2001 Porsche 911: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This rear-engine sports-car line offers rear-wheel-drive Carrera and all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 coupes and Cabriolet convertibles, plus a Turbo coupe. All have front side airbags, antilock disc brakes, and rear-mounted 6-cyl engines with horizontally opposed cylinders. Carreras have a 3.4-liter engine, the Turbo a 3.6 with twin turbochargers, plus bolder styling, 18-inch wheels versus 17s, and a rear spoiler that automatically raises to enhance high-speed stability. On all, a 6-speed manual transmission is standard, a 5-speed automatic with manual-shift buttons on the steering wheel is optional; the automatic is a first for the Turbo. An antiskid system is now available for rear-drive Carreras, and standard elsewhere. A navigation system is optional on all models.

COMPETITION

This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. The Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable. Unlike previous models it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, the Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills and average acceleration, but for weekend fun on a twisty back road it's hard to beat.

If you don't mind spending a few more bucks, we recommend you take a look at the Mercedes-Benz SLK. The Mercedes offers an interesting mix of performance and luxury. It also has a retractable hardtop, making it more of an all-weather car.