The Short Wheelbase (SWB) generation, produced from 1964 to 1968, was the first Porsche 911 generation, originally called the "901." It featured a short 2,211 mm chassis and a 2.0-liter flat-six engine.

Short Wheelbase

The "Long Hood" is the designation for the earliest 911 models produced from 1964 to 1968. These cars are recognizable by their shorter wheelbase and the long, flat front trunk lid.

Long Hood

The "Impact Bumper" Porsche 911, also known as the G-body era, lasted for 15 model years from 1974 to 1989. This generation featured chunkier front and rear bumpers to meet US legislation requiring the cars to withstand crash impacts up to 5 mph.

Impact Bumper

The Porsche 930, produced from 1975 to 1989, was the first generation of the 911 Turbo, known for its powerful 3.0-litre and later 3.3-litre flat-six engine and high top speeds. A total of over 17,000 units of the 3.3-litre version were made, and the model introduced the 911 Turbo Cabriolet and Targa variants.

The Porsche 911 (964) generation was considered 85% new compared to its predecessor, the Carrera 3.2. It debuted in 1989 as the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4, followed by the rear-wheel-drive Carrera 2 in 1990.

The Porsche 911, type 993, is the fourth generation of the model, manufactured and sold between 1994 and 1998. It is significant as the final air-cooled 911 model.

The Porsche 911 (type 996) generation was produced from 1997 to 2004 (and later for specific models), marking the first 911 to be water-cooled. The model range included Carrera, Targa, Turbo, GT2, and GT3 variants, offering a variety of performance levels.

996.1

The Porsche 911 (996.2) is the updated version of the fifth-generation 911, which arrived after 2002. Core models received an engine upgrade to a 3.6-liter, naturally aspirated flat-6, increasing power to 320 horsepower.

996.2

The Porsche 997.1 is the first phase of the 997 generation (2004–2008), known for reintroducing classic Porsche styling like round headlights and offering models like the Carrera, Carrera S, and the first generation of the 997 Turbo and GT2. This phase featured 3.6 L and 3.8 L naturally aspirated or twin-turbocharged flat-six engines.

997.1

The Porsche 911 (997) is the sixth generation of the 911, produced from 2004 to 2013. The updated 997.2 model, informally known as Gen II, featured significant changes including a new engine with direct fuel injection and a revised suspension system.

997.2

The 991.1 generation of the Porsche 911, introduced in 2011, was a significant engineering leap for the model, noted for its intelligent aluminum-steel design and the introduction of a seven-speed manual gearbox. It featured naturally aspirated flat-six engines (3.4L in the base Carrera and 3.8L in the S and GTS) before the mid-cycle refresh to the turbocharged 991.2.

991.1

The Porsche 991.2 generation is primarily defined by the shift from naturally aspirated to turbocharged flat-six engines across the Carrera models. It also introduced design tweaks, an improved PCM and entertainment system, and retained a wonderful manual transmission option.

991.2

The Porsche 992.1 is the first phase of the eighth and current generation of the Porsche 911, introduced in 2018. Key differences from the subsequent 992.2 update include the traditional key ignition and the instrument cluster without the new curved digital display.

992.1

The Porsche 911 (992.2) generation introduces T-Hybrid technology for improved performance and efficiency, most notably in the GTS models, and features extensive updates to aerodynamics and chassis control. It also brings changes to standard features, such as making the coupe models two-seaters by default to reduce weight.

992.2

Porsche is a legendary German luxury sports car manufacturer founded in 1931, renowned for engineering excellence and iconic designs like the 911, Cayenne, and electric Taycan.

Price Range: $60,000 (Macan) to $200,000+ (911 Turbo, Taycan Turbo S)

Salary to Buy: $180,000-200,000/year household income recommended with financing

Net Worth to Buy: $1,000,000+ recommended for cash purchase

Understanding your financial capacity ensures you can enjoy the Porsche experience without compromising long-term financial health.

Can you afford a Porsche 911 in 2026?

Generations