set them apart:
- Design: The 944 has wider fenders and a more rounded hood. The 944's bumpers and taillights are also wider and more modernized.
- Engine: The 944 is equipped with a more powerful engine, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder producing around 163 hp, compared with the 125 hp of the 924.
- Performance: The 944 offers better overall performance, with higher maximum speed and improved acceleration.
- Suspension and brakes: The 944 benefits from improved suspension and brakes, offering a sportier ride and better handling.
- Interior: The 944's interior has been upgraded with higher-quality materials and a more modern dashboard.
How many Porsche 924s were produced?
In all, around 150,000 Porsche 924s were produced between 1976 and 1988. This figure includes all variants, including the 924 Turbo and the 924 Carrera GT.
What are the weak points when driving a Porsche 924 Coupé?
Despite its qualities, the Porsche 924 Coupé has a few weak points:
- Limited power: Early versions lacked power compared to their competitors.
- Noise level: Engine noise can be quite intrusive in the cabin.
- Suspension: The suspension can feel harsh on rough roads, affecting ride comfort.
What are the recurring problems with the Porsche 924?
The Porsche 924's recurring problems can be counted on the fingers of one hand.
- Rust: Especially in poorly protected areas such as rocker panels and wheel arches.
- Electrical problems: Electrical connections and relays may be subject to failure.
- Oil leaks: especially at cylinder head gasket and crankcase gaskets.
- Wear and tear on suspension parts: Silentblocks and shock absorbers can wear out prematurely.
What is the fuel consumption of a Porsche 924 Coupé?
The average fuel consumption of the Porsche 924 Coupé is around 10 to 12 liters per 100 kilometers. This figure may vary according to driving style and road conditions.
What are the current sales prices for the Porsche 924?
Is the Porsche 924 Coupé a good car for the track?
The Porsche 924 Coupé can be a good car for the track, especially the Turbo and Carrera GT versions, which offer more power and performance. Specific modifications are still recommended to improve safety and performance on the track, such as the addition of high-performance brakes and an adapted suspension.
Is the Porsche 924 Coupé suitable for everyday use?
Yes, the Porsche 924 Coupé can be used every day. It offers good driving comfort and overall reliability. However, you need to be aware of the regular maintenance required and the potential repair costs, especially for older models.
How powerful is the Porsche 924 Turbo?
The Porsche 924 Turbo, also known as the 931, is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing around 170 hp. This version offers significantly improved performance over standard models, with a top speed of 225 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in around 7.5 seconds.
What original colors are available for the Porsche 924?
The Porsche 924 was available in a variety of original colors, including classic shades such as Guards Red, Grand Prix White and Scharz Black.
