Porsche 928 s4 (Misunderstood & Undervalued)

[@charlesearle8414]

A lot of people seem to think that 928s are really unreliable. There are really only two reasons why they think this: When you buy a 928 now, it's likely that the owner(s) put off maintenance and just left things unchecked and unmaintained, and the the other reason being that they're relatively complex cars for their time. The engine bay in a stock 928 has very little room in it, and due to all the luxury features it's more likely for something to fail (the more things there are, the more things there are to potentially fail) Their automatics (80% of all 928s) had a transmission made by Mercedes that almost never failed, and the engine, albeit complicated in the later models, was very reliable. Such an amazing car, and such an underrated one.

[@supercars6050]

I met the guy who just finished driving a 27 year old 928 around the world. Only thing that got replaced was the fuel pump Everything else held strong and made it without a glitch

[@charlesearle8414]

I once met a guy who drove a stripped-out 928 as a track car. It finally gave out at 400,000 miles after cylinder 6 blew up. But 400,000 miles for a track car is amazing.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Bulls eye!! Very few people understand this Charles. Thanks for watching.

[@DavidStevens80808]

Thanks for the comment. Very helpful!

[@Pulsonar]

once owned a black 928 s4 for 12 years, incomparable, the greatest. Perhaps the only obsession I have ever had in my life.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Good Obsession.

[@SAMMYJR00777]

but now you dont hmmmm. get back to it. and enjoy.

[@toptobottom247]

I was a kid back then and I love the way the Porsche 928. When I heard the engine go by that sent me through the roof and I have been in love with Porsche from a distance (money) ever since. Also, I was so impressed with how the 928 influenced the improvements to the 944 turbo 4S. The last generational look is still awesome to this day.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Your have good taste and you're not alone. Thanks for watching.

[@Newstatejournal1]

Excellent video. It is about time someone laid down the facts and provided some reasonable judgment.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Thanks for watching, have a nice day.

[@1400IntruderVS]

928 is one of the most under appreciated cars of it's time. The later S4 and GT models were supercars, capable of 170 MPH! Acceleration may seem tame by today's standards but it is certainly respectable.

[@charlesearle8414]

They were never designed for acceleration, they were meant to get up to a high speed and stay there all day long.

[@TmacDesigns]

Excellent commentary about the 928. I have owned a 86.5, 5 speed, sort seats, for almost 20 years now. Very reliable and starts every time.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Nice car Tony, you have a rare one (an S body with a 32V engine and brakes) that is a keeper and a manual at that. Enjoy, thanks for watching.

[@andrewnichols1023]

Totally agree, the s4 was more money new than the 911 and more powerful, these days they are far cheaper than a 911, making them a true bargain today and undervalued. Plus a lot less were sold than 911s, making it a rare beast.

[@pauldaniel6208]

Very well done. Having owned a 928S4 for 12 years, it is nice to finally see a video made by someone who truly understands what Porsche had intended the car to be.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

People who understand what the 928 is all about are rare and few in between, but we're in good company. Thanks for watching.

[@littleyamaha]

Had mine for 10 years now, 175k miles and as sweet as a nut. Regular servicing and never let me down. Just find yourself a mechanic who really knows these cars and doesn't work for a main dealer. In the UK we have Paul Anderson in Stroud, who is excellent.

[@PrimalurgesMiami]

928 is still a beautiful design despite it being decades old.

[@henryovalles7311]

PrimalurgesMiami 1987 up 928 s4 was just as quick as a 911 turbo with higher top speed

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Its a timeless design. Do you live in Miami? I envy you, except during hurricane season. LOL, thanks for watching. Tan

[@burrsb8945]

Good video. I swapped my 911 targa for an 928 S4 as I was doing daily motorway miles, and discovered the S4 is in a different league. Solid, comfortable and will sit at 150+ without deviation or lightness. Managed to find a GT six months later which is very sharp and is close to a Ferrari 328 in it's handling and involvement. The GT and GTS manuals are getting hard to find now.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

We are a very selected group of car owners who know what "stability" is at high speeds. Thanks for watching. Tan

[@TheGreenNewSteal2025]

Nice video, thanks. I just picked up an 84 928S, 5 speed manual for next to nothing. Beautiful medium blue with presentable interior. 5th gear had problems so the transmission is out. Otherwise a solid 93k mile survivor. I’m enjoying learning more about this model.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Way to go Micah! Finding a 5sp is hard so way to go. Get that 5th gear sorted and start being the envy at car meets. Thanks for watching.

