Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (315 km/h)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment characterized by deep admiration and reverence.
3 problems reported (1 very frequent, 1 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentExtreme rarity and garage queen status
Very few produced, making ownership and sightings exceptionally uncommon.
- RecurrentFrightening running and maintenance costs
Extreme expense associated with upkeep and repairs, contributing to its status as a rarely driven collector item.
- IsolatedTechnological complexity
Described as packed with borderline experimental engineering for its time, which may imply complexity for servicing, though this is framed as a positive attribute of its innovation.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to determine a consensus on a "best" version among standard production models. The 'Komfort' trim is specifically identified and appreciated. The 959S (Sport) model is also mentioned. A singular, unique "959 Convertible" is noted as the world's only example. The Porsche #185 959 Prodrive Rally Raid is frequently discussed in the context of rally and off-road performance in gaming communities.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Countach, Cizeta-Moroder V16T, Ferrari 288 GTO and Porsche 911 (930 Turbo).
Is the 959 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment characterized by deep admiration and reverence. The vehicle is consistently described as a legendary, groundbreaking supercar that was technologically advanced for its era, packing more innovations and experimental engineering than any other road car available at the time. It is held in extremely high regard for its historical significance, iconic design that has aged well, and its role as a technical benchmark. The car is frequently mentioned in the same breath as its contemporary, the Ferrari F40, with many discussions framing it as the more refined, sophisticated, and technologically complex counterpart to the F40's visceral, raw experience. A recurring theme is its extreme rarity and status as a "garage queen" due to frightening running and maintenance costs, making sightings in the wild a rare and celebrated event. The sentiment is one of aspirational desire and respect for its engineering achievement.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as the technologically sophisticated, all-wheel-drive, and comfortable supercar of its era, directly contrasted with the more raw and visceral Ferrari F40. It is described as being benchmarked against the F40 upon release, with the goal of being quicker, faster, and capable on both circuit and rally stages. In comparative tests from the period, it was grouped with the F40, Countach, and Cizeta-Moroder as the pinnacle supercars. Against the Porsche 911 of the time (930 Turbo), it is presented as a monumental leap forward in performance and technology. In modern video game tuning discussions, it is sometimes noted as being slightly outmatched in power-to-weight and lateral grip by later all-wheel-drive icons like the Nissan 400R and Subaru 22B within specific performance brackets, but is still considered a very good car.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available regarding specific configurations for road use. For simulated racing and rally applications, community tuning advice suggests the car can be competitive in A-Class and S-Class racing with specific suspension, tire, and power modifications, though it may struggle with low- to mid-speed lateral grip and power-to-weight ratio compared to some competitors when constrained by strict performance point limits. For off-road/rally simulations, the Prodrive Rally Raid version is recommended with purist tunes (no engine swaps, stock aero).
General recommendations
Considered a "unicorn" vehicle suitable only for ultra-high-net-worth collectors and enthusiasts due to extreme rarity, value (speculated in the $1.3-$1.8 million range for a well-specced example), and prohibitive maintenance costs. It is widely acknowledged as a car more often seen in collections or at exclusive events than driven regularly. For those with the means, it represents a pinnacle of 1980s automotive engineering and a sound historical investment. Potential buyers should be prepared for significant upkeep expenses. In digital environments, it is a fun and historically significant car to drive, particularly in rally-inspired configurations.
Remarks
The provided data consists almost entirely of image posts expressing admiration and historical/competitive comparisons, with very few substantive discussions from actual long-term owners regarding driving dynamics, reliability, or ownership costs. The "reported issues" are derived from observational comments about the car's market and collector status rather than firsthand mechanical problems. The vehicle's legendary status and technological legacy are the dominant themes in all available feedback. The Porsche 961, a Group B Le Mans circuit racer based on the 959, is also noted in historical context. Analysis based on approximately 60 community posts, with a very small subset containing detailed experiential commentary.
Specifications
Not sold in North America: these versions are from other markets.
2.8
2.9L 6-cylinder · 450 hp · AWD · manual
Built 1987–1988