“Many of the 924’s aerodynamic features are apparent in its clean styling.”
For 1980, Porsche’s entry-level 924 generally stood pat. The five-speed transmission changed to an Audi design and a breakerless ignition system was added. Otherwise, a few exterior color changes marked the turn of the model year.
The 924’s engine remained the Volkswagen/Audi EA831 110 bhp 2.0 liter/121 ci inline four with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. This engine—used in many applications—did not make the 924 quick. Period testing with the five-speed manual (an Audi-sourced three-speed automatic was optional) recorded 0-60 mph times of about 10.6 seconds in a car with a curb weight of a little over 2,600 pounds. Fuel economy ratings with the manual were 19 city/32 highway by the day’s standards. With a 17.4-gallon gas tank, a 924 driver could expect a range of 360 to 400 miles with a 10% fuel reserve.
The 924’s base price was $15,970—about $68,600 in today’s dollars, which is about 9% less than a 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman coupe goes for. Standard exterior and mechanical equipment included retractable headlights, an integral front spoiler, tinted glass, a manual antenna, a four-wheel independent suspension, a front stabilizer bar, rack and pinion steering, power assisted front disc brakes, and 165HR-14 tires on 14-inch wheels. Inside, reclining front bucket seats, a center console, full carpeting, intermittent windshield wipers, power windows, a tachometer, a quartz clock, and an electric window defogger were included.
Options & Production Numbers
Among the options available for the 924 were a removable top ($485), spoke type light alloy wheels ($545), a 4 spoke leather covered steering wheel ($185), heated outside mirrors ($110 each), and air conditioning ($725).
Porsche sold 3,700 examples of the base 924 in the United States in 1980, along with 3,440 units of the far sprightlier Turbo version.
The View From 2025
924s are often cited as “the car that saved Porsche,” and there is good club support for them, as there is for all Porsches. Folks are collecting 924s, though the lack of power limits their appeal. According to Hagerty‘s valuation tools, a 1980 Porsche 924 in #1/Concours condition is $34,000, with a more normal #3/Good condition car going for $8,500. Porsche 924s often show up for sale in the Hemmings Motor News classifieds, on eBay Motors, and on Bring a Trailer.
Make mine Inari Silver Metallic over Onyx Green Metallic, please. Two-tones were a thing in the early eighties.
Other eighties Porsches I have written about include the 1982 928 hatchback coupe, the 1982 Porsche 924 Turbo hatchback coupe, the 1985 911 Carrera Cabriolet, the 1986 944 Turbo hatchback coupe, the 1987 911 3.2 Carrera coupe, and the 1988 944 hatchback coupe.
Eighties Cars 