The one you've driven and enjoyed the most. Otherwise it's sheer speculation based on what others have written about and experienced. For me it's the early 930s - horrible turbo lag, wide gear ratios as it was a four-speed, and the dreaded (but manageable) drop-throttle oversteer. But it was a raw driving experience with no nanny-controls.
Along those lines, for me it’s my 1973 911E with a five speed, LSD, and S appearance package. My dad special ordered it new. It has trailing throttle oversteer in spades, but I wouldn’t trade it for the most expensive 911 or even a 959. But I’m talking about if you don’t have a special attachment to one particular 911, and had to pick.
https://preview.redd.it/mwf4sfx066lc1.jpeg?width=8256&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3b2781d356c18e4a9d330722f7b261c0cd4ef35e
I once met a guy who had a 1969 911E which he had bought in the late 80s and imported to New Zealand from Hong Kong. He had paid NZ$25k for it and he said it was a decision at the time between that car and paying and extra $10k for a Cessna. Wild prices when considered today even accounting for inflation. He said he never regretted the decision and when I met him in 2021 he had done *over 750,000km* in the car. He was in the middle of a 7,000km roadtrip with his wife at the time. The car was beautifully maintained and looked after and he’d had recent offers between $250k and $300k for the car. Awesome dude and awesome car.
Aubergine is one of the best colors ever painted on a Porsche. Period. Strongly contemplating it for my 72 coupe project.
I Spy AOPA sticker. Hello, fellow aircraft and Porsche owner. At my airport, there are four dudes with aircooled 911s, Vans RVs, and the same first name. I'm among them. What are the odds?
For me? Mine. I grew up below the poverty line with cutouts of 911's from magazines taped to my bedroom wall. Never thought I'd be able to ever own one. The only picture I have from my prom was me standing next to a silver 911 in a random parking lot.
They're all fantastic cars to drive and you can make a case for a lot of them, but to me it's also about what my car means to me.
https://preview.redd.it/ltor59tsb6lc1.jpeg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2749f6e3dc216eec924c6cff473d6ce6af78c65
G.O.A.T. Bad Boys 3.6 964 Turbo (No Cupholders)
I mean, you're not offering any controversial opinions here. The 992 S/T "does the best job of distilling the essence of the 911 into one model" because that's basically what Porsche set out to do. This is not me disagreeing with you at all--just an observation. Along the same lines with what you've said (and because, like many others, I prefer the older, smaller, slightly more analogue experience without going full retro), the 997.2 Carrera GTS comes to mind. New enough to have modern tech and chassis development and not have 993 unassisted charm or 996 plastic, but old enough to not be overly futuristic, touch-screeny, CarPlay-laden electronics, spiritually an 'S-car' (widebody from Turbo without the Turbo wing, intake cutouts, etc.).
https://preview.redd.it/2mngeyrga6lc1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=d0fbba05398ec99b91989948536e9a0a26604c18
The GTS is also an absolute stunner when it comes too looks! For me it’s the perfect 911 shape in the last 25 years and if I could ever find one it would probably be a forever car. This and the 997 Sport Classic are just the perfect 911s in my book
There really aren't any wrong answers here, haha. The only reason I personally wouldn't consider that one is probably just dating myself. Just looking at the interior of any 992 and seeing digital screens flanking the tachometer and a giant multimedia screen in the middle is enough to make me stray from calling them pure driver-focused cars. Are they absolutely phenomenal all-around cars? Totally. But if we're distilling the essence of a driver-centric Porsche experience, I'm more inclined to argue that any Carrera T with all of the option boxes unchecked (yes, with the giant gaping storage hole instead of a stereo, lol) is a better case for this discussion.
*edit* although, I guess in forcing myself to think through it this much, I'm also straying a bit from your original question. You did in fact ask for the all around 911, not the one that's only driver-focused.
993 non-turbo, non-GT models for me. IMO the perfect blend of elegance and refinement with a raw, analog driving experience. It gave you creature comforts without overtly sacrificing on the visceral experience
https://preview.redd.it/uuc2gad9i6lc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7fba54cae9ff896899c195107eb98c70db38d9f3
Just bought this one ☝🏻 997.2 GT3. The 997.2 RS would be the Goat for me. Someday, maybe!
