Porsche Ranks Their Top 5 Transaxle Sports Cars
Porsche ranks its top five front-engine models in compelling new video outlining strange but iconic bit of brand’s history.
Porsche’s transaxle cars were and are a vast departure from the brand’s lineage. The automaker was first known for their rear-engine sports cars, from the 356 to the 911. However, in the seventies, they took a sharp turn that not many expected. To create a suitable replacement to the 914, they built several front-engine cars with the transmission in the rear.
In a recent video, Porsche outlines their top five cars to come from their transaxle experimentation. It is full of awesome details about the vehicles. (However, a little more light would be appreciated in the next video if anyone from Porsche happens to be reading this.)
Number 5: The EA 425
The EA 425 is a result of Porsche’s quest to replace the 914. Furthermore, they wanted a sports coupe that was cheaper to build and maintain than a 911. Though, initially, a joint project with Volkswagen, the world oil crisis of 1973 caused VW to drop out of the project. However, Porsche designer Harm Lagaay and his team pushed forward with the project. The outcome of their efforts is the EA 425 concept car.
While it was never put into production, it is easy to see the car’s influence on later models. Porsche kept the front-mounted four-cylinder layout and moved ahead to production models.
Number 4: The 924, a groundbreaking production success
Building off the concept of the EA 425, Porsche created its first production car to feature a water-cooled engine, as well as the transaxle setup. The 924 was built mostly with VW and Audi parts, landing it the nickname “The Audi Porsche.”
Despite the nickname, the 924 was incredibly successful. Over 150,000 were sold during its 12-year production run. Though it wasn’t the fastest or best handling car Porsche had available, it still was a breakout success. Dubbed by Porsche “the family sports station wagon,” it would go on to be an iconic stepping stone in, not only the transaxle lineup, but Porsche’s history overall. Today they are quite sought-after. In good condition, they can fetch some pretty outstanding numbers.
Number 3: The Porsche 928 and its eight-cylinders of fury
The Porsche 928 was an even weirder departure from the norm. While the 924 and EA 425 both featured an inline four-cylinder, the 928 has a V8 parked under the hood. It intends to be a sportier approach to the transaxle idea. We’d say it was undoubtedly a good swing at it, as it comes with 240 horsepower. Having an aluminum hood, fenders, and doors allowed it to stay relatively light as well. It was such an ideal balance of performance, luxury, and usability that it was named European Car of The Year in 1978. It is the only Porsche in history to receive the title.
Number 2: The “everyman Porsche,” the 944
The 944 is indeed the successor to the 924, and a quick glance at one will tell you that. However, it’s big sell is that the four-cylinder is entirely Porsche developed. It does not use Audi parts like its predecessor. Though it did fall into being the Porsche “anyone could afford,” it was more generally accepted as an actual Porsche. Go-kart-like handling and pure eighties looks keep it relevant even today. While it didn’t sell the volumes the 924 did, it, too, was a monumental win.
If you are looking into budget Porsche ownership, the 944 is absolutely the way to go. Base models regularly sell for under $2,000 in the US, and they are heaps of fun to drive. It’s a great affordable way to get your feet wet with the iconic brand.
Number 1: The 968, an end to an iconic era
Lagaay would make his triumphant return to Porsche in 1989. The result of his return was the final transaxle sports car. It was built on the same platform as the 944 but featured far more modern styling. The front-end design was a significant influence on the 993 generation 911. It was produced until 1995, and its end was also the end of the Porsche transaxle era. Due to its styling and its legacy as the final of the funky front-engine cars, these are still fetching pretty serious numbers to this day.
While the transaxle era cars are not typically the favorite of a Porsche enthusiast, most still respect them. Sure, you may not get the full pedigree of the iconic 911, but your wallet will be a lot happier with your choice if you pick one of these up. They are still fantastic handling, thoroughbred Stuttgart machines, and we love them.
Photos: Porsche