Overview
| Spec |
Value |
| Production Years |
1976-1988 |
| Body Style |
2+2 coupe with rear hatch |
| Engine(s) |
2.0L EA831 I4, 2.0L EA831 turbo I4, 2.0L turbo intercooled I4 (Carrera GT), 2.5L M44/07 I4 |
| Displacement |
1984cc (2.0L), 2479cc (2.5L 924S) |
| Power |
125-210 bhp (road cars), 375 bhp (GTR race spec) |
| Torque |
165-280 Nm (depending on variant) |
| Transmission |
4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic |
| Drive |
Rear-wheel drive |
| Layout |
Front engine, rear transaxle |
| Suspension (front) |
MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar, telescopic dampers |
| Suspension (rear) |
Semi-trailing arms, torsion bars (924/Turbo) or coil springs (924S), anti-roll bar |
| Brakes (front) |
Ventilated discs (solid discs on very early base 924) |
| Brakes (rear) |
Drums (base 924), discs (Turbo, 924S) |
| Steering |
Rack and pinion, power-assisted (optional on early cars, standard from ~1980) |
| Construction |
Galvanised steel monocoque |
924 (Base, 1976-1985)
| Spec |
Value |
| Engine |
EA831 2.0L SOHC inline-4 |
| Engine Origin |
Audi (manufactured under licence from Porsche design) |
| Displacement |
1984cc |
| Bore x Stroke |
86.5mm x 84.4mm |
| Compression Ratio |
8.5:1 |
| Valve Train |
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, belt-driven camshaft |
| Timing |
Chain-driven (non-interference) |
| Fuel System |
Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) mechanical fuel injection |
| Power |
125 bhp (93 kW) @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque |
165 Nm (122 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm |
| Transmission |
4-speed manual (early) or 5-speed manual (Porsche Type 016), 3-speed Audi automatic optional |
| Final Drive |
3.44:1 (manual), 3.89:1 (auto) |
| 0-100 km/h |
9.9 seconds |
| Top Speed |
204 km/h (127 mph) |
| Fuel Economy |
9-12 L/100km |
| Kerb Weight |
1080 kg (manual) |
| Length |
4213mm |
| Width |
1685mm |
| Height |
1270mm |
| Wheelbase |
2400mm |
| Track (front/rear) |
1418mm / 1372mm |
| Fuel Tank |
62 litres |
| Tyres |
185/70 HR 14 (early), 185/70 HR 15 (later) |
| Wheels |
5.5J x 14 (early), 6J x 15 (later) |
924 Turbo (1979-1983)
| Spec |
Value |
| Engine |
EA831 2.0L SOHC inline-4, turbocharged |
| Displacement |
1984cc |
| Bore x Stroke |
86.5mm x 84.4mm |
| Compression Ratio |
7.5:1 |
| Valve Train |
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Timing |
Chain-driven (non-interference) |
| Turbocharger |
KKK K26 |
| Boost Pressure |
0.7 bar (10 psi) |
| Fuel System |
Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) with boost enrichment |
| Power |
170 bhp (127 kW) @ 5500 rpm (later cars 177 bhp) |
| Torque |
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm |
| Transmission |
5-speed manual (Porsche Type 016, strengthened), 3-speed automatic optional |
| Final Drive |
3.44:1 |
| 0-100 km/h |
7.7 seconds |
| Top Speed |
230 km/h (143 mph) |
| Fuel Economy |
10-14 L/100km |
| Kerb Weight |
1180 kg |
| Length |
4213mm |
| Width |
1685mm |
| Height |
1270mm |
| Wheelbase |
2400mm |
| Track (front/rear) |
1418mm / 1372mm |
| Fuel Tank |
80 litres |
| Tyres |
185/70 HR 15 (front), 185/70 HR 15 (rear) |
| Wheels |
6J x 15 (standard), 7J x 15 (optional) |
Key Turbo Changes over Base 924
- KKK K26 turbocharger with wastegate
- Lowered compression ratio (7.5:1 vs 8.5:1)
- Strengthened internals (forged connecting rods, sodium-filled exhaust valves)
- Larger brakes (ventilated discs front, solid discs rear, sourced from 911)
- Wider wheels with revised offsets
- Revised front end with four round driving lights
- NACA duct scoops on bonnet and front bumper
- Additional instruments (boost gauge, oil temperature)
- Stiffer suspension with lower ride height
- Larger fuel tank (80L vs 62L)
924 Carrera GT (1981)
| Spec |
Value |
| Engine |
2.0L SOHC inline-4, turbocharged with intercooler |
| Displacement |
1984cc |
| Bore x Stroke |
86.5mm x 84.4mm |
| Compression Ratio |
8.5:1 |
| Turbocharger |
KKK K26 with air-to-air intercooler |
| Boost Pressure |
0.75 bar |
| Power |
210 bhp (154 kW) @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque |
280 Nm (207 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm |
| Transmission |
5-speed manual (Porsche Type 016, strengthened) |
| 0-100 km/h |
6.9 seconds |
| Top Speed |
240 km/h (150 mph) |
| Kerb Weight |
1120 kg |
| Length |
4320mm (with aero kit) |
| Width |
