What's the Best 911? We Rate All 22 Current Porsche 911 Models
Choice is a good thing.
But sometimes, too much choice can be overwhelming. Take the Porsche 911 for example. There are currently 22 different models on sale. You read that right – 22. And that’s just trim levels. Start looking at various feature options and personalization upgrades, and the possible Porsche 911 combinations soars into a number I have no interest in ever trying to process.
SEE ALSO: 2016 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS Review
But let’s focus on just the 22 trim levels, which is confusing enough on its own. Below are the basic specs for each of the trim levels as well as a brief description as to whether or not that 911 model is worth your time and money. To make things even easier, each trim has been awarded a letter grade – like we used to get in school back in the old days.
Porsche 911 Carrera
RATING: C+
The cheapest way into a Porsche 911, performance is very impressive for the price. But a 911 Carrera S offers more performance for more money and a Cayman can be just as fun, if not slower, for less money. Budget minded 911 owners need apply. You might as well get a Cayman.
Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder
Power: 370 hp, 331 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,153 lbs.
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 4.0-4.4 seconds
Top Speed: 182-183 mph
Base Price: $89,400
Porsche 911 Carrera 4
RATING: B-
As the cheapest 911 to come with all-wheel drive, it’s impressive for the price. Again, a Carrera 4S offers more performance for more money, but the Carrera 4 does one-up the cheaper Cayman by offering all-wheel drive.
Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder
Power: 370 hp, 331 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,263-3,307
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 3.9-4.3 seconds
Top Speed: 180-181 mph
Base Price: $96,300
Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
RATING: C
Although this is the cheapest convertible 911, it’s also heavier than its hardtop counterparts while still being equipped with the least powerful engine in the 911 lineup. It’s more of a grand tourer than an all-out performance car.
Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder
Power: 370 hp, 331 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,307-3,351 lbs.
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 4.2-4.6 seconds
Top Speed: 180-181 mph
Base Price: $101,700
Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet
RATING: C-
Similar to the 911 Carrera Cabriolet but with the added weight of all-wheel drive. Although it’s slightly faster from zero to 60 mph thanks to all-wheel drive, this 911 has one of the worst power to weight ratios of the entire lineup. It’s definitely a great all-weather grand tourer, but not an all-out sports machine.
Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder
Power: 370 hp, 331 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,417-3,461 lbs.
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 4.1-4.5 seconds
Top Speed: 178-179 mph
Base Price: $108,600
Porsche 911 Targa 4
RATING: C+
Arguably the most stylish of all the 911 body styles, this is the cheapest of the Targa models, costing the same as an entry level 911 Cabriolet. Unfortunately, it weighs more than the Cabriolet, so performance is on the lower end of the 911 range.
Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder
Power: 370 hp, 331 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,461-3,505 lbs.
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 4.1-4.5 seconds
Top Speed: 178-179 mph
Base Price: $108,600
Porsche 911 Carrera S
RATING: B
Although it’s a bit of price increase over the regular Carrera, the Carrera S offers plenty more performance and is a better choice for rear-wheel drive loving enthusiasts. Power is almost on par with the more expensive GTS and torque is much higher thanks to the turbocharged engine.
Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder
Power: 420 hp, 368 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,175-3,219 lbs.
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 3.7-4.1 seconds
Top Speed: 190-191 mph
Base Price: $103,400
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
RATING: B+
Similar in idea to the 911 Carrera S, but with the addition of all-wheel drive, the 4S is a fast, all-weather performer. Again, its power puts it on par with the more expensive GTS, making the Carrera 4S a bit of a bargain in comparison.
Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder
Power: 420 hp, 368 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,285-3,329 lbs.
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 3.6-4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 188-189 mph
Base Price: $110,300
Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet
RATING: B-
Offering droptop fun with the more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged engine, the Carrera S Cabriolet is a good rear-wheel drive convertible for those seeking performance with their fun in the sun. Performance is similar to that of the more expensive GTS.
Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder
Power: 420 hp, 368 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,329-3,373 lbs.
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 3.9-4.3 seconds
Top Speed: 189-190 mph
Base Price: $115,700
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet
RATING: C+
A Porsche 911 that includes a bit of everything, the all-wheel drive, drop-top Carrera with the more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged engine does make driving more fun than the Carrera 4 Cabriolet. But of course, that extra enjoyment comes at a price.
Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder
Power: 420 hp, 368 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,439-3,483 lbs.
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 3.8-4.2 seconds
Top Speed: 187-188 mph
Base Price: $122,600
Porsche 911 Targa 4S
RATING: B
Once again, it’s the more powerful turbocharged Carrera engine paired up to all-wheel drive. However, here it’s paired up to the trick Targa roof. It may be heavy, but it’s also stylish and like the entire S range, close in performance to the more expensive GTS version.
Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder
Power: 420 hp, 368 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,483-3,527 lbs.
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 3.8-4.2 seconds
Top Speed: 187-188 mph
Base Price: $122,600
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
RATING: B-
Still using the older 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine, the 911 Carrera GTS should appeal to Porsche traditionalists, as it’s naturally aspirated. A solid performer in every way, the issue is that the turbocharged Carrera S is now incredibly close in performance for less money.
Engine: 3.8L six-cylinder
Power: 430 hp, 325 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,142-3,186 lbs.
