The 944 S2 is seen as the secret star of the 944 lineup
The spearhead of the four cylinder transaxles was, in typical Porsche fashion, the Turbo or Turbo S, but the secret star was the Porsche 944 S2, presented in 1988. It had the biggest four cylinder production engine of its time in terms of capacity and was the first transaxle model, available as a coupe and a convertible.
The naturally aspirated four-pot, internally called M44/41, managed to be both, torquey and rev-happy with its 2,990 cm3. Chief engineer Paul Hensler designed the engine to produce 280 Nm of torque at already 4,000 rpm and a pretty decent 211 hp at 5,800 rpm, while being able to rev up to 6,500 rpm.
That was achieved by a 16 valve cylinder head, two overhead camshafts a lighter crankcase and forged pistons. The compression ratio remained at the same level as the S2 s predecessor 944 S at 10,9:1. The 944 S2 was only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. (source https://www.elferspot.com)
I trade this 944S2 for the Alfa GTV. The 944 milleage was high at around 211,000 km and I was afraid of an expensive mecanical failure
Porsche 944 are great cars with an amazing chassis but an 'average' engine. Engine is raw and don't have too much torque
I love the popup lights and the seat position/steering wheel
I drove a 968 and i was less than impress by the engine (even being more powerfull than the 944S2)
Maybe I should buy a 944 Turbo S one day :-)