Porsche: Simply The Best

I’ve loved Porsche ever since I started paying attention to cars. In fact, it was my dad’s 914 that sparked my initial interest. He owned the car for roughly 30 years and while it may not have been the most exotic model ever to have come out of Stuttgart, it was more than enough to blind me to the appeals of any other brand.

I won’t try my hand at writing about the mechanical superiority of these machines (see below video from Chris Harris on the 992.2 GT3 Touring to scratch that itch), but thought it would be fun to note my favorite 5 Porsche models.

Without further ado…

One note: this is obvious from the list below, but important to note: nothing electric; everything a proper manual.

#5 - Porsche 914

To me, it’s perfect. The classic targa-topped 2-seat roadster produced as a joint venture between Porsche and Volkswagen from 1969 through 1976.

It will always hold a special place in my heart and I hope to own one someday. It would be a dream.

#4 - 911 996 Carrera 4S

The 996 generation (1997 through 2004) may not be the most popular amongst Porsche enthusiasts, but certain specs are (in my opinion) timeless. The Carrera 4S variant is exactly that.

The distinctive full-length tail light / deck lid reflector combo along with the Turbo’s wide-body chassis, wheels and stance are just perfect.

#3 - 911 964 3.6 Coupé RS

Specifically this 1992 variant. What more could you ever want?

Only a couple thousand were ever made. 260hp 3.6 liter air cooled flat-six, stripped-out interior…a proper driving machine. Racing buckets, no AC, no power windows, rear seats. Who needs any of that crap? This thing is a monster even by today’s standards.

#2 - Carrera GT

The undisputed GOAT. Hard to believe this isn’t number one, but that’s purely because it isn’t necessarily as everyday friendly as my top spot.

No ESC, race-spec single-flywheel small-diameter clutch…pure analog monster with an F1 V10 paired to a proper 6-speed stick (no dummy flippy-flappies).

#1 - 911 992.2 GT3 Touring

Part of me dies inside to list a brand new car as my top pick, but the 992.2 GT3 Touring embodies everything that makes Porsche special - past and present.

502hp / 331 lb-ft 4.0-liter 6-cylinder NA flat engine paired to a short-ratio 6-speed GT Sport manual.

All of the subtle styling cues. The ridiculous centerlock wheels. The rear-wing delete with the wraparound brake reflector and air-splitter either side of the exhaust. The racing green paint with the silver window-trim. It’s just perfect.

There’s not much I can say about this spec that wasn’t better expressed by Andreas Preminger in the video above. His passion and attention to detail are the epitome of Porsche’s excellence.

But I will say: one of the things that has always really appealed to me about Porsche is that the various specs are more or less indistinguishable except to those in the know.

The 992.2 GT3 Touring is exactly this. IYKYK, but otherwise, it’s not really turning heads. Maybe a few people here and there will turn and look if the revs start to climb, but this isn’t standing out to the general population.

But that’s exactly what I love about it. If 99% of people don’t see it as anything at all, that works for me. It’s a Porsche - maybe they recognize that much.

Again, IYKYK.