1735mm (with flared arches) |
| Height |
1275mm (with rear spoiler) |
| Wheelbase |
2400mm |
| Fuel Tank |
80 litres |
| Tyres |
215/60 VR 15 (front), 215/60 VR 15 (rear) |
| Wheels |
7J x 15 (front), 8J x 15 (rear) |
| Units Built |
406 |
Carrera GT Variants
| Variant |
Power |
Weight |
Units Built |
| Carrera GT |
210 bhp |
1120 kg |
406 |
| Carrera GTS |
245 bhp |
1060 kg |
59 |
| Carrera GTR (race) |
375 bhp |
930 kg |
17 |
Key Carrera GT Changes
- Air-to-air intercooler (mounted in front of the radiator)
- Raised compression ratio (8.5:1 vs Turbo's 7.5:1, enabled by intercooling)
- Flared polyurethane wheel arches (front and rear)
- Larger front spoiler with integrated oil cooler ducting
- Large polyurethane rear spoiler
- Lightweight glass (thinner windscreen, rear window)
- Stripped interior (reduced sound deadening, simpler trim)
- Wider track with larger wheels and tyres
- Uprated suspension with Bilstein dampers
924S (1986-1988)
| Spec |
Value |
| Engine |
M44/07 2.5L SOHC inline-4 (detuned Porsche 944 engine) |
| Displacement |
2479cc |
| Bore x Stroke |
100mm x 78.9mm |
| Compression Ratio |
9.7:1 (MY86), 10.2:1 (MY87-88) |
| Valve Train |
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, belt-driven camshaft |
| Timing |
Belt-driven (interference engine) |
| Balance Shafts |
Twin counter-rotating, belt-driven |
| Fuel System |
Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection (MY86), Bosch LE-Jetronic (MY87-88) |
| Power |
150 bhp (110 kW) @ 5800 rpm (MY86), 160 bhp (118 kW) @ 5900 rpm (MY87-88) |
| Torque |
190 Nm (140 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm (MY86), 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (MY87-88) |
| Transmission |
5-speed manual (Porsche Type 016), 3-speed automatic optional |
| Final Drive |
3.89:1 (manual) |
| 0-100 km/h |
8.5 seconds (MY86), 8.2 seconds (MY87-88) |
| Top Speed |
215 km/h (134 mph, MY86), 220 km/h (137 mph, MY87-88) |
| Fuel Economy |
10-13 L/100km |
| Kerb Weight |
1180 kg (manual) |
| Length |
4213mm |
| Width |
1685mm |
| Height |
1275mm |
| Wheelbase |
2400mm |
| Track (front/rear) |
1418mm / 1372mm |
| Fuel Tank |
62 litres |
| Tyres |
195/65 VR 15 |
| Wheels |
6J x 15 (standard), 7J x 15 (optional) |
Key 924S Changes over Base 924
- Porsche-designed M44/07 2.5L engine (shared with 944)
- Twin counter-rotating balance shafts for smoothness
- Electronic fuel injection (replacing mechanical CIS)
- Timing belt (requires periodic replacement, interference engine)
- Upgraded brakes (944-specification ventilated discs front, solid discs rear)
- Revised instrument cluster with 944-style gauges
- Improved interior trim and materials
- Stiffer engine mounts
- Revised suspension tuning for the heavier engine
Transmission Details
Manual Gearbox (Porsche Type 016)
| Spec |
Value |
| Type |
5-speed manual, rear-mounted transaxle |
| Synchromesh |
All forward gears |
| Gear Ratios (5-speed) |
1st: 3.60, 2nd: 2.13, 3rd: 1.36, 4th: 1.03, 5th: 0.82 |
| Reverse |
3.33 |
| Oil Capacity |
~2.5 litres |
| Oil Specification |
75W-90 GL5 hypoid gear oil |
4-Speed Manual (Early Base 924)
| Spec |
Value |
| Type |
4-speed manual, rear-mounted transaxle |
| Gear Ratios |
1st: 3.60, 2nd: 2.06, 3rd: 1.26, 4th: 0.87 |
| Note |
Fitted to some early European-market cars; uncommon in Australia |
Automatic (3-Speed)
| Spec |
Value |
| Type |
Audi 3-speed automatic |
| Note |
Strongly not recommended. Saps already modest performance. Worth 20-30% less than manual equivalent. |
Dimensions Comparison
| Dimension |
924 / Turbo |
924 Carrera GT |
924S |
| Length |
4213mm |
4320mm |
4213mm |
| Width |
1685mm |
1735mm |
1685mm |
| Height |
1270mm |
1275mm |
1275mm |
| Wheelbase |
2400mm |
2400mm |
2400mm |
| Kerb Weight |
1080-1180 kg |
1120 kg |
1180 kg |
| Weight Distribution |
49:51 (f/r) |
48:52 (f/r) |
50:50 (f/r) |
| Boot Capacity |
~350 litres (rear hatch) |
~300 litres (reduced by aero) |
~350 litres (rear hatch) |
| Fuel Tank |
62L (base), 80L (Turbo) |
80L |
62L |
| Drag Coefficient (Cd) |
0.36 |
0.33 |
0.36 |
Performance Comparison
| Metric |
924 |
924 Turbo |
Carrera GT |
924S (MY87+) |
| Power |
125 bhp |
170 bhp |
210 bhp |
160 bhp |
| Torque |
165 Nm |
245 Nm |
280 Nm |
210 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h |
9.9s |
7.7s |
6.9s |
8.2s |
| 0-160 km/h |
28.5s |
20.1s |
16.5s |
22.0s |
| Top Speed |
204 km/h |
230 km/h |
240 km/h |
220 km/h |
| Standing 400m |
17.3s |