[@niacal4nia]

Steve Jobs first Apple computer design was inspired by the Porsche 928 and he did own both a 928 and a Mercedes SL.

[@retepyam5858]

The 928 S4 also had a two tank windscreen washer system where you could squirt pure fluid onto the windscreen as opposed to a mix

[@rittastic]

I had both a 74 911 and an 84 928 at the same time. Reviewer is spot on. They are completely different. The 911 was satisfying when frantic at the limit...the 928 was satisfyingly relaxed at any speed.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

You have experienced it all with those 2 cars. You are one of the lucky ones. Thanks for watching. Tan

[@highervibetribe9137]

You're the dude that has the video driving around the GT with the driving gloves lol. Awesome commentary, I agree with most, I believe Porsche felt the need to replace the 911 because of not only slumping sales (an indication of the model reaching the end of its lifetime) but rumors that the U.S. May have banned rear engined cars. Being the the U.S. Market was integral for Porsches survival they had to create the 928. Being that it was a GT car, most of them were automatics. It was built for traveling in comfort in excess of 140 mph on the autobahn. It was a GT car but a very sporty mixture of both. It outperformed the 911 in every way ( except for the turbo) it was more luxurious, more comfortable, better handling, faster, better balanced, it was everything the 911 wasn't. In the early 80's when it no longer became a threat of replacing the 911, it came into its own and even though it was Porsches flagship model, it was still sold alongside the 911. The front engined cars of that era really kept the 911 alive, their sales kept Porsche alive. It was a greatly balanced car with the engine lower and further back made it handle very well around corners, especially aided with the transaxle in the rear, awesome suspension and the weissach axle, made it an all around great car. It was very expensive to make though. In the mid 90's Porsche canceled all of their models but the 911, they were getting too expensive and slumping sales were showing that. I am glad they have the 928 one last hoorah on the way out with the GTS. Part of me wishes they still made that model and part of me doesn't, I think it was he best car they've ever made, definitely best looking. It would be cool if they did a one-off production 928 such as the 928 GTE, kind of like a Corvette ZR1. I've owned an 86.5 928S 5spd and currently own an 84 Euro S 5spd. They are he best cars I've bed driven, I could only imagine where they would be today if they kept the model alive. I had to own the manual transmissions, so much more fun. They fact that over 80% were auto just prove that they were meant to be GT cruisers.

[@willthecardude6900]

That's a great analogy. "Comparing these cars is like comparing an sc400 to a mr2."

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Hello William, thanks for watching. I see you're a Lexus fan, any thoughts on the SC430?

[@willthecardude6900]

I've never personally driven one, but when I was younger in High school, some kid had one. I managed to keep up head to head in a drag race in the gutted Honda Odyssey I used to drive, so I never really thought much of them. Then one day someone came to my job in one to get their engine light checked, and I remember thinking "Woah, this thing is actually really nice". Personally, I never liked the way they looked, but that interior was like a padded cockpit.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Thanks William, those Odyssey can be a little deceptively fast.

[@williampaisley826]

I just got a 83 for 1500.got it from garage that repossessed it for work that was done ..1000 dollars of new injectors.im so happy to have one of these cars... that is in pretty good running condition.just needing paint and interior work..very helpful vedio. I agree the 928 is a value .theses cars should go up in value.they are rock bottom compared to what they where new.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

A good running 928 for $1500 is a great find. If you're doing the paint and interior work your self document it as a reference for the future and it will serve as a great "how to" other owners. Enjoy your new "barn find" William. Thanks for watching.

[@turkeywildman3871]

Great video! There's something about the 928. It's not really like a sports car, but instead a fantastic highway cruiser!

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Thanks Turkey, yes, best value right now for a brand name supercar. Thanks for watching.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Yes great luxury GT car of the time. Thanks for watching.

