When the new 992-generation Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe and 911 Turbo Cabriolet were unveiled earlier this year, Porsche only showed off the range-topping S variant. Now, Porsche has lifted the wraps off the entry-level 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo, allowing us to see how these two new turbocharged sports cars compare in performance and price.
Is the new 911 Turbo S worth the astronomically higher asking price? Decide for yourself in our comparison between the brand new Porsche 911 Turbo and its more potent S sibling.
Performance
Both the 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S are powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine, generating 572 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque in the standard 911 Turbo and 642 hp and 590 lb-ft in the range-topping S model. To put this into perspective, the new 911 Turbo has 32 more hp and 67 more lb-ft than its 991-generation predecessor, while the new 911 Turbo S has 60 more hp and 37 more lb-ft on tap.
In the 911 Turbo, 0-62 mph takes 2.7 seconds in the coupe and 2.8 seconds in the cabriolet. Both will top out at 198 mph. The more powerful 911 Turbo S, on the other hand, will conquer the 0-62 mph sprint a tenth of a second faster in 2.6 seconds for the coupe and 2.7 seconds for the convertible. In both models, power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox automatic transmission.
Exterior/Interior
Exterior changes between the new 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S are subtle. Both cars have different badging, while the Sport exhaust is optional on the regular 911 Turbo and standard on the 911 Turbo S. Ceramic brakes are also fitted as standard to the 911 Turbo S and are optional on the regular 911 Turbo. Both cars feature a prominent rear wing producing 15 percent more downforce than the previous 911 Turbo, larger vents, and a wider body to distinguish them from the 911 Carrera and Carrera S. An optional 'Active Suspension Management Sport' system can also lower the ride height of both models by 0.39 inches.
As for the interiors, the 2021 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S are equipped with a 10.9-inch infotainment screen, GT sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, the Sport Chrono package, and a Bose surround system as standard. The regular 911 Turbo comes with 14-way adjustable sports seats, whereas the S version includes 18-way adjustable seats.
Price
One of the biggest differences between the 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S is the price gap. The 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo starts at $170,800 for the Turbo Coupe and $183,600 for the Cabrio. This increases to $203,500 for the 911 Turbo S Coupe and $216,300 for the Cabriolet - that means you're paying over $30,000 more for a marginal performance gain, although the S version's standard ceramic brakes have also likely bumped up the price.
Deliveries for the 2021 911 Turbo S will begin in late 2020, followed by the standard 911 Turbo in early 2021.