Top 10 Best Porsche 911 Model Years

The first Porsche 911 left the Zuffenhausen plant almost sixty years, and about thirty-five years since the company committed to a philosophy informally known as “911 Forever.” As you might expect, there have been plenty of high points in this iconic grand touring car’s history – and a few lowlights as well. We’ve selected ten of the best years in the Porsche 911 chronology.

1965

When the Porsche 911 began production in late 1964, it was known as the 901. However, Peugeot rather famously objected to that name since it had been selling cars with three-digit model names with a zero in the middle since the Peugeot 201 of 1929. Rather than use a different name for the French market, Porsche switched to “911” globally. Much of the classic 911 formula was present in 1965, including a body shell that would last, with some alterations, until 1999. The most controversial aspect of the 1965 Porsche 911 was the introduction of a flat-six engine and a higher retail price than the 356 it replaced. In response to complaints about the higher price, Porsche promptly introduced a 912 with a four-cylinder engine. The cheaper and slower car outsold its flagship brother for quite a while, but there were still buyers who wanted more power and pace.

1969

Shortly after the 911’s introduction, Porsche expanded the lineup into a base 911T, mid-line 911L, and the rocketship 911S that also featured the classic Fuchs forged alloy wheels. The 1969 Porsche 911 underwent important and necessary updates. Although the body shell itself didn’t change, the wheelbase was lengthened slightly to improve handling. The 911L was replaced by a fuel-injected 911E. Tthe use of “E” signified Einspritz, or fuel injection, and eventually made its way to Porsche’s neighbors at Mercedes-Benz. Late in 1969 the flat-six was expanded to 2.2 litres, and the “S” model also received fuel-injection. Although this was the first demonstration of Porsche’s commitment to continuous improvement of the 911, it was far from the last.

1973

After another bump to 2.4 litres in 1972, Porsche was ready to continue increasing the 911’s pace, and the 1973 Carrera RS certainly did that. With a 2.7 litre engine, 210 horsepower, and a “ducktail” spoiler to reduce high-speed instability, the RS was seriously fast. The 3.0-litre RS of 1974 was even faster, and even appeared in the first-ever International Race of Champions series as the spec car. However, today’s classic 911 buyers are most interested in the white-with-contrast-stripes 1973 original.

1975

Porsche wasn’t the first automaker to turbocharge a production car. The Model 930 was known as “911 Turbo Carrera” and its debut of the “911 Turbo” afterwards. The 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo Carrera was certainly the most dramatic use of the technology to date. In an era where most manufacturers were cutting engine output to comply with emissions regulations, the 911 Turbo Carrera had twice the power of the 1965 original. Significant turbo lag and even more weight on the back wheels made Porsche’s flagship a famous “widow maker” which for many just added to the appeal. The lowercase “turbo” badging became so famous that it appears nowadays on the Porsche Taycan Turbo, which has no turbocharger whatsoever.

1978

The 1978 Porsche 911SC (for “Super Carrera”) wasn’t the fastest 911 made or the most expensive, but it was the model that saved the Porsche 911. It sold so well the company shelved plans to replace it with the larger and more expensive 928. A starring role in the movie “Flashdance” didn’t hurt, but the real reason for the SC’s appeal was a new reliable aluminum engine that replaced the trouble-prone magnesium case predecessor, fuel injection for dependable starts, and a high level of standard equipment.

1987

The 3.2-liter Carrera that replaced the 911SC in 1984 was even better than its predecessor and was the first time a Porsche 911 convertible was made available. This is important because the convertible 911s would go on to become the most popular variant. The 1987 Porsche Carrera got a better-shifting transmission, and these “G50 Carreras” are quite valuable today. Many people consider them to be the best of the “true” Porsche 911s.

1995

When Porsche re-engineered the 911 into the 964 series for 1990’s Carrera 4 model, it alienated a lot of buyers. It resulted in the introduction of a bare bones “RS America” version to increase showroom traffic. Although it failed, those models are highly sought-aftertoday. The 1995 Porsche 993 was revised and was far more popular than its predecessor. It featured all-new styling on the original bodyshell, more power, a new rear suspension for improved handling, and significantly improved creature comforts. Also introduced was an all-wheel-drive, 400-plus-horsepower Turbo model that was highlighted as “kills bugs fast” in a famous ad campaign. While the 1996 through 1998 model years had slightly more power, the 1995 cars are valued for their “basket handle” rear spoiler and simpler on-board diagnostic systems which are far more amenable to passing “smog state” emissions.

2002

The 996-platform Porsche 911 that debuted in 1999 was popular with automotive media, who praised its over-the-road pace, improved handling, and effective climate control. But brand loyalists

who grew up with air-cooled engines didn’t care for the newer car’s water-cooled engine, nor did they like the obvious similarities with the Boxster sports car that shared much of the 996’s engineering at a lower price. The 2002 Porsche 996 received a new nose, bigger engine, and a significantly nicer interior. Everyone was a little happier, and today these cars fetch a premium over 1999-2001 models.

2009

With the debut of the 997-platform 911 in 2007, Porsche addressed nearly all of the loyalist’s concerns regarding the water cooled 911 model. In 2009, Porsche addressed the last issue which was engine reliability. The 2009 Porsche 911 featured a new direct injection, clean-sheet flat-six that continues to serve, with some updates, in today’s 911 model. Additionally, a dual-clutch “PDK” transmission replaced the unpopular torque-converter Tiptronic. “Launch cars” from 2009 are distinguished by Carrara (not Carrera!) White and the PDK transmission.  They are highly sought-after and for good reason. Some Porsche loyalists and collectors consider 2009-2011 to be the high point of the water-cooled 911s.

2023

Professor Porsche, when asked about his favorite car to bear the family name, would always say “The next one”. The 2023 Porcshe 911 (aka “992”), would therefore be closest to his heart – at least for now. Significantly larger and wider than the classic 911s, the current model feels suspiciously similar to the Panamera and Taycan sedans from behind the wheel. However, the driving experience of the new 911 remains solid. Porsche also kept the car’s weight reasonable. Available in a staggering array of variants from everyday convertibles to track-focused GT models, today’s 911 is more than just a car. It is the spiritual center of a brand that nowadays makes a lot more SUVs and luxury cars than it does 2+2 sporting vehicles. If you want to get as close to 1965 as possible, we recommend the bare-bones Carrera T, with manual transmission.