Best Porsches to Own & Collect
Almost any Porsche is collectible; it's just a matter of time
About Our Selections
Even if you're not in the market for a Porsche right now, you can't deny that these cars are more desirable than ever. The cost of purchasing and maintaining a Porsche has increased dramatically over the past few years.
What used to cost several thousand dollars is now often priced in the tens of thousands or even six or seven figures, depending on the model. The demand for Porsches has exploded and some of the models on this list are already very expensive but might still be worth investing in.
Nonetheless, there are still a few viable options regarding price and collectibility, and although these may not have a cult following, that could suddenly change.
Porsche 928 S
An unsung hero
Why We Picked It:
The Porsche 928 was an extreme departure from the company's traditional rear-engine, air-cooled design, which debuted in the late 1970s. Its front-mounted, water-cooled V8 engine and sleek design set it apart from its rear-engine relatives. This one-of-a-kind setup provided a relaxing ride and a thrilling performance.
The 928's revolutionary suspension was a defining feature, allowing for very precise steering and a rock-solid stance. The 928 laid the groundwork for future Porsche vehicles with its innovative technology and engineering. In 1980, Porsche increased the engine's displacement from 4.5 L to 4.8 L while maintaining the single overhead camshaft configuration. The new 4.7-liter V8 gave the vehicle a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 154 mph.
Despite the 911's superior performance, the 928 was a quick and powerful vehicle. It's an underappreciated automotive masterpiece because of its originality, performance, and classic design. The Porsche 928 is the company's unheralded masterpiece. Its unique style, top-notch performance, and groundbreaking advancements in Porsche's history make it an outlier worthy of greater inspection.
Specifications:
Price: $8,000-$15,000
Engine: 5.0L V8
Power: 296 hp
Torque: 263 lb-ft
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 3,450 lbs
Highlights:
For the 1983 model year, the European 928 S had 296 horsepower; for the 1984 model year, that number increased to 306. In 1980, the 928 S was unavailable in North America.
Unlike other front-engine cars, this one has the engine situated longitudinally in the front. This results in a 928 with a more even center of gravity.
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Porsche 911 Turbo (996)
The unloved Porsche
Why We Picked It:
Many 911 purists look beyond the 996 Carrera because of its unconventional design—most notably its headlights—which aren't in keeping with the classic aesthetic of the 911.
Even still, the 996 was the "ugly duckling" of the 911 family for a long time, and as such, it was largely ignored. Despite this, the current generation's performance, handling, all-wheel drive, and manual transmission are grossly underappreciated. The 996 911 Turbo, despite its controversial headlights, has the classic Porsche silhouette.
The 996 Turbo's engine was a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six that sent all 450 of its horsepower to all four wheels through Porsche's legendary all-wheel-drive system. In what way? This vehicle is a serious contender with a 0-60 time of 4.2 seconds, a top speed of 191 mph, and blistering acceleration.
The 996 Turbo wasn't just about brute might; it was also the first production car to include technological advancements like variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers, which greatly improved both output and efficiency. High-end materials and a design that emphasizes the driver help create an upscale yet sporty interior. In addition, the 996 Turbo was the first to use a water cooling system.
Specifications:
Price: $45,000–$55,000
Engine: 3.6L Twin-Turbocharged Flat-Six
Power: 415 hp
Torque: 415 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual,
Curb Weight: 3,395 lbs
Highlights:
The standard Turbo offered 415 horsepower from the turbocharged Mezger engine, driven through all four wheels. An optional package (the X50 Powerkit) added larger turbochargers, among other changes, to bump horsepower to 444.
US models had an electronically adjustable rear spoiler to help with high-speed stability, allowing the 996 Turbo to reach 189 mph.
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Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 (930)
The original Widowmaker
Why We Picked It:
Since its release, the Porsche 911 Turbo (930) has been widely regarded as the best of the 911 lineage. One large turbocharger was attached to the 3.0-liter flat-six engine, churning out 260 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 254 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. The top speed was 155 mph, and it took 5.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph.
In a decade where vehicles were cumbersome, heavy, and sluggish, Porsche released a 2,635-pound car with a monster turbocharged engine in the back with insane turbo lag that turns into a power delivery with no middle ground, making it almost uncontrollable, earning the name the Widowmaker. Also, anti-lock brakes or traction control weren't a thing back then.
The 930 borrowed the dry-sump and single overhead camshaft layout from the 3.0 Carrera RSR from 1974. Pistons made of forged alloy and Nikasil barrels were also included. For supercharging the 930's 2994 cc engine, a KKK 3 LDZ turbo was used. The original pressure was 0.8 bar; in 1976, it was increased to 1.0 bar. The Turbo received a new, improved 4-speed manual transmission (Type 930/30)
Specifications:
Price: $1,000,000-$300,000
Engine: 6.0L V12
Power: 260 hp
Torque: 254 lb-ft
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 2,635 lbs
Highlights:
Between the displacement increase and the addition of an intercooler, the 3.3 911 Turbo bumped up engine output to 300 hp.
