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Total 911’s top six Porsche 911 engines of all time

The flat six rasp of a Porsche 911 is one of the most distinctive sounds in motoring and is, no doubt, one of the primary allures of Zuffenhausen’s sports car legend. But, over the last 51 years, which boxer beauty is the best?

6) 9A1 – Porsche 991 Turbo
991 Turbo engine

Not much to see here (unfortunately) but since launching in Gen2 Porsche 997s, the Direct Fuel Injection engine (now in 9A1 guise) of the 991 Turbo is a particular standout thanks to its otherworldly power and almost instant delivery.

5) 901/01 – 1964 Porsche 901
Porsche 901 engine

The original Porsche flat six. This is the engine that started a legend (and kept it running). It ‘only’ developed 130bhp, miserly by modern standards but, in 1964 it was testament to the quality of German engineering genius to produce such prodigious figures from only 2.0 litres.

4) M96/79 – Porsche 996 GT3 Mk1
GT3 Mk1 Mezger

Born out of the Porsche 911 GT1 engine, the legendary Mezger powerplant is possibly the most well-know 911 engine ever produced. Its motorsport pedigree already imbues it with iconic qualities but it is its blend of performance, reliability and that sound that makes it worthy of this list.

3) M64/21 – Porsche 993 Carrera
993 Variocam engine

The pre-VarioRam variant of the Porsche 993 Carrera’s engine was a fine motor however, the introduction of the clever VarioRam induction system increased low-RPM torque to create one of the smoothest and most comfortable flat sixes ever.

2) 911/83 – Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS
2.7 RS engine

911/83. Not a lot of people know this engine by its internal code however, if we said ‘2.7 RS’ to you, its 2,687cc would immediately become familiar. Some argue the 911 2.4S’s motor is sweeter and freer revving but the 2.7 RS powerplant is the driving force behind the 911 icon.

1) M97/74 – Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0
RS 4.0 Mezger

Yes, another Mezger. This water-cooled wonder pushed the limits of the modern flat six; the Porsche 911 can barely take an engine larger than 4.0 litres. Torquey yet still with the wonderful GT3 RS peak, this engine has it all. We wonder if Zuffenhausen will ever beat it.

Do you agree with our run down or Porsche 911 engines? What’s your favourite flat six? Join the debate in the comments section below or head to our Facebook or Twitter pages now.

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