Porsche 956 (1982 - 1984) / 962 (1984 - 1991)

The Porsche 956 made its debut in 1982 and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times in a row, from 1982 to 1986. The car featured a lightweight aluminum monocoque chassis, advanced aerodynamics, and a 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine that produced up to 850 horsepower. The Porsche 962 was introduced in 1984 as an evolution of the 956 and was designed to comply with new FIA regulations. The car featured a revised aerodynamic package, a longer wheelbase, and a larger fuel tank, as well as a variety of other improvements that enhanced its performance and reliability.

While the two cars shared many similarities, there were several key differences between them. The Porsche 962 had a longer wheelbase than the 956, which improved its stability and handling at high speeds. The 962 also had a larger fuel tank, which allowed it to cover greater distances without refueling. Additionally, the 962 had a revised aerodynamic package that included a larger rear wing, which improved downforce and traction, and a larger front splitter, which improved high-speed stability.  Despite these differences, both the Porsche 956 and 962 were highly successful racing cars that established Porsche’s reputation as one of the world’s leading sports car manufacturers.