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Porsche 991.1 Turbo

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The technology carrier · 2013-2016

Porsche 991.1 Turbo & Turbo S Buyer's Guide

The definition of composure: weak points, checklist and price picture. So you can check condition, history and turbochargers reliably on site.

Turbo vs Turbo S Weak points Running costs Market prices Conclusion & recommendation
The everyday sports car, redefined

The leap from the 997 was enormous

With the 991.1 series, Porsche redefined what an everyday sports car is. The leap from its 997 predecessor was enormous: a new, longer wheelbase, the introduction of Rear-axle steering and the adaptive aerodynamics (PAA) made the Turbo faster and at the same time more comfortable than ever before.

Driven by the 3.8-litre twin-turbo direct-injection engine (MA1.71), even the base car produces 520 PS, the Turbo S a brutal 560 PS. The manual gearbox was dropped without replacement: the PDK was now so refined that no amount of hand-shifting could keep up. For buyers, the 991.1 Turbo is today the perfect entry into the world of modern supercars, but its complex systems (hydraulics, pneumatics, sensors) carry specific financial risks.

520 PS

Turbo, 3.8L twin-turbo DFI

560 PS

Turbo S, 750 Nm on overboost

RAS

Rear-axle steering as standard

PAA

Active aero, PDK only

The balance of power

Why the Turbo S is often the better buy

911 Turbo

520 PS · 660 Nm

  • Even the "base" car accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds (with Sport Chrono)
  • Ideal for drivers who prefer five-bolt wheels (easier wheel changes)
  • Ceramic brakes are not needed in everyday use

911 Turbo S

560 PS · 750 Nm

  • The full package: larger turbochargers for more power at the top end
  • Roll stabilisation (PDCC) as standard: even calmer through corners
  • 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds

The differences in detail

Equipment911 Turbo (520 PS)911 Turbo S (560 PS)
PCCB (ceramic brakes)Optional (around €9,000 extra)Standard (yellow callipers)
PDCC (roll stabilisation)Optional (around €3,000 extra)Standard
Sport Chrono packageOptional (overboost function)Standard (dynamic engine mounts included)
Centre lockNo (five-bolt wheels)Standard (20-inch Turbo S wheel)
LED headlightsOptionalStandard (PDLS+ included)
Torque (overboost)660 Nm (710 Nm)700 Nm (750 Nm)

Buying tip: if you are looking for a standard Turbo with PCCB and PDCC, you are often better off going straight for the Turbo S. On the used market, the premium is usually smaller than the sum of the individual options.

Specialist knowledge

Weak points: PAA and high-tech risks

The engine is robust, but the ancillaries are complex and expensive.

Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA): the problem area +

The 991 Turbo introduced a pneumatically deploying front spoiler. It consists of a flexible rubber lip that is inflated and extended by air pressure.

  • The problem: The system is vulnerable. The rubber lip can start to leak, or the pneumatic unit (compressor/control valves) fails. Grounding also damages the mechanism
  • Symptoms: a "PAA failure" message, the spoiler deploys crookedly or not at all
  • Cost: Repair is rarely possible, and the complete unit is usually replaced. Cost including fitting: €2,500 to €4,000
Engine (DFI) and VTG turbochargers +

The 3.8-litre DFI engine (MA1.71) is a further development of the 997.2 unit and is regarded as very durable. No more coolant pipe stub problems.

  • VTG turbochargers: the linkages of the variable turbine geometry can corrode and seize, particularly on cars that are driven little. Overhaul is difficult, replacement expensive (around €3,000 per turbocharger)
  • High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP): The fuel pump for the direct injection system can fail (long cranking, loss of power). Cost around €1,500 - €3,000
Rear-axle steering and PDCC +
  • Rear-axle steering: standard on every Turbo. The actuators are electromechanical. Failures are rare, but replacement is expensive. Important: watch for accident damage at the rear that could have affected the actuators
  • PDCC (roll stabilisation): a hydraulic system that keeps the car flat through corners. Leaks in the lines or at the pump are possible and labour-intensive to put right
Ceramic brakes (PCCB) and wheels +
  • PCCB: standard on the S. In road use the discs last indefinitely, but they are vulnerable to mechanical damage (wheel changes). A set of discs costs more than €15,000. Check for chipping before buying.
  • Centre lock: standard on the S. It looks superb, but requires 600 Nm of torque and special tools. Check the servicing of the hubs (greasing/replacement intervals)
The 991.1 Turbo & Turbo S model bible

The complete knowledge: the Investor Dossier & Technical Compendium, in German

346 pages of expert knowledge on the 991.1 Turbo and Turbo S: detailed weak points, engine codes, specification details, inspection checklists, production figures, value-enhancing options and price forecasts.

€97

incl. VAT

To the compendium (German)
Risk calculation

Running costs & risk calculation

Reliable engineering, but spare parts at hypercar level.

Typical work & faults

Work / faultApprox. costNote
PAA front spoiler (system)€2,500 - €4,000Where faulty or leaking
PCCB brake discs (per axle)5,000+ €Parts only (ceramic)
PDK gearbox replacement5,000 - 15,000+ €With a total failure of the mechatronics unit
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP)€1,500 - €3,000Replacement
PDCC repair2,000 - 4,000+ €Hydraulic components
Major service€1,800 - €2,800Every 60,000 km / 4 years
Tyres (set, 20-inch)€1,200 - €1,800N-rating recommended
Market prices & investment, as at May 2025

Market prices & investment

The 991 Turbo is stable in value, but the Turbo S is the favourite.

Model / conditionPrice range
Turbo (more than 100,000 km)€100,000 - €110,000
Turbo, well kept€110,000 - €140,000
Turbo S (more than 100,000 km)from €120,000
Turbo S, well kept€130,000 - €160,000

Factor: cars with a complete history and a demonstrably replaced PAA spoiler are to be preferred. Convertibles are often on a par with Coupés.

The strategic conclusion from 911Finder

A technologically fascinating GT that makes 300 km/h a relaxed cruising speed. The engines are robust. Buying recommendation: Look for a Turbo S. The additional equipment fitted as standard (PCCB, PDCC and so on) usually exceeds the premium over the standard Turbo by a clear margin. Check that the PAA works.

The next step

Buy this 911 with confidence, with 911Finder.

Do you already own a 911 from this model series? The Vehicle Documentation & Market Valuation puts the history, the paperwork and the market value of your car in order (€249 incl. VAT). Still looking? Then the right route is the Sourcing Enquire and name the model: Request a Digital Audit for a car from this model series.