The Porsche 911 is the most famous sports car in the world and a symbol of performance and power. This little rear-engine model has dominated race tracks and Autobahns for seven decades with its unique layout and impressive performance. But just how fast are 911s? Let’s find out by examining the most potent models from each decade and comparing them.
1. 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo (930)
The 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo, known internally as the 930, was the first production 911 to be turbocharged and marked the beginning of a performance legacy. With a 3.0-liter flat-six turbo engine producing 256 horsepower and mated to a four-speed manual transmission, the 930 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds—blistering for its time.
It was fast and wild, with a famously laggy turbo and snap-oversteer tendencies, but it became a cult classic for purists. This car set the stage for decades of high-performance 911s that followed.
2. 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo (930 5-Speed)
In its final year of production, the original 930 Turbo finally received a long-awaited five-speed manual transmission. Thanks to a 3.3-liter turbocharged engine with an intercooler, power was increased to 282 horsepower.
This upgrade gave the car sharper performance and better acceleration, dropping 0 to 60 times to around 4.9 seconds. The ’89 model is especially coveted by collectors due to its mechanical refinements and limited production run, offering a smoother yet intense turbocharged 911 experience.
3. 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo (993)
The 993-generation Turbo was a technological leap forward, introducing all-wheel drive and twin turbochargers in a 911. Its 3.6-liter flat-six engine produced 408 horsepower, launching it from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.
The 993 Turbo was also the last air-cooled 911, making it a treasured model among Porsche enthusiasts. Its blend of raw driving feel and modern speed made it a bridge between the old-school charm of the air-cooled era and the contemporary engineering prowess that followed.
4. 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo (996)
The 996 Turbo dramatically shifted the 911 lineage, introducing water cooling and a new chassis design. Under the hood, a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six generated 415 horsepower, allowing a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.2 seconds. The 996 Turbo also featured standard all-wheel drive and a more civilized driving experience.
Though initially controversial due to its styling and departure from tradition, it is now appreciated for its performance per dollar and reliability, mainly since its Mezger engine was derived from the Le Mans-winning GT1 car.
5. 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S (997.2)
The 997.2 Turbo S was a powerhouse of precision and speed. With 530 horsepower from its 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six and the lightning-quick 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, it could launch from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
This was a supercar-level machine wrapped in an everyday usable package. Porsche’s refinement of the Turbo S badge with carbon ceramic brakes, active suspension, and enhanced electronics made this generation an easy-to-drive rocket ship.
6. 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991.1)
While not turbocharged, the 991.1 GT3 RS is one of the quickest naturally aspirated 911s ever built. It featured a screaming 4.0-liter flat-six producing 500 horsepower and could rocket to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds, thanks to lightweight construction and aggressive gearing via its PDK transmission.
It was built for track dominance and featured a massive aero, magnesium roof, and rear-axle steering. The GT3 RS was Porsche’s ultimate expression of racecar-for-the-road, delivering outrageous speed and grip in equal measure.
7. 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series (991.2)
The Exclusive Series took the already blazingly fast Turbo S and turned up the wick. With 607 horsepower and a slew of aesthetic and performance upgrades, this limited-edition model could hit 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds.
Only 500 units were made, making it a rare blend of speed and exclusivity. The car’s gold-accented carbon fiber, hand-built interior, and upgraded chassis components gave it a dual personality: part art piece, part autobahn missile.
8. 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 (992)
The 992-generation GT3 stayed true to its roots with a high-revving naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six making 502 horsepower. Despite lacking turbos, it could sprint to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds with the PDK transmission.
What makes the 992 GT3 stand out isn’t just the speed—it’s the feel. Precision handling, otherworldly cornering grip, and spine-tingling exhaust notes make it a visceral driving machine. It brought motorsport-level engineering to the road, continuing the legacy of purist-focused GT3s.
9. 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S (992)
Arguably one of the most complete performance cars ever made, the 992 Turbo S is a benchmark in everyday supercar usability and raw acceleration. With a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six delivering 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, it can hit 60 mph in an astonishing 2.6 seconds.
All-wheel drive and Porsche’s phenomenal PDK transmission work in perfect harmony, delivering a relentless pace regardless of conditions. Whether on the highway or at the track, the 992 Turbo S redefines what a modern 911 can achieve.
10. 2023 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25
Though technically not street-legal, the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 represents the apex of Porsche’s performance engineering. Based on the 991.2 GT2 RS, this track-only monster features a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six, producing over 700 horsepower and reaching 60 mph in a blistering 2.5 seconds.
Built to celebrate Manthey Racing’s 25th anniversary, it includes a specialized aero, a stripped-down interior, and advanced race suspension. It’s not only one of the quickest 911s ever made—it’s a glimpse into Porsche Motorsport’s bleeding edge.