Good morning! Today we’re taking a look at a couple of German coupes from the “greed-is-good” decade. Originally junior-exec-level yuppie rides, these two have weathered the years more or less intact, and are now considered – gulp – classics.
Yesterday, we looked at a couple of rides from a less prosperous, but somehow friendlier, decade: the 1970s. I sort of guessed that the Pinto wagon was going to be a hard sell, especially against a Volvo 242, but I thought the vote would be a little closer than that. Oh well. Count yourselves lucky, though – I almost put in a non-running Vega wagon instead of the Volvo. Maybe I should have. This was too easy of a choice for most of you.
Me, I’d rather have the Pinto. I don’t mind those Volvos, but I absolutely despise rust-through. I’ve seen corrosion take too many good cars, and I know I’m no good at mitigating it. Besides, I’ve always kind of wanted to tear an engine all the way down and rebuild it, and a Pinto four-banger seems like a safe choice. If I screw it up, nobody will care but me.
Throughout the 1980s, one country’s cars signified that the owner had “made it” (or inherited it) more than any other: German cars. You could see it reflected in pop culture: Think Jake in Sixteen Candles, Maddie Hayes in Moonlighting (yes, it was actually her car, if you remember right), Jennifer Hart, or Ferris Bueller’s dad. If you wanted something to look really special or fancy, you went for a Ferrari or a Rolls-Royce, but a well-to-do character’s “normal” car always seemed to be German.
Those old ’80s German cars did seem to be pretty good, certainly built better than German cars of a couple decades later, but for a long time, nobody wanted them. Now, with the Gen X nostalgia machine running at a frenetic pace, those former status symbols are getting desirable again, and creeping up in price. But man, are they tired these days. Let’s check out a couple of them.
1986 Audi Coupe GT – $4,500
Engine/drivetrain: 2.2 liter overhead cam inline 5, five-speed manual, FWD
Location: Walnut Creek, CA
Odometer reading: 331,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives, passed smog
Audi was on a roll in the 1980s, before 60 Minutes and their hit piece torpedoed sales. The Quattro was winning rally races left and right, the redesigned 100 (5000 here in the US) set the style for the next decade of large sedans, and sales were strong. But one car you didn’t see very often, even back then, was the Coupe GT. It shares a bodystyle with the legendary ur-Quattro, but lacks the turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive of the rally legend.
What it does have is Audi’s legendary five-cylinder engine, positioned longitudunally at the very front of the car and driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual. It’s not a ton of power, but it was on par with the smaller offerings from BMW and Mercedes, and that five-cylinder exhaust note has always been something special, even with the stock exhaust. This one has been making music for more than 300,000 miles, though it has been rebuilt at some point. The seller doesn’t offer a lot of information about its condition; I get the feeling they’re flipping it and don’t know much.
The interior is showing its age, that’s for sure. The seats are toast, the stereo and speakers are missing, and for some reason it has a Quattro dashboard. Of all the parts to swap over from a Quattro, why the dash? It’s not beyond saving, and it might look better after a good cleaning.
On the outside, the stars of the show are those amazing period-correct Ronal Turbo wheels. It has a full set, including a fifth in the trunk for the spare. Aside from those, however, it’s a bit faded and beat-up. Not terrible, but not the prettiest thing on the road. I kind of want to go look at this car just to see the other cars parked on the seller’s property: I see a couple other classic Audis, an El Camino, and a first-generation Acura NSX. Who is this guy?
1987 Porsche 924S – $3,700
Engine/drivetrain: 2.5 liter overhead cam inline 4, five-speed manual, RWD
Location: Oregon City, OR
Odometer reading: 143,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives, but tires are very old
Have you ever wanted to be looked down upon by an entire group of owners? Do you like paying a premium for parts, for a car with only okay performance? Does it sound like fun to ignore all of that bullshit and just enjoy a good-looking classic sports car with really great handling? Have I got the car for you! The Porsche 924S, baby brother to the slightly-more-respected 944, is based on the old 924 from the ’70s, but with a de-tuned version of the 944’s 2.5 liter engine in place of the old VW-derived 2 liter.
Canted over to the right side of the car like the Audi’s engine, the 924S engine drives the rear wheels through a rear-mounted five-speed manual transaxle. Moving the gearbox to the rear is a time-honored trick to improve a car’s balance; it’s one of the keys to the 924’s good handling. This Porsche runs and drives all right; it has been mostly parked for many years, but it has been started and driven once in a while to keep the juices flowing. The tires, however, are 12 years old, which puts them in “Maypop” territory, so the seller suggests trailering it straight to a tire shop. Good advice, I think.
Inside is where it needs the most work. There’s no carpet, it’s dirty, and the top of the dash has so many cracks it looks like someone attacked it with an axe. Carpet kits are available, as are dashboard caps, so it’s not a lost cause. It’s another one of those cars you could drive while you tinker with it.
