Porsche 911

vs

Porsche 911

Germany vs Germany — 1996 vs 2017

Porsche 911 (1996)
Porsche 911 (2017)
Specifications
911 996 GT3911 GT2 RS
Horsepower381 hp700 hp
Torque284 lb-ft
Engine Size3,600 cc3,800 cc
0-60 mph4.3 sec
Top Speed190 mph
¼ Mile12.5 sec
Wheelbase2,350 mm2,457 mm
Length4,435 mm4,549 mm
Units Produced2,3131,000
Value (Excellent)$175,000$600,000
Collectibility5/105/10
Rarity6/1010/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1996 Porsche 911 996 GT3 brings better value to the table, and the 2017 Porsche 911 GT2 RS answers with more power, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Few model names carry as much weight as the Porsche 911. The 1996 and 2017 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2017 Porsche 911 GT2 RS holds a clear advantage in raw power with 700 hp compared to 381 hp, a 319-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Porsche 911 uses a Flat-6 DOHC 24V displacing 3,600 cc, while the Porsche 911 relies on a Flat-6 with 3,800 cc. On the collector market, the 2017 Porsche 911 GT2 RS commands a significant premium over the 1996 Porsche 911 996 GT3, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.