Best year for 911S

APZak · 04-22-2003, 06:54 PM

My vote goes for 72 because it's got the most power, but without the ugly 5mph bumpers. It was close to the 69 because 69s is my favorite 911 year, but it doesn't have as much power as the 72, and lacks the 915 tranny.

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

My vote would be for a 73 or 72 but with an RS front bumper.

pwd72s · 04-22-2003, 07:06 PM

As far as I'm concerned, 1973 was the last year for a real 911S. As far as which one year is best? Well, you can click to the link below for one opinion, but I think a well thought out one.
http://www.early911s.com/

Jack Olsen · 04-22-2003, 07:51 PM

72 has the cool oil tank. 73 has a few worthwhile updates (shifter, better-looking trim). An updated 72 might have the best of everything.

Either way, you've got a pretty great car.

I hope to have one some day.

Bill Douglas · 04-22-2003, 07:56 PM

73 in emerald (viper) green.

Ich bin Michael · Ich bin Michael's Garage

I like the 72... better looking bumpers. why did they do the oil tank outside in 72?

Bill Douglas · 04-22-2003, 08:06 PM

To move the weight forward of the back wheels.

CamB · CamB's Garage

I'd pick '72 with the '73 shifter upgrade.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

70 or 71. 911 tranny good (mmm, dogleg). 2.2 decal on the back, "peaky" engine underneath.

Adam · Adam's Garage

I have to agree with the '73 crowd. I don't know if I like the idea of people getting access to my oil, even if it is a very cool feature. It sure wouldn't stop me buying a '72 though! I think anyone that bases their purchase on these insignificant criteria is being very, very picky.

speeder · speeder's Garage

I'm going to vote w/ Nostatic, just telling a fellow Pelicanhead today that '70-'71s are my favorite. Lightweight 901 trans w/ cool racing shift pattern, high-compression 2.2"S" motor, peaky, really, really cool cars. I hope to own one some day.

ccandgc · ccandgc's Garage

and Targa too!

Jack Olsen · 09:44 PM

To get the oil tank open on a 72, the passenger door needs to be opened, where there's a release similar to the one on the other side for the rear decklid -- so it's really no easier to get to than the 73 tank.

The better-positioned tank would have stayed forward (in spite of its higher manufacturing cost), except that changes to side-impact legislation forced Porsche to move it back in 73.

It's a shame it didn't stay up ahead, since the forward-mounted tank not only improves the car's weight distribution, but also helps to cool the oil, since it's not sitting right next to the engine and its radiant heat. (Of course, this also means a rear-seat occupant on the passenger side gets a little extra warmth.)

On the last day of the Open Track Challenge, Tyson remembered that we had forgotten to put in half a quart of oil right before one of the last run sessions. So I ran back to the paddock and got some oil. Our competition in the NSX later admitted to being distracted for the following session, since -- to him -- it had looked like we had added some sort of mystery substance to our 'fuel tank' right before the car went out. While he was trying to figure out what we might have put in there, Tyson kept a half a second ahead of him.

racea911 · 04-23-2003, 12:15 AM

This is kind of like asking what is your favorite kind of chocolate. Well, gee, they are all great. Well, all except for the 74, 75 and 76 which are to real 911 S's what fat-free, sugar-free chocolate is to real chocolate.

layzee · layzee's Garage

72 gots more bling with the chrome - along with the oil tank that swings it for me.

kstar · 04-23-2003, 12:50 AM

'72, no doubt.

Jack knows Jack!

Best,

Kurt

Bobboloo · Bobboloo's Garage

72' all the way. Gotta have chrome and a forward mounted oil tank period. Preferably a later one that has the tranny mainshaft seal that mounts from the outside. Arrgh!

My favorite RS is an early one that came from the factory with the 72' style oil tank.

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

'70 or '71S. "All the performance of a muscle car without the stigma of low price" - R&T

Why? - Hi CR engine, 911 gearbox. Wheeee!

IROC · IROC's Garage

I voted for the '73. As expected the '74-'77 Ss haven't been fairing too well, but it is interesting to go back and read the contemporary magazine reviews of the when the 2.7 liter cars came out. Lavish praise was heaped onto the wonderfully "torquey" 2.7 liter engines. Plus, they loved the fact that they ran on 87 octane fuel and delivered good fuel economy. Of course, no head studs had pulled yet and the valve guides were still good, but the initial impressions of the 2.7 liter cars were very positive when compared to the 2.4 liter cars they were replacing (bumpers not withstanding).

Mike

silverc4s · silverc4s's Garage

My unbiased opinion...70S and 71S, 2.2Litres, high revving, peaky, light, 911 gearbox, aluminum bits, best Porsche made that year (No RS's as yet!!)...;-)