kartweb

Just before I bought the RX8, it really wasn't on my "next car" list. I liked the 350Z engine but it sort of missed in the handleing and room departments. A clean C4 vette was pretty high on the list - I think it actually handles a little better then the Z, definately stpos better, and gut wrenching power anywhere on the dial.

Years back I had a 928. Best all around touring car, at least regarding the driving experience. As someone once said, the 928 is the largest collection of the most expensive parts ever assembled. It didn't break down much, other then the odd stuff like odometer, hatch struts, rear latch, climate control board. The 60,000 mile service costs $1800 in parts alone, and the service took me about 30 hours - 20 of that was changing the timing belt.

In the first 3 miles of the RX8 test drive I was reminded of the 928 except for the powerband. In fact it kind of felt like what a 928 chassis would be today. Bought the RX8.

Just wondering if there are any other former 928 owners who were hooked by the RX8.

delhi

Did you have the mighty GTS version?
I nearly got a 968 many many years ago until during a test drive, my lovely wife asked me "I thought we are gonna get a Porsche, what's with the Integra?".
Love the big 4-pot engine though.

kartweb

The GTS came out later. I bought a low kilometage 85 S Eurospec in 1990. Had 12,000 kilometers on it. Speedo/Odo broke at 20,000 KM, and fortunately I already had a new English unit to install.

It was rated at 300HP with more compression and cam then the US imports had along with the 4 bearing drivetube. Also had the Borla SS exhaust and high flow cats. 16 valve S not the S4. It was retrofit with a smog pump and EGR that came off just after it cleared customs. Later I built a programmable ignition controller and refined the ignition curve with two settings. One setting was for 89 octane, the other for 98 octane blended fuel.

It would get an honest 20 MPG on regular fuel at a steady 70 MPH, but dropped to 14 MPG around town.

Tires were pricey. It was upgraded to 17" BBS 3 piece wheels before I got it and at the time they cost about $350 a tire. Normally ran Pirelli and they only lasted about 10,000 miles, but the thing was absolutely glued to the pavement. I had a G-Analyst that showed 1.07 on a few freeway exit ramps with a little reserve left.

Like the 8, it was almost carefree at speed. Go a little too fast and just back off - it would just remain calm and still in full control. Body roll was identical to the 8 but it was a little softer on the bumps. Seats were a little better on longer trips, and other then the engine, no road noise.

Definately faster then the RX8 though. Took it to a track day at Charlotte and pegged 162 MPH entering Oval Turns 3-4 after the kinks. It had more available. But I don't need that kind of power for a daily driver, in fact I prefer the high RPM nature of the rotary for those times of a little fun. Just seems more practical on public roads that way.

delhi

I really don't know much about 928 just perused through them while researching on the 968s. From what I read the V8 ones are beasts at highway speeds. Some say the Panamera is a throwback to the 928 although it is a 4-door. I think 928 GTS still hold their value quite well.

kartweb

The 928 GTS is a collector car. The rest are rolling parts bins.

I drove a 968 once. I had mixed impressions. Plenty of pull, but there is a reason few in-line 4's are are 3 liters.

I liked the 944 Turbo much better. Came very close to buying one just before the RX8. It had something liike 4000 miles on it and sold for $18,000. It was running pretty well at the time of the sale but sat in a garage for over 10 years without running. Steering rack leaked, and it had new tires on it. Didn't want to take any chances.