Best Air-Cooled Porsche 911 Turbo: 930 vs 964 vs 993
Updated September 2023 by Eduardo Zepeda
A showdown of the iconic 911 Turbo nameplate
About Our Selections
When discussing high-performance automobiles, few names are as instantly recognizable as the Porsche 911 Turbo. The 911 Turbo has earned a reputation in the automobile industry thanks to its impressive powertrain, iconic silhouette, and unique air-cooled howl. But among Porsche fans, the debate over which air-cooled Turbo model is the pinnacle of performance is ongoing.
In this article, we'll take a trip through history and innovation by contrasting the Porsche 911 Turbo 930, 964, and 993. Choosing the best legend is difficult because they all share a blend of tradition and novelty, so you'll be the judge. Follow us as we dissect the technical details of these air-cooled behemoths and delve into the heart of their quest for perfection.
1975-1977 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 (930)
The Widowmaker
Why We Picked It:
The 911 Turbo, a more potent variant of the Porsche 911, debuted for the 1975 model year. 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: $100,000-$300,000
Engine: 3.0L Turbocharged Flat-Six
Power: 260 hp
Torque: 254 lb-ft
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 2,635 lbs
Highlights:
Additional variants of the 930 Turbo included a 3.3 Turbo (1978–1989), a 911 Turbo 3.3 Targa (1978–1989), and a Cabriolet (1978–1989). 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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1991-1992 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 (964)
An adventure tourer that is happy on the pavement, but can also get dirty if needed
Why We Picked It:
The Porsche 911 964 series debuted with the switch to the 1989–1990 model years. The original 911 lineup included the Coupe, Targa, and Convertible body styles. Porsche's flagship Turbo model has been part of this lineup since the 1991 model year.
The 911 Turbo (type 964) had a wider body with wheel wells positioned significantly farther away than the Carrera models. At the rear, its large spoiler was taken from the Turbo 3.3 model G, and its two oval exhaust outlets underlined its own character.
The left outlet only emitted exhaust gases when the turbocharger boost pressure regulating valve was open. In the 1991–92 model years, the 911 Turbo was powered by a 3.3-liter, 320-hp turbocharged engine. In 1993, Porsche fitted a beefier 3.6-liter engine that bumped the output to 362 horses. Among other elements, you can easily recognize this variant by its red brake calipers.
The Turbo S, with a 3.3-liter engine, made its debut in 1992. By increasing the size of the injectors, the amount of boost, and the stiffness of the camshafts, the regular turbo model generated 376 horsepower. Because of its aerodynamic design and few "creature comforts," the Turbo S was among the quickest cars available.
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: 3,274 lbs
Highlights:
For the 911 (964) Turbo, Porsche increased the power from the previous generation 911 (930) to 320 hp, and torque was up to 362 lb-ft. 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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1995-1998 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6 (993)
The end of an era
Why We Picked It:
For the first time in the 911 series, the 911 Turbo had a twin-turbocharged engine with the introduction of the 993 in 1995. Now, each cylinder bank had its own turbocharger. All-wheel drive also debuted in a 911 Turbo variant.
There were three separate vents on the front of the Turbo, plus another vent slot on the lower side for cooling the brakes. The back spoiler matched the rest of the car in color. The 911 Turbo, like the Carrera 4, featured white front and red rear turn signals.
From late 1995 until 1998, you could purchase a 993 Turbo. It had 402 horsepower thanks to its twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six engine. Power was increased to 430 horsepower beginning with the 1996 model year and then to 450 hp starting with the 1998 model year. In 1995, Porsche made only 14 versions of the 911 Cabriolet Turbo with a massive rear spoiler as a special edition.
The 993 turbo is easily recognized from behind because of its thick whale-tail spoiler, which conceals intercoolers used to cool the intake charge. The 993 Carrera 4's all-wheel drive helped tame the beast of an engine and keep it planted on the road. About six thousand coupes were manufactured.
Specifications:
Price: $200,000-$300,000
Engine: 3.6L Twin-Turbocharged Flat-Six
Power: 402 hp
Torque: 395 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 3,274 lbs
Highlights:
The 993 was the last of the air-cooled 911 turbos. Porsche introduced the Turbo for the 1995 model year with a 408-hp 3.6-liter engine paired with two K16 turbochargers.
The 993 was the first 911 Turbo with all-wheel drive, sourced in-house from the Porsche 959. Air-to-air intercoolers, electronic engine management, redesigned cylinder heads, and other modified components completed the new engine.
