Porsche 911

vs

Porsche 911 Turbo S

Germany vs Germany — 1964 vs 1997

Porsche 911 (1964)
Porsche 911 Turbo S (1997)
Specifications
911 2.0 (Original)911 Turbo S 993
Horsepower130 hp450 hp
Torque128 lb-ft431 lb-ft
Engine Size1,991 cc3,600 cc
0-60 mph8.3 sec3.6 sec
Top Speed131 mph186 mph
¼ Mile16.0 sec12.0 sec
Weight2,381 lbs3,307 lbs
Wheelbase2,211 mm2,272 mm
Length4,163 mm4,245 mm
Units Produced81,100345
Original MSRP$6,500$150,000
Value (Excellent)$300,000$900,000
Collectibility9/1010/10
Rarity5/109/10
The Verdict

The 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S 993 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1964 Porsche 911 2.0 (Original) counters with lighter weight, 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

Tracing the evolution of the Porsche 911 from 1964 to 1997 offers a compelling look at how automotive design and engineering progressed. These two variants showcase the changing face of Porsche. The 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S 993 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 450 hp compared to 130 hp, a 320-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Porsche 911 uses a Flat-6 SOHC air-cooled displacing 1,991 cc, while the Porsche 911 Turbo S relies on a Flat-6 SOHC Twin-Turbo with 3,600 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S 993 edges ahead at 3.6 seconds versus 8.3 seconds. The Porsche 911 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 926 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 345 units built, the 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S 993 is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 911's 81,100 examples. On the collector market, the 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S 993 commands a significant premium over the 1964 Porsche 911 2.0 (Original), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.