Germany vs Germany — 1986 vs 1978
| 959 Sport | 935 Turbo | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 450 hp | 750 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,849 cc | 3,211 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 3.6 sec | 2.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 197 mph | 221 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 11.8 sec | 10.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,197 lbs | 2,260 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,272 mm | 2,272 mm |
| Length | 4,260 mm | 4,625 mm |
| Units Produced | 337 | 13 |
| Original MSRP | $225,000 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $3,500,000 | $6,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Numbers favor the 1978 Porsche 935 Turbo with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1986 Porsche 959 Sport offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Porsche has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1986 Porsche 959 Sport with the 1978 Porsche 935 Turbo highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1978 Porsche 935 Turbo holds a clear advantage in raw power with 750 hp compared to 450 hp, a 300-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Porsche 959 uses a Flat-6 Twin-Turbo (Sequential) displacing 2,849 cc, while the Porsche 935 relies on a Flat-6 Turbocharged with 3,211 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1978 Porsche 935 Turbo edges ahead at 2.8 seconds versus 3.6 seconds. The Porsche 935 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 937 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 13 units built, the 1978 Porsche 935 Turbo is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 959's 337 examples. On the collector market, the 1978 Porsche 935 Turbo commands a significant premium over the 1986 Porsche 959 Sport, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.