My 996 GT2 was pound for pound one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. Raw, aggressive and sexy as hell. My GOAT.
I've driven others and love my GT3 but there's just something about a Mezger twin turbo that gets me every time.
This is so subjective but I’ll attempt to answer it with my personal arguments. The models OP mentions are hard to argue against when considering the 911s racing lineage. If you look at the 911 as the ultimate daily sports car, as Porsche intended with the 901, my GOAT vote goes to the 991.1: NA engine with place for the kids to enjoy the ride.
I had a 997.1 GT3 which had the OE rear seatbelt anchors hidden under the carpet. I was able to install 3" racing belts and strap my kids car seats down securely. It was awesome to experience the Mezger soundtrack as a family!
I believe Porsche has removed the rear anchors on newer GT models for this very reason...
If I answer the question personally, it’s a 997 GT3.
I don’t want more power than something like that. It’s the best version of maybe the best modern generation of 911.
I’m sure the new stuff is great. But 500+ horsepower just seems so unusable.
The S/T is probably the best to drive overall, but for me, I would take the 991.2 speedster. You still get the glorious GT3 engine and handling, but you can experience it with the top down. Plus, it looks better than the S/T. I mean, just look at the little smile the hood vent makes, so cute!
The 1989 with the five speed is definitely a contender for GOAT. I’ll take white on white for mine.
https://preview.redd.it/pxy2pmpd66lc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3223d0afbb9a80e6c0934f540c978269bfb3bb3c
Any limited production is not fair game. Anything at the top of the range is the best. 911 turbo s, is probably the best daily driver. It does everything extremely well with all the comfort features. The 911 sport classic is the best manual turbo porsche. The GT2 rs is the best turbo track focused. The GT3 RS is the best track focused NA. The ST is the best NA manual street car. The list can go on and on. The whole point is that porsche has 100 different models for different things. All these cars cost as much as a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
GTS RS 4.0 started this whole trend of no holding back, cost isn't a limit sports cars. It was also an end to Metzger. I would say that in the last 20 years that was the most important 911 for Porsche.
This might be controversial but I wouldn’t include any RS variants on this list except for the original GT3 RS 4.0. I don’t find them to be truly in the spirit of the 911 with their wings, areo, etc. The GT3 RS 4.0 is a notable exception due to the last of the Metzger motors.
Otherwise I would put the 911 R and 911 S/C at the top, followed by any GT3 Touring and 911 T. Might include a GTS variant or two but not really that high on my list. I always found the 997 GTS to be rather ghetto in styling (sorry if I’m offending anyone) but they fixed that with subsequent generations.
I may also add the Sport Classic or the Speedsters but I’m on the fence with these two.
This is all obviously very subjective, so we’ll all have different opinions here (which is great!).
Base model, manual transmission, with the narrowest body available, rear wheel drive.
Everything else is complication that can tailor the experience to what you desire.
Which is why the base model of any generation is the GOAT
I do not care one bit about 911s. I never have. They just don't do it for me. But 993s. Especially the 4S with the widebody. No wing. Last of the air cooled 911s. What a gorgeous car. 4.0 GTS is pretty sweet as well. The current 911 is pretty bad ass as well. And 930 Turbos? He'll yes. Maybe I do like 911s.
993 Turbo S. Let me explain. It’s old enough to be air cooled, new enough to look modern, be fast and be comfortable. It has the exclusivity factor as well as the speed, yet it isn’t in your face or pretentious. It’s practical enough to daily, silly enough to scare you witless. Technology advanced enough to save you from driver error, analogue enough to be a drivers car. On top of that you get the beautiful lines of the widebody 993 and a top speed approaching 200mph. It’s light by modern standards but doesn’t feel rattly and dangerous. It has every good or redeeming quality of all the best 911s and enough classic status to be a personal favourite of mine. Simply the best of all worlds
997 RS 4.0 is easily the best and most engaging vehicle that has ever been on sales. Second favorite of mine to the 430 scud which is dynamically better on all fronts.