[@hertzair1186]

I’m still hoping Porsche will make a 2-door Panamera....which would be somewhat of a homage to the 928.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Yes my 928 group has been talking about that for years. It would be nice if they did, nice GT cars are rare these days. Everybody wants SUVs and supercars. I guess its what the people want and the companies will provide. Lets not hold our breath, haha. Thanks for watching.

[@classiccarssp]

Great Comments! Love my manual GTS 🙌

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Thanks for watching. Tan

[@acchaladka]

Thanks for this, it helps me feel better about my irrational lust for a Shark. Great point about the balance and dead leg adjustment - didn't know that. Suggestion: you have a good speaking rhythm but you repeat yourself several times in the first half at least. I'd suggest getting note cards or bullet pointing things and moving on, ie not repeating. Also, if you could show more of the cars...not that your face doesn't look great but you know...not my thing. :)

[@NESherv]

Hi Tam, I like your views on the 928. It definitely is a different car than the 911. Now I would love to hear your thoughts on the 944!

[@christopherleveck1599]

NESherv I ALMOST bought a 1988 S2 944 because it was nearly identical to my 88 928 S4..... EXCEPT the 944 engine was HALF the size. They literally cut the 928 engine in half...... Several elements where exactly the same and in fact some parts are the same number. It was the sister car to mine. I didn't get back to the guy fast enough and lost it.....

[@Bartekcsaba]

If u have the chance choose the turbo 944 i mean the 951, or at least try it before you would buy. I tried every kind of 944s and in my opinion the turbo simple the best between the 944-s..

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Hello NEsherv, I did my very first video on the 944, please check the list. I will be doing a video on the 944 and the nissan 300zx. Stay tune. Tan

[@tfaber9394]

Thank you. I am looking to become a Porsche Owner - this has been very , nay, extremely informative. I am a performance car owner, (of a very rare supercharged car), and I need a daily driver. I have looked at a lot, yet I keep coming back to Porsche. I can't believe I can buy one for so little. Why not buy all - a 944, a 928, and a 911 ! And oh yes, maintenance is not a problem, I have done my own wrenching since 1978. Nobody touches my ride. Thank you sir, and "keep her rubber side down". Later man, your'e cool. TIMBO, ATLANTA

[@joes9545]

Does the steering mount move when steering or just when adjusting the height of the steering wheel?

[@joes9545]

Trevor Weir thank you.

[@zestydude87]

Love the 928. If i were to have one it would have to be a 5 speed like yours.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

You have good taste zestydud87, thanks for watching. Tan

[@zestydude87]

Update... I bought one! 84 Guards red and of course, a 5 speed. Love it so far....

[@christopherleveck1599]

I couldn't love a human baby more than I love my '88 928 S4....

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

You are not alone Chris, I have heard owners who have used a diaper as a cleaning cloth and will kiss it goodnight. Thanks for watching. Tan

[@MrDominicharrison]

Very true the 928 is totally different. The 911 964 didn’t sell like the previous models either and Porsche didn’t know why, maybe the oil crisis of the early/mis 70’s?

[@mossbrg5]

I love my 1990 GT 5 speed. 15 years I have had it.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

You are one of the lucky ones. Thanks for watching.

[@patmorales2459]

I consider cars that gets preserved and Cared for from the 1980’s New! only time it self gets old .

[@imnotarob0t1984]

I need a 928, I owned a few 944's and currently a Mercedes but 928 is next for sure

[@BMan100]

...ohhh I wish I could get my hands on a good one, so many of the cheap cars have too many problems(cost an arm and leg to get repaired )... that being said...still would like to have one. If I can't I guess I will have to go with the alternative a dodge Challenger SRT. Nice VIDEO! AND YEAH! 5SPD DOG LEG!!!

[@AlexCBrandon]

I personally haven't heard any harsh on the 928. My dad had one and I'm restoring it. Thankfully I've only heard stuff like this, that they regret it was discontinued and laud the car that it is.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Good luck with the restoration Alex, if you have any issues and can't find the answer just ask and I'll try to point you in the right direction if I don't know. thanks for watching.

