Porsche 911

for dummies

Factory Codes, Engines, Power and more

Carrera (S)

996.1 1998-2000 3.4 L 300 hp

996.2 2001-2003 3.6 L 320 hp

997.1 2004-2008 3.6 L 325 hp S: 3.8 liter 355 hp

997.2 2008-2011 3.6 L 345 hp S: 3.8 liter 385 hp

991.1 2012-2015 3.4 L 350 hp S: 3.8 liter 400 hp

991.2 2016-2019 3.0 L-Turbo 370 hp S: 420 hp GTS: 450 hp

992.1 2019-2022 3.0 L-Turbo 385 hp S: 450 hp GTS: 480 hp

GT3

996.1 360 hp

996.2 385 hp

997.1 415 hp RS: 415 hp

997.2 435 hp RS: 450 hp

991.1 475 hp RS: 500 hp

991.2 500 hp RS: 520 hp

992.1 510 hp

Turbo (S)

996.2 420 hp

997.1 480 hp

997.2 500 hp S: 530 hp

991.1 520 hp S: 561 hp

991.2 3.8 L 540 hp S: 581 hp

992.1 3.8 L 581 hp S: 651 hp

Are you speaking nine eleven already? A self-proclaimed 911 connoisseur is not talking about a 911, but about a 9XX, being the generation number. 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 program began 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.

Within each generation there are different versions. 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 (RS) version, not to be confused with Club Sport (CS) versions. The GT3 is even produced in a homologated racing version (Cup). When someone shouts "I drive a 911", one means cruising in a 997.2 Carrera 4S PDK Convertible and the other racing in a 991.1 GT3 RS at Zandvoort. Do you still follow it?

Every 3 1/2 to 4 years there is a facelift or a new generation. If you want to drive in the very latest state of the art, 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 gets "nicely old" and is technically well and solidly put together, 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 act 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. That's because the slightly smaller engine makes revs easier and can be fully utilized in sporty traffic. S versions quickly go too fast, and 4-wheel drive cars have a little less character, and steer a little differently due to slightly more understeer than the cheaper 2-wheel drive brothers, where traction is never an issue.

You can see it as expensive options that are very nice to tick, and above all give more emotion. The law of diminishing returns also applies here.

But with a fully selected 4S you do 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 succeeding 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 can not flatly compare numerical specifications, there is also such a thing as driving experience (where a GT3 excels again).

When most of the one-generation variants have rolled out in Zuffenhausen (they never come all at once), Porsche usually treats us to the ultimate Carrera, the GTS. A Carrera with some extra power and some 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 yet 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 have the feeling that he or she is the fastest in terms of acceleration, and can do so in all 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, traction and acceleration stamina. Time after time. Difficult to explain.

Turbos have a slightly faster depreciation than, for example, a GTS or a GT3. You can also say that a GT3 may be 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 drinks chat with Porsche laymen.

Fortunately, the GT3 is perhaps the nicest. That's because the engineers at Porsche Motorsport are involved in the development. The result is track-worthy handling and power from being able to run at 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 noise that exists. So beautiful that you gasp when you hear it for the first time. Fortunately, you start laughing afterwards, that gives some relief.

To get the most out of a GT3 you have to be able to drive well. Better than most who can afford one. So some modesty is in order. You see that with real drivers. They know how difficult it is, and that there is always room for improvement. It's 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 immediately buy a GT3 RS, which is optimized for that. A racer that you can still drive on the public road to do your shopping.

GT2 (RS)

When you equip a GT3 with the immense power of the Turbo, you get something special. A GT2 gives you Turbo power to the rear wheels. So if you don't find a Turbo (S) or GT3 exciting enough, there is fortunately the GT2. The nickname "widow-maker" already indicates it. Only for real drivers, because this version goes dangerously fast. From the 991 generation only available as an RS version.