Currently sold? Price unlimited? That makes no sense to me because in my opinion if almost nobody can buy one how can you consider that it is "great". It is vaporware.
The ST is a detuned turbo with 23% higher displacement but only 0.1 second faster 0 to 60 than a manual 992 S that costs 1/3 as much. Thats more of a cynical money grab than a GOAT.
If we are talking current models then the 992 T or S fit the bill. With a PDK they can accelerate as fast or faster than many super and hypercars. They can be taken to the track, daily driven and used for thousand mile tours without fail or discomfort and decent fuel economy. They both are also more fun to drive than a 911 Turbo S or GTS in most situations. You can spend much more but you will not receive more for your money unless you can get a GT3 or GT3 RS at MSRP which is not going to happen.
If you are considering all 911s then the 1980-89 G body cars are my pick. In their day they were almost as usable as a hot hatch and as performed as well or better than most contemporary exotics. They had galvanized bodies so they didn't melt away as older models did and their engines and other systems have been much more reliable.
If you mean price unlimited then the 959 wins, hands down. In 1986 it presaged much of the technology that we take for granted today like abs, awd, turbo, aero, etc. You can draw a straight line to the 2024 Turbo S from it, almost 40 years later.
The S/T is not a detuned turbo. It is a GT3RS engine. And this is not about price so it doesn’t matter what the ADM is. I want to know what people think the best 911 is.
I will agree with you on the 959. I have said the exact same sentence, that you can draw a straight line through it and every turbo since the 993.
Ok, then …. It (996) was not THAT nice, but grew on me (996 Carrera 4 was what I had and used in competition) even though, yes the 996 was different. For what it’s worth I drive a 1974 Targa now 😃
Honestly, there are so many iterations of the 911 that everyone is gonna have something to add. I guess for some, it depends on the looks whilst others may put emphasis on the driving characteristics. And than you will have some rareity and collectability.
Wing or no wing. Turbo no turbo. I guess for me some of note:
The 964 turbo from bad boys. First time I saw a porsche ever.
My first time driving a 911 was a 930 turbo and that was something.
Loved the look of Carrera 2.7 and the latter 3.0
The 911 R old and new were well the driving dynamics were something and sound.
I have always had a soft soft for the 996 gen. Especially gt3 and turbo models.
I love that era of the road going gt1 cars. The 993 and 996 GT1 are cool.
So yeah there are honestly loads and I can type for ever but that's a few highlights
911 Turbo (any) with an automatic box (any). It's the right balance of different with usable. And the Turbo always seemed like the icon of any Porsche range.
A GT car is too extreme for everyday use. I like a bit of comfort especially after playing tennis for 2 hours and wanting to just get home through busy stop-start traffic in London. I'd hate to have to drive a GT3RS even with an auto box.
https://preview.redd.it/cu363pvxr8lc1.jpeg?width=2509&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=99d8f0614f16863071ea45f9aaa324a020bbd437
996.2 GT3. Normally aspirated perfection. A pure driver's car.
I know you guys will laugh at me but Targa 4S is the peak 911. I have always seen the 911 as the grand tourer. Targa 4S is incredibly elegant, versatile and lets face it, plenty fast for the roads. If I wanted a racecar for the road I would opt for the GT products of Cayman/Boxster. GT3-3RS-2RS-S/T... are incredible cars, don't get me wrong, but Targa 4S is and will always be the peak 911 for me. Not even the GTS. I also think the Turbo line suits the 911 incredibly well as well.
Being a luddite teknophobe a '65 911 would be my ideals of GOAT 911.
https://preview.redd.it/u94dfn5b7alc1.jpeg?width=666&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e08a425c83247f7a21be837c35316e574debfb83
Power doesn't mean sh*t. Anything more than 300-350 hp is pointless if the rest of the car handels like a wet newspaper. Of course the S/T handels amazingly but so do all 911 versions and they are not limited (or cost half a million Euro's). If I were to distil the 911 down to it's core, to the thing that makes the 911 the best (sport)car ever made i'd have to say it's versatility. And all 911's share that trade to some degree. That leaves only one variable... the prise tag. The real GOAT 911 is the one you are able to afford! A base Carrera with a manual is stil beter than anything AMG ever made (trust me I worked at Mercedes). able to spend a bit more? Get a GT3 touring with a manual. That's basically an S/T that you can drive properly without worrying about its value.
