The 5 Worst Porsches Ever Made According to Some Enthusiasts
Porsche has made some great cars over the years, but there were some forgettable ones as well. Here are the worst Porsches ever built - according to certain enthusiasts.
1. 986 Boxster 2.5
The first generation of Boxster was a tremendous success for Porsche in a time when the automaker was in dire straights financially. The inexpensive and fun to drive mid-engine convertible featured a low center of gravity, near neutral handling, and an almost 50/50 weight distribution. But the base engine, a 2.5 liter, 201 hp flat six, provided little oomph, with Tiptronic models taking 7.6 seconds to reach 60 mph. Early engines also faced their fair share of problems, mostly due to cracked or slipped cylinder liners. Those issues plagued what was otherwise an excellent platform, drawing the ire of Rennlist members.
2. 912E
Porsche's 912, a four cylinder powered entry level version of the 911, is a well balanced, nimble handling car. But it was almost criminally underpowered, even in its day - with only 90 hp. But it did outsell the 911 initially, helping establish its big brother in the marketplace until it was discontinued after 1969. But Porsche revived the car as the 912E in 1975 following the demise of the 914. The E was powered by an 86 hp 2.0 engine, and only 2,100 were sold over two years. That lack of performance and innovation lands the 912E in the Porsche power dog house.
3. 944
The 944 was a tremendous success for Porsche, holding the crown as the brand's best-selling model until the Boxter and 997 Carrera came along. It was more refined than the 924 that preceded it, and near 50/50 weight distribution made it a great handling car as well. But it was slow - taking 8.3 seconds to reach 60, and only a 137 mph top speed. But the biggest gripe Porsche folks have about the 944 is its reliability. And the parts aren't exactly what you would call cheap, either.
4. 914
The 914 was intended to be Porsche's entry-level replacement for the 912, but a failed agreement to share the platform between Porsche and Volkswagen ruined the concept. The 914 wound up selling just under the 911T, which obviously led to poor sales. Probably the most unloved Porsche model of all time, the 914 gets little respect these days despite being an affordable, mid-engined, two-seat Porsche.
5. Footwork Arrows F1 Car
Footwork Arrows was a Formula One racing team that competed in the 1990's. The team started out in 1991 using Porsche engines but were forced to switch after only six races. Over those races, the team either did not qualify or did not finish a single one. It was an epic disaster for Porsche, who have otherwise long enjoyed racing success.
If you need help getting your Porsche ready for the track, or putting it away for winter, check out the how-to section of Rennlist.com.