The Legend - 2012 Porsche 911
As you may already know, there are many different versions of the Porsche 911. The Carrera, Carrera S, Turbo, Turbo S, GT3, and many more. You can easily tell each different version because it is displayed on the back of all 911s. So the question is; which one gets you the best bargain? Well it is Porsche so I don’t know if “Bargain” is the word I’d use but there's definitely a deal in here under all the cash.
Carrera
Carrera
The base 911 (Carrera) starts at $82,100 which is not pocket change unless you are the CEO of a fortune 500 company. This gets you 350 HP, a 0 – 62 of 4.6 seconds, and a top speed of 178 MPH. The 2012 911 has seen many recent updates that have significantly improved the car in many ways, the most noticeable of which is the size increase. The current 2012 Porsche weights 3,042 lbs where the last model weighed 3120 lbs so the size increase has obviously not increased the weight of the vehicle which is why the handling of this model has improved so greatly.
Carrera S
The next step up gets you the Carrera S. For $15,000 more you get 400 HP, a 0 – 62 of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 188 MPH so pretty big jump in performance for 50 more horsepower. MotorTrend recently did a study on the best drivers car of 2012 which including cars like the Nissan GTR, McLaren MP4-12C, and Lamborghini Aventador; the winner? The Porsche 911 Carrera S. While not as powerful as most of the other cars they found that it was by far the most engaging to drive.
Turbo
Turbo
Now we are getting to where the big boys play, the 911 Turbo. Probably the most famous and well known Porsche, the 911 turbo gets off the line to 62 MPH in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 194 MPH And 500 HP. So this is lightning fast and it is going to cost you $137,500. The Turbo model comes with a rear spoiler that any car enthusiast will be able to identify as making this a Turbo or Turbo S model so they know not to mess with you at the stoplight. Even though this car is well over 100k, when you think about the fact that this compares with 300k Lamborghinis and Ferrari’s in performance, it doesn’t seem like such a bad deal.
Turbo S
Turbo S
The fastest Porsche in a straight line is the Turbo S and believe it or not, at a cost of $160,700 it is still not the most expensive 911 model that Porsche makes. If you do decide to drop 160k on this car, you will drive home with comfort knowing that you have the fastest trim, of the fastest car, of one of the fastest car companies in the world. That’s not too bad. The Turbo S goes 0 – 60 in 3.1 seconds with a Top Speed of 196 MPH and 530 HP. Keep in mind that those numbers are conservative.
GT3
GT3
The Porsche GT3 is a limited version of the 911 model that was only made in small quantities. This car goes 0 – 60 in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 193 MPH with 480 HP. But the real amazing thing about this car is the handling. It can pull a lateral G force of 1.10. That means you have over the force of gravity pulling you sideways in this car at its maximum turning point; more force than if your car was flipped on its side with you in it. This car also stops from 60 – 0 in 98 feet. There are only a few cars in the world that can brake this well. It also comes with a GT3 unique carbon fiber wing on the back that will instantly have people changing lanes to get out of your way.
In the end, with the 911 and its different trims comes a very hefty price, but it’s arguable that even at these prices you are still getting the best deal out there. Why? Because it’s a 911.