Shopping: 924 vs. 944

Okay, so it seems somehow right now I've gotten really exicited about the possibilities of car shopping. I'm starting a new job soon, and I will be getting paid enough to ditch my 22 year old, 500 dollar, rusted POS Toyota for somthing a little more... "interesting".

Anyway, I noticed that when looking in the right places, old 4-cyl Porsches are pretty well kept, as well as relatively inexpensive. For less than half the cost that my brother paid for his '98 Civic 5 years ago.

I've been researching and I've found two acceptable candidate Porsche models that I may buy. The 944 and the 924.

so... what exactly is the deal? What are the major differences between the two? I assume the 944 has better performance? And as for regular maintinance, I've read that the 944 needs t-belts and water pumps replaced regularly less they break and cause major damage. Does the 924 have any of these kinds of problems? If I had it my way, I'd easily go with the 944, it seems to be the more popular. But if operating costs are too high, It would only end badly.

What should I look for? the 944 or the 924?

Anyway I'm highly interested and shall hopefully be a Porsche owner before next year.

The 944 was a much better car IMHO then the 924 series unless its the 924S (has the same 2.5 engine as the 944's)

Look for a 85.5 & up model, much improved interior & 21.5 gallon fuel tank...

Yes, they need t-belt & balance shaft belts done 3 years or 45k miles, what ever comes first...Check on costs in your area to get it done...
Test drive the car(s) to make sure you like them...

Until then, read everything you can find on the car!

I sure do love mine!!!
Good luck & skill!