The Best Forgotten & Underrated Porsches
Under the Radar Porsche Cars To Think About
These Porsche models were overlooked, outshined, and ultimately forgotten
About Our Selections
The fervent interest in select new and historic Porsche models at enthusiast events and high-end auctions, where these most renowned Porsches fetch extravagant prices, demonstrates that the fans of the Stuttgart automaker agree on which models are the ones to look out for.
However, Porsche lovers sometimes can't settle on the most underrated or "forgotten" Porsches. The reality is that each vehicle lover may have their own notion of underrated.
These Porsches on our list got less attention than their contemporaries. They were outshined by other models, overlooked for being too divisive, or simply not living up to the standards of Porsche fans in terms of design or performance.
Porsche 911 Turbo (996)
The "unloved 911"
Why We Picked It:
Although it's fast, fun, reliable, and relatively affordable, many fans mainly disregard the 996 Carrera because of its styling, primarily the headlights, which do not having the traditional 911 look.
Still, the 996 was neglected as the "ugly duckling" of the 911 family for a very long time. However, this generation is quite underrated, considering its performance, handling, all-wheel drive, and manual transmission. Besides the divisive headlights, the 996 911 Turbo sports the sleek lines of a genuine Porsche.
Under the hood, the 996 Turbo featured a 3.6-liter, twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, producing a staggering 450 horsepower, delivered to all four wheels via Porsche's renowned all-wheel-drive system. The result? Blistering acceleration, precise handling, a top speed of 191 mph, and a 0 to 60 time of 4.2 seconds.
But it wasn't just about raw power; the 996 Turbo also introduced innovations like variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers, enhancing performance and efficiency. Inside the cabin, luxury met sportiness, with high-quality materials and a driver-focused layout. Also, the 996 Turbo was the first water-cooled Porsche Turbo.
Today, the 2004–2005 Porsche 911 Turbo 996 remains an undervalued car that doesn't get the love it deserves because of its controversial headlights.
Specifications:
Price: $45,000-$55,000
Engine: 3.6L Turbocharged Flat-Six
Power: 415 hp
Torque: 415 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic
Curb Weight: 3,395 lbs
Highlights:
US models had an electronically adjustable rear spoiler to help with high-speed stability, allowing the 996 Turbo to reach 189 mph.
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.
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Porsche 924 S
The VW Porsche
Why We Picked It:
Many Porsche enthusiasts call the 924 a Volkswagen with a Porsche badge. The reason is that the 924 was a VW consulting project named EA425 in 1976. Volkswagen hired Porsche to develop a sports coupe that could be sold as an Audi or VW.
The car needed to be inexpensive, so Porsche sourced off-the-shelf VW parts for the interior and mechanicals. But when it was about to start production, VW was in the middle of a post-Beetle financial crisis. Since Porsche wanted to continue the project, they bought it back from VW, agreeing to have Audi build the engines. In 1984, Audi stopped manufacturing the engine blocks used in the 2.0-liter 924, leaving Porsche in a predicament. The 924 was considerably cheaper than its 944 stablemate, and dropping the model left Porsche without an affordable entry-level option.
Porsche 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 while retaining the 924’s early interior. The result was 1986’s 150-hp 924S. With unfavorable exchange rates in the late 1980s, Porsche focused on its more upmarket models, dropping the 924S in 1989.
Specifications:
Price: $7,000-$10,000
Engine: 2.5L Inline-four
Power: 150 hp
Torque: 142 lb-ft
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
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, with the knock-on effect increasing the octane rating, up from 91 RON to 95.
The 1988 model also gained three-point safety belts in the rear seats.
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Porsche Boxster 986
The "poor man's Porsche"
Why We Picked It:
In the early 1990s, Porsche was on the brink of bankruptcy due to poor sales of its transaxle models and inefficient manufacturing. They were looking for a heavy hitter, and the Boxster delivered.