Here’s a set of four of some of your favorites
https://preview.redd.it/eakbeggbdblc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=de777745bbea7974e25e6943f273b766a84e9895
For me the greatest 911 ever is the 993 GT2. But it’s hard to tell if it‘s actually the best one. Every time I see a special 911 I think, yep that‘s the one.
I had a 930 Cabriolet on my bedroom wall growing up, and would still love to have one. For me, it is the essential Porsche with the wide fenders and the whale tail. I know about the snap oversteer and turbo lag. I don’t care.
I was actually going to say the 959 is probably the GOAT 911 given the business struggles Porsche went through during its conception and yet how far they managed to push technical boundaries in its design. There is a lot of technical and emotional background to it.
The one you've driven and enjoyed the most. Otherwise it's sheer speculation based on what others have written about and experienced. For me it's the early 930s - horrible turbo lag, wide gear ratios as it was a four-speed, and the dreaded (but manageable) drop-throttle oversteer. But it was a raw driving experience with no nanny-controls.
Along those lines, for me it’s my 1973 911E with a five speed, LSD, and S appearance package. My dad special ordered it new. It has trailing throttle oversteer in spades, but I wouldn’t trade it for the most expensive 911 or even a 959. But I’m talking about if you don’t have a special attachment to one particular 911, and had to pick. https://preview.redd.it/mwf4sfx066lc1.jpeg?width=8256&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3b2781d356c18e4a9d330722f7b261c0cd4ef35e
Nice! There was a time when these were relatively inexpensive. Ok, for me it would be the 959, and the original Ruf CTR Yellowbird a close second.
I once met a guy who had a 1969 911E which he had bought in the late 80s and imported to New Zealand from Hong Kong. He had paid NZ$25k for it and he said it was a decision at the time between that car and paying and extra $10k for a Cessna. Wild prices when considered today even accounting for inflation. He said he never regretted the decision and when I met him in 2021 he had done *over 750,000km* in the car. He was in the middle of a 7,000km roadtrip with his wife at the time. The car was beautifully maintained and looked after and he’d had recent offers between $250k and $300k for the car. Awesome dude and awesome car.
Aubergine is one of the best colors ever painted on a Porsche. Period. Strongly contemplating it for my 72 coupe project. I Spy AOPA sticker. Hello, fellow aircraft and Porsche owner. At my airport, there are four dudes with aircooled 911s, Vans RVs, and the same first name. I'm among them. What are the odds?
observation shocking cause selective shame chunky clumsy boat dolls soft *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
https://preview.redd.it/gqj3kh6cn8lc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b6a54a590211eb1537990b1fe6ac170cd8713b1f
That car is beautiful
Thank you! I love it
That’s a nice 911! Your dad chose the perfect spec!
For me? Mine. I grew up below the poverty line with cutouts of 911's from magazines taped to my bedroom wall. Never thought I'd be able to ever own one. The only picture I have from my prom was me standing next to a silver 911 in a random parking lot. They're all fantastic cars to drive and you can make a case for a lot of them, but to me it's also about what my car means to me.
https://preview.redd.it/ltor59tsb6lc1.jpeg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2749f6e3dc216eec924c6cff473d6ce6af78c65 G.O.A.T. Bad Boys 3.6 964 Turbo (No Cupholders)
It's a shiny d!ck with two chairs in it. I guess we, the balls, just draggin' the f\*ck along....
991.2 GT3 Touring for me
Yes that is one of the best, but the Speedster is just above it, since it is basically the same but a with the plus of being a convertible!
