UK magazine EVO - best ever 911 shootout

[Randy W]

The October issue of the British motorcar magazine EVO has a great feature on the best ever 911. Narrowed down to the 10 best versions of the European 911 to date, four drivers decide which is the all time best 911, choosing from among '73 RS, '74 RS, '85 959, '87 Club Sport, '91 RS, '94 GT2, '95 RS, '99 GT3, '00 Turbo, and '01 GT2 . PWD, guess which won?

Randy Wells

[This message has been edited by Randy W (edited 10-15-2001).]

[Kurt B]

Dying to know! Don't have the issue though. I'll keep checking back.

[Early_S_Man]

The '73 RS, of course!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[CamB]

I can't answer, cause I just went and looked at the magazine.

Hmmm, I can't decide which I would pick though.

Probably the 74 RS - the 3.0 'cause it is the one I want that I am least likely to ever afford. Would pick an RSR (73 or 74) any day though.

Or maybe the GT2 (either one) for beefcake acceleration...

[This message has been edited by CamB (edited 10-15-2001).]

[orbmedia]

I would vote:

1. 959 (everything that would come later is based on her)
2. '73 RS (just because)
3. '74 RSR (most badass normally aspirated 911 ever)

[MBlake]

There is another magazine over in the UK that may be of interest, and heading your way shortly!

Classic and Sportscar Magazine. It has a test this month (Novemeber) on the aircooled RS's. ie 73RS, 964RS and 993RS.



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Marcus

'73 S Targa

[Matt Holcomb]

And the winner of the EVO comparison???

[rstoll]

BA says it's the SC.

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Robert Stoll
83 SC
83 944

[CamB]

Winner was the '73 RS, cause "it felt right" or words to that effect.

I could be wrong though - I just flicked through it. There is a nice shot of them getting it a little sideways though, cocking a wheel. The photography in that magazine is great (Randy, correct me if I am wrong).

Cam

[Randy W]

Warren and Cam, you are right. The '73 RS was picked by 4 of the 5 testers as the "Greatest 911 ever". The conclusion was "It has the purest shape, the best balance of power, weight and grip and delivers the most involving, absorbing, driving experience of the lot." Picked best by one tester and second best by another was the '87 Carrera Club Sport, because it was "the most 911-like". The other second place choice for two others was the 964 RS.

The other conclusion made was that the turbo 911s' reduced throttle response does not let you explore throttle steering the tail heavy layout and thus deprives you of the complete 911 experience, so none of them came close - except the 993 GT2. The '99 996 GT3 was judged the best of the new cars and made the short list. The new 996 Turbo was picked the least inspiring of the 10. Very interesting article - I wish I could have been a tester!

Randy Wells

[andyu911]

I had a chance to run with a '87 CS last year at Laguna. It's beautiful and amazingly capable on the track even in "stock" form. Unfortunately, there are not too many of them here in the states.
Andy
'87 Carrera

[Superman]

Now that is a magazine issue I MUST HAVE. That '73 RS must be a very special car. A very special car, indeed.

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'83 SC

[turbo dave]

Randy,
I'm surprised they didn't consider the '72 911T! Must not have seen yours, although I guess the test was more for factory versions of the car...

I'd love to see a comparison somewhere between original factory hot rods (aka RS) and some of the better-done owner's hot rods. I imagine the challenge laid down by cars like yours would be pretty tough to beat.

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David Schultz
1973 911T 2.7
http://home.earthlink.net/~kineticdg/Porsche1.htm

[Matt Smith]

Yes, I was surprised at the '72 T not being includued as well. Those Brits have some funny ideas sometimes.
Still, a good piece regardless. I'm on the lookout for the airfreighted (and nearly 2x the cost) version of the classic mag. I usually thumb it at the newsagents then wait till it becomes mainstream before buying. Cheap huh??

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'72 911 TE

[CamB]

Matt - Megamags Queen St - NZ$25.

I wanna earn US$. Boohoo.

[Randy W]

Dave, you might be suprised at this, but I my other '72 911 is a metallic blue S that has been updated to essentially RS Touring spec: the previous owner had the the engine rebuilt with 2.7RS P&C and MFI space cam, and I installed 7x15 R wheels in the rear, along with Bilsteins. It has exactly the same track, footprint, suspension and drivetrain as a '73 RS, and I think it is actually more involving and better balanced than my white '72T autocrosser with the 3.2L. Too bad an RS isn't legal in SCCA ASP Solo2, because I have bonded to that car in a way that I have been unable to achieve to the same degree in the white car. With the blue car, I have beaten a National Champion driving his 911 which is similar to my white '72T, so I know it's not entirely subjective. I have driven a real '73 RS Touring and it was essentially the same thing - magic. Porsche got it right with that one.

Randy Wells

[Jack Olsen]

Is this EVO magazine commonly available, and which month's issue is it? Is it possible for someone here to scan the article? I'd be happy to host it.

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Jack Olsen
My Rennlist page • My Pelican Gallery page • My Porsche Owners Gallery page

[Drago]

Jack,

Not to get off topic or anything but did you finally make it to your day at the track and if so, how'd it go?

Originally posted by JackOlsen:
Is this EVO magazine commonly available, and which month's issue is it? Is it possible for someone here to scan the article? I'd be happy to host it.

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Marc
'86 944 NA

[emcon5]

Originally posted by JackOlsen:
Is this EVO magazine commonly available, and which month's issue is it?

I picked up a copy at Borders at lunchtime. $8. From flipping through it, it looks like a long article.

Tom


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82 911SC Coupe

[turbo dave]

Randy, just curious- did you take the blue car to Cambria last year? I never did attach cars to people very well there, but I don't think I remember seeing the white car.

Do you have photos of the blue car equivalent to the magazine photos for the white car? Those magazine shots were fantastic, I'd love to see them for your #1.

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David Schultz
1973 911T 2.7
http://home.earthlink.net/~kineticdg/Porsche1.htm