The headlights are shown in the “up” position, and it sounds like that’s because one of them won’t go down. A new motor is included, though. There are a couple of dents, and it could use a good polish, but it’s clean and rust-free, and it has those great Porsche “phone dial” wheels.
These cars aren’t going to impress anyone these days except car nerds, but really, does anyone’s opinion matter besides car nerds? They’re both fun to drive, they’re both rare these days, and neither one is a lost cause. So what’ll it be – the de-tuned rally god, or the slightly-watered-down Porsche?
(Image credits: sellers)
Gotta pick the Porsche this round, but damn, those Ronal wheels make my desire glands get all inflamed and sticky.
Porsche, easily. I love the 944’s, and this would probably do a decent job at scratching that itch. It also simply seems more save-able, and frankly I would rather save a RWD coupe than a FWD coupe, personally. (Although that Audi 5 cylinder does make it a difficult choice…)
I’ve spent the last 5 years restoring a 944 turbo. So I’ll take the Audi… but only because I already have the 944.
The 924/944 community on Rennlist is fantastic. The knowledge base is very deep… and people are more than willing to help you troubleshoot. Parts are plentiful… if not cheap.
I assume the 924 body is galvanized like the 944’s… so rust shouldn’t be a problem. Too bad it has the old dash design.
Another no brainer! There’s a tire shop in Oregon City, so I’d drive it. Only ? When was the timing belt changed. Not recently I’ll bet. Top of the to do list. Change all fluids. Tune up parts. Brakes? Shouldn’t be too much rust. Don’t use salt in Oregon. Fond memories of living in Oregon City. Started my second life there. Always do an inspection first, including getting it up in the air with wheels off. All sins will be revealed. Happy Holidays!
Oregon City is cool. I have a good friend in Clackamas.
A couple of months ago, I made the drive up the Pacific coast from Mendocino to Tillamook, before cutting over to I-5. I love all the little towns on the Oregon Coast. Fatigue, bordering on pain and fear of messing up recent shoulder surgery dictated the diversion.
One could do worse than the state of Oregon for driving entertainment. Other than the low speed limits and occasionally overzealous OSP of said limits. Incredible and incredibly varied scenery.
Growing up in California and its also incredible scenery and topography, I enjoy living in the PNW and the variety in states that are a little smaller.
Shortly after moving to Oregon, 1st of 3 times, I bought my last new car. 89 Acura Integra. Every weekend I had off a coworker would draw me a little map and tell me to take a trip and see some of the lesser seen parts of Oregon. Been thru, Drain, Boring, and other scenic places. Astoria is awesome. Integra got 40 mpg average. Gas was cheap. Those were the days. Second time I was in NE Oregon. High desert. A whole different world. If you like buttes, mesas, plateaus, and rocky outcrops, it’s the place for you. Over a 100 in the summer and got down to 26 degrees below zero one winter. After 2 years this California boy had to bail. Only reason I was there was because I was on the radio! Acura was long gone, had an old Ford truck. Didn’t do as much exploring. Crappy roads out there…lots of open country. Not a good place to break down. Always carried my tools and extra fluids. But scenic? Oh yeah. But not the Oregon you think of.
But I agree some wonderful driving roads in Oregon. Try road to Silverton off I-5. Keep on to Silver Falls State Park. Lots of waterfalls. One you can walk behind. Sit on the bench, listen to the voice of God.
Porsche, just for the phone dial wheels alone.
It has to be the Audi. I have had a 924s and a 944 and would rather enjoy a fun car that’s not trying to pretend its a performance car. Plus, 80’s Audi cool will always beat front engine Porsche for me.
I really want the Audi, but the Porsche seems to be in so much better condition and more easily saved. I know there is parts and community support for these. Somewhat reluctant 924.
I’ll take the Porsche, and pronounce it like the ugly American I am. Parsh.
*Tapping Fingers on the Tabletop* still waiting for you to do a sh!t box challange between the Transit Connect, Nissan NV200 and the Dodge Promaster.. Plus guess you’ve missed my deadline of contacting me back about being able to attend the van’s track date.. Guess you’ll have to do like all the rest and watch the aftermath on my youtube.. https://www.youtube.com/@FlordPerformance
Just go ahead and do it yourself. I followed the link to an essentially empty playlist.
I do see handymen putting around town in these things. I think the Connects look cool. And until proven otherwise, the Promaster looks like the penalty box.
The NV200 is pretty well documented due to its stint as NYC’s taxi vehicle of choice and apparently 300K miles is not unheard of. The Ford/(Toyota) hybrid Escapes also had a pretty good run. The NV200 is far roomier and more easily accessed than the Escape.
“Parsh”, right?
Side benefit of having the 924 is Stef’s eternal friendship!
