Porsche 944 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Porsche 944
1986 944 Turbo (951) US-spec
Overview
Manufacturer	Porsche AG
Production	1982–1991
Assembly	Germany: Neckarsulm
Designer	Harm Lagaay (Porsche AG)
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door coupé 2-door convertible
Layout	Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L M44/40 I4 2.5 L turbocharged M44/51 I4 2.5 L turbocharged M44/52 I4 2.7 L M44/12 I4 3.0 L M44/41 I4
Transmission	3-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length	1986-88: 4,318 mm (170.0 in) Turbo & S2: 4,288 mm (168.8 in) 1989–1991: 4,290 mm (168.9 in)
Width	1,735 mm (68.3 in)
Height	1,275 mm (50.2 in)
Weight	Pre-1988: 1,180 kg (2,601 lb) 1988 onwards: 1,330 kg (2,932 lb) 1986 Turbo models: 1,360 kg (2,998 lb) 1987 onwards (Turbo models): 1,416 kg (3,122 lb) Note: some figures are dry weight
Chronology
Predecessor	Porsche 924
Successor	Porsche 968

The Porsche 944 is a cool sports car made by the famous German company Porsche. It was built from 1982 to 1991. This car was a popular model, fitting in the middle of Porsche's car lineup.

The 944 was designed with its engine at the front and power going to the back wheels. It was based on the same basic design as an earlier car, the Porsche 924. You could get the 944 as a sleek coupé (a car with a fixed roof) or a fun cabriolet (a car with a roof that can open). It also came with different engines, some were regular and some had a special turbo for extra power!

Porsche had plans to keep making the 944 into the 1990s. They even planned a new version called the "S3." But these ideas grew into a completely new car, which became the Porsche 968. This new car took the 944's place.

Over 163,000 Porsche 944 cars were made in total. This made it one of Porsche's most successful sports cars ever! It held this record until newer models like the Boxster and 997 Carrera came along.

What Made the Porsche 944 Special?

The Porsche 944 was known for being a great car to drive. It had a special design that helped it handle really well on the road. This was because its engine was at the front, but the gearbox was at the back. This helped balance the car's weight.

Engine Power and Options

The 944 came with different engines over the years. Most models had a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. Later, some versions got a bigger 2.7-liter or even a 3.0-liter engine.

The turbocharged versions were especially powerful. They used a turbocharger to push more air into the engine, making it much stronger. This meant the 944 Turbo could go very fast!

Different Body Styles

The 944 was available in two main styles. The coupé had a classic sports car look with a fixed roof. The cabriolet, or convertible, allowed drivers to enjoy the open air by putting the roof down. Both styles were very popular.

The 944's Success Story

The Porsche 944 was a big hit for Porsche. It sold many more cars than its predecessor, the 924. Its mix of good looks, strong performance, and reliable engineering made it a favorite among car fans. It showed that a front-engine Porsche could be just as exciting as the famous rear-engine models.

Images for kids

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  Porsche 944 (USA), showing the different front bumper

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  1989 Porsche 944 2.7 (USA)

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  1987 Porsche 944 Turbo (US model)

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  1987–1988 Porsche 944S, with the 16-valve DOHC engine (this example is equipped with 5-spoke wheels used on the 964)

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  Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet

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  Porsche 944 Turbo Cabriolet

See also

In Spanish: Porsche 944 para niños