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What would be your preference between a porsche 944(n/a) or a bmw 320i for an occasional street driven vehicle but mostly just an autox toy?
Also, does anyone know the classing of these off the top of their head?

The 944 is fairly competitve in ES, and I've always wanted one. I'm assuming you mean an E21 (late seventies) 320i - that's cool, but really old. I'd rather go all out and get a 2002 or else get an E30 (I'm going to, actually

). Niether is competitive in stock form. A 318ti can do okay in H (G?) stock.

Yeah, the 320 is actually a 79 and the 944 is a package deal for two, one 84 and one 85. Do you know if the classing is the same for all n/a 944s or does it change for the later ones and the 944s?

I am leaning toward the 944s for one because it is a great deal and also because one of the more regular participants here runs an 83 fairly well. Its always good to have some sort of a base from another's experience.

Originally posted by cuda06:
I am leaning toward the 944s for one because it is a great deal and also because one of the more regular participants here runs an 83 fairly well. Its always good to have some sort of a base from another's experience.

I'd snap up a 320 in a minute, but as Phil said, they are not competitive in stock form. Low power and lots of body roll. Good sedan platform on which to build, though, and cool in a bastard-child sort of way. Easy engine swaps (so I've read) from later BMWs, and suspension can always be upgraded. Wheels surprisingly goofy, though, IIRC.

But, given the choice, there's no comparison. 944 all the way. Better power and handling out of the box, and just nicer looking to boot. Parts can be expensive, but most of the "high mx cost" is from labor hours--some mundane wear parts are hard to get to (e.g., the water pump), but if you do your own wrenching and it's not your DD, it won't be so bad.

One of my sons had an 80 320i. I liked it but it had a lot of frame rot that I hear was typical. Less power than my wife's Saturn but a full Recaro interior.

i used to have a 924s (virtually identicle to a pre84' 944); highly suggest a later 944 (go for a turbo if you do!). so damn reliable and so much fun.

ALSO!

might want to look into a 914. BEFORE you look away see if you can get a drive. i was recently talking with a 914-6 owner who has had many porsches and thinks this one is still the most fun for some reason.

-a

Originally posted by 111R:
i used to have a 924s (virtually identicle to a pre84' 944); highly suggest a later 944 (go for a turbo if you do!). so damn reliable and so much fun.

ALSO!

might want to look into a 914. BEFORE you look away see if you can get a drive. i was recently talking with a 914-6 owner who has had many porsches and thinks this one is still the most fun for some reason.

-a

914s are scoffed at by so-called "purists," but then so are 924s, so who cares? Trouble is, a 914-6 in decent condition is going to run you. Same with a 951. Even the 914-4s are running high these days, unless they are "projects."

An N/A 944, 924S, or 320i are all going to be in a similar price range--924S perhaps the best bang for buck of the three, and a better autocrosser to boot (lighter than a 944).

968, 50/50 weight distribution FTW!