944T vs. Ur-Q: unofficial conclusion (longish)

[David Coleman <dcoleman@blackrock.com>]

First, let me extend the many thanks of all who have participated in
this thread, especially since it can be a sore subject...  the input by
all was (sort of) unbiased and pointed.

Bottom line, the 944T seems to be concensus.  Let me explain.
I "need" another car, a nice 'n' speedy one to park in the driveway next
to my *adored*,
never-be-sold-to-provide-financial-support-for-any-damn-944 (or nearly
anything else, for that matter) 1986 4000q.  If I were looking for a car
to serve as my sole transportation, the Porsche notion wouldn't have
made it out of my active imagination.

I have received and compared input on performance, reliability, interior
and exterior considerations, ease of ownership (includes various costs
and ease of effecting repairs), and what can be summed up as "soul".

Performance (acceleration, braking, handling in wet and dry, and
predictability) honors go to the 944T, and this bracket holds
significant significance in this case.

Reliability (electrical, mechanical, drivetrain) is pretty much a
toss-up.  While the 944's electrical and mechanicals edge ahead a tad,
the quattro's engine's integrity is high enought to warrant a tie here.

Ease of ownership really depends on two things: the previous owner and
the fatness of one's wallet.  The Ur-Q stole the show, as it's pretty
easy to find a beat-up 944, but a ragged TQC seems almost as "common" as
one that's been cared for (or maybe i'm blinded by the avidness of this
group).  Either way, although Audi parts are expensive, Porsche parts
were about equal or slightly more, according to two Porsche-Audi dealer
service guys.  The TQC would be easier to maintain, as I've BTDT w/ Audi
and VW, and have less experience w/ Porsche.  Plus, the 944 requires
more constant attention (i expect an arguement or two here...).
BUT, that's what the 4kq is for.  

I have been unable to get acurate insurance comparisons, primarily
because I'm afraid to even mention it to my agent, as it seems as if i'm
constantly adding and dropping various vehicles (race cars, mud trucks,
etc).  But from the general input i have received, i'm betting that when
i submit both the "P" word and the "T" word, the situation won't be
pretty...

Interior and Exterior go to the 944.  The interior of my Q doesn't
exactly make my blood rush, whereas the 944's seating position and
instrumentation makes one feel comfortably in control.  Fit and finish
is extremely comparable, each having their strong points (although most
of the Porsches i've been checking out feel "tighter" in build).  This
is quite difficult to judge, however, because i've never even driven an
Ur-Q, let alone shut the doors on 6 different examples.  My 4k is quite
tight, but i am rough on it.  it could be tighter, and my contention is
that a non-beat Ur-Q will be pretty tight.  ANYway, it depends on the
PO.  I'd walk away from a rattletrap in either case, but the occasional
creak won't kill me.

Lastly (finally), are important considerations like "individuality" and
"coolness".  I needn't expound here.  TQ all the way.  Frankly, the
primary reason this debate even reared its ugly head... But my 4kq is
easily noticed, yet can still be subtle.  Either way, I'm seeing prices
anywhere form $8500 (90k+ miles, needs a little TLC) to $18000 (50-60k,
very nice examples) for the 944T, an Ur-Q will require half these
amounts, but will be a bit more "used" and need $3000+ to bring them to
the level i want, and we all know how hard it is to stop spending to
modify once you start.  The 944 Turbo takes a comparably small $$ amount
to get big juice.

That's it.  Now I continue my search, casually hoping that in the
process I stumble upon a *sweet* TQC that burns.  With 35k on the
clock.  For $9k.  Man.  I still can't decide!!

dave