Though initially only a handful of Turbos were intended, it's common knowledge that the 911 Turbo was not only a success but would become a legend in its own right.
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Porsche Boxster 986
The "poor man's Porsche"
Why We Picked It:
Porsche nearly went out of business in the early 1990s due to inefficient production and weak demand for its transaxle models. So, they were looking for a heavy hitter, and the Boxster delivered.
The Boxster 986's nimble handling, timeless styling, and powerful engine (201 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque) made it a show-stopper. The Boxster's base model had more than adequate performance, with a 0–60 mph time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph. Unfortunately, the Boxster 986 is generally forgotten in favor of its more well-known relatives, despite having set the bar for later modern Porsches.
As one of the most affordable sports cars available, the Porsche Boxster has been dubbed the "poor man's Porsche" or "poor man's 911" for quite some time, incredibly similar to the original 986 variant. But that might change soon once enthusiasts acknowledge the Boxster 986 is a great Porsche in its own right. The Boxster 986 is an excellent buy since it's entertaining and exciting to drive. Even though the 911 usually gets all the attention, the Boxster 986 also has much to offer.
Specifications:
Price: $7,000-$14,000
Engine: 2.5L FLat-Six
Power: 201 hp
Torque: 181 lb-ft
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual/Auto
Curb Weight: 2,790 lbs
Highlights:
The Porsche Boxster 986 is a bargain since it offers all the elements that make a good Porsche, like a solid powertrain, a fun driving experience, and being relatively reliable, all for little money.
The Boxster 986 was Porsche's first to feature a mid-mounted, flat-six engine with liquid cooling.
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Porsche 911 Carrera RS (964)
The road racer
Why We Picked It:
Following the same methodology used to create the race-ready Cup car, Porsche made a lighter version of the Carrera 2 as a tribute to the 1973 911 Carrera RS.
Engineers at Porsche placed a premium on lightening the 964 RS and were able to shave off more than 300 pounds. The 964 RS, at a total weight of 2706 pounds, was 286 pounds less than the standard model. The 964 RS was equipped with a revised version of the M64 engine used in the Carrera 2 and 4. The new air-cooled 3.6-liter Boxer engine that Porsche engineers developed saw an increase of 10 horsepower.
Power and top speed in the 964 RS were identical to those of the coupe it was based on. Its superior acceleration can be attributed to its lower curb weight compared to the automobile it was built on. In under 5.1 seconds, the car went from 0-60 mph (0.5 seconds faster than the standard C2). Its track performance was outstanding, easily besting that of the C2. To learn about contemporary 911 R variants, a car like the 964 RS is a perfect entry point.
Specifications:
Price: $200,000-$300,000
Engine: 3.6L Flat-Six
Power: 260 hp
Torque: 229 lb-ft
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 2,706 lbs
Highlights:
A carbon fiber roof, polycarbonate side windows, and minimal upholstery contributed to the RS's low curb weight. The car's weight was nearly 200 pounds less, which improved handling and acceleration.
Since the Carrera RS 2.7 of 1973, no 911 had been homologated for racing until the 964.
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Porsche Carrera GT
The last analog supercar
Why We Picked It:
The Porsche Carrera GT's engine is unique since it is specifically designed for use in racing cars. Porsche upgraded the engine's power in the Carrera GT while still meeting the requirements for a mass-produced vehicle.
The result is a six-speed manual transmission mated to a 5.7L V10 midship engine that produces 612 horsepower and 435 lb-ft of torque. The Carrera GT could go from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and from 100-60 mph in 6.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 205 mph.
The Carrera GT features the most extensive application of carbon fiber to date in the form of a monocoque and subframe. The vehicle's rigidity, lightweight, and agility might be best displayed with this as the foundation.
The double-wishbone axle pushrods utilized front and rear increased responsiveness to driver inputs and improved road feel in a way that a conventional McPherson spring/strut arrangement could not. To further reduce weight, aluminum was used for the vast majority of the components.
Specifications:
Price: $1,000,000-$3,000,000
Engine: 5.7L V10
Power: 612 hp
Torque: 435 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 3,042 lbs
Highlights:
Many technologies used in the Carrera GT’s suspension components were adapted from the Porsche 911 GT1 race car, which won the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.
The Porsche Carrera GT profited from the company's involvement in endurance racing, where, by the turn of the millennium, its carbon fiber technology had endured the most demanding tests.