[@AlexCBrandon]

@@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER Thanks so much! Willdo!

[@BERTO3127]

I loved the 928 S4 was so sick

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

its a lot of car for the money. Do you have one Humberto? Info on your car? Thanks for watching.

[@srwilliams1963]

I own a 1981 Porsche 928. thanks

[@dphitch]

'85 928 5spd for sale locally for $7500 with 125,000 miles, Its a southern car. Its tempting but concerning at the same time.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Hello, its harder to find a manual 928 so if the car is in good shape and PPI checks out it could be a good investment. Make sure all the maintenance was done on time (timing belt, ALL fluids changed), the rest can be worked on as you drive. It is a high maintenance car for its time but will give you a lot driving pleasure when working properly. Good luck.

[@dphitch]

Thanks for the advice.

[@Brutaga]

Really enjoyed your video and I totally agree with everything you said.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Thanks for watching Howard. Tan

[@Baerchenization]

When you compare things, out pop the differences. It is not meaningful to say a comparison is "unfair". Viewing historic Porsche footage, it seems to me that the only Porsche faster than the 928 around the Ring at the time was the turbo, and also the only model that topped its price... not gutting a 928 for the track was Porsche's marketing decision.

[@jwb935]

Its so annoying when people say the 911 is for the track and the 928 the highway. Look at any track time or the videos on here comparing the two at the time. The 928 is quiet a lot faster a same era 911 when it comes to track times!

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Hello jwb935, yes I agree with you. But because the 928 wasn't advertised as a "sports car" by Porsche most of the general car buying public never saw it as anything more than just a luxury cruiser (if they actually know what a 928 is). Thanks for watching.

[@jwb935]

Yep, your right. The perception is different to the reality. Its sad that such a great car (I believe one of the real legends) is so overlooked and forgotten as the 928. A real leap in form from what Porsche normally produced. As you own both I guess the 911 just feels more sport and nimble even if it isn't because of weight and steering feel etc. Thank you, I will keep an eye out for some more of your videos :)

[@deweylasv]

Are they both all wheel drive?

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Hi Rich, no, 928s were never all wheel drive. Thanks for watching.

[@izatizatruachhakodesh3069]

Excellent

[@dinof7652]

Oh shit. I was one of your students at fh. I remember you driving that red 928 to school daily. Do the lawnmower!!

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

hello Dino F, how are you? that must have been some time ago remind me who you are again. Never drove the 928 daily but did drive a red Miata daily to work that was over ten years ago??

[@phemmat]

good video thanks for sharing i appreciate it

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Thanks for watching.

[@funkingitup1805]

It's a good discussion, but the video badly needed a walk around to show the cars.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

yes I agree, will do better for the next comparison video.

[@funkingitup1805]

Cool, man. Your discussion is on point. Adding in a little skillful camera work and seeing the cars would make for some great videos. I'm subscribing. You'd be good at reviews.

[@pauljager2969]

Did I miss the part where you drive them?

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Hi Paul, sorry didn't drive them in this one. I did do a driving one when I started this channel please check the video list. Thanks for watching. Tan

[@musimero]

They are very expensive just check ebay, and lot of people love it!! It’s a special car for special people!

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Yes they have jumped in price since I made the video. Thanks for watching.

[@realdata6116]

The 911 is the poor mans 928

[@briancoleman2521]

The 928 is just 80s cool that's what it's all about fun fun is not cheap but it sure has the best ass on a car. It's just cool and a blast to drive but must be stick 80s baby

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

You have good taste in rear ends Brian. Thanks for watching, will try to have more videos soon.

