Cars > Challenges > “Lightning” Vs “944S”
1995 Ford Thunderbird LX
“Lightning”
1987 Porsche 944 S
“944S”
Head to Head
About “Lightning”
My 1995 Ford Thunderbird LX, equipped with a 4.6L OHC "Modular" V8 engine, rear-wheel drive and a healthy dose of torque built on the MN12 platform.
I have owned "Lightning" for about 2 years now as both my main project car and previously as my daily driver.
Even with some of the issues she had due on one part to poor previous ownership and on another to the harsh climate here. I really love this car for a lot of reasons and I find it impossible to let it go.
I just recently got her off the road to begin the resurrection project after I found another daily driver (1999 Ford Escort SE). One of the biggest parts of this challenge is not working on her though, it is actually demolishing the old garage and building a proper one in it's place, so that I can actually work on the project properly and safely.
I will post the to-do list of everything I am doing to Lightning on here eventually.
To-Do List For 2011-2013:
Everything, seriously..
About “944S”
I bought this car used in 1992 with 45,000 miles. It now has 184,000 miles on it and is going strong!
The "S" model was introduced in 1987 and positioned between the base 944 (145 hp) and the 944 turbo (217 hp). The 944S engine differed from the engine used in the base and turbo in that it had a 16-valve DOHC head instead of the 8-valve SOHC head. The engine put out 188 bhp in US form.
The "S" model was produced in 1987 and 1988. In 1987, there were 5,862 "S" models produced. Of those, 3,127 were imported into the U.S., so it is a fairly rare car.
In 1990, the engine was enlarged to 3.0 liters, and the model was renamed the 944 S2. In 1992, the 944 S2 evolved into the 968.
Until the Acura NSX was released, the Porsche 944 series was considered the best-handling car sold in America.
Specs for “Lightning”
- MN12 Platform
- 4.6L OHC "Modular" V8 (281ci.)
- 205 hp @ 4,500rpm, 265 lb·ft @ 3,200rpm
- 4R70W 4-Speed A/T + O/D
- 2-Door Coupe
- 200.3" - Length
- 72.7" - Width
- 52.5" - Height
- 113" - Wheelbase
- 3,725lb Curb Weight
Mileage: 132,000 km's
Specs for “944S”
Engine: 2.5L (2,479 cc / 151.3 cu in) inline 4, DOHC, 16 valves, two balance shafts, aluminum block, cross-flow aluminum head; 10.9:1 compression; Bore: 100 mm (3.94 in); Stroke: 78.9 mm (3.11 in)
Power: 188 hp / 140 kW at 6000 rpm
Torque: 170 ft lb / 230 Nm at 4300 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Final drive ratios: 3.889:1
Brakes: Front: Internally Vented Discs
Rear: Internally Vented Discs
Wheels: 7J x 16 front / 8J x 16 rear
Tires: 205/55ZR16 front / 225/50ZR16 rear
Wheelbase: 94.49 in (2,400 mm)
Length: 168.9 in (4,290 mm)
Width: 68.31 in (1,735 mm)
Height: 50.20 in (1,275 mm)
Curb weight: 2,866 lb (1,300 kg)
Factory Options for “Lightning”
- Power Everything
- Independent Rear Suspension
- TCS / ABS
- Variable Assist Power Steering
- Leather Interior
- 6-Way Power Driver Seat
- 2-Way Power Passenger Seat
- AM/FM Radio
- CD Player (Original Ford)
- Illuminated Keyless Entry
- Remote Starter
- Rear Window Defroster
- Moonroof / Sunroof
- Cup Holders
- A/C
Factory Options for “944S”
Guards Red exterior
Black interior
018 Leather-covered steering wheel w/ raised center hub 380 mm and matching leather shift boot
158 Blaupunkt Radio "Reno" AM/FM Cassette
197 Higher amperage battery
341 Central locking system
395 16" Forged Alloy wheels with Anti-Theft Device and Dunlop Tires (928-style wheels)
(Tire size: 205-55/WR-16 F, 225-50/WR-16 R)
404 Stabilizer bars F/R (standard on turbo, optional on others)
418 Protective side moldings
423 Cassette container and coin box
432 Sports steering wheel, leather 363 mm, 4-spokes
441 Fader, antenna booster, 4 speakers
454 Cruise control
455 Wheel locks
474 Sport shock absorbers (standard on turbo, optional on others)
533 Alarm system
553 Version for USA
566 Rectangular front fog lights
567 Windshield green graduated tint
573 Air conditioning w/ air conditioned glove box
576 Without rear fog light
650 Removable top with electrically operated tilt device
651 Electric windows
657 Power steering
946 Partial leather front seats
As equipped, the MSRP for this specific car in 1987 was $36,506.
Vote This challenge has ended!
| Points for Lightning | Total Votes | Points for 944S |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | 12 | 42 |
Cars > Challenges > “Lightning” Vs “944S”