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Porsche 924 S
The "VW Porsche"
Why We Picked It:
The 924 is often called by Porsche purists the "Volkswagen with a Porsche badge". The 924 originated as the 1976 Volkswagen consultancy project EA425. Volkswagen contracted Porsche to design a sports coupe that would be marketed under both the Audi and VW brands.
Porsche used standard VW components throughout the vehicle to keep costs down, including in the cabin and under the hood. But just as production was about to begin, VW was hit with a post-Beetle financial crisis. Porsche repurchased the program from Volkswagen to keep it going, and the company struck a deal with Audi to produce the vehicles' engines. Porsche was bound after Audi ceased production of 2.0 L 924 engine blocks in 1984. The 924 was Porsche's entry-level model, and its discontinuation would leave the company without a competitively priced choice.
Porshe decided to equip the narrower-bodied 924 with a slightly detuned version of the 944's 163 bhp 2.5-liter straight four, upgrading the suspension and adding five-lug wheels and 944 style brakes but retaining the 924's early interior. The result was 1986's 150 hp 924S. The 924S was discontinued in 1989 due to unfavorable currency rates.
Specifications:
Price: $10,000-$20,000
Engine: 2.5L Inline 4
Power: 150 hp
Torque: 142 lb-ft
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 3-speed auto
Curb Weight: 2,734 lbs
Highlights:
In 1988, the 924S’ final year of production, power increased to 160 bhp. This was achieved using different pistons, which raised the S’ compression ratio from 9.7:1 to 10.2:1, the knock-on effect increasing the octane rating from 91 RON to 95.
The 1988 model also gained three-point safety belts in the rear seats.
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Porsche 959
Sports car paradise
Why We Picked It:
The Porsche 959, along with the Countach and the Testarossa, is one of the most praised automobiles in the world. Porsche made history with the 959, an unmatched automobile that sparked a "tech fest." The 959 was designed to be both a practical daily driver and the world's fastest production car, with the former purpose as a pretext to secure FIA Group B homologation for the World Rally Championship competition.
The Group C 956 was the source of Porsche's 6-cylinder boxer twin-turbo engine. The engine was a 2.8-liter inline-six that generated 450 hp. Exhaust valves loaded with sodium, dry-sump lubrication, and titanium connecting rods were just a few of the cutting-edge features of the aluminum engine block.
The 959 was the first Porsche to be water-cooled and had two KKK two-stage turbochargers with a dual intercooler and a Bosch Motronic electronic injection system. The result of all this engineering from Porsche is a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 198. This was nothing short of impressive since most supercars were in the range of about 170 mph.
Specifications:
Price: $1,000,000-$2,000,000
Engine: 2.8L Turbocharged Flat-Six
Power: 444 hp
Torque: 369 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 3,500 lbs
Highlights:
Tony Hatter designed the 959 with a wide body and sloping tail end, which are iconic design elements. The car has a very low drag coefficient of just 0.31, making it incredibly aerodynamic.
The 959 was one of the first vehicles with a widebody and boasted many other innovations, like a limited-slip differential, four-wheel drive, and four-wheel independent suspension.
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Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 (964)
The adventure tourer
Why We Picked It:
With the change to the 1989 and 1990 model years, Porsche introduced the 911 964 series. There were originally three different 911 body designs: the Coupe, the Targa, and the Convertible. Since the 1991 model year, Porsche has offered the Turbo as a top-of-the-line option. The 911 Turbo (type 964) was noticeably broader than the Carrera versions, and its wheel wells were also set further back. Its two oval exhaust ports and big spoiler at the back are distinctive features borrowed from the Turbo 3.3 model G.
Exhaust gases were released from the left outlet only when the boost pressure regulating valve was open, as is typical for turbochargers. The 911 Turbo's 3.3-liter turbocharged engine produced 320 horsepower throughout the 1991 and 1992 model years. Porsche installed a more powerful 3.6-liter engine in 1993, increasing power to 362 hp. The red brake calipers are just one distinguishing feature of this variation.
In 1992, the 3.3-liter Turbo S was introduced. The typical turbo type produced 376 horsepower by increasing injector size, boost, and camshaft stiffness. The Turbo S's aerodynamic body and lack of extra features made it one of the quickest automobiles on the market.
Specifications:
Price: $100,000–$200,000
Engine: 3.3L Turbocharged Flat-Six
Power: 320 hp
Torque: 347 lb-ft
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / 4-Speed Automatic
Curb Weight: 3,274lbs
Highlights:
Stylewise, the 964 911 Turbo had a wider body with significantly more flared wheel housings than the 964 Carrera models.
For the 1993–1994 model year only, Porsche launched the 964 Turbo 3.6, which had a KKK K27 turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter M64 engine producing 355 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque.
