"Decode the Code" - What model is your favorite Porsche 911?

At Riegel Tuning, we love talking Porsche’s with our clients and do our best to keep the confusing lingo to a minimum.  However, Porsche doesn’t always make this easy, especially with the 911 model.  Have you ever heard someone refer to a 911 by another number?  Perhaps a 993, 996, or 991?  These are just a few of the many other ways to describe a specific generation of Porsche 911.

Fortunately, the main “911” model name has lived on, while the internal model code represents how the world’s most famous sports car has evolved over the past 6 decades.

Get familiar with the model codes listed below and you’ll sound like a serious “Porschephile” at the next Porsche meet or track-day event! 

"992" Decoded: This is the current generation of Porsche 911. Successor to the “991” 

Most 992 models are equipped with turbocharged engines, and most have the industry leading PDK transmission.  Could this be the last generation of Porsche 911 offered with a manual transmission?

 "991" Decoded: Produced from 2011 to 2019.  Successor to the “997”. That’s right, 991 is a newer model than a 997. Confused yet?  Just roll with it for now… 

The beginning of an all-new platform which eventually saw the one millionth Porsche 911 sold.  The 991.1 is mostly equipped with normally aspirated engines, aside from the “turbo” model.  In 2016 the 991 received a mid-cycle refresh and is known as the 991.2.  For the first time, most 911’s have turbocharged engines, even those without the “turbo” model designation.

 "997" Decoded: Produced from 2005 to 2012. Successor to the “996”

 Built upon the 996 model, it could almost be called a 996.3.  The 997 has revised styling, most notably the headlights.  The 997.1, produced from 2005 to 2008, carried over the engine design from the 996 model with some refinements and power increases, including the last of the legendary “Mezger” designed turbo engine.  The 997.2 model incorporates the game-changing PDK transmission and includes a new lineup of direct-injected engines that did away with the IMS bearing design.

 "996" Decoded: Produced from 1999 to 2004. Successor to the “993”

 The beginning of the watercooled era for the Porsche 911. Many styling cues and body panels for the 996.1 were borrowed from the Boxster.  Driving a 996 and 993 back-to-back shows how different a Porsche 911 from one generation to another can be. The 996.2 received some revised exterior styling cues and engine displacement increases from 3.4 to 3.6 litres.

 "993" Decoded: Produced from 1995 to 1998.  Successor to the “964”. The Favourite.

 With the aircooled era of the Porsche 911 coming to a close, the 911’s fate was uncertain. Large displacement air-cooled engines combined with timeless styling and low production numbers mean skyrocketing resale values over the past 10-15 years.

 "964" Decoded: Produced from 1989 to 1994. Successor to the G-series. Aging nicely and in demand!

 The 964 (and the turbo version, 965) saw significant changes that were more than skin deep.  Torsion bars made way for a new coil suspension. Larger displacement engines, AWD and a Tiptronic gearbox option kept the 911 soldiering on during challenging financial times for Porsche.  Many of the “Singer” branded Porsche 911’s are based on the 964 series.

 911 – “G Series” Decoded: Produced from 1974 – 1989.  Successor to the original “911” and “901” Concept. 15 years of the same timeless design

 If you grew up in the 70’s or 80’s, this is likely the first Porsche 911 that comes to mind.  If you were a young car enthusiast, you likely had a poster of a 911 Turbo on your bedroom wall as well.  This generation of 911 received galvanized steel construction in 1976, and the introduction of the giant-slaying 911 Turbo model as well.  Wide fenders, Whale Tail spoiler, and some serious power after the turbocharger finally spools up!

 “911 – the original” Decoded: Produced from 1963 – 1973. This is what started it all!

 Originally referred to as the Type 901.  The 901 number evolved into “911” early on thanks to Peugeot staking claim to the “901” designation. The early 911’s of this era are lightweight, quick on the local racetrack, and evolved into one of the first supercars of the 1970’s, the ducktail equipped 210 hp “2.7 Carrera RS”

If you are in need of any service or repair work for your 911 or just want to talk Porsche’s, please do not hesitate to contact our team at Riegel Tuning. We can be reached by email, phone call, or text. 

 [email protected] , Text or Call: 403.398.9833