“The most technologically advanced Porsche you can get.”
1987 was the first model year for the Porsche 928 S4 (the 4 stood for fourth-generation). The 928’s new standard engine was the 320 bhp M28 5.0 liter/302 ci V8 with Bosch L-Jetronic port fuel injection, which was mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a Mercedes-sourced four-speed automatic. The 928 S4 also featured a new front bumper, bigger taillights, a new (and large) rear spoiler, and many detail changes. The drag coefficient dropped to 0.34, compared to 0.39 in 1986’s 928 S.
We’ll go with 928 S4 as the model designation, because that’s what Porsche calls it now. Period window stickers show 928S-4, period advertisements used 928S 4, and period reviews often used 928S4—another example of why I have a page about nomenclature.
In a car that weighed 3,507 pounds with the manual transmission, Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds, with a top speed of 159 mph. The EPA rated fuel mileage at a class-competitive 15 city/23 highway (14/21 by today’s measures). With a 22.7-gallon gas tank, the proud new owner of a 928 S4 could expect a range of about 360 to 385 miles with a 10% fuel reserve.
The 928’s base price changed significantly over the 1987 model year. Period window stickers vary from $58,900 (about $172,500 in 2025 dollars) to $66,710 (about $187,400 in today’s dollars or almost exactly what a 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS coupe costs). Standard exterior and mechanical equipment included headlight washers, an electric rear window defogger, a rear window wiper, power rack and pinion steering, and vented power disc brakes. 225/50VR16 tires on 16 x 7J wheels out front were balanced by 245/45VR16 tires on 16 x 8J wheels (both tire sizes are still available). Inside, power front leather seats, a 4-spoke leather steering wheel, air conditioning with automatic climate control, power windows, a central locking system, and an AM/FM stereo radio with a cassette player and eight speakers were included.
Options, Production Numbers, & Period Reviews
Exterior and mechanical options included a limited slip differential ($722) and sport shock absorbers ($247). Inside, options included lumbar support ($422-$456 per seat), heated seats ($160 per seat), an alarm system ($445), and increased air conditioning ($967-$992).
Porsche sold 15,682 928 S4s worldwide over five years. Period reviews were generally positive—Car and Driver‘s tagline was “vindicated at last.” The “buff books” also noted the notable difference in personalities and performance between the manual and the automatic versions of the 928 S4, relevant because the automatic was about 80% of sales.
The View From 2025
There is excellent club support for the Porsche 928, as there is for all Porsches. According to Hagerty’s valuation tools, all the money for a 1987 Porsche 928 S4 with the manual in #1/Concours condition is $99,000, with a more normal #3/Good condition car with an automatic going for $29,300. Porsche 928s frequently show up for sale in the Hemmings Motor News classifieds, on eBay Motors, and on Bring a Trailer. As I update this blog entry in November 2025, a Black 1987 with an automatic and 33,000 miles is available on Hemmings, asking $34,900.
Make mine Ocean Blue, please.
I have also written about the the 1982 928 hatchback coupe. Other eighties Porsches I have covered include the 1980 911 SC coupe, the 1980 924 hatchback coupe, the 1982 924 Turbo hatchback coupe, the 1985 911 Carrera Cabriolet, the 1986 911 Turbo coupe, the 1986 944 Turbo hatchback coupe, the 1987 911 3.2 Carrera coupe, and the 1988 944 hatchback coupe.
Last updated November 2025.
Eighties Cars 