Porsche Whale Tail vs Ducktail: Everything You Need To Know
Porsche is a brand that has been associated with ducktails, and whale tails, for decades now. It is by far one of the most iconic features of Porsche cars – the rear spoiler. Two of the most popular types of spoilers are the Porsche Whale Tail vs Ducktail.
You might not have heard of both using those terms, but you have absolutely seen them both at one time or another, even if you have never owned a Porsche.
In this quick blog post, we’ll explore what these spoilers are, their similarities, their differences, which is better value for money, which is best overall, and once it’s all said and done, whether it actually matters which one you choose. Let’s dive right into it.
Highlights
- Porsche Whale Tail vs Ducktail are iconic rear spoilers associated with Porsche cars.
- The Whale Tail is larger, flatter, and provides more downforce, while the Ducktail is smaller, slopes downward at the edges, and offers less downforce with less drag.
- Both were introduced in the 1970s and have been used on various Porsche models.
- The choice between them depends on your driving style, needs, and aesthetic preferences.
- In most cases, the difference between them is relatively insignificant, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
- Both spoilers improve handling, stability, and the car’s overall appearance.
- The choice between them doesn’t significantly impact everyday driving.
What Is A Porsche Whale Tail?
The Porsche Whale Tail, sometimes called a Tea Tray or Turbo Tail, is a rear spoiler. It was first introduced on the Porsche 911 Turbo in the 1970s, which is why it is also called a Turbo Tail. Basically, it is a large, flat spoiler that sits atop the engine cover and extends beyond the rear of the car.
The Whale Tail is designed to create downforce, which is often needed on Turbo models because they are almost trying to take off when they set off with so much force. It’s called a whale tail affectionately because it kind of looks like a whale’s tail as it is breaching the surface of the ocean.
What Is A Porsche Ducktail?
The Porsche Ducktail, which too has another name as it is also known as a Carrera Tail or RS Tail, is another rear spoiler that was first introduced on the Porsche 911 Carrera RS in the 1970s. And, again, that’s why it was called the RS tail.
Until people decided it looked more like a duck. And since ducks are cooler than Carreras, the name stuck.
It is a smaller, more subtle spoiler that, too, sits atop the engine cover and slopes downward at the edges. The Ducktail is also designed to create downforce, but its smaller size means it provides less downforce. And, once again, it looks like a ducktail, the way they flair upwards at their tips.
| Aspect | Porsche Whale Tail | Porsche Ducktail |
|---|---|---|
| Released | Introduced on Porsche 911 Turbo in the 1970s | Introduced on Porsche 911 Carrera RS in the 1970s |
| Alternate Names | Tea Tray, Turbo Tail | Carrera Tail, RS Tail, Ducktail |
| Design | Large and flat spoiler | Smaller and more subtle spoiler |
| Location | Sits atop the engine cover | Sits atop the engine cover |
| Spoiler Extension | Extends beyond the rear of the car | Slopes downward at the edges |
| Downforce Generation | Designed to create significant downforce | Designed to create downforce, but provides less |
| Resemblance | Resembles a whale’s tail | Resembles a ducktail with tips flaring upwards |
| Purpose | Provides substantial downforce for stability | Provides downforce with a more subtle effect |
| Vehicle Applications | Commonly found on older Porsche 911 Turbo models | Commonly found on older Porsche 911 Carrera RS models |
| Downforce Effect | Greater downforce due to its size | Lesser downforce due to its smaller size |
Porsche Whale Tail vs Ducktail – Similarities?
The Porsche Whale Tail and the Porsche Ducktail are rear spoilers designed to create downforce to counterbalance extremely powerful cars. They are both iconic features of Porsches and are often associated with high-performance driving, like the Carrera RS.
They were both first introduced in the 1970s and have been used on various Porsche models over the years. They have actually even been used on other cars manufactured by other companies, though those companies “pretend” that they are different. They aren’t.
Porsche Whale Tail vs Ducktail – Differences?
The main difference between the Porsche Whale Tail and the Porsche Ducktail is their size and shape. Otherwise, they would have the same name! In all seriousness, the Whale Tail is larger and flatter, while the Ducktail is smaller and slopes downward at the edges.
Their shapes vary because they are designed to do slightly different things. Or, more accurately, do the same thing but slightly differently. The Whale Tail provides more downforce than the Ducktail, but it also creates more drag, which can reduce the car’s top speed.
The Ducktail provides less downforce but creates less drag, which can improve the car’s top speed. Basically, what this means is that you would rather have a Ducktail when top speed is more important, you would use the Whale Tail if the act of acceleration is perhaps more important than the eventual top speed.
After all, if you are racing on one track that is particularly bendy with very few straights, would you need a slightly improved top speed? No, because you aren’t going to have time to get there. But you would benefit from a slightly improved ability to get out of sharp corners onto the straights. And vice versa.
Porsche Whale Tail vs Ducktail – Which Is Better Value For Money?
The cost of a Porsche Whale Tail or Porsche Ducktail can vary depending on the model and the age of the spoiler. From today, the biggest factor will be which car you are looking to buy a spoiler for, as they will vary in cost quite significantly. In general, you can’t tell whist is less expensive than the other as the market has gone crazy on older models.
Porsche Whale Tail vs Ducktail – Which Is Best?
Honestly, it really just depends on what you are looking for in a rear spoiler. The Porsche Whale Tail is the better option if you want maximum downforce and don’t mind sacrificing some top speed.
The Porsche Ducktail is the better option if you want a more subtle spoiler that creates less drag and improves top speed.
Ultimately, the best spoiler is the one that fits your driving style and needs more than anything. Or else it is simply the one you like the look of the most.
Porsche Whale Tail vs Ducktail – Does It Really Matter Which I Choose?
In the grand scheme of things, the choice between a Porsche Whale Tail and a Porsche Ducktail is relatively insignificant. Unless you are a literal race driver, or at the very least an avid track day driver, they do near-enough of the same job for your needs.
Both spoilers are effective at creating downforce and improving the car’s handling and stability. Both spoilers look cool and make the car aesthetically more appealing.
Don’t get too caught up in your decision-making process, you probably won’t notice a ton of difference between one and the other. Pick the one you like the look of the most!
The Verdict On Porsche Whale Tail vs Ducktail
In summary, the Porsche Whale Tail and the Porsche Ducktail are two iconic rear spoilers in the Porsche family. They both create downforce and improve the car’s handling and stability, but they differ in size and shape and therefore provide their benefit in slightly different manners.
The Whale Tail provides more downforce, but the Ducktail creates less drag. It is up to you to decide which you prefer. Again, it’s probably all to do with looks for 99% of the population.
