1984 Porsche 928 Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

The Good

The 1984 Porsche 928S offers potent V8 performance and exceptional high-speed cruising comfort, appealing to emotional buyers with its timeless, distinctive design and engaging driving dynamics. Practical buyers appreciate its robust build quality for a classic, luxurious cabin, and the potential for a appreciating value as a unique Porsche. Its balanced handling and grand touring capabilities make it a superb long-distance companion.

The Bad

Known weaknesses include complex and aging electrical systems, costly timing belt services crucial for engine survival, potential torque tube bearing failures, and expensive parts availability. Vacuum leaks, power steering issues, and interior material degradation are also common. These factors contribute to high maintenance and repair costs, making diligent pre-purchase inspection essential.

1984 Porsche 928: Quick Overview

• Engine Options: The 1984 Porsche 928S featured a 4.7-liter all-aluminum SOHC V8 engine (M28/21 or M28/22).
• Horsepower: US-spec models produced 234 hp (SAE net) at 5300 rpm. Rest of World (ROW) models had higher compression and different tuning, yielding approximately 310 hp.
• Torque: US-spec: 263 lb-ft at 4000 rpm.
• Transmission: Available with a 5-speed manual transaxle or a 3-speed automatic transaxle (Mercedes-Benz sourced).
• Fuel Economy: EPA estimates for the 1984 928S were approximately 15 MPG city / 20 MPG highway, varying slightly with transmission. Requires premium unleaded fuel.
• 0-60 Times: Typically ranged from 6.5 to 7.0 seconds for manual transmission models, and slightly slower for automatics.
• Top Speed: Approximately 145 mph (US-spec) and over 155 mph (ROW-spec).
• Towing Capacity: The Porsche 928 was not designed or rated for significant towing; light utility towing would be minimal and is generally not recommended.
• Trim-Level Features (928S):
• Standard power windows, power steering, and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes.
• Automatic climate control system.
• Leather interior upholstery, often with power-adjustable front seats.
• Integrated front and rear fog lights.
• Standard rear "whale tail" spoiler for improved aerodynamics.
• 16-inch alloy wheels (e.g., "flat dish" or "phone dial" designs).
• Front and rear anti-roll bars.
• Central locking system.
• On-board computer (trip computer functions like fuel consumption and range).
• Premium Blaupunkt stereo system with cassette player (for its era).
• Targa-style removable electric sunroof (optional).
• Limited-slip differential (optional, more common on manual transmission cars).
• Pop-up headlights and integrated turn signals.
• Independent front and rear suspension (Weissach axle at the rear for passive rear-wheel steering effect).

1984 Porsche 928 Specifications

Vehicle History Report

What Problems Does the 1984 Porsche 928 Have?

• Electrical System Gremlins: This is perhaps the most notorious area. Over time, wiring harnesses become brittle, connectors corrode, and relays fail. Issues range from intermittent dashboard warning lights and non-functioning power windows to central locking failures and erratic gauge readings. The Central Electric (CE) panel is a common culprit.
• Timing Belt Service: The V8 engine relies on a timing belt, which requires critical and costly replacement every 4-5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Neglecting this service leads to catastrophic engine damage (bent valves, piston damage), a "death sentence" for the engine.
• Torque Tube Bearings: The unique transaxle design connects the front-mounted engine to the rear-mounted transmission via a long torque tube. Bearings within this tube can wear, leading to vibrations, noise, and eventual failure. Replacement is labor-intensive and expensive.
• Vacuum Leaks: Aging rubber vacuum lines become brittle, leading to leaks that can cause rough idling, poor performance, and issues with accessories like cruise control or climate control.
• Fuel System Components: Old fuel lines, injectors, and fuel pumps can develop leaks or fail, causing poor running conditions or fire hazards. The fuel pressure regulator is another common failure point.
• Cooling System Issues: Radiators, water pumps, and hoses can degrade over time, leading to leaks or overheating if not addressed. The plastic radiator end tanks are known to become brittle.
• Power Steering Leaks: Common around the pump, lines, and rack.
• Automatic Transmission (3-speed): While generally robust, lack of proper fluid changes can lead to harsh shifts or internal wear. Less engaging than the manual.
• Interior Degradation: Dashboard cracking, leather shrinkage/tearing, sagging headliners, and sticky HVAC vents are common aesthetic concerns due to sun exposure and age.
• Pop-Up Headlight Motors: Can become slow or fail entirely.

How long will the 1984 Porsche 928 last?

