German Car Zone

Porsche has built numerous groundbreaking performance cars in its time, but none has remained so consistently at the top of its game as its most famous model: the 911.

The rear-engined coupé has legions of loyal fans and owners across the globe, while its unique shape, chassis layout and racing pedigree are at the heart of the firm’s brand image.

To celebrate Porsche’s rich history, bosses are opening a new museum at their plant in Germany.

It will hold 80 of the most significant models – many of which will no doubt be 911s. But which version is the best? To find out, we’ve brought together six models from the past 40 years that we think are the epitome of the 911. We start with the Sixties original, before working our way through the Seventies with two race specials.

Then, we enter the modern era by looking at the influential 993 and 996 generations, and finally the latest 997 model.

All six were given a workout at the all-new Porsche driver training centre, at Silverstone, Northants.

Get a taste of a porsche

This summer, Porsche opened its superb driver training centre next to the Silverstone circuit in Northants. It uses 3.1 miles of track, and offers dynamic test areas, off-road courses and low-friction surfaces. A range of experiences is available to owners and the general public alike. The main building (above) incorporates a restaurant, showroom, shop, roof-top viewing gallery and gym.

Roll back the years
on 31 January, the doors open to Porsche’s new museum at its factory in Zuffenhausen, Germany. In addition to the 80 vehicles on display, there is an extensive archive, and you’ll be able to view historic cars being prepared in the workshop. All exhibits will be fully functioning. The museum will be open from Tuesday to Sunday, and entry costs 8 Euros, with children under 14 getting in for free.

Verdict
With a history stretching back more than 40 years, the 911 is one of the most recognisable models on the planet. Such is its amazing evolution that, despite the gulf in technology between the generations, the car’s feel and image remains as strong as ever.

The rear-engined layout continues to defy the laws of physics, and the Porsche remains the performance benchmark by which every class contender is judged.

This car has more race and rally victories than any other machine, and thousands of enthusiasts enjoy their Porsche every day. So although we have featured only six of the great 911s here, nearly every model to wear the badge is tough to beat.


Best to drive
997 Carrera S
Picking a winner is tough, but the current 997 has a huge spread of talents. The Carrera S is one of the best performance cars around.

Most desirable
RS lightweight
sporting pedigree makes the 2.7 RS one of the most appealing 911s ever. That’s why people are willing to pay £250,000 to own one!

Best value
996 GT3
Currently worth around £45,000, the GT3 is far from cheap – but this is a guaranteed future classic. Its race-bred powerplant delivers stunning pace.

Best Classic
Pre-1974 911
With a classic shape and stylish image, the original 911 oozes style. Good examples are hard to find, yet even bad ones are cool.

Most inventive
1978 911 Turbo
pioneering technology ensured original 911 Turbo was one of the Seventies’ most exciting supercars. It’s still a strong performer.


Full Tests:




Porsche 997 Carrera S




Porsche 996 GT3




Porsche 993 Carrera 2S

The 993 is my favorite.




Porsche 911 Turbo Martini




Porsche 2.7 RS lightweight




Porsche 911 E



Revealed the greatest Porsche 911



M

Possibly the most beautiful Porsche ever made, its got the classic Porsche looks with a smooth modern shape

Good taste Marcus, the 993 is regarded by many aficionados as the Rolex of 911s.

Thanks Martin. The 993 was the first 911 I'd ever got up close with. Will never forget the sound and feel of it. The 996 was more impressive technically, but just wasn't as charming.


M

Nice read and they pretty much hit everything on point, so I have no objections.

Nice reading indeed! 911 is probably the best exotic ever built, fast like Lambo & reliable like Golf!

P.S; This is my all-time favorite 911, the 996 & turbo please!

My personal fav has to be the 996 GT2

The pick of the 996 range in order of driveability and desireability in my opinion is as follows:

911 GT3 RS - A GT3 all the same but so much cooler
911 Turbo - The best AWD turbo ever - the all-weather supercar
911 Carrera 4S - The prettiest 996 and one of the best to drive

The 996 GT2 is famously lauded in publications the world over as being a "widow-maker". It's a real handful.

Interesting how the tables have turned with the 997 series; the 911 Turbo isn't everyone's darling but the 997 GT2 is the best GT2 ever.

993 is the most awesome 911 ever made in my book.
996 is the worst 911 ever made, pre facelift in particular.
997 is in between. It's much more beautiful than 996, but still has too much 996 DNA for my taste.
I hope the 998 will return to the fantastic 993 style a bit more!

Couldn't have said it better myself. I'm not a 996 fan, in fact I think the pre-facelifted was horrendous but the 4S makes me smile everything I see one, very gorgeous. The GT2 and Turbo obviously look superb too.

I'll never forget the 996 GT2, my friend's father had one and I was starstruck everytime he got picked up in the car. That particular GT2 is what got me interested in Porsche.