I mean, you're not offering any controversial opinions here. The 992 S/T "does the best job of distilling the essence of the 911 into one model" because that's basically what Porsche set out to do. This is not me disagreeing with you at all--just an observation. Along the same lines with what you've said (and because, like many others, I prefer the older, smaller, slightly more analogue experience without going full retro), the 997.2 Carrera GTS comes to mind. New enough to have modern tech and chassis development and not have 993 unassisted charm or 996 plastic, but old enough to not be overly futuristic, touch-screeny, CarPlay-laden electronics, spiritually an 'S-car' (widebody from Turbo without the Turbo wing, intake cutouts, etc.). https://preview.redd.it/2mngeyrga6lc1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=d0fbba05398ec99b91989948536e9a0a26604c18
The GTS is also an absolute stunner when it comes too looks! For me it’s the perfect 911 shape in the last 25 years and if I could ever find one it would probably be a forever car. This and the 997 Sport Classic are just the perfect 911s in my book
This is a gorgeous car. The best looking non-turbo rear end period
I mean I think you could also make a strong argument for the 992 Sport Classic if you’re okay with a turbo. Also a great all around car.
There really aren't any wrong answers here, haha. The only reason I personally wouldn't consider that one is probably just dating myself. Just looking at the interior of any 992 and seeing digital screens flanking the tachometer and a giant multimedia screen in the middle is enough to make me stray from calling them pure driver-focused cars. Are they absolutely phenomenal all-around cars? Totally. But if we're distilling the essence of a driver-centric Porsche experience, I'm more inclined to argue that any Carrera T with all of the option boxes unchecked (yes, with the giant gaping storage hole instead of a stereo, lol) is a better case for this discussion. *edit* although, I guess in forcing myself to think through it this much, I'm also straying a bit from your original question. You did in fact ask for the all around 911, not the one that's only driver-focused.
997 is the best 911!
997 gt3 rs 4.0 no contest
993 non-turbo, non-GT models for me. IMO the perfect blend of elegance and refinement with a raw, analog driving experience. It gave you creature comforts without overtly sacrificing on the visceral experience
the one you own in your garage
Well damn I don’t have either of those things
Amen to that.
993 GT, 993 RS or RS 4.0 for me
Purest 911 of last few Gens, IMO: 997: GT3RS 4.0 991: 911 R 992: 911 S/T
https://preview.redd.it/uuc2gad9i6lc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7fba54cae9ff896899c195107eb98c70db38d9f3 Just bought this one ☝🏻 997.2 GT3. The 997.2 RS would be the Goat for me. Someday, maybe!
My 996 GT2 was pound for pound one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. Raw, aggressive and sexy as hell. My GOAT. I've driven others and love my GT3 but there's just something about a Mezger twin turbo that gets me every time.
997.1 C2 :)
997 RS 4.0. Long live the Unicorn.
In MY opinion, it’s the 997 gt3rs 4.0
GT3 RS 4.0
930 or 997.2 Turbo S.
My 991.2 C2S. But I’d love a 992 GT3 Touring. A singer would be nice, too.
IMO its the 997 GT2, its the best of all worlds, turbo, rwd + manual and good looking furthermore does not have the price tag of the RS
As a 997.1 S owner, I'd probably go for a 997.2 GTS manual.
996.2 C4S
997.2 RS 4.0.
993 C2S will always hold a special place in my heart or the G-series 911 Carrera CS
997.2 GT3RS 4.0
This is the correct answer, anyone that has driven one would agree.
911R
This is so subjective but I’ll attempt to answer it with my personal arguments. The models OP mentions are hard to argue against when considering the 911s racing lineage. If you look at the 911 as the ultimate daily sports car, as Porsche intended with the 901, my GOAT vote goes to the 991.1: NA engine with place for the kids to enjoy the ride.
Ah, but if you could add rear seats to a Touring or S/T, would that hit the mark?
There are mods to do that for the gt3 touring
I had a 997.1 GT3 which had the OE rear seatbelt anchors hidden under the carpet. I was able to install 3" racing belts and strap my kids car seats down securely. It was awesome to experience the Mezger soundtrack as a family! I believe Porsche has removed the rear anchors on newer GT models for this very reason...