15.8s |
15.0s |
16.3s |
| Power/Weight |
116 bhp/tonne |
144 bhp/tonne |
188 bhp/tonne |
136 bhp/tonne |
Engine Variants
EA831 2.0L SOHC (Base 924)
The Audi-derived engine that defined the base 924 experience. Originally designed for the Audi 100 and used in the Volkswagen LT van, the EA831 was adapted by Porsche with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. It is a simple, understressed engine that prioritises reliability over performance. The single overhead cam operates two valves per cylinder via rocker arms, and the camshaft is driven by a chain (not a belt), eliminating the catastrophic belt failure risk. The engine will comfortably cover 250,000+ km with basic maintenance, but it runs out of breath above 5,000 rpm and feels breathless by modern standards. Its best quality is strong low-rpm torque that makes the base 924 pleasant in traffic despite its modest peak power.
EA831 2.0L SOHC Turbo (924 Turbo)
The same basic architecture with a KKK K26 turbocharger, lower compression ratio (7.5:1), forged connecting rods, and sodium-filled exhaust valves for improved thermal durability. The turbo transforms the engine's character: below 3,000 rpm it feels similar to the base car, but from 3,000 rpm onwards the turbo spools and delivers a strong, linear surge of torque. The later production cars (1981-83) with revised boost control are smoother and more responsive. The turbo system requires specific maintenance (vacuum hoses, boost control, wastegate) but the bottom end is robust.
2.0L SOHC Turbo Intercooled (Carrera GT)
A significantly developed version of the turbo engine with an air-to-air intercooler enabling higher boost at higher compression. The intercooler reduces intake charge temperature, allowing more aggressive ignition timing and higher boost without detonation. The result is 210 bhp at the road car level and up to 375 bhp in full race GTR specification. The Carrera GT engine is hand-assembled and individually tested, representing the ultimate development of the EA831 architecture.
M44/07 2.5L SOHC (924S)
A completely different engine from the EA831. The M44/07 is a detuned version of the Porsche 944's own 2.5-litre inline four, designed entirely in-house by Porsche. It features twin counter-rotating balance shafts (licensed from Mitsubishi) that eliminate the second-order vibrations inherent in a large-displacement inline four. The SOHC head operates two valves per cylinder via hydraulic tappets (no valve adjustment required). Electronic fuel injection replaces the finicky K-Jetronic of the base car. The 924S engine is smoother, more powerful, and more tractable than the EA831, with a broader torque curve and stronger high-rpm performance. The critical difference is the timing belt (interference design), which must be replaced on schedule.
Production Numbers
| Variant |
Years |
Approximate Production |
| 924 (base, all markets) |
1976-1985 |
~121,000 |
| 924 Turbo (all markets) |
1979-1983 |
~12,400 |
| 924 Carrera GT |
1981 |
406 |
| 924 Carrera GTS |
1981 |
59 |
| 924 Carrera GTR |
1981 |
17 |
| 924S (all markets) |
1986-1988 |
~16,600 |
| Total (all 924 variants) |
1976-1988 |
~150,500 |
Notable Features
- Pop-up headlights: Electrically operated, they define the 924's face. The headlight motors are reliable but the mechanism can seize if not exercised regularly. Always operate the headlights during a test drive.
- Transaxle layout: The gearbox and differential are combined in a single unit at the rear axle, connected to the front engine by a rigid torque tube. This gives the 924 its near-perfect weight distribution but makes clutch work expensive.
- Rear hatch: The full-width rear glass panel lifts to reveal a surprisingly practical luggage area. With the rear seats folded, the 924 can swallow more than most coupes of its era.
- Galvanised body: The 924's body is galvanised (to varying degrees, later cars better than earlier), providing better corrosion protection than most 1970s sports cars. However, it is not as thoroughly protected as the later 944.
- Instrument cluster: The driver-focused instrument binnacle features large central tachometer and speedometer, with ancillary gauges grouped to the left. The 924S uses a revised cluster shared with the 944.
- Rear torsion bar suspension (924/Turbo): The base 924 and Turbo use torsion bars at the rear, while the 924S switched to coil springs. Both arrangements use semi-trailing arms.