Porsche 959

vs

Porsche 962

Germany vs Germany — 1986 vs 1984

Porsche 959 (1986)
Porsche 962 (1984)
Specifications
959 Sport962 Dauer 962 Le Mans
Horsepower450 hp730 hp
Torque369 lb-ft516 lb-ft
Engine Size2,849 cc2,994 cc
0-60 mph3.6 sec2.6 sec
Top Speed197 mph251 mph
¼ Mile11.8 sec9.9 sec
Weight3,197 lbs2,315 lbs
Wheelbase2,272 mm2,770 mm
Length4,260 mm4,820 mm
Units Produced33713
Original MSRP$225,000$1,000,000
Value (Excellent)$3,500,000$5,000,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity9/1010/10
The Verdict

The 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1986 Porsche 959 Sport counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.

Overview

The 1986 Porsche 959 Sport and 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans share a manufacturer in Porsche, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Porsche brand. The 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans holds a clear advantage in raw power with 730 hp compared to 450 hp, a 280-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 962 relies on a Twin-Turbo Flat-6 SOHC with 2,994 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans edges ahead at 2.6 seconds versus 3.6 seconds. The Porsche 962 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 882 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 13 units built, the 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 959's 337 examples.