My mechanical engineering class is going through a debate that I proudly started. First off I made everyone believe that the 911 was overall the perfect car. Which of course I truly think it is. Back to the point, now the debate is about which 911 is the greatest. From air cooled to water cooled. I haven't driven that many 911s. A 986 Boxster, 996 turbo, and my 964 c2. So I'm not really familiar as most members on this forum. So can you guys help? I just want to see everyone's opinion outside of my class. What's your favorite 911 and why?

 

The fanatics will say air cooled, but from what I know, air cooled P-cars have a lot of reliability issues? The 993 is a hassle to fix and always needs maintenance from what I've heard of 993 owners I know

I'll take my 997 water cooled instead.

As for favorite Porsche? has to be Carrera GT.
and favorite generation? 997/964. I am not a fan of the 991. I drove it, I didnt like it. Love the looks, but it just didn't woo me. I don't look at one and say "I wish I had that".

 

Great feedback. Thanks you

 

The one I am driving is of course my favorite.

 

Each one I've owned has been my favorite.
The 1972 911S looked fantastic and was fun to drive at any speed.
It needed regular repair because it was old.

The 2005 997S is an amazing car on road or track.
The engine blew up but Porsche replaced it under warranty.
Other than that (!) it's been trouble free.

The 2007 GT3 is new to me and so visceral and exciting.
I can already tell that commuting in it is fine but frustrating. Can't do much legal with it.
Can't wait to hit the track.
Previous owner had no issues with it.

I love the idea of an engineering class debating something that is essentially an emotional issue. Which Porsche is best. They are all very different yet the same.

Let us know what they decide.

 

OK a more serious answer. I have only owned three, but all very different.

#1 2003 996 C4S now sold
As your first, it is a first love. But like a kid in high school this love did not last. The 4WD is a thing of beauty and an engineering marvel. But it ended there. The looks of the car are too flat, the car feels heavy and is not as fun to drive, and the engine is a ticking time bomb. Dont get me wrong, in 2003 it was THE car to have for me and I loved it at the time. This is all looking back.

#2 89 930 still own
What a car! Hard to believe it is 25 years old as it is still a blast to drive and looks the part with its fat fenders. To me it is the perfect daily driver if you do not need AC. Engine is strong, handling is good for its age but also compliant on the street, fast enough to have fun in but not so fast that you feel like you are breaking the law every time you turn the key. A windy mountain road is a blast in this car as you have to work while still being close to the speed limit. Engineering wise it is a mechanical marvel. You have to love all the little sensors they used to make the thing run. Working on it is a PITA. No room at all and you need tiny hands. If you have patience, the reward of fixing it yourself is worth the effort as it is "tight" and fits together perfectly. It also does not need a lot of work.

2008 GT3 RS still own
An amazing car! Beautiful lines, crisp handling. modern interior, an amazing engine. This car loves to be driven fast and in a spirited way which is a double edged sword. Nearly impossible to drive at or even near the limit on the street. You can take that same mountain road at 20 miles an hour over the speed limit and still not tax yourself or the car. It needs space which is why it is now a dedicated track car. On the track it is surgical, has a great personality, talks sweetly to you, screams at the redline, and asks for more. The perfect girlfriend and never has a headache.

 

Well said

 

As of now everyone declared that the 997.2 turbo S is the greatest 911 made because it and I quote "offers everything an enthusiast needs". Kind of lame. Well I'm really biased, I have a big crush on all the RS p-cars. My favorite would be a 993 GT2.