What I liked about the Porsche 911 Carrera:
- Brilliant to drive, even if you aren't going fast
- Fantastic noises
- Surprisingly easy to drive
What I didn't like:
- Expensive
- Firm ride
- Short on passenger and cargo space
Who should buy the Porsche 911 Carrera:
Those who have always dreamed of owning a Porsche -- it really is as good as you imagined
Who should not buy the Porsche 911 Carrera:
Those looking for a family-friendly sports car... and the rest of us who can't afford one
Details and specs:
- Body style: 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
- Seating capacity: 4 (provided two are very small)
- Trim levels: Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4/4S, Targa 4/4S, GT3, GT3 RS, Turbo, GT2
- Price range (including destination and options): $74,365 - $225,000+
- Test vehicle/price as tested: 911 Carrera, $85,765
- Base engine: 3.6 liter horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder (H6), 325 hp @ 6,800 RPM, 273 lb-ft @ 4,250 RPM (Carrera/Carrera 4/Targa 4)
- Optional engines: 3.8 liter H6, 355 hp @ 6,600 RPM, 295 lb-ft @ 4600 RPM (Carrera S/Carrera 4S/Targa 4S); 3.6 liter H6, 415 hp @ 7,600 RPM, 300 lb-ft @ 5,500 RPM (GT3/GT3 RS); 3.6 liter twin-turbo H6, 480 hp @ 6,000 RPM, 505 lb-ft @ 2,100-4,000 RPM (Turbo); 3.6 liter twin-turbo H6, 530 hp @ 6,500 RPM, 505 lb-ft @ 2200 RPM (GT2)
- Premium fuel required? Yes
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
- Driveline: Rear engine, rear- or all-wheel-drive
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 18 MPG city, 26 MPG highway (Carrera manual), 18/24 (Carrera automatic), 17/25 (Carrera S/Carrera 4/Targa 4 manual), 17/24 (Carrera S/Carrera 4/Targe 4 automatic), 16/24 (Carrera 4S/Targa 4S manual), 17/23 (Carrera 4S/Targa 4S automatic), 16/23 (Turbo/GT2 manual), 15/23 (Turbo automatic), 15/22 (GT3/GT3 RS manual)
- Where built: Germany
- Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, front-row side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control
- Optional safety equipment: None
- Major standard features: Power windows/mirrors/locks, CD player, automatic climate control, alloy wheels, leather upholstery, active suspension
- Major options: Navigation, automatic mirrors, custom exterior and interior trim, carbon-ceramic brakes,
- Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 10 years/unlimited mileage outer-body rust-through
- Roadside assistance/free maintenance: 4 years/50,000 miles roadside assistance
Best rivals:
- Audi R8
- Lotus Elise
- Chevrolet Corvette
The vehicle featured in this review was provided by Porsche.
