928
Porsche’s 928 was originally intended to replace the 911. The first model year was 1977, though true U.S.-spec cars did not arrive until 1978.
The car sat on a 98.3 inch wheelbase. Front track width was 60.8 inches. Curb weight was between 3200-3375 lbs., depending on options. The 928 had a near 50/50 weight distribution. For wheels, it used 15×7 all the way around, but 16x7s were optional. For seating, it had a 2+2 arrangement. The headlights were of a rarely seen pop-forward design.
It was one of the only V8 powered Porsches ever. The V8 that made the power was a 4.5L SOHC EFI V8 that was rated at 219hp & 245 ft/lbs of torque. Its compression ratio was 8.5:1. The block and heads were made of an aluminum alloy.
The rear-mounted transaxle had a choice of either a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. The final drive ratio was a highway friendly 2.75:1. There was a large spread with 0-60 times. The manual did it in 7.0 seconds while the automatic went to 8.3 seconds. Top speed was up to 138 mph.
The next two years delivered no major changes. Fast forward to 1980, the horsepower increased to 220, but torque was a more impressive increase at 265 ft/lbs.
In 1981, two new option groups were unveiled. First up was a Competition Package. What it added was upgraded spoiler, wheels and suspension. The second one was a 928 Weissach Edition. This added a 3-piece Porsche luggage set, a two-tone interior, gold wheels, and a gold metallic paint scheme. No major changes happened for 1982.
Enter, the 928S. The year was now 1983 and the basic 928 was gone, replaced by the S model. The engine was larger. It was now a 4.7L SOHC EFI V8 with 234hp/263tq. The compression ratio in this one was 9.3:1. It too was made out of aluminum. The 5-speed manual transaxle was still around, but optional now was a 4-speed automatic.
As for other changes features, there were several. Standard was now a front spoiler. The rear spoiler was more blended into the bodywork. Wheels were 16×7, standard. Also the car felt smoother because the motor mounts were now hydraulic.
The 928 line got better every year through the last one in 1995. If you look for one, there’s a relatively large number of 928s that have been converted to American-V8 power if the Porsche engine goes bad. If that’s not your thing, plenty of well kept originals are still around.
