This week’s AutoHunter docket features a trio of sporty coupes that show performance, style and flavor are available in smaller packages that are fun to drive. Of course, there might be some dissension on what makes a Porsche a Porsche, but I am not here to regulate, just show off some cars that I like.
A 5.0-liter V8 engine mounted up front in a Porsche has likely led to a few arguments on the nature of what a true Porsche is. I go by the simple notion of who manufactured it, not a long history of doing things like we’ve always done them. I have similar views with the C8 Corvette. Yes, they moved the engine but that’s progress and the C8 looks awesome.
With this 928 S4 on AutoHunter you get a 2+2 sports car with a lot of potential in the right hands. I’ve always viewed these Porsches as proper GTs. You can have a spirited road trip in comfort and civility, but you don’t have to sacrifice performance.
“The 5.0-liter DOHC V8 is equipped with LH-Jetronic fuel injection and was factory rated at 316 horsepower and 317 horsepower in stock form,” the listing states. “This 928 S4 features upgraded headers and a performance tune. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a console-shifted 4-speed automatic transaxle.”
This one needs a little love, but is a proper Porsche, despite the location of the engine.
Like the aforementioned 928 S4, the Porsche 914 has some deriders that view it as a glorified Volkswagen and not a true Porsche. I feel like we’re splitting hairs here, but we are entitled to our takes. Price and interest in the 914 have gone up in the last decade and I can see why. You get a sporty two-seater with a Targa roof, and a mid-mounted air-cooled engine.
This Nepal Orange 914 isn’t subtle, and it’s powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. This drivetrain won’t blow away the competition on public highways, but this sporty Porsche is meant for twisty roads where better weight distribution always helps in the corners.
“This 914 came factory-equipped with a 4-wheel independent suspension and rear-wheel drive,” the listing states. “Braking power is provided by 4-wheel manual disc brakes. According to the seller, the front tie rod ends have recently been replaced and a 4-wheel alignment was completed.”
It’s a solid 914, through and through, and it has plaid seats. I’m not sure that is a selling point, but I dig it.
I’m a 90s kid and fulfill many of the stereotypes for those of us that fall under the Generation X moniker. My life was filled with a lot of Oasis albums, too many Simpsons reruns, and Doc Martens. During my tenure at Santa Rosa High School (Go Panthers!) Acura was making some hatchbacks that could perform and looked sharp.
But Acuras were not a viable option for a teenager with a minimum wage job, but a kid could dream of a hot hatchback.
“This unmodified 1993 Acura Integra GS-R hatchback has been in California since new and comes with factory-correct equipment inside, outside, and under the hood,” the listing states. “Power comes from a consistently maintained VTEC-equipped B17A1 1.7-liter inline-4 paired with a 5-speed manual transaxle.”
Finding an unmodified Acura Integra is a chore. They’re out there, but it’s a hunt to find one and the price point is often higher. In the case of this one, the mileage is a bit higher, 178,000 miles, but the CARFAX report indicates an accident-free history in California. A clean Integra is a great choice for a 90s kid that couldn’t afford one when they were a teenager.
