What's The Best 911?

Choice is a good thing. But sometimes, too much choice can be overwhelming. Take the Porsche 911 for example. There are currently 22 different models on sale. You read that right - 22. And that鈥檚 just trim levels. Start looking at various feature options and personalization upgrades, and the possible Porsche 911 combinations soars into a number I have no interest in ever trying to process. But let鈥檚 focus on just the 22 trim levels, which is confusing enough on its own. Below are the basic specs for each of the trim levels as well as a brief description as to whether or not that 911 model is worth your time and money. To make things even easier, each trim has been awarded a letter grade - like we used to get in school back in the old days. The cheapest way into a Porsche 911, performance is very impressive for the price.

But a 911 Carrera S offers more performance for more money and a Cayman can be just as fun, if not slower, for less money. Budget minded 911 owners need apply. You might as well get a Cayman. Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder Power: 370 hp, 331 lb-ft. Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual Weight: 3,153 lbs. As the cheapest 911 to come with all-wheel drive, it鈥檚 impressive for the price. Again, a Carrera 4S offers more performance for more money, but the Carrera 4 does one-up the cheaper Cayman by offering all-wheel drive. Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder Power: 370 hp, 331 lb-ft. Although this is the cheapest convertible 911, it鈥檚 also heavier than its hardtop counterparts while still being equipped with the least powerful engine in the 911 lineup. It鈥檚 more of a grand tourer than an all-out performance car. Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder Power: 370 hp, 331 lb-ft. Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual Weight: 3,307-3,351 lbs. Similar to the 911 Carrera Cabriolet but with the added weight of all-wheel drive. Although it鈥檚 slightly faster from zero to 60 mph thanks to all-wheel drive, this 911 has one of the worst power to weight ratios of the entire lineup.

It鈥檚 definitely a great all-weather grand tourer, but not an all-out sports machine. Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder Power: 370 hp, 331 lb-ft. Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual Weight: 3,417-3,461 lbs. Arguably the most stylish of all the 911 body styles, this is the cheapest of the Targa models, costing the same as an entry level 911 Cabriolet. Unfortunately, it weighs more than the Cabriolet, so performance is on the lower end of the 911 range. Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder Power: 370 hp, 331 lb-ft. Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual Weight: 3,461-3,505 lbs. Although it鈥檚 a bit of price increase over the regular Carrera, the Carrera S offers plenty more performance and is a better choice for rear-wheel drive loving enthusiasts. Power is almost on par with the more expensive GTS and torque is much higher thanks to the turbocharged engine. Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder Power: 420 hp, 368 lb-ft. Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual Weight: 3,175-3,219 lbs. Similar in idea to the 911 Carrera S, but with the addition of all-wheel drive, the 4S is a fast, all-weather performer.

Again, its power puts it on par with the more expensive GTS, making the Carrera 4S a bit of a bargain in comparison. Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder Power: 420 hp, 368 lb-ft. Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual Weight: 3,285-3,329 lbs. Offering droptop fun with the more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged engine, the Carrera S Cabriolet is a good rear-wheel drive convertible for those seeking performance with their fun in the sun. Performance is similar to that of the more expensive GTS. Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder Power: 420 hp, 368 lb-ft. Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual Weight: 3,329-3,373 lbs. A Porsche 911 that includes a bit of everything, the all-wheel drive, drop-top Carrera with the more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged engine does make driving more fun than the Carrera 4 Cabriolet. But of course, that extra enjoyment comes at a price. Engine: 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder Power: 420 hp, 368 lb-ft. Transmissions: Seven-speed PDK, Seven-speed manual Weight: 3,439-3,483 lbs.