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The Porsche 911 is often considered one of the best premium sports cars on the market. In production since the 1960s, these models have always kept their distinct features that appeal to car enthusiasts everywhere: a familiar silhouette, the 2+2 seating, their unique rear-engine layout, and a horizontally opposed engine configuration.
That said, the 911's long history can make it hard for beginners to situate themselves since there are so many models, acronyms, and subtle details. Therefore, the first step in this journey is learning the basics.
The Porsche 911 consists of 8 generations, each with a unique internal project code. These codes are used by enthusiasts to tell the cars' different versions apart:
Type 901 was the first generation produced between 1963 and 1989. 901 was initially supposed to be the car's name, but Porsche chose 911 instead because of a dispute with Peugeot.
The G Series was produced between 1973 and 1989 and spread the car's popularity worldwide, especially in the United States. The G model was built in large numbers for 16 years (longer than any other generation), so you can find many of them around.
Type 964 was produced between 1990 and 1994 as the 911's first major redesign. Despite making massive structural changes, Porsche kept the new model's appearance largely the same.
Type 993 was produced between 1994 and 1998, bridging the gap between the first designs and the next generations' more comfortable and complex cars.
Type 996 was produced between 1999 and 2004, marking significant changes that many Porsche aficionados found unappealing. This model had a water-cooled engine, breaking from the 911's air-cooled tradition, and it remains the only generation without round headlamps. These cars are cheaper than most thanks to their unpopularity.
Type 997 was produced between 2005 and 2012, returning much of the old-school styling abandoned by the 996, including headlamps and more pronounced rear fenders.
Type 991 was produced between 2012 and 2019. It was titled World Performance Car in 2012 and acknowledged as lower, wider, longer, more powerful, and more efficient than its predecessor.
Type 992 was introduced in 2018 and is in production since 2019.
The Porsche 911 has spawned several names, variants, and special editions throughout its generations. Here are some of the main designations you'll find:
This name comes from the Carrera Panamericana road race. In recent years, Carrera refers to the "standard" 911s, but variations of this model include the Carrera S and the Carrera 4. The S at the end indicates a more powerful version, while 4 stands for four-wheel drive. Another variant is the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S that combines both features.
GTS refers to Gran Turismo Sport. This badge showed up in the early days of the 911 and is essentially a derivative of S-badged cars with styling tweaks and standard-fit equipment.
The Turbo badge used to refer to cars with turbochargers, but this has somewhat lost its meaning once the entire Carrera range became turbocharged. That said, you can still spot a Turbo by noticing its widebody, all-wheel drive, and significantly faster speed compared to the other cars. The Porsche 911 Turbo S is an S-badged variant of this model.
GT2s take the 911 Turbo's engine while leaving behind the all-wheel-drive system and adding track focus. Porsche produced GT2s from the 993 to the 997 generations. The 997 generation also saw the release of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, a more focused and powerful car. The 991 generation includes the GT2 RS but not the GT2 base model.
Porsche started producing GT3s in the 996 generation. The GT3 is a track-focused model with features such as low, stiff suspension, powerful brakes, and sound deadening. There is also a 911 GT3 RS variant with a greater track focus.
The Porsche 911 is a coveted car, whether you're talking about brand-new or older models, so the average person might have a hard time acquiring it. Affordable options do exist, but, when buying a model, it's essential to bear a few things in mind:
If possible, join a Porsche car club and talk to people who know or own the model you're interested in. The 911 has a complex history filled with subtle details, so firsthand experience is your best bet for understanding all the nuances.
Check for good general condition, mainly bodywork. Avoid cars that need work.
Try getting a car with low mileage.
Do a pre-purchase inspection with a specialist.
Make sure the car has been serviced professionally and driven regularly.
Buying a used Porsche 911 from a reliable dealership is a great idea. It should require little maintenance over the years, but be ready to pay around $200 to $400 for minor services and up to $600 for major services. You should visit the service center at least once a year or every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
As mentioned earlier, the 996 is the generation of choice for those looking for low prices since they aren't very popular (which also means they're unlikely to appreciate). In particular, if you can find a Porsche 911 Turbo for sale, it will likely be a worthwhile deal. The 996 4S is also an interesting option.
Purchasing a Porsche 911 involves a lot of preparation, but first-time buyers shouldn't be too intimidated. Indeed, a used 911 has always been the best entry-level Porsche for the last few decades. Don't hesitate to reach out to the large 911 community if you need more assistance, especially if you're new to sports cars. Information scarcity is no longer a problem, but the internet now presents a new issue in the form of overwhelming data, so beginners often need a pair of helping hands.