Porsche 911 Turbo S

vs

Porsche 935

Germany vs Germany — 1997 vs 1978

Porsche 911 Turbo S (1997)
Porsche 935 (1978)
Specifications
911 Turbo S 993935 Turbo
Horsepower450 hp750 hp
Torque431 lb-ft590 lb-ft
Engine Size3,600 cc3,211 cc
0-60 mph3.6 sec2.8 sec
Top Speed186 mph221 mph
¼ Mile12.0 sec10.2 sec
Weight3,307 lbs2,260 lbs
Wheelbase2,272 mm2,272 mm
Length4,245 mm4,625 mm
Units Produced34513
Original MSRP$150,000
Value (Excellent)$900,000$6,000,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity9/1010/10
The Verdict

Numbers favor the 1978 Porsche 935 Turbo with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S 993 offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.

Overview

Porsche has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S 993 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 911 Turbo S uses a Flat-6 SOHC Twin-Turbo displacing 3,600 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 1047 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 13 units built, the 1978 Porsche 935 Turbo is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 911 Turbo S's 345 examples. On the collector market, the 1978 Porsche 935 Turbo commands a significant premium over the 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S 993, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.