About
1981 onwards
Porsche took the decision to further improve the rust proofing of the cars by fully galvanising the body. This costly process greatly improved the robustness of the cars. Added to that are improvements to the paint procedure using e-coat primers that more evenly distributed protection. The result is a car much less prone to rust than before.
Further improvements were then added to refinement. More sound deadening, better stereo systems, almost standard fitment of electric windows and mirrors plus further improvements to interior materials mean the later 924 NA feels a lot different to the ’76 models.
Towards the end of the NA production run, models began to get some of the refinements destined for the S models. Electric boot release and electric sunroof appeared. Even at the very end, improvements to the roof guttering and window washers were introduced, despite production moving toward the S.
One letter added made a sizeable change. For the first time the 2.0l block was not used in the 924 block supply had run but Porsche were ready. The S instead used the 2.5l all alloy 944 engine. In fact the transformation was a pretty simple one, the 944 and 924 sharing so many parts at this point that the S is really a 944 in the slimmer body.
The engine is a masterpiece. With a balancer shaft arrangement it runs far smoother than any large displacement 4-pot should. Linear delivery and refinement are the S’s forte. With 150 bhp (and 160 in the later models) it is a quick car that can deliver stirring performance in an unfussy way. Whisper it in Porsche circles; being lighter and more svelte, the 924S is quicker that the contemporary 944.
This is an ideal car for those who like the refinement of a modern. It will allow you to cross continents with ease and still feel fresh enough to drive all the way back again!
