Porsche 911

for dummies

A family portrait

Do you already speak nine eleven? A self-proclaimed 911 connoisseur is not talking about a 911, but about a 9XX, being the factory code. The original 911 from 1963 was followed by the types G, H, J, K, SC, Carrera 3.2, and the generations 930 (1975), 964 (1989), 993 (1993), 996 (1998), 997 (2004), 991 (2011) and 992 (2019).

From the 996, the rejuvenation started with a facelift (code .2, or Mark II), the 996.2 in 2002, the 997.2 in 2008 and the 991.2 in 2015. The 992.2 is expected in 2023.

There are different versions within each generation. From fast to faster and fastest (Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera GTS, GT3, Turbo, Turbo S and GT2). From 2 to 4 wheel drive (2, 2S, 4 and 4S), manual or automatic (6 or 7-speed manual, Tiptronic or PDK), whether or not available in a Coupé, Cabrio or Targa. And the GT3 and GT2 are also available in a track-worthy Renn Sport version (RS), not to be confused with Club Sport (CS) versions. The GT3 is even produced in a homologated racing version (Cup). When someone says "I drive a 911" one means cruising in a 997.2 Carrera 4S PDK Cabrio and the other racing in a 991.1 GT3 RS at Zandvoort. Are you still following?

Every 3 1/2 to 4 years there is a facelift or a new generation. If you want to drive the latest of the latest, then it is your turn every 4 years to sign a contract with the Porsche dealer. But because a 911 is typically a car that ages "beautifully" and is technically sound and solid, many enthusiasts with a rational wallet opt for a (young) used 911.

Carrera
2, S, 4, 4S and GTS

A Carrera is in nine-eleven language: "just act normal, then you're acting crazy enough". They are "just" fantastic fast cars, that's all you really need.

The base Carrera 2 is considered by many to be the "sweetest" of the family. This is because the slightly smaller engine revs more easily and can be used to the full in sporty traffic. S versions quickly go too fast, and 4-wheel drive cars have just a little less character, and steer a little differently due to a little more understeer than the cheaper 2-wheel drive brothers, where traction is never really a problem.

You can see it as expensive options that are very nice to tick, and above all give more emotion. Here too, the "law of diminishing returns" applies.

But with a fully opted 4S you of course have the bragging rights, especially as a frequent driver in wind and weather and on winter sports of course. It is also striking that the basic Carreras of the following generations are usually just as strong as the S versions of the previous generation. The 992 Carrera 2 is now faster than a 997 GT3 in terms of lap time. Although you cannot compare numerical specifications with each other, there is also such a thing as a driving experience (where a GT3 excels again).

When most variants of one generation have rolled off the production line in Zuffenhausen (they never all come at once), Porsche usually treats us to an ultimate Carrera, the GTS. A Carrera with some extra power and a number of nice sporty options included as standard. The ultimate Carrera according to many.

Turbo and Turbo S

From the Porsche family this is "Daddy". Simply the strongest and most practical 911 you can buy. Always 4-wheel drive to get the enormous power and torque safely on the road. Crushing acceleration and a high top speed. But also comfortable and quiet to drive for an errand or with small children in the back.

Made for the owner who always wants to feel that he or she is the fastest in terms of acceleration, and can do so in luxury.

Although pure acceleration has been put in a new perspective with the arrival of the electric car, the experience in a Turbo, or even more extreme in a Turbo S, is incomparable. It's the way, not just the sound, but the power build, the traction and the stamina of the acceleration. Time after time. Hard to explain.

Turbos have a slightly faster depreciation than, for example, a GTS or a GT3. You can also say that a GT3 is perhaps overvalued compared to a Turbo, because a Turbo (S) drives great.

GT3 (RS)

This is the sportiest of the bunch. Not the most power, not the fastest in terms of acceleration and top speed and not the most expensive either. That is a disadvantage during the drink talk with Porsche laymen.

Fortunately, the GT3 is perhaps the most fun. That's because Porsche Motorsport engineers are involved in the development. The result is track-worthy handling and power from high revs instead of turbochargers. Up to 9000 rpm no less than with the 991 and 992 generation. And that's a lot, a lot. This results in the most beautiful sound there is. So beautiful that you catch your breath when you hear it for the first time. Fortunately you start laughing afterwards, that gives you some air.

To get the most out of a GT3 you need to be able to drive well. Better than most who can afford one. So some modesty is in order. You also see that with real drivers. They know how difficult it is, and that there is always room for improvement. It is a piece of refined technology. The engine, steering, shifting and braking. And to master that you need lessons on the track.

A GT3 comes into its own on winding roads, mountain passes and the circuit, although for the latter you should actually immediately purchase a GT3 RS, which has been optimized for this. A racer that you can still take on public roads to do your shopping.

GT2 (RS)