The Boxster 986 was a head-turner thanks to its potent engine, making 201 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, nimble handling, and classic design. The Boxster could go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 149 mph, which was more than sufficient performance for the base model. The Boxster 986 set the standard for later modern Porsches, yet it is often overlooked in favor of its more famous relatives.
The Porsche Boxster, especially the original 986 model, has long been known as the "poor man's" Porsche or "poor man's 911, and it continues to be one of the most reasonably priced sports cars on the market.
The Boxster 986 is fun and engaging, offering excellent value for money. So, while the 911 often steals the spotlight, the Boxster 986 deserves its moment in the sun.
Specifications:
Price: $7,000-$14,000
Engine: 2.5L Flat-Six
Power: 201 hp
Torque: 181 lb-ft
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic
Curb Weight: 2,790 lbs
Highlights:
The Porsche Boxster 986 was a pivotal model for the brand since it kept Porsche from going bankrupt.
It was also Porsche's first to feature a mid-mounted, flat-six engine with liquid cooling.
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Porsche 928 S
An unsung hero
Why We Picked It:
The Porsche 928, introduced in the late 1970s, was a bold departure from the rear-engine, air-cooled design that defined Porsche's identity. It featured a front-mounted, water-cooled V8 engine and a sleek design, setting it apart from its rear-engine siblings. This unique configuration offered a smooth, comfortable ride while delivering exhilarating performance.
One of the 928's standout features was its innovative suspension system, which provided exceptional handling and stability. The 928's groundbreaking technology and engineering laid the foundation for future Porsche models.
Originally displacing 4.5 L and featuring a single overhead camshaft design, Porsche enlarged and revised the engine in 1980. The engine was now a 4.7-liter V8, which allowed the car to go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 154 mph.
So, while the 928 boasted impressive horsepower and acceleration, it often played second fiddle to the 911 regarding recognition. However, its uniqueness, performance, and timeless design make it a true automotive masterpiece deserving more credit.
The Porsche 928 is an unsung hero in the Porsche lineup. Its innovative design, exceptional performance, and contributions to Porsche's evolution make it a true standout and deserve a closer look.
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
Strengths:
European versions of the 928 S debuted with 296 hp and were upgraded to 306 hp for the 1984 model year. North America did not get the 1980 928 S.
The engine is mounted in the front, but it is longitudinally mounted rather than transversely mounted like most front-engine cars. This gives the 928 a more balanced weight distribution.
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Porsche Cayenne (955)
The sporty SUV that saved Porsche
Why We Picked It:
This next model may come as a surprise. You were probably expecting another high-performance sports coupe, but this SUV deserves the last slot on our list, and here's why.
Once again, as it happened in the early 1990s, Porsche was on the brink of bankruptcy at the dawn of the 2000s. But this time, it wasn't the 924 that saved the company; it was a sporty SUV code name "Colorado," a.k.a. the Cayenne.
First, it was a shock for the 911 fans. How could their favorite brand launch a family SUV with the Porsche logo? Moreover, how could they do that by sharing the platform with a Volkswagen? Well, all that happened, and it did happen to save the brand. The first generation of the Cayenne was the best-selling Porsche of all time until the end of its production.
Volkswagen's 3.2 and 3.6-liter VR6 engines powered the first Cayennes. Still, the 4.5 and 4.8-liter V8s found in the Cayenne S, GTS, and Turbo/Turbo S models took things to the next level by adding a low-range transfer case, height-adjustable suspension, and locking differential. The earlier Cayenne remains an underappreciated model in Porsche's history.
Specifications:
Price: $10,000-$25,000
Engine: 3.2L V6
Power: 250 hp
Torque: 225 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Curb Weight: 4,900 lbs
Strengths:
The Cayenne took some design inspiration from its famous brother, the 911. The headlights resembled those from the Porsche 911-996 model. Some parts of the front bumper also looked something like a 911. But the rest of the car was nowhere near any Porsche.
Inside the car were some Porsche details, such as the instrument cluster and the key on the left side. The gearshift lever was the same as in the 911, but the seating position was higher.