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

• Instrumentation: A comprehensive dashboard featured a full array of analog gauges, including a large speedometer and tachometer, plus oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, voltmeter, and fuel level. A central warning light panel provided alerts for various system malfunctions.
• On-Board Computer: Many 928S models were equipped with an early form of a trip computer, offering functions such as average fuel consumption, distance to empty, and average speed, accessed via buttons on the dashboard.
• Climate Control: An advanced automatic climate control system allowed occupants to set a desired temperature, which the system would then maintain, a significant luxury feature for the time.
• Audio System: Typically came with a high-quality Blaupunkt stereo system, often including an AM/FM radio and cassette player, with carefully placed speakers for optimal sound delivery within the cabin.
• Power Features: Standard amenities included power windows, power door locks, and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors. Power-adjustable leather seats, sometimes with memory functions, were also common.
• Pop-Up Headlights: A signature styling cue, these headlights were electrically operated, retracting flush into the body when not in use.

• Power Steering: Standard, speed-sensitive power steering offered precise control at high speeds and easier maneuverability at low speeds.
• Cruise Control: An available option that greatly enhanced comfort during long highway journeys.

• Four-Wheel Disc Brakes: Standard on all models, providing excellent stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was not standard on the 1984 'S' model in all markets but would become standard on later 928S4 models.
• Strong Unibody Construction: Designed with integrated crumple zones to absorb impact energy, protecting the passenger cell.
• Three-Point Seatbelts: Standard for front occupants.
• Integrated Lighting: Front and rear fog lights improved visibility in adverse weather conditions.

What Colors Options are Available?

1984 Porsche 928 Prices and Market Value

1984 Porsche 928 Cost of Ownership

1984 Porsche 928 Fuel Efficiency

1984 Porsche 928 Insurance

How Does the 1984 Porsche 928 Compare to Other Vehicle?

• Porsche 928S: Offered strong V8 power (234 hp US, 310 hp ROW) and exceptional high-speed stability and handling due to its transaxle and Weissach axle. It was a true GT capable of covering long distances quickly and comfortably.
• Mercedes-Benz 500/560 SEC: More focused on ultimate luxury and cruising comfort. Its V8 delivered smooth power and torque but was less agile and overtly sporty than the 928.
• BMW 635CSi: Featured a revered inline-six engine (around 180-210 hp) that was smoother but less powerful than the 928's V8. It offered excellent handling for a large coupe, closer to the 928's sporting intent but in a different engine configuration.
• Jaguar XJS: Known for its powerful V12 (or later inline-six) and plush, traditional luxury. Performance was strong in a straight line, but handling was typically less precise and dynamic than the 928.
• Chevrolet Corvette (C4): Focused on raw American sports car performance, with powerful V8s (e.g., 205-230 hp early models). It offered competitive acceleration and grip but lacked the 928's refinement, interior luxury, and grand touring sophistication.

• 928S: Balanced luxury and sport with automatic climate control, power amenities, and an advanced (for its time) on-board computer.
• Mercedes/BMW: Generally offered more overt luxury, premium materials, and slightly more advanced (or at least more extensive) features for comfort.
• Jaguar XJS: Epitomized traditional British luxury with extensive wood and leather, but sometimes lagged in modern tech integration.
• Corvette: More spartan in luxury compared to European rivals, prioritizing performance-oriented features and digital instrumentation.

• All vehicles from this era demand diligent maintenance. The 928's complexity (electrical, timing belt, torque tube) leads to high repair costs.
• Mercedes/BMW: Generally considered reliable for their time if maintained, though parts are expensive.
• Jaguar: Historically had a reputation for electrical issues and complexity, often making them more challenging to maintain.
• Corvette: Simpler mechanically, potentially easier and cheaper to source parts for, but still susceptible to age-related issues.

• The 928S was priced at the high end when new. Today, its used value has appreciated, especially for well-maintained examples.
• Mercedes SEC/BMW 6-Series: Also commanded high prices new, and well-preserved examples continue to hold strong values.
• Jaguar XJS: Generally lower priced than 928 new and still often less expensive on the used market, largely due to higher perceived maintenance and reliability risks.
• Corvette C4: Significantly more affordable new and currently on the used market, offering immense performance for the dollar, but a different class of vehicle.

• For a more traditional luxury GT with strong performance: A Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC offers immense presence and comfort.
• For a slightly more driver-focused experience with inline-six smoothness: A BMW E24 635CSi is a great choice.
• For a more budget-friendly performance option with American muscle: A Chevrolet Corvette C4 provides raw power, though with less refinement.

Final Verdict: Is the 1984 Porsche 928 a Good Vehicle?

1984 Porsche 928 Owner Reviews

Jovan

Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.