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 3.8-4.2 seconds
Top Speed: 189-190 mph
Base Price: $114,200
Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS
RATING: B
A big, honking naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine sending power to all four wheels with a track-focused suspension. The Carrera 4 GTS is quite the performance machine, but once again, the cheaper Carrera 4S makes it seem like less of a value.
Engine: 3.8L six-cylinder
Power: 430 hp, 325 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,241-3,285 lbs.
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 3.8-4.2 seconds
Top Speed: 188-189 mph
Base Price: $120,900
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet
RATING: C+
The Carrera GTS Cabriolet is similar in concept to the fixed roof Carrera GTS, but equipped with a heavier, less rigid droptop.
Engine: 3.8L six-cylinder
Power: 430 hp, 325 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,296-3,340 lbs.
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 4.0-4.4 seconds
Top Speed: 187-188 mph
Base Price: $126,100
Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet
RATING: C
A higher performance, all-wheel drive droptop 911 is an interesting idea and one we can get behind. But at this price point, the 4S Cabriolet may make more sense and if you really want to go crazy, there’s also the Turbo Cabriolets.
Engine: 3.8L six-cylinder
Power: 430 hp, 325 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,395-3,439 lbs.
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 4.0-4.4 seconds
Top Speed: 187-188 mph
Base Price: $132,800
Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
RATING: B-
Similar to the Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet, the heavier Targa may give up a bit in performance, but it still offers wind-in-the-hair motoring in a far more stylish package. Again, the lower priced Targa 4S probably makes more sense.
Engine: 3.8L six-cylinder
Power: 430 hp, 325 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual
Weight: 3,439-3,483 lbs.
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 4.1-4.5 seconds
Top Speed: 187-188 mph
Base Price: $132,800
Porsche 911 GT3
RATING: A
In the world of Porsche 911s, the GT3 is quite the performance deal. For just $130,400, the GT3 comes with a massive 475 hp engine that can rocket the GT3 from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. It’s also one of the most track-focused 911s on sale today.
Engine: 3.8L six-cylinder
Power: 475 hp, 325 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK
Weight: 3,153 lbs.
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 3.3 seconds
Top Speed: 195 mph
Base Price: $130,400
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
RATING: A+
Take everything that makes the Porsche 911 GT3 great and make it even better. That’s the thinking behind the GT3 RS. Lighter, more powerful and better tuned to devour racetracks, the GT3 is the ultimate track weapon in the 911 lineup. Of course, this comes at a cost…a high cost.
Engine: 4.0L six-cylinder
Power: 500 hp, 339 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK
Weight: 3,131 lbs.
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 3.1 seconds
Top Speed: 193 mph
Base Price: $175,900
Porsche 911 Turbo
RATING: A-
Basically a rocketship wrapped in a car’s body, the 911 Turbo is an incredibly fast car. With 540 hp being sent to all four wheels, there isn’t much on the road that can catch it. The problem is, it only comes available with a seven-speed PDK, it isn’t exactly affordable and the Turbo S is even faster.
Engine: 3.8L turbocharged six-cylinder
Power: 540 hp, 523 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK
Weight: 3,516 lbs.
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 198 mph
Base Price: $159,200
Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
RATING: A-
The Turbo Cabriolet is a crazy, crazy convertible. Some may argue it makes more sense since the 911 Turbo isn’t a completely track focused car, why not make it a droptop? The choice is ultimately yours and if you have the money, you can’t go wrong with either. But remember, the more powerful Turbo S is even better.
Engine: 3.8L turbocharged six-cylinder
Power: 540 hp, 523 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK
Weight: 3,671 lbs.
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 3.0 seconds
Top Speed: 198 mph
Base Price: $171,500
Porsche 911 Turbo S
RATING: A
This is the fastest Porsche 911 on sale today, which makes sense, since it’s also the most powerful. With 580 hp unleashed from a turbocharged 3.8-liter engine, the Turbo S can run from zero to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 205 mph. The only downside are its weight of 3,527 lbs. and a price tag not far off of $190,000.
Engine: 3.8L turbocharged six-cylinder
Power: 580 hp, 553 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK
Weight: 3,527 lbs.
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 2.8 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Base Price: $188,100
Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet
RATING: A
Do you want the wind to rip the hair right off your head? Then Porsche has a car for you! With 580 hp, the drop top Turbo S can hit a top speed of 205 mph. Perhaps the ultimate all-weather, convertible performance car, the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is not exactly affordable and is the heaviest 911 in the entire range.
Engine: 3.8L turbocharged six-cylinder
Power: 580 hp, 553 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK
Weight: 3,682 lbs.
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Base Price: $200,800
Porsche 911 R
RATING: A++
This isn’t the most powerful or fastest 911 by any stretch of the imagination. But man, this is easily the most fun to drive of the lineup. Basically, take everything that makes the 911 GT3 RS amazing and then give the car a manual transmission and less weight. Voila – we have the Porsche 911 R. The few lucky enthusiasts who get to purchase one will be the envy of the 911 community.
Engine: 4.0L six-cylinder
Power: 500 hp, 339 lb-ft.
Transmissions: Six-speed manual
Weight: 3,020 lbs.
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH Time: 3.7 seconds
Top Speed 200 mph
Base Price: $184,900
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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Who is the 'expert' who 'rated' these??
In reality, if you're never taking the car to the track, here's what you should get: -Carrera S or Carrera 4S (if you have to deal with snow). that's it.