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Porsche 911T (1973.5)
An underrated sweet driving early 911.
Why We Picked It:
Every iteration of the 911T was underrated. It was always the lowest horsepower variant of the T/E/S lineup, which sometimes made enthusiasts obsessed with bragging rights sneer.
The 1973.5 911T is often called a "half-year" model because Porsche made notable changes to the car in the middle of the 1973 production year. These updates, implemented around February 1973, resulted in the 1973.5 designation, distinguishing it from the earlier 1973 911T models.
One of the most significant changes in the 1973.5 911T was the introduction of Bosch’s Continuous Injection System (CIS) fuel injection, making it the first 911 to use this system. The CIS system replaced the earlier mechanical fuel injection (MFI) found on the previous models, offering improved fuel economy, smoother throttle response, and better emissions performance. This marked the beginning of Porsche’s shift toward more efficient and emission-compliant fuel systems.
Despite the switch to CIS fuel injection, the 1973.5 911T retained the 2.4-liter flat-six engine introduced in 1972. However, the fuel injection change made the engine slightly more refined and easier to drive, with a power output of around 140 horsepower. The increased displacement from the earlier 2.2-liter engine provided better torque and made the 911T more flexible in everyday driving.
The 1973.5 911T came equipped with the improved 915 manual transmission, which was introduced in 1972. The 915 gearbox offered a stronger, more robust design compared to the previous 901 transmission, and it became a defining feature of the 911 throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. This 5-speed gearbox is still appreciated today for its durability and classic driving feel.
Specifications:
Price: $f
Engine: f
Power: 2f
Torque: 22f
Transmission: 6-f
Curb Weight: 4f
Strengths:
The "T" in 911T stands for "Touring," indicating that this model was positioned as the entry-level version of the 911 lineup. While it was the most affordable 911 variant, it still offered the classic 911 experience, with excellent handling, timeless styling, and an engaging driving experience. Many owners appreciated the simplicity and lighter weight of the 911T compared to the more powerful S and E variants.
The 1973.5 911T is particularly desirable among collectors today due to its unique status as a transitional model. The combination of the long-hood design, CIS fuel injection, and 2.4-liter engine makes it a rare and sought-after example, especially as it represents the end of an era before Porsche introduced significant design changes.
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Porsche 912 (1969)
Final year of the original 912's production run. Had several unique features and characteristics.
Why We Picked It:
Most of the attention given to the 912 centers on the early short-wheelbase cars with their green-faced, chrome-ringed gauges and unflared fenders.
During its original five year run, the Porsche 912 would enjoy several slight revisions, which were in keeping with the cosmetic development of the 911. Most notably for each year, in 1966 all dash boards were painted black, 1967 saw the introduction of the open-air Targa, in 1968 interior fittings were softened to comply with new DOT safety mandates, and in 1969 the car’s wheelbase was slightly lengthened to provide better handling. At the end of 1969, with the cost of a new 912 now almost on par the least expensive 911 variant, Porsche made the decision to annex the 912 into the 911 line.
The unique, final-year 1969 car is generally overlooked in spite of the fact that its numerous refinements likely make it a better car to drive, with slightly better weight distribution and handling from the wheelbase stretch and the ability to accommodate wider tires.
Specifications:
Price: $40,000-$80,000
Engine: 1.6 L Aircooled Flat 4
Power: 90 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 98 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm
Top Speed: 115 mph
Strengths:
The 1969 model year marked the end of the original Porsche 912 production. After 1969, Porsche discontinued the model until it briefly returned in 1976 as the 912E for the North American market.
One of the most significant changes in the 1969 model was the switch to a long wheelbase (LWB) chassis, which was introduced by Porsche across the entire 911/912 range starting in 1969. The LWB (2.27 inches longer than the previous SWB) improved stability and handling, making the 1969 912 more refined and easier to drive than earlier models.
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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
Strengths:
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.