[@supercars6050]

Excellent discussion ! I agree with all of it . However as far as it being designed for the auto bond. Yes I agree But I also feel the 50/50 balance was more to make it both for freeway and windy mountain roads. I've never owned a car as good handling around corners as a 928 . I've never driven a 911 But I've heard many who own both say the 911 doesn't hold a candle to the 928 of the same year . So who knows? Let me drive your 911 and then I can judge better and maybe ill come to a conclusion lol

[@charlesearle8414]

911s are about as fast in the bends as a 928 in terms of sheer numbers, mainly because 911s are lighter, but require a MUCH different driving style. Since the 928 had 50/50 weight distribution, it was more neutral and had better balance, you could carry more speed into a corner without risking much oversteer due to passive rear steering. In a 911, you have to get your braking done before you begin a turn. Otherwise the rear will kick out in snap oversteer. Instead you brake early, coast through to the apex, and then step on it, so the weight is shot to the rear and you get insane amounts of traction. Just about as fast in around a track, but the 928 was faster in a straight line compared to any 911 except the turbo, which was either slightly slower or slightly faster depending on the generation. They're just different styles of driving. The 911 is more like a race car, lighter, nimbler, and more fun. The 928 is more relaxed and balanced, like an Aston Martin. The 928 was designed so you could drive from Berlin to Nice at speeds over 130mph and not be sore when you got there.

[@supercars6050]

Well explained Thank you

[@philippvest5597]

tanzanite green

[@Flies2FLL]

Rev them both out and that 911 sounds tinker-toy. The 928 engine at 6000 rpm will raise the hairs on the back of your neck! What in the world did you do to the 928's seats~?

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Hello Flies2FLL, the 911 being an "air cooled" engine (really oil cooled) does have a unique sound, it is a nice sound and quite addicting to some. BUT an open throttle on a well tuned V8 is hair raising. You have good taste. Thanks for watching.

[@shahwirashahwira9751]

to much talking, people want to see the car! not u alone for the whole program

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Thanks for the comment, will do better next time, new at this. Thanks for watching. Tan

[@bochereauaugerghislain4561]

staf !

[@HydeWars]

I think I recognize this guy from the dry cleaners

[@cindyhannah454]

I have a 92 928! A Risky Business, Scarface look alike with only 44,000 miles . This makes my day! Want to call my mechanic and share.

[@johnmiller7682]

The idea that the 928 was meant to be a replacement for the 911 is a complete myth. And the 928 wasn't designed to be an "autobahn" car. In fact, it was designed specifically for the American market place. Hence the reason it came mostly as an automatic. The reason this myth continues is because, yes, Porsche was having emissions issues with the flat 6. But only in the US. And if the 911 was banned in the U.S. this would considerably hurt Porsche global sales.

[@checkmate1996]

Not true at all. Read 'Project 928' the book. It clearly explains that Porsche in the late 60s and early 70s were facing a necessary need for design changes to meet new safety standards and knew that rear engine/cooling wouldn't last forever. Here is an excerpt, "Nevertheless, an end to both rear engines and air cooling became increasingly obvious. Crash norms to come mitigated against the rear engine because its lack of a proper crush zone causes problems in rear-end crashes (it is not the frontal crash which is problematic as SO many people believe). There were also problems with the ever more stringent noise pollution laws since a rear engine car which is very quiet up front still has two noise sources in the rear: engine and exhaust exit. There was the additional fact that this rear engine concept had a very bad reputation among opinion-shapers of the motoring press. It carried the stigmas of oversteer, poor directional stability and high side-wind sensitivity (criticisms which may once have been justified in part although anybody sitting in a new 911 would scarcely notice any trace of such stumbling blocks today .. .). The ultimate change to liquid cooling seems, in fact, to have been dictated more by a desire for generally better noise suppression and greater heater comfort."

[@lamegolfr]

Actually as I recall the trend toward automatics at the time was a result of the rear mounted transmission. Manuals had a very long and clunky shift linkage resulting in better performance from the automatic - especially for 0-60 acceleration.

[@Gorilla_Jones]

John Miller LOL please stop spreading misinformation.

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Thanks for watching everybody, agree or disagree its clear that we all have a interest in one of the best car ever designed, it will still be appealing to somebody 50 years from now. Tan

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Hi Kevin, from what I've see on some internet sites but not sure how true it is. The reasons that most of them came as auto was because the "marketing" department wanted to compete directly with the high end luxury cruisers like the Jaguar XJS and the Mercedes SL class, both came as an auto in most countries. True????? Leave it to marketing to ruin a good thing. LOL. Tan

[@mivec25]

nice vid ☺ thanks

[@THEPASSIONATEDRIVER]

Thanks for watching Julian