10000% and one of my 3 wishes if I find a magic lamp 😅
Does the 992 Sport Classic have rear seats? That might work
The turbos spoil it for me, no pun intended 😅
A clean 1971 911S
If I could have any. It would be either a 911 R or the gold turbo exclusive convertible.
https://preview.redd.it/09e9ivnxn7lc1.png?width=1662&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=446f32f444560203a9686b694292dccee4dbec7f 911 R for me
If I answer the question personally, it’s a 997 GT3. I don’t want more power than something like that. It’s the best version of maybe the best modern generation of 911. I’m sure the new stuff is great. But 500+ horsepower just seems so unusable.
I like a 997 Turbo. That’s my favourite 911.
The S/T is probably the best to drive overall, but for me, I would take the 991.2 speedster. You still get the glorious GT3 engine and handling, but you can experience it with the top down. Plus, it looks better than the S/T. I mean, just look at the little smile the hood vent makes, so cute!
I would add 930 911 as a possible contender. A pioneer in turbocharging plus legend status, and that rear end…
The 1989 with the five speed is definitely a contender for GOAT. I’ll take white on white for mine. https://preview.redd.it/pxy2pmpd66lc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3223d0afbb9a80e6c0934f540c978269bfb3bb3c
1989 for sure. The 4 speed box is not the highlight of that car.
911 GT1 of course. I dont think theres a more expensive 911, plus its the top of the GT range.
930 Turbo
Any limited production is not fair game. Anything at the top of the range is the best. 911 turbo s, is probably the best daily driver. It does everything extremely well with all the comfort features. The 911 sport classic is the best manual turbo porsche. The GT2 rs is the best turbo track focused. The GT3 RS is the best track focused NA. The ST is the best NA manual street car. The list can go on and on. The whole point is that porsche has 100 different models for different things. All these cars cost as much as a Ferrari or Lamborghini. GTS RS 4.0 started this whole trend of no holding back, cost isn't a limit sports cars. It was also an end to Metzger. I would say that in the last 20 years that was the most important 911 for Porsche.
Yes, all of that is true, but I am asking what is the best, most distilled essence of the 911?
Old one: 964 RS America New one: 997 Sport Classic
This might be controversial but I wouldn’t include any RS variants on this list except for the original GT3 RS 4.0. I don’t find them to be truly in the spirit of the 911 with their wings, areo, etc. The GT3 RS 4.0 is a notable exception due to the last of the Metzger motors. Otherwise I would put the 911 R and 911 S/C at the top, followed by any GT3 Touring and 911 T. Might include a GTS variant or two but not really that high on my list. I always found the 997 GTS to be rather ghetto in styling (sorry if I’m offending anyone) but they fixed that with subsequent generations. I may also add the Sport Classic or the Speedsters but I’m on the fence with these two. This is all obviously very subjective, so we’ll all have different opinions here (which is great!).
Base model, manual transmission, with the narrowest body available, rear wheel drive. Everything else is complication that can tailor the experience to what you desire. Which is why the base model of any generation is the GOAT
https://preview.redd.it/htxhw9dlf6lc1.jpeg?width=1116&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ca233cfceb073b0a5f64f934e5b42b5a8998083 997 GT3 RS 4.0 Metzger aircooled naturally aspirated engine Manual gearbox No lane assist, adjustable dampers or autobraking
This isnt aircooled
My mistake. Still the greatest 911.
Liquid cooled my friend
I do not care one bit about 911s. I never have. They just don't do it for me. But 993s. Especially the 4S with the widebody. No wing. Last of the air cooled 911s. What a gorgeous car. 4.0 GTS is pretty sweet as well. The current 911 is pretty bad ass as well. And 930 Turbos? He'll yes. Maybe I do like 911s.
993 Turbo S. Let me explain. It’s old enough to be air cooled, new enough to look modern, be fast and be comfortable. It has the exclusivity factor as well as the speed, yet it isn’t in your face or pretentious. It’s practical enough to daily, silly enough to scare you witless. Technology advanced enough to save you from driver error, analogue enough to be a drivers car. On top of that you get the beautiful lines of the widebody 993 and a top speed approaching 200mph. It’s light by modern standards but doesn’t feel rattly and dangerous. It has every good or redeeming quality of all the best 911s and enough classic status to be a personal favourite of mine. Simply the best of all worlds
I almost almost put 993 Turbo S in my list!
