The Top Five Porsche 911 Models of All Time

One of the most iconic Porsche models ever made is the 911. In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the Porsche 911 is one of the most famous and well loved models in the history of automobiles. Since the first 911 made its debut in 1963, the car has undergone different tweaks and changes but the basic concept behind it remains the same. Whether it’s used for rallying, racing, or just taking for a spin on the road, 911s never fail to impress drivers or passersby. Here are the top five Porsche 911 models of all time.

1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 – $14,000 ($76,126 in 2016)

Many consider the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 to be the pinnacle of the model, and it still has tons of fans around the world. This iteration had an engine that was more powerful and larger in size that the standard RS. Improved suspension, wheels with a wider base, bigger brakes and fenders, and shed weight also made this car highly desirable. It would be remiss not to mention the RS 2.7’s ducktail spoiler that took it over the top.

It’s not often that you’ll see this car on the street anymore, as just 1,580 units of the cars were produced. And as far as finding one to buy, you’ll need a lot of cash. Today, just the chassis alone of this car can sell for over half a million dollars.

1989 Porsche 911 Speedster (964) – $65,480 ($127,490 in 2016)

The Porsche 911 Speedster came from the line’s 964 generation and in many ways it takes cues from the Porsche 356 Speedster that came out in the 1950s. That’s not the only bit that was borrowed for this car’s aesthetics, as the 911 Speedster also sported the wheels and front valence of the 930 Turbo.

When it was released this car became the first to bear the “Speedster” moniker in 30 years, the one preceding it being the 1959 356 Speedster. What makes this car significant in Porsche’s history is the time that it came out. In the late 80s there was an economic recession that put a squeeze even on upper income earners who could afford the car, and so the brand started dipping financially itself.

Fortunately for Porsche, taking a gamble on this model to relaunch the brand paid off and propelled the company into the black. The two-seater was a true sight to see, and given that so few units were made it’s not often that anyone gets to see one in person today. This Porsche 911 is highly collectible and only 2,100 were ever produced. In early 2016, a very well preserved 911 Speedster was auctioned off for the cool sum of $363,000.

1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S (993) – $150,000 ($223,700 in 2016)

This Porsche 911 has the distinction of being the brand’s first production model with twin turbochargers and all wheel drive. Some car aficionados compared the 911 Turbo S with the 959, which prompted a number of road tests putting the two cars against each other.

It was a limited edition run with only 183 units produced. Rarity and exclusivity contributed to its six figure price tag, but so did its engineering and design. A large rear wing, prominent air scoops, awesome rear wing, and stand out brake calipers in vibrant yellow were just the beginning. It was gorgeous, sleek, and drool worthy for its looks alone. However, it really did match up to its appearance when it came to performance.

Keep in mind that this car was first out in 1997 — nearly 20 years ago — but it could best today’s so-called cream of the crop sports cars with its performance. Few cars these days can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds, but the Porsche 911 Turbo S could.

2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS (997) – $245,000

The 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS marked the last of the 997 lineup and it was quite a way to take things in a new direction. The power in this car is often regarded as extreme, and that’s not an understatement. It added 90 more hp than the previous GT2 for a whopping 620 hp. Its 3.6 liter twin turbocharged flat six engine has 516 ft-lb of torque, and to say that it produces a jolt doesn’t do justice to how the car runs. The Porsche 911 GT2 RS reaches a top speed of 205 miles per hour, has a precise six speed manual transmission, and was the first Porsche model to beat the Carrera GT’s time while racing on the Ring.

At the time of its debut, the 911 GT2 RS was the fastest Porsche 911 to ever be created, which is quite a feat when you consider the long line of super speedy cars that the brand has produced. Thankfully, it also has a look that makes it easy to distinguish from its predecessor due to its side air vents, body panels, sizable rear wings, and rear diffuser.

2016 Porsche 911 R (991) – $184,900

The 2016 911 R is like a Porsche lovers dream. It has a GT3 RS engine, manual transmission, dramatic styling, and epitomizes the brand’s credibility in terms of performance. This model differs from the 2017 911 because it’s based on the outgoing Porsche 911 platform. There are no updated bells and whistles on this iteration, but the street focused sports car doesn’t disappoint.

Its exterior is drool worthy, and inside are stylish houndstooth clad seats and fine details. The 2016 Porsche 911 R is only available with a rear drive and six speed manual, and it has a 4.0 liter flat six engine that produces 500 hp. Driving enthusiasts couldn’t possibly ask for a better experience that they’ll get behind the wheel of this model. When the car was released it was instantaneously deemed to be a collectible car — of the 991 units that were made, all quickly sold out and a similar model won’t be produced again.