911 Turbo vs Taycan Turbo: How Do They Stack Up?

Different, But Similar

It's probably safe to say that most people shopping for a Taycan Turbo or 911 Turbo probably aren't cross-shopping them against each other. But these two cars represent very interesting footnotes in Porsche history, and both are undoubtedly formidable performers. So we found Road & Track's comparison of the two to be rather interesting, not just for its performance data, but also for its comparison of the other things that make these cars special.

Photos: Porsche

Honing the Formula

The latest 911 Turbo is proof that Porsche can continue to hone its proven formula, time and time again. Over the last four and a half decades, this model has continued to defy the odds by just getting better. Porsche has figured out how to tame its high-power, rear-engine machine to the point where it's far easier to drive at the limits than its notorious predecessor, the early Turbo cars.

Photos: Porsche

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New School

Regardless, the Taycan makes a bit more sense from an engineering standpoint, as it utilizes two electric motors, one at each axle, for a nicely balanced setup. The battery lies in the middle for better weight distribution. It's also quite nice looking, with obvious styling cues lifted from its legendary predecessor, yet in a more high-tech package.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation on the 911 Turbo vs Taycan "Turbo" debate right here in Rennlist.com.

Crunching Numbers

These two cars take very different approaches to performance, without a doubt. But on paper, the results are surprisingly similar. The Taycan Turbo S had an as-tested price of just over $205,000, compared to the 911 Turbo S and its $216k price tag. The Taycan is a bit larger at 195.4 x 77.4 x 54.3 inches with a 114.2-inch wheelbase, compared to the 911's measurements of 178.6 x 74.9 x 50.9 inches and 96.5 inches, but that's to be expected for a four-door versus two-door comparison.

Photos: Porsche

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Tale of the Tape

The 911 is packing a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six that generates 640 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque and 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a curb weight of 3,636 pounds, it does 0-60 in just 2.4 seconds. Meanwhile, the Tayan Turbo S generates 750 hp and 775 lb-ft from its dual electric motors, which propels its hefty 5,121 pounds to 60 mph in a just-as-fast 2.4 seconds.

Photos: Porsche

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Separating Itself

Of course, the 911 Turbo will run past the Taycan given a little distance, as it's capable of reaching 205 mph, while the electric sedan can only hit 161 mph. As far as handling goes, well, the winner is no surprise. "By any standard, the ride, handling, steering, and easy speed of the Taycan is spectacular," R&T says. "But up against its more lightweight brother, it is smothered under all that tonnage. It doesn’t have the same instant reflexes. And with current battery technology, it’s hard to imagine that changing."

Photos: Porsche

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No Clear Winner

After spending some time behind the wheel, R&T declares the 911 the better grand touring machine, while they call the Taycan the superior short-distance commuter. The biggest thing holding back the Taycan is its range, of course, but it's also a far more practical car with a smooth, quiet ride, and more interior and cargo space. So perhaps these two cars aren't quite as similar as they seem on paper, after all.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation on the 911 Turbo vs Taycan "Turbo" debate right here in Rennlist.com.

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