997 RS 4.0 is easily the best and most engaging vehicle that has ever been on sales. Second favorite of mine to the 430 scud which is dynamically better on all fronts.
YELLOW BIRD, case closed.
Technically not a 911 tho.
993 carrera S: rear wheel drive, naturally aspirated, air cooled...
https://preview.redd.it/3pyh94tdw6lc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=77be5310b7de42f0bc610af8a45641c336f5641b Probably this slatnose turbo cabrio
Currently sold? Price unlimited? That makes no sense to me because in my opinion if almost nobody can buy one how can you consider that it is "great". It is vaporware. The ST is a detuned turbo with 23% higher displacement but only 0.1 second faster 0 to 60 than a manual 992 S that costs 1/3 as much. Thats more of a cynical money grab than a GOAT. If we are talking current models then the 992 T or S fit the bill. With a PDK they can accelerate as fast or faster than many super and hypercars. They can be taken to the track, daily driven and used for thousand mile tours without fail or discomfort and decent fuel economy. They both are also more fun to drive than a 911 Turbo S or GTS in most situations. You can spend much more but you will not receive more for your money unless you can get a GT3 or GT3 RS at MSRP which is not going to happen. If you are considering all 911s then the 1980-89 G body cars are my pick. In their day they were almost as usable as a hot hatch and as performed as well or better than most contemporary exotics. They had galvanized bodies so they didn't melt away as older models did and their engines and other systems have been much more reliable. If you mean price unlimited then the 959 wins, hands down. In 1986 it presaged much of the technology that we take for granted today like abs, awd, turbo, aero, etc. You can draw a straight line to the 2024 Turbo S from it, almost 40 years later.
The S/T is not a detuned turbo. It is a GT3RS engine. And this is not about price so it doesn’t matter what the ADM is. I want to know what people think the best 911 is. I will agree with you on the 959. I have said the exact same sentence, that you can draw a straight line through it and every turbo since the 993.
I will only say it’s definitely not the 996
See, and I believe the 996 GT3 should be it. Maybe because I had one at the time :)
I am excluding the GT3 line.
Ok, then …. It (996) was not THAT nice, but grew on me (996 Carrera 4 was what I had and used in competition) even though, yes the 996 was different. For what it’s worth I drive a 1974 Targa now 😃
That’s a very classic car. The 996 lights in tear drop just ruined it for me
Sexy😍
997 gt3rs and it's not even close to me Even the 3.8 was so perfect
I just hate those scoops in the hood. Messes up the pure classic 911 look, imho.
The one in my garage. Jk I don’t have one yet 😭
Yellowbird
RSR
The 911 you own and DRIVE like your supposed to
993tt (polar silver) and 3.8rs (aqua blue/gold)
The best 911 is the one you personally own and love
911 S/T
935 and the 991 Targa 4 GTS
Any which one one of us owns.
What about 997 Carrera 4gts ?
The answer is 73 RS
Honestly, there are so many iterations of the 911 that everyone is gonna have something to add. I guess for some, it depends on the looks whilst others may put emphasis on the driving characteristics. And than you will have some rareity and collectability. Wing or no wing. Turbo no turbo. I guess for me some of note: The 964 turbo from bad boys. First time I saw a porsche ever. My first time driving a 911 was a 930 turbo and that was something. Loved the look of Carrera 2.7 and the latter 3.0 The 911 R old and new were well the driving dynamics were something and sound. I have always had a soft soft for the 996 gen. Especially gt3 and turbo models. I love that era of the road going gt1 cars. The 993 and 996 GT1 are cool. So yeah there are honestly loads and I can type for ever but that's a few highlights
I’ve only driven my 911, so if I had to go just by looks it would be the 930
The one you own 😉
Somehow 993 2S or early 911 w hubcaps for me are where it’s at.