Porsche FTW. Full disclosure, I had a poster of a 944 Turbo on the wall of my bedroom growing up and currently own a 718 Cayman, which I even drove to work today.
Going 924S here. The Audi is just too rough to justify it over the Porsche.
Besides, being looked down on by the Porsche community is like being looked down on by classmates in high school – everyone looks down on everyone for even the most minor differences. My neighbor with a 996.2 Carrera 4 convertible gets looked down on for having a 996, a convertible, and not being a 4S, Turbo, or GT2/3. BUT he gets to look down on 996.1 owners, Boxter/Cayman owners, and 997 automatic owners because he has a stick. But at the end of the day the Porsche community comes together to unite against non-Porsche owners in that silly “nobody gets to pick on my brother but me” sort of way.
Nice (not nice) neighborhood!
I’ve owned enough German cars in my lifetime. OMG the part$! I recently spent a week on a road trip with a buddy in his Audi S4. It was, in his hands, incredibly competent.
But I was happy to get home and back in my relatively supple Accord. Geez, that Audi just beat the crap out of me/us on secondary roads around New England.
We’re within months of each other age-wise, but he is still the adrenalin junkie that I left behind 30 years ago.
To each their own.
First world problems.
Ohh MAAAAAN
Used to have a GT in red, with an auto, always wanted the 5-speed instead. I traded it in on my brand new ’99 Dakota Sport Extended cab, and have regretted it for years, but at the time it was costing me almost a grand a month to keep it on the road.
I know a lot more about keeping cars going these days, and think I could do a better job of preserving it, but am concerned about the interior bits, 25 years ago mine were already falling to bits, so I’m sure this is worse, but the internet is much more helpful (HA!) than it used to be.
I had an ’82 GT with the manual. Still have fond memories of that car. The handling was sublime (according to my 17yo ass) Did a couple of mountain trips from Calgary to Vancouver and back, and setting pb times.
Yeah I drove mine through the mountains of Virginia a ton, and it really shined there. Driven a lot of cars through that area since, and most of them didn’t compare.
Yep, I had a 86 CGT Commemorative Edition, 5-speed, charcoal with a red leather interior. It was a great car at the time I owned it, but given the condition of this one, I’ll take the 924.
The photos in the actual ad make it look a little worse than the ones you’ve picked out do, but I’m still going with the Porsche.
Disclaimer: current 924 owner
I just can’t resist that era of Porsche gauges – so clean and function-over-form looking (the switch to italic fonts in the late ’90s bothered me).
I picked the Audi. God help me, I think I’m just done with low-slung sporty cars…
I had one…mine was rough, but nowhere near THIS rough. Still, I’m over 6′ and could sit comfortably in the back. I drove the heck out of it and still miss it. It was a really really good car.
What were you doing in the back seat? With a car like that, I’d be, at most, in the front passenger seat so I could either prevent a bad money (down) shift or punch the person you let wreck your car.
Four drivers on a round trip from Kansas City to Montreal. I happily took my turn in the back.
I had an 87 924s for a few years not long ago. It was a fun car. Not fast, but fun. I hope to have another someday if the universe wills it.
RWD and a pretty good following of forum support and parts availability make the Porsche a winner today.
The Porsche forums are great. I actually re-sealed the transmission in my w126 Mercedes using a 928 guide, cause they use the same automatic and the Porsche guys are REALLY detailed.
I owned a 924S and it was a truly abysmal ownership experience, and also I am actually interested in an older Audi coupe. Unfortunately sticking with the Porsche here because that Audi is beyond clapped and the 924S looks pretty saveable.
Same here. One of the worst cars I ever owned – and it was a nice low miles example. I would still pick it over that heap of an Audi, but really this is a *neither* situation.
The problem is that by the time you buy the Porsche and make it good, you could just buy something else that is good in the first place.
RWD for me.
I’ve always really liked the 924s so it got my vote.
The white Audi is clearly the better choice here
Here’s the thing about the Audi shit back then. Was working in service in an Audi dealership. These fuckers were coming in constantly on a wrecker, or with owner claims of unintended acceleration complaints. To the point that several were bought back by Audi Corporate in my area alone.
Long before 60 Minutes latched onto the story. No shit, really.
And I will not attempt to defend 60 minutes here at all.
Where’s there is smoke, usually fire is nearby. Common sense.
BTW even our best mechanics were not able to figure the cause of this out.
Tells me something. I personally hooned the shit out of a couple dozen of these but never experienced the issue.
330K on this piece of shit seals the deal here…
The Coupe GT seller is trying to recoup his investment in those Ronals.
Give me the 924.
I’m a five lover, and even with the trashed interior, the Audi would be my choice. I can probably find something in a boneyard with good seats and other interior parts.
Gotta love an engine so eager that it arrives 5 minutes before you do.
I’ll be the U Boat commander
U-96 of course.