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Porsche 356 Speedster
The legend
Why We Picked It:
This legendary sports automobile was first on the market in 1954, and since then, it has become a symbol of the perfect marriage of form and function. The Porsche 356 Speedster is an architectural marvel because of its elegant simplicity. Its classic lines, smooth shape, and understated design have made it an icon of style for decades.
The side curtains and cut windshield emphasize its unique character. The Porsche 356 Speedster had a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder air-cooled engine in the back that produced 70 horsepower. Because of its compact size and nimble handling, it was a joy to pilot.
The Porsche 356 Speedster was the forerunner to future Porsche sports cars like the 911 and current models like the Boxster and Cayman in design and style. The Speedster has become a cultural icon, attesting to the power of excellent workmanship. Every twist and turn demonstrates how well it glides through the air.
Specifications:
Price: $250,000-$500,000
Engine: 1.6L Flat-Four
Power: 60 hp
Torque: 81 lb-ft
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 1,930 lbs
Highlights:
The signature manually operated canvas top and minimalistic side windows underscore the Speedster's commitment to open-air driving, creating an unfiltered connection between driver and road.
The Speedster's clean lines, bulbous fenders, and teardrop-shaped headlights exude a timeless charm.
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Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 (997.2)
Probably the best Porsche 911 ever made. Yes, it is that good.
Why We Picked It:
A final salute to the venerated Mezger engine as well as the ultimate evolution of Porsche’s 997, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 was produced in a limited series of just 600 cars worldwide featuring more aggressive aerodynamics, unique trim, a 6-speed manual gearbox, and a special 4.0-liter flat-six producing up to 500 HP.
Built to homologate the 2011 GT3 RSR racecar, the RS 4.0 is fitted with the 3996cc engine which raises power output from roughly 444 to 500 bhp. It is easily identified by its new wings and front winglets just ahead of the front wheels.
The flat-six engine’s crankshaft has been taken directly and without modification from the 911 GT3 RSR racing car’s engine, while the connecting rods for the forged pistons are fashioned from titanium. Available solely equipped with a six-speed sports transmission, the car dispatches the 0-62 mph (100km/h) sprint in just 3.9 seconds, and less than 8 seconds later it passes 124 mph.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0’s suspension setup is also derived from Porsche’s racing models, as are the lightweight components featured throughout the car. It is the best 911 ever made. If you can afford it, you need to buy it.
Specifications:
Price: $600,000-$800,000
Engine: 4.0 L Flat 6 (M97/74)
Power: 793 hp
Torque: 339 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 2,998 lbs
Highlights:
Fitted as standard with lightweight components such as carbon fiber bucket seats, hood and front wings, plastic rear windows and weight-optimised carpets, the GT3 RS 4.0’s ready-for-road weight is just 1,360 kilograms (2,998 lbs) with a full tank of fuel.
The 911 GT3 4.0, available exclusively with a six-speed sports transmission, sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standing start in 3.9 seconds, its gearing designed for the racing circuit taking it to the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark in under 12 seconds.
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Porsche 911 GTS (991.1)
The one to buy and drive every day. Last naturally aspirated non-GT 911. A gem.
Why We Picked It:
Sometimes you want to buy a 911 and just drive it. The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is a standout model in the 911 lineup, offering a perfect balance between the everyday usability of the base Carrera models and the high-performance capabilities of the track-focused 911 GT3. It fills a unique niche, providing a blend of power, handling, and luxury that appeals to drivers who want a more engaging experience without compromising on comfort.
The 991.1 is particularly special because its the last naturally aspirated GTS and that makes it a future collector car. But thats not a reason to buy this car. It has rear seats, a screaming flat 6, a manual gearbox and all the goodies that a driver would want.
Evo Magazine praised the 991.1 Carrera GTS for being "the ultimate road-going 911," highlighting its perfect balance between comfort and performance. They appreciated the naturally aspirated engine's response and sound, which added to the car's overall driving experience. Car and Driver described the GTS as "one of the sweetest-driving 911s in recent memory," noting its agility, precise handling, and the extra power compared to the standard Carrera models. They emphasized how the GTS offers a perfect middle ground, providing more excitement than the Carrera S without the harshness of a GT3.
Specifications:
Price: $110,000-$120,000
Engine: 3.8L Flat 6
Power: 430 hp
Torque: 325 lb-ft
Transmission: 7-speed manual/auto
Weight: 3,150-3,400 lb
Highlights:
The loftier starting price for the GTS gets you numerous things standard, such as the 430-hp version of Porsche's 3.8-liter flat-six engine, PASM adaptive damper system, Sport Chrono package, Sport Exhaust, and 20-inch wheels.
There are also a few things you can't even chose as an option, such as the standard wide-body kit on all GTS variants, which you can only get on a C4S. Then there are the black accents, which include the headlights, trim stripes, exhaust tailpipes, and GTS badges. They actually look very good.