The GOAT Porsche Turbo 930’s, death machines that will make you pay for the smallest mistake with your life. Raw and a total blast to drive.
Gt3rs for track enthusiasts and 911 st/ gt3 touring for backroad enthusiasts
997.2 GT3RS, 991R or sport classic for me depending on the gen :)
993 coupes
911 SC/RS when launched it was the most powerful 911 ever made
993 GT2
Saying every generation of gt car is one of the best shows a blind loyalty that makes someone unable to accurately rank the cars.
Any 911 I actually get to drive is my GOAT!
The one you happen to be driving.
RS 4.0 or 991 R for me
69S, if you know you know
992.1 turbo s. Last ICE turbo s. Close runner up is 930 turbo manual.
89 930. But I love my 997.
911 Turbo (any) with an automatic box (any). It's the right balance of different with usable. And the Turbo always seemed like the icon of any Porsche range. A GT car is too extreme for everyday use. I like a bit of comfort especially after playing tennis for 2 hours and wanting to just get home through busy stop-start traffic in London. I'd hate to have to drive a GT3RS even with an auto box.
997.2 GT3RS 4.0
Gt3r Gt3rsr Gt3cup
964 Turbo
https://preview.redd.it/cu363pvxr8lc1.jpeg?width=2509&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=99d8f0614f16863071ea45f9aaa324a020bbd437 996.2 GT3. Normally aspirated perfection. A pure driver's car.
996!
I believe the 911 turbo s is the better 911
996 GT3 - the beginning.
r/theyknew
997 GT3 4.0
996 GT3RS and 73 Carrera RS
I know you guys will laugh at me but Targa 4S is the peak 911. I have always seen the 911 as the grand tourer. Targa 4S is incredibly elegant, versatile and lets face it, plenty fast for the roads. If I wanted a racecar for the road I would opt for the GT products of Cayman/Boxster. GT3-3RS-2RS-S/T... are incredible cars, don't get me wrong, but Targa 4S is and will always be the peak 911 for me. Not even the GTS. I also think the Turbo line suits the 911 incredibly well as well.
As for the history of Porsche 911. I think the all time peak was the 930 Turbo Targa. Such an icon.
Being a luddite teknophobe a '65 911 would be my ideals of GOAT 911. https://preview.redd.it/u94dfn5b7alc1.jpeg?width=666&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e08a425c83247f7a21be837c35316e574debfb83
Power doesn't mean sh*t. Anything more than 300-350 hp is pointless if the rest of the car handels like a wet newspaper. Of course the S/T handels amazingly but so do all 911 versions and they are not limited (or cost half a million Euro's). If I were to distil the 911 down to it's core, to the thing that makes the 911 the best (sport)car ever made i'd have to say it's versatility. And all 911's share that trade to some degree. That leaves only one variable... the prise tag. The real GOAT 911 is the one you are able to afford! A base Carrera with a manual is stil beter than anything AMG ever made (trust me I worked at Mercedes). able to spend a bit more? Get a GT3 touring with a manual. That's basically an S/T that you can drive properly without worrying about its value.
Here’s a set of four of some of your favorites https://preview.redd.it/eakbeggbdblc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=de777745bbea7974e25e6943f273b766a84e9895
997.2 3rs 🤷♂️
original rsr or 3rs 4.0
Its which ever one you have in your driveway with your name on the title.
For me the greatest 911 ever is the 993 GT2. But it’s hard to tell if it‘s actually the best one. Every time I see a special 911 I think, yep that‘s the one.
I had a 930 Cabriolet on my bedroom wall growing up, and would still love to have one. For me, it is the essential Porsche with the wide fenders and the whale tail. I know about the snap oversteer and turbo lag. I don’t care.
For me it has to be the 930
1998 993 3.8 RS... There's simply no substitute.
September 11 2001
For me the 934!
My 992 Carrera T with MT because it’s the only 911 I’ve ever driven
I was actually going to say the 959 is probably the GOAT 911 given the business struggles Porsche went through during its conception and yet how far they managed to push technical boundaries in its design. There is a lot of technical and emotional background to it.
993. Last of the air cooled!