My Porsche!

[ifcar]

That's probably as big as my bigass Murrican minivan...

The Caravans had 20 gallons -- designed for that V6 AWD version, no doubt -- so our four-cylinder would often hit 500 miles on a tank.

[FoMoJo]

Nice car.  It looks really clean.

[Laconian]

The Caravans had 20 gallons -- designed for that V6 AWD version, no doubt -- so our four-cylinder would often hit 500 miles on a tank.

Ah yes, wonderful fodder for PAIN AT THE PUMP! LOOK AT MY FUEL BILL! television news stories.

[AutobahnSHO]

The Caravans had 20 gallons -- designed for that V6 AWD version, no doubt -- so our four-cylinder would often hit 500 miles on a tank.

We get around 420-440mpt city toodling.

[Rupert]

So now you have British electrics, an exploding pile of tyres, and a rejected Volkswagen. That sounds fun.

Electrics are perfect, tires were replaced long ago, and there is very little that is still VW about the Porsche. 

[Rupert]

I had the mechanic do a couple of things while I was gone, because I'm planning on taking it to Tahoe on Wednesday. I didn't get back until late tonight, and now I have to wait until effing Tuesday to drive it again! 

[Rupert]

And thanks for all the compliments et al., everyone!

[Rupert]

I have found a problem with your purchase!

It does not say "Turbo"

Lemme just get my magic marker...

[SVT_Power]

Electrics are perfect, tires were replaced long ago, and there is very little that is still VW about the Porsche. 

Just point out the fact that Porsche owns majority of VW so VW's are kinda like Porsches! 

[Rupert]

But they didn't in 1986.

[SVT_Power]

But they didn't in 1986.

Who cares? 

[Rupert]

Huge Porsche snobs?

[MX793]

Electrics are perfect, tires were replaced long ago, and there is very little that is still VW about the Porsche. 

The 924 (from which the 944 evolved) was originally intended to be a VW and Porsche was contracted to design the car for them.  VW eventually decided that they didn't want the car (opting instead to introduce the Scirocco as their sports model) and Porsche purchased the design from VW to serve as a replacement for the aging 914.

But you're right, there's very little VW in the 944.  Unlike the 924, the entire drivetrain is Porsche (924 used VW/Audi motors and transmissions up until its last few years for production) and obviously the chassis design of both the 944 and its 924 predecessor were from Porsche.

[Rupert]

I know, which is why I said, "still."

[TBR]

Just point out the fact that Porsche owns majority of VW so VW's are kinda like Porsches! 

Actually, pretty sure that VW now owns a majority of Porsche.

[the Teuton]

The 951 is one effed up car compared to the standard 944. Its transmission spins the opposite way from the 944, and there are a lot of limited supply parts on the thing. It really is a whole 'nother animal. The 944 is likely a much cheaper car to own.

[Cookie Monster]

Actually, pretty sure that VW now owns a majority of Porsche.

Really? At least a year or two ago, Porsche owned like 75% of VW.

[Rupert]

The 951 is one effed up car compared to the standard 944. Its transmission spins the opposite way from the 944, and there are a lot of limited supply parts on the thing. It really is a whole 'nother animal. The 944 is likely a much cheaper car to own.

Yep. The only similarity is how they look, really.

[Rupert]

Really? At least a year or two ago, Porsche owned like 75% of VW.

Something like that. It's pretty complicated.

[the Teuton]

Something like that. It's pretty complicated.

I thought the two companies merged. Then I thought they got married. Then I thought VW might be taking over Porsche.

I finally figured out what the hell they're doing: They're scissoring.

[mzziaz]

Something like that. It's pretty complicated.

Porsche did own a major stock share of VAG. Then the financial crisis hit, and Porsche started to drown in its own debt. VAG picked up the pieces.

[TBR]

Really? At least a year or two ago, Porsche owned like 75% of VW.

Porsche overextended themselves trying to buy out VW and ended-up having to run to VW for help. Technically they merged, but in a merger there's always a dominant partner (the company that buys the stock of the other company). VW is the dominant partner.

[Rupert]

Close enough. They're buddies; always have been.

[Laconian]

Porsche overextended themselves trying to buy out VW and ended-up having to run to VW for help. Technically they merged, but in a merger there's always a dominant partner (the company that buys the stock of the other company). VW is the dominant partner.

Except in the case of Daimler and Chrysler. A merger of equals. Answers for questions to come.

[Rupert]

This is the ultimate road car!

I just got back from a 2100 mile road trip, and the 944 was perfect the whole time. Good power, great handling, plenty of room (I even stuck someone and their huge backpack in the back seat for a couple of hours), fully comfortable at all times, never-get-tired awesomeness.

I went from Boise through Mountain Home, ID, south to Elko, NV, over to Battle Mountain, NV on I-80, then south to US-50, which I took to my friend's family cabin in Tahoe (well off the main drags). Then, yesterday, we took CA-89 north through Lassen NP until I-5, which we took into Eugene, OR. Today, I went from Eugene over McKenzie Pass to US-26 through John Day, OR, and back to Boise. Highlights were the basin and range on US-50, Lassen, and McKenzie Pass (which I had been over as a kid-- grew up in Eugene-- but never driven myself; it's an amazing driver's road, which I took at 190% of the suggested speed, at least).

I cruised at 10-20 over the various limits, usually about 15 over. I saw a number of cops, but none of them gave me a second look. This car is totally stable and fully confidence-inspiring at high speed. 90 is really no problem. At 85, the engine is only turning 3000 RPM. These are revelations for me, this being my fastest car by a solid margin.

My only gripes are that the headlights blow (sealed beams ; to be replaced soon), the stereo that the guy's son-in-law installed is stupid, and there is a weird whine sound that varies with the engine speed and electric load (must be the alternator, though in 2100 miles, it never gave any other sign of failing). It could use a little more lumbar support, too.

Fucking awesome, pics to follow, and eat your distance-touring heart out, Miata guys.

[omicron]

You are, good sir, a bastard.

But a lucky one. Take me with?

[MrH]

That could very well be a grounding problem you're hearing.

[Rupert]

That would be cheap, at least. I'll have it fixed next time it's in for service.

[Rupert]

Oh, yeah, and the cruise control is busted. It does nothing but accelerate. 0_o

[omicron]

Oh, yeah, and the cruise control is busted. It does nothing but accelerate. 0_o

What else would you expect of a Porsche cruise control?