The Porsche 911 Gold Ratio

Miningvisuals
Sep 8
3 min read

With gold surging to a new all-time high, the conversation around its true value has never been more relevant. Investors are tracking its price in dollars, euros, and yen, but what if there was a more tangible way to measure its worth? What about in Porsches? Our latest infographic, made in collaboration with our partners and friends at the In Gold We Trust Report, the "Porsche 911 Gold Ratio," takes a unique look at the enduring value of gold by measuring it against an icon of automotive excellence: the Porsche 911.

This isn't just a chart; it's a story of how gold has not only retained but significantly gained in purchasing power over the last six decades. In 1965, a brand-new Porsche 911 Coupe would have set you back approximately 186 ounces of gold. Fast forward to today, and the 2025 Carrera Coupe, a marvel of modern engineering, requires a mere 33 ounces. That's a staggering 86.32% decrease in the cost of a Porsche 911 when priced in gold.

The Journey of Two Titans

The infographic plots this fascinating journey through several key milestones:

1965: The beginning of our journey. A classic 911 Coupe costs 186 ounces of gold.
1970: The 911 S Coupe, a more powerful and sought-after model, required 243 ounces. This early spike shows how market dynamics for both gold and collectibles can fluctuate.
1980: A significant shift is seen. The 911 SC Coupe's cost drops dramatically to just 45 ounces.
1990 & 2000: The trend continues. A 911 Carrera Coupe costs 153 ounces in 1990 and then 235 ounces in 2000, reflecting changes in both the price of gold and the increasing complexity and cost of the cars themselves.
2010 & 2020: The modern era sees the gold price of a 911 plummet, with a 2010 Carrera Coupe at 64 ounces and the 2020 model at 55 ounces.
2025: The projection for the latest Carrera Coupe is a mere 33 ounces, cementing gold's incredible performance over the long term.

What Does This Mean?

While a Porsche 911 is a symbol of luxury and performance, it is ultimately a depreciating asset. It requires insurance, maintenance, and eventually, it will be replaced by a newer, more advanced model. Gold, on the other hand, has proven to be a timeless store of value. It doesn't rust, it doesn't require an oil change, and its appeal has transcended millennia.

The Porsche 911 Gold Ratio is a powerful illustration of this fundamental economic principle. It visualizes the concept of "sound money" in a way that is both relatable and striking. While the dollar amount to purchase a 911 has steadily climbed over the years due to inflation and manufacturing costs, the amount of gold required has dramatically decreased. This demonstrates gold's ability to not just keep pace with inflation, but to outrun it, much like a 911 on an open road.

A Note on the Data

As noted in the infographic, the prices are based on historical MSRP data from various automotive archives. The ratio is a simple calculation of the car's price divided by the average price of gold for that year (except 2025 where current price is used). It's a fascinating economic snapshot, but as we always say, it's not investment advice.

The next time you see a classic Porsche on the road, think about this: what is true value? Is it in the roaring engine and the sleek design, or is it in the silent, immutable element that has been the bedrock of wealth for centuries? This infographic suggests that while the Porsche is a thrilling ride, gold is the ultimate vehicle for preserving and growing wealth.

Sources and Methodology: This visual was created by Mining Visuals in collaboration with our partners at the In Gold We Trust Report.

The "Porsche 911 Gold Ratio" is calculated by dividing the historical Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of an entry-level Porsche 911 Coupe by the average annual price of one troy ounce of gold for the corresponding year.