There are may names for the '89 944. Can someone explon which name to go by when looking at cars or parts?
Sorry about spelling, typing on iPod touch.

l am for sure getting an '89 model. l think l will be getting the Turbo as well.

a 944 is a 944 not a 928 not a 924 not a 914 not a 968

^^^ does not get it. There is 944, 944 Turbo, 944S, & 944S2, & those r just the most popular.

Which one to buy depends on what u want. 944 is very good value. There is an early 1983-1985 & a late model: 1985.5-1988 ( l do not think 'plain' 944s were sold after '88, but l could be wrong). Later is usually desired (1985.5-'88). 1983 is sometimes wanted for it is low weight, but that is usually a racer thing. 1988 has the most power & a taller 5th gear which is usually desired. Those later models have a more desired interior, plus a bit more power, but a bit more weight.
If u want more power, 944 Turbo is usually desired, unless u do not want a Turbo. In that case, go with a 944S2. The 944S is generally not desired due to some engine issues.
So - generally, 1985.5 & later 944 is r desired, plus turbos & S2s.
Of the turbo's, there was a Turbo S in 1988 that is nice & all 1989s had the extra power (larger turbo) that the 1988 Ss had, so some say all 1989 turbo is r Ss.

You say you ''think''?

Do you really know what your buying, or geting into?

If you looking at part, the part number almost always starts with the model designation like 944, this included the sub-categories of 944 Turbo, 944s, 944S2, etc.
An example part number would be 944.---.--, depending on the part.

go ahead