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While both iterations of the 911 Sport Classic draw heavily on Porsche's heritage, the 997 and 992 emulate the glory of their air-cooled predecessors in very different ways
by Dimitar Angelov on November 18, 2024, 12:00Porsche’s rich heritage is a great place to draw inspiration for special-edition models. This is particularly true for the 911, which is the definitive Porsche sports car. The German automaker knows this too well, which is why every generation of the Porsche 911 gets a variety of limited-edition special variants. Back in 2009, Porsche introduced the 997 Sport Classic – a model that combines traditional traits from classic, air-cooled 911s with modern tech. More recently in 2023, the brand introduced a new iteration of the Sport Classic, based on the 992 generation. Conceived by Porsche Exclusiv Manufaktur that allows for limitless customization options, both vehicles follow the same philosophy, leaning heavily on the 911’s heritage. That said, the two 911 Sport Classic variants are very different and while the 992 is superior on paper, this doesn’t necessarily translate to a better driver’s car. I took a deep dive into both 911 Sport Classic models to determine, which is more worthy of the two, in finding a spot in a 911 enthusiast’s garage.
The 911 Sport Classic draws inspiration by one of the most significant 911 models
In 1972 Porsche introduced the 911 Carrera 2.7 RS – one of the most historically significant Porsche sports cars. This hardcore, air-cooled 911 was a homologation special that allowed Porsche to compete in Group 4 and Group 3 racing. In 1972, the Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS was the fastest road car in the world, thanks to its lightweight construction and a potent Mezger engine.
It also introduced many iconic features that would become prominent in future 911 models. Those include the ducktail rear spoiler, Fuchs-style wheels, lip spoilers, wide wheel arches, and graphics. All of these elements have been perfectly recreated in both the 997 and 992 Sport Classic, which pay homage to the 1972 Carrera 2.7 RS. Sadly, with just 1,580 examples built, the 911 Carrera 2.7 RS will not find a spot in every Porschephile’s 911 dream garage.
Porsche 997 Sport Classic Vs. Porsche 992 Sport Classic: Performance
Despite going for the same classic theme, inspired by the Carrera 2.7 RS, the 997 and 992 Sport Classic variants are based on different variants of the Porsche 911. The 997 Sport Classic is based on the rear-wheel-drive variant of the Porsche 997.2 Carrera S. Apart from the classically inspired visuals of the Sport Classic, the car was mostly mechanically identical to the 997 S. The 997 Sport Classic had a slightly more powerful engine, producing around 23 horsepower more.
The 992 Sport Classic meanwhile, is based on the 992.1 Turbo, but without the all-wheel-drive system. The 3.8-liter engine has been detuned (30 hp less than standard Turbo) and the PDK automatic has been swapped for a seven-speed manual transmission, making this the most unique, modern-day Turbo-based 911. Since Porsche moved back to a six-speed manual for the 992.2 Carrera,the 992 Sport Classic could be the last 911 to feature the seven-speed manual box.
The 997 Sport Classic and 992 Sport Classic deliver power in totally different ways. The 997 Carrera S engine is normally aspirated and more eager to rev while the 992 Turbo’s de-tuned, twin-turbo flat-six delivers substantially more mid-range torque and power, but doesn’t rev as high.
The 997 is considered the last truly old-school 911 and the last 911 generation before the car started becoming too large. Adding to the 997 heritage is that it gave us the last Mezger-powered 911. The 997 is also the last 911 to feature hydraulic steering. The 992 on the other hand is a tech fest on wheels and is widely considered (by purists) to be too large. Enthusiasts also criticize the 992’s over-dependency on technology to deliver high levels of performance. Despite that, in the real world, the 997 and 992 Sport Classic aren’t that far apart, performance-wise.
| Performance specifications | 2010 Porsche 911 (997.2) Sport Classic | 2023 Porsche 911 (992.1) Sport Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8-liter, normally-aspirated, DOHC, flat-6 | 3.8-liter, twin-turbo, DOHC, flat-6 |
| Power | 402 horsepower at 7,300 RPM | 542 horsepower at 6,750 RPM |
| Torque | 310 pound-feet at 4,200 RPM | 442 pound-feet at 2,000-6,000 RPM |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 7-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear engine, RWD | Rear engine, RWD |
| Curb weight | 3,075 pounds | 3,433-3,461 pounds |
| 0-60 mph | 4.4 seconds | 3.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 190 mph | 196 mph |
Porsche 997 Sport Classic Vs. Porsche 992 Sport Classic: Features
The Sport Classic visual treatment is pretty much identical on, both, the 997 and 992. Both models feature a double-bubble roof, which was first seen on the 1989 Porsche Panamericana Concept. Despite the similarities, there are a few notable differences between the 997 and 992 Sport Classic.
| Features | Porsche 997 Sport Classic | Porsche 992 Sport Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior | Sport Classic gray paint with twin racing stripes (only 1 color option), ducktail rear spoiler, SportDesign front lip spoiler, 1.7 inches wider rear fenders | Sport Classic gray paint with stripes (launch color) Black (non-metallic), Agate Grey Metallic, or Gentian Blue Metallic (as optional colors) Turbo/ Turbo S side-intakes delete, |
| Interior | Woven leather adaptive sports seats, Sport Chrono package, dashboard and door panels finished in Espresso Natural leather upholstery | Classic 356-inspired rev-counter, Exclusive leather/ Tartan seat upholstery, Sport Chrono package |
| Chassis and drivetrain | 0.8 inches lower PASM sports suspension, mechanical limited-slip differential, ceramic-composite brakes, independent, McPherson strut front suspension, multi-link LSA rear | Active suspension, independent McPhersoon strut front suspension, multi-link rear, rear axle steer, ceramic-composite brakes (PCCB) with black calipers, PDCC - Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control |
| Wheels and tires | 19-inch black, Fuchs-style wheels, w/t tires 235/35 R19 front, 305/30 R19 rear | Center-lock, Fuchs-style wheels, 9.5J x20 front, 12J x 21 rear, w/t tires 255/35 ZR20 front, 315/30 ZR21 rear |
Porsche 997 Sport Classic Vs. 992 Sport Classic: price and collectability
Pretty much any limited-edition Porsche 911 is bound to sell like a hot cake. The 997 Sport Classic is a perfect example. Just 250 examples were built and they were sold out within 48 hours. The average market value of a Porsche 997.2 Sport Classic is $414,779, with the most expensive sale so far being for $643,000. The Porsche 992.1 Sport Classic seems mass-produced by comparison. A total of 1,250 examples were built from the classic-inspired model, based on the 992 Turbo.
Despite that, the Porsche 992 Sport Classic has proven to be a great investment. When it came out, the limited-edition Porsche cost $274,750. Currently, we see the average market value at $511,724 with the highest recorded sale so far being for $764,000. Price-aside, both Porsche 911 Sport Classic variants have proven to be great investments, if you were lucky enough to get your hands on one in the first place. The 997 Sport Classic will always be one of the most driver-centric 911s and with the next 911 Turbo going hybrid, the 992 Sport Classic will likely be the last, driver-focused, 992 Turbo-based 911 in the German brand’s history.
Dimitar Angelov
Dim has been an automotive journalist since 2014. Although he is interested in all things automotive, his main interests revolve around, Asian, classic, and sports cars. He is particularly fond of Porsche sports cars as well as JDM classics from Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and others. Dim operates mainly from Bulgaria, but can, occasionally, be seen attending Europe's most reputable Auto shows, and events. Read full bio
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