Automobile enthusiasts are always happy to argue about which sports cars are the best and most beautiful. One legendary car ranks at the top of more fans’ lists than any other, though.
First introduced in 1963, the Porsche 911 has been in production ever since. Although many significant changes were made along the way, today's 911 remains a recognizable descendant of the original.
Many believe that the Porsche 911, in its various forms, is the greatest sports car ever to be made. There are many good reasons for this, as ten of the most frequently mentioned will reveal.
Porsche 911 owners tend to be some of the most loyal of all, with some even refusing to drive other sports cars. Getting a quote for your Porsche of any vintage will reveal that the demand for each iteration of the 911 is extremely healthy.
When the J.D. Power conducted a poll to determine the car of the twentieth century, the 911 ranked ahead of all other powerful and performance-driven vehicles. From vintage Porsches to the latest models fresh from dealer lots, the 911 always wins a place in the garages of enthusiasts.
10 reasons why the Porsche 911 is one of the greatest sports cars ever made
1. The 911 was air cooled.
Although Porsche switched to conventional water-based cooling decades ago, the 911's heritage as an air-cooled car helped make it so popular. The last air-cooled Porsche 911 arrived in the 1998 model year with plans for its liquid-cooled successor having been drawn up years earlier. The air-cooled 911 models were able to get by with a little less weight, although they tend to overheat quite easily.
2. She has an iconic silhouette.
With its unmistakable shape and rear engine layout, the silhouette may seem unchanged, but it has undergone constant upgrades to deliver ever sharper, race-car-like handling. Since its launch in 1964 as a 1965 model, the 911 has been offered in a variety of finishes, as well as three distinct body styles: Coupe, Targa and Cabriolet.
3. Its motor is located behind the rear axle.
Mid-engined sports cars are all the rage right now, as Chevrolet's recent introduction of the Corvette C8 clearly shows. With its own engine seated behind the rear axle, the Porsche 911 offers a driving experience that no other car can match. The resulting weight distribution allows a skilled 911 pilot to lower power earlier in a turn than would be possible with any other setup.
4. It has been around for decades.
When the first 911 rolled off the Porsche lines in 1963, no one could have predicted that it would continue to benefit from such a long production run. Although it has some competition with vehicles like the Corvette, the 911's long history is a lifelong source of appeal.
5. She has won countless races and championships.
Porsche has always taken racing seriously, and the 911 record reflects this fact. From victories at world-renowned events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans to competition at club level, the 911 excels on the track.
6. It can be upgraded and maintained easily.
The popularity of the 911 spawned an industry of unparalleled mechanical and aesthetic improvements. Owners can customize and improve their own Porsches in any way imaginable with Porsche Original Parts or with Tequipment options.
7. It is available in a variety of configurations.
Porsche makes sure to release each edition of the 911 in a number of different trims. A clean, race-ready 911 can be obtained as easily as a smooth-driving luxury edition.
8. It is easy to drive.
The problem with sports cars is that they are difficult to drive. They are hard to park (imagine opening the scissor doors of a Lamborghini in a crowded parking lot), they literally “drink” fuel, making long trips difficult without refueling, and they are uncomfortable. However, the Porsche 911 can be driven in any situation. First of all, the fuel economy is excellent, moreover, the 911 has a RAIN mode which can help you to drive safely and stably at high speed even in wet situations. Plus, it's packed with features like rear wheel steering and the optional front axle lift system that helps you get through speed bumps with ease. Some might say that maybe it is not a big factor. However, the fact that you can both drive this monster to the grocery store with ease and drive it around the track like a maniac is a huge love factor for sports car enthusiasts.
9. The interior is spacious and classic.
The interior of the Porsche 911 is wonderful. It's luxurious with full leather trim and wood veneer and it's also packed with modern technology. The infotainment system is easy to use and the optional Bose Speaker Sound System gives you driving pleasure. The cockpit is not cramped as it has a large cabin space. Also, even if you have a sportier version like the GT3RS or GT2RS, you still get quality Alcantara that evokes the spirit of the track and a nice clock in the middle of your dashboard.
10. It's a 911!
What more can we say. If you are a true sports car enthusiast, the word 911 does not leave you indifferent. The 911 achieved great milestones in automotive history, such as turbo compression as well as all-wheel drive. If you are a motorsport fan, you will remember the flame-spitting 935 and the Le Mans category winning 911 GT3 RSR. The 911 itself evokes the spirit of racing and speed through all the eras it has come through.
