2002 Porsche 911: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

More power and revised styling highlight 2002 versions of these sports cars with rear-mounted, horizontally opposed 6-cyl engines. The line starts with rear-wheel-drive Carrera and all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 models. Both are available as a coupe or Cabriolet convertible. A 320-hp 3.6-liter engine replaces a 300-hp 3.4 in base and Carrera 4 models, which pick up styling cues from the 415-hp Turbo coupe. The new GT2 coupe uses a 456-hp turbo engine, but has rear-wheel drive vs. the Turbo coupe's AWD. It introduces Porsche's Ceramic Composite Brakes, an industry first. Also added for '02 is the Carrera 2 Targa with a 5-sq-ft sliding glass roof panel, and the Carrera 4S coupe, which uses the Turbo-model suspension and most body addenda. All 911s come with a 6-speed manual transmission, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and front side airbags. Optional except on GT2 are a navigation system and Porsche's 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with manual-shift steering-wheel buttons. A traction/antiskid system is optional for Carreras, unavailable on the GT2, and standard elsewhere. Interior materials are revised for '02, and the convertible exchanges its plastic rear window for one of glass.

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.

Audi's TT is solid, stylish, and loaded with features making it fit for the Recommended list. Like no other in its class, TT offers the all-weather advantage of available quattro AWD at a great price. Of course, 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.