1987 Porsche 959 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Porsche 959 is approximately 1450 kg (3,197 lbs), which reflects the car with all standard equipment and fluids, ready to drive without passengers or cargo. Its maximum weight, which includes occupants and cargo, is rated at 1940 kg (4,278 lbs). The relatively lightweight design is due to advanced materials and engineering for its time, contributing to the car's impressive performance and handling characteristics.

The ride height of the Porsche 959 is 120 mm (4.7 inches), which is quite low compared to typical passenger cars. This low ground clearance helps lower the center of gravity of the vehicle, improving high-speed cornering and overall handling stability. However, it also means the car requires careful driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as the chassis is close to the ground.

The Porsche 959 is equipped with a mix of rim sizes: 9J x 17 inches, 10J x 17 inches, and 8J x 17 inches. Its tires come in sizes 235/45 R17, 255/40 R17, and 215/50 R17. These large 17-inch rims with performance-oriented tires provide a wider contact patch with the road, enhancing grip for better cornering, acceleration, and braking. The variety in rim and tire sizes was designed to optimize traction and balance on both the front and rear axles.

With its length of 4260 mm (167.7 inches), width of 1840 mm (72.4 inches), and height of 1280 mm (50.4 inches), the Porsche 959 is compact enough to fit into most standard residential garages. The average garage door opening in many countries is about 2400 mm (94.5 inches) wide and roughly 2030-2130 mm (80-84 inches) tall, so the car's dimensions provide sufficient clearance width-wise and height-wise. However, care should be taken when parking due to its low ground clearance and wide stance.

The Porsche 959 is a unique model that did not have a direct predecessor with the exact same concept and full technological sophistication, as it was a technological showcase and an advanced supercar for its time. However, compared to the Porsche 911 models of the 1980s, which preceded it, the 959 is slightly larger in width and has a lower height, emphasizing its aerodynamic and performance-driven design. The 959 is also heavier than standard 911s due to advanced but weighty components such as its all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engine, tipping the scales at about 1450 kg compared to lighter 911 variations.

During the late 1980s, the Porsche 959 stood out among supercars thanks to its combination of compact yet wide dimensions and cutting-edge technology. Compared to contemporaries like the Ferrari F40 (length: 4380 mm, width: 1970 mm) and the Lamborghini Countach (length: ~4485 mm, width: ~2000 mm), the 959 was slightly smaller in length and notably narrower, giving it a nimble and balanced feel. Despite its smaller size, the 959 incorporated advanced technologies including full-time all-wheel drive, twin-turbocharged engines, and sophisticated suspension that put it ahead in terms of handling and performance capabilities.

The Porsche 959 is a two-seater coupe designed with a focus on driver and passenger ergonomics and performance-oriented driving experience. Its interior space is compact and intimate, emphasizing the sportscar ethos. Given its external dimensions, the cabin is designed to comfortably fit two adults with enough room for driving control and comfort, but minimal rear or additional passenger space. The focus was on creating a lightweight and driver-centric environment rather than maximizing interior volume.

When introduced in 1987, the Porsche 959 was one of the most technologically advanced sports cars in the world. It featured a 2.85-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing around 450 horsepower. Its innovation included an advanced all-wheel-drive system that improved traction in all conditions, a lightweight but strong composite body, and adjustable suspension systems. These features, combined with aerodynamic design and advanced tires, gave the 959 exceptional acceleration, top speed (over 317 km/h or 197 mph), and handling that set new standards in the automotive world.

The Porsche 959's weight distribution is carefully balanced to enhance driving dynamics, typically close to the ideal 50:50 front-to-rear ratio, thanks to its mid-rear engine placement and all-wheel-drive configuration. The chassis design incorporates lightweight materials and a robust yet flexible frame to support high speeds and aggressive cornering. This balance in weight, combined with advanced suspension geometry and all-wheel traction, results in supreme stability, responsive steering, and excellent grip, making the 959 one of the best-handling supercars of its era.