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Porsche 993 Turbo

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The high point of air cooling · 1995-1998

Porsche 993 Turbo & Turbo S Buyer's Guide

The crowning of an era: the differences, the twin-turbo and all-wheel-drive highlights, typical weak points, servicing costs, the logic behind the prices and a clear buying checklist.

The variants Engineering & weak points Running costs Market prices Conclusion & recommendation
The crowning of an era

Why the 993 Turbo enjoys cult status

The Porsche 993 Turbo marks the high point of the air-cooled Turbo era. As the first 911 Turbo with twin-turbocharging and standard Four-wheel drive it set technical standards. With its iconic looks (the fixed rear wing) and as much as 450 PS (Turbo S), it enjoys cult status today.

But the complex engineering calls for expertise: from leaking turbochargers to the specific servicing of the all-wheel-drive system. This buyer's guide is your guide to a safe investment in this piece of automotive history.

Focal points of the inspection: twin-turbo expertise, the viscous all-wheel-drive check, the "Big Red" brakes, the rarity of the Turbo S.

408 PS

3.6L twin-turbo (KKK K16)

4.5 s

0-100 km/h (Turbo S: 4.1 s)

5,978

911 Turbo built (approx.)

345

Turbo S built (approx., 450 PS)

The variants of the 993 Turbo

From the series Turbo to the extremely rare Turbo S

911 Turbo

1995-1998 · 408 PS · around 5,978 built

  • Engineering: 3.6L twin-turbo (KKK K16), all-wheel drive, six speeds. 0-100 in 4.5 s
  • The first series 911 with twin-turbocharging
  • "Big Red" brake system
  • Hollow-spoke wheels ("Turbo Twist")

911 Turbo S

1997-1998 · 450 PS · only around 345 built

  • The upgrade: larger turbochargers (K24), an additional oil cooler, a four-pipe exhaust. 0-100 in 4.1 s
  • Yellow brake callipers and a carbon interior
  • Additional air intakes in the flanks
  • An absolute collector's rarity

Exotics and rarities

For collectors and connoisseurs

  • GT2: the rear-wheel-drive racing version (up to 450 PS, around 57 road cars)
  • Cabriolet: extremely rare (around 14 cars through Porsche Exclusive)
  • RUF BTR2: a conversion with as much as 520 PS
Detailed analysis

Engineering, weak points and servicing

Click the sections for the full assessment.

1. Engine and twin-turbo technology (M64/60) +

The 3.6L flat six is revolutionary: two small KKK K16 turbochargers (instead of one large one) all but eliminate turbo lag. Electronic boost control.

Weak points:

  • Turbochargers: bearing damage through overheating (let the engine cool down properly). Overhaul/replacement: €2,500 - €3,500 each
  • Oil leaks: cam covers, chain boxes, turbocharger oil return lines
  • Charge air coolers: integrated into the rear wing. Corrosion and leaks reduce power
  • Exhaust manifolds: cracking from the enormous heat
  • Oil consumption: as much as 1 litre per 1,000 km is normal by design
Important: Watch for blue smoke on start-up (turbocharger wear) and check that the boost gauge builds full pressure (0.8 bar).
2. Drivetrain and transmission (all-wheel drive) +

The first Turbo with permanent all-wheel drive (a viscous coupling, 5-40 % of the power to the front). Transmission: the uprated G64/50 (six speeds).

  • Viscous coupling: wear leads to wind-up in the drivetrain (test: a tight turn)
  • Clutch: heavily loaded. Replacement is involved (cost: €2,500 - €3,500)
  • Differential: a limited-slip differential at the rear is standard
3. Suspension and the "Big Red" brakes +

Brakes: the "Big Red" four-piston system with 322 mm discs all round. Extremely fade-resistant, but expensive to replace.

Suspension: The LSA rear axle with uprated components. Harder springs and dampers than on the Carrera.

  • Dampers: they age and start to leak
  • Wheel bearings: higher wear because of the power and the weight
  • Wheels: hollow-spoke wheels ("Turbo Twist"). Lighter than the solid S wheels (tap them to tell)
4. Body, interior and electrics +
  • Body: 6 cm wider than standard. A specific front apron and rear wing. Check for corrosion at the window frames and the door check straps.
  • Rear wing: corrosion where moisture has got in. Check the mechanism
  • Air conditioning: often faulty because of the high heat at the rear (condensers/compressor). Repair: €2,000 and more
  • Electrics: the boost control and the engine control unit can age
The 993 Turbo model bible

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

Concentrated expert knowledge on the 993 Turbo and Turbo S: detailed weak points, inspection checklists, production figures, value-enhancing options and price forecasts.

€97

incl. VAT

To the compendium (German)
Estimates

Running and follow-on costs

The Turbo premium is real. Plan for reserves.

Servicing and repair costs

WorkApprox. cost (€)
Minor service800 - 1,200
Major service1,500 - 2,500
Turbocharger replacement (each)2,500 - 3,500
Clutch, complete2,500 - 3,500
Brake system, complete3,000 - 4,500
Engine overhaul15,000 - 25,000
Air-conditioning repair2,000 - 3,000

Running costs (per year)

ItemApprox. cost (€)
Insurance (fully comprehensive)1,500 - 3,500
Servicing reserves2,500 - 4,000
Tyres (pro rata)600 - 800
Market prices, as of 2025

Market prices at a glance

The 993 Turbo is among the most value-stable classic Porsche models.

ModelCondition "good"Condition "very good"Collector's car
911 Turbo (993)€120k - €150k€150k - €200k€200k and more
911 Turbo S (993)€250k - €350k€350k - €500k€500k and more
911 GT2 (993)€600k and more€800k and more€1,000k and more

As of 2025. The documented median sale prices from June 2026 are higher: 993 Turbo €219,993, WLS 1 (430 PS) €249,900, WLS 2 (450 PS) €339,900; the one unambiguously documented Turbo S sale achieved €650,000 (MarqueScope SOLD archive, 115 sales with a price stated). Details and methodology: 993 Turbo & Turbo S price development.

The strengths

  • The high point of the air-cooled Turbo era, with cult status
  • The first 911 Turbo with twin-turbocharging and standard all-wheel drive
  • The twin-turbo layout all but eliminates turbo lag
  • The extremely fade-resistant "Big Red" brake system
  • One of the most value-stable classic Porsche models

The challenges

  • The complex engineering calls for expertise, from leaking turbochargers to servicing the all-wheel-drive system
  • Turbocharger bearing damage through overheating, overhaul €2,500 - €3,500 each
  • Charge air coolers in the rear wing: corrosion and leaks reduce power
  • The air conditioning is often faulty because of the heat at the rear (repair €2,000 and more)
  • Plan for high servicing reserves of €2,500 - €4,000 a year

The strategic conclusion from 911Finder

The 993 Turbo is the ultimate air-cooled statement. Buying recommendation: a late Turbo (97/98) or a Turbo S offers the greatest potential for growth in value. Always insist on a complete history and originality (no chip tuning).

The next step

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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.