What Makes the 944 Turbo Still Worth Owning in 2025

The Porsche 944 Turbo — known internally as the 951 — remains one of the most compelling driver’s cars of the 1980s, and values have been quietly climbing as a new generation of enthusiasts discovers what the original owners already knew.

Launched in 1986, the 944 Turbo produced 217 hp from its 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, paired with a rear transaxle gearbox that gave it near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. It would go on to set a production-car lap record at the Nürburgring, beating the contemporary Ferrari 328.

Today, well-maintained examples with documented service history are increasingly difficult to find. Common maintenance items include the timing belt and water pump (do not skip this), the balance shaft belts, and the rubber fuel lines. A car with these addressed and a solid DME is a genuinely rewarding daily driver or weekend car.

The SIG is a great resource for finding trusted local mechanics and sourcing parts — join the mailing list if you haven’t already.