The 1983 Porsche 944 was everything that the previous 924 should have been.  Introduced in May of 1982, the 944 gained instant success. The first 944s were 1983 models. They came with a 2.5 liter inline 4 cylinder motor. The chassis and body shell were from the 924, but the new model had flared fenders, a rear spoiler, and a front air dam. Everything that was flawed in the 924, such as inadequate driving space between the seat and steering wheel, was corrected in the 944. A special balance shaft design was used on the 944 to keep the noise level and shaking down, which were problems on the 924.
 
 

8 valve SOHC in-line 4, aluminum block and heads
Bore and Stroke: 3.94 x 3.11 in (100.0 x 78.9 mm)
Displacement:151 cu.in. or 2479cc
Horsepower: 147@5,800 rpm
Torque: 140@3,000 rpm
Power to weight ratio: 21.0 lbs per horsepower
Compression ratio: 9.7:1
Fuel system: Bosch LE Jetronic

5 speed manual transmission, 3 speed automatic
 
 

Front: MacPherson struts with lower A-arms, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar
Rear: Semi-trailing arms, torsion bars, tube shocks, anti-roll bar
 
 

Curb weight: 2,965 lbs
Wheelbase: 94.5"
Length: 168.9"
Width: 68.3"
Height: 50.2"
Track front/rear: 58.2"/57.1"
Ground clearance: 4.7"
 
 

Vacuum assisted, fixed caliper, internally vented discs
15x7.0" front, 15x7.0" rear cast aluminum wheels

21 mpg (city) 26 mpg (hwy)
 
 

0-60mph: 8.7 seconds
0-1/4 mile: 16.4s
Top Speed: 135 mph

In 1987, the 944's compression ratio was raised to 10.2:1, resulting in 8 more horsepower.
In 1989, the engine size was raised to 2,688 cc (78.9"x 104.0"), and the compression was raised again, to 10.9:1. Power was now up 4 more horsepower.
 
 

After 2 years, the 944's interior was refreshed with a new dash and rearranged instrument panel. That same interior can be found on the '95 968s. The 1985 1/2 models received this update. The news for 1986 was the introduction of the 944 Turbo. It wasn't simply a 944 with a turbine stuck on it, but a totally re-engineered automobile. Beefed up suspension, brakes, and most importantly, engine. It sported a rear chin spoiler, and a new front cap with integrated bumper and fog lights.

For 1987, the 944 S was added to the model line-up. It boasted a 16 valve engine with twin cams.  It also offered ABS. The Turbo became the FIRST CAR IN THE WORLD to have standard driver and passenger airbags. The 944 and S also had the airbag option.  By 1989, the 944 S was replaced by the 944 S2. The S2 had a new 3.0 liter engine in it, producing 208 horsepower. The S2's bodywork was the same as the 944 Turbo's.  In 1990, the 944 S2 cabriolet was made available. It shared the Turbo's bodywork with a convertable top.  The 944's life was winding down in 1991, ending an 8 year reign which redefined to the automotive world what a GT car is supposed to be.

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