1981 Porsche 911 – Enhancing Performance & Reliability

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Overview

The 1981 Porsche 911 continued to refine the Super Carrera (SC) and 911 Turbo (930) models, with improvements in engine durability, fuel efficiency, and handling dynamics. This model year solidified the SC as a reliable, high-performance sports car with growing popularity worldwide.

Available Models

For 1981, Porsche offered the following 911 variants:

• 911 SC: Featuring a 3.0L flat-six producing 188 HP.
• 911 Turbo (930): Equipped with a 3.3L turbocharged engine producing 300 HP.

Development & History

Porsche continued refining the SC model, incorporating slight improvements to fuel injection and engine internals to increase longevity. The 911 Turbo remained largely unchanged, maintaining its role as Porsche’s flagship performance model.

Engine & Performance

The 1981 Porsche 911 SC and Turbo models retained their proven air-cooled flat-six engines, offering a balance of power and efficiency.

• Engine: 3.0L Flat-6 (911 SC), 3.3L Turbo Flat-6 (911 Turbo)
• Horsepower: 188 HP (911 SC), 300 HP (911 Turbo)
• Fuel System: Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection
• Transmission: 5-speed manual (911 SC), 4-speed manual (911 Turbo)
• Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds (911 SC), 5.0 seconds (911 Turbo)
• Top Speed: 143 mph (911 SC), 165 mph (911 Turbo)

Design & Features

The 1981 Porsche 911 featured slight refinements in interior materials and seating comfort, further enhancing the daily usability of the SC model.

• Body Style: Coupe, Targa
• Seating Capacity: 4
• Weight: 2655 lbs (911 SC), 2850 lbs (911 Turbo)
• Chassis Code: 911
• Wheelbase: 89.4 inches
• Notable Features: Upgraded interior materials, improved reliability

Production & Rarity

The 1981 Porsche 911 SC became a highly regarded model for its balance of performance and dependability, increasing its appeal among enthusiasts.

• Production Start: 1981
• Factory of Origin: Stuttgart, Germany

FAQs

What makes the 1981 Porsche 911 special?

It refined the SC model’s durability and reliability, making it a favorite among classic Porsche collectors.

How many 1981 Porsche 911s were produced?

Porsche produced approximately 15,000 units across all variants.

What is the value of a 1981 Porsche 911 today?

Standard models range from $40,000 to $120,000, while 911 Turbo models can exceed $250,000.