Porsche 911 Turbo (1991) rewards caution and punishes overconfidence

Everyone knows: a classic Porsche 911 Turbo is not something to handle without gloves. The factory itself also scratched its head when developing the 965, because a 'widowmaker' tragically costs customers. It resulted in a more polished character from model year 1991 onwards. An afternoon of steering with the 3.3 version on a winter day ends well, but that does not happen completely by itself. 

By: Aart van der Haagen

In March 1990, the 320 hp Porsche 911 Turbo – internally coded as 965 – stood out on the Porsche stand during the Geneva Motor Show. Limited finances at the manufacturer had not yet allowed them to develop a blown version of the new 3,6-liter boxer from the 964, so the deeply learned beta men turned to the proven 3,3-liter power source from the previous generation. They screwed on a current blower, type KKK 27.2 with a pump power of up to 0,75 bar, assisted by an intercooler to maximize air tightness.

While it took another year after the launch before the clientele could unleash the new monster, the engineering team worked behind the scenes on the planned increase in motor lung capacity. Since the moment the Turbo with 3.6 block and 360 hp started to make waves, early in 1993, experts have referred to the earlier version as 3.3 Turbo. 

Burgerman's theories

Why do you buy a Porsche 911 Turbo? Well, for example, for the stimulating experience as soon as you turn the ignition key with your left hand and your ear cups fill with that breathy boxer roll. Already warmed up to operating temperature, the blown air-cooled boxer is fully responsive, but please let people get used to the machine for a while.

During this alternation of euphoria and chattering voices in the head, you notice that the Getrag G50/52 five-speed gearbox is incredibly widely spaced. Let go of all the bourgeois theories about 50 in four and 80 in five, because then this Porsche 911 Turbo will barely climb above idle. Always think back on one resistance to your learned behavior, then you are on the right track. 

Chalk white

Speed ​​is a relative concept in this Porsche 911 Turbo and therein lies the danger. Especially because the KKK supercharger starts howling like a large sleeping monster at the slightest stimulation and eagerly sinks its teeth into the initially smooth torque curve. Whoosh!!! As soon as the tachometer needle sees the number 3, it takes one beat before you, white-faced, start to gasp for breath.

A total hurricane erupts and while the surroundings in the corner of your eye are transformed into a gray haze, the nose of the Porsche 911 Turbo seems to want to take off, which takes on eerie shapes under continued acceleration. Nowhere in the Netherlands can you experience this roller coaster sensation further than in the first three gears and even then Lady Justice is already waiting for your driver's license.

Never, repeat: never do this with even slightly turned wheels, let alone on damp asphalt. Maintain your self-control at all times and take turns as smoothly as possible. Things can get scary enough straight ahead, especially at high speeds. The 965 rewards caution and punishes overconfidence, so treat it with respect. A sleeping KKK will not be messed with. 

The whole story can be read in the February issue of Auto Motor Klassiek. It will be in stores until next Tuesday.