2003 Porsche 911: Road Test
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2003 Porsche 911 ▼
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- MSRP: $68,600 -$181,700
- Invoice: $59,884 -$171,495
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Our road test for the 2003 Porsche 911 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Porsche 911 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Porsche 911, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Porsche 911 help you decide if a 2003 Porsche 911 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 7.7 |
Impressive, with thrilling passing and merging response. Nonturbo versions do 0-60 mph in about 5.0 sec with manual transmission, about 5.5 with automatic. Porsche says Turbo and GT2 take about 4.1 sec. The precise manual transmission is more sports-car faithful than the automatic, but Tiptronic provides crisp shifts and is most always in the right gear. It's in about 33 percent of Turbo models, 25 percent of other 911s.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.8 |
Expect nonturbo models to average 17-21 mpg, and turbo versions around 14 mpg. All 911s require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4.1 |
Extremely firm, verging on harsh if the pavement is at all flawed. Blame low-profile, high-speed tires, taut suspension, and short wheelbase. Test Carrera 2 Cabrio exhibited slight nose bobbing on uneven surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8.6 |
Balanced, grippy, and stable despite aft weight bias of rear-engine layout. AWD imparts an additional measure of security. Quick communicative steering, but test Carrera 2 Cabrio felt a bit wayward in hard takeoffs and strong crosswinds. Strong, progressive braking inspires enormous confidence.
QUIETNESS
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Lots of engine and tire noise, but no more than most high-performance sports cars. And Porsche's unique engine sound is music to the ear. Cabrio's top seals well, but it's still louder than a coupe. Targa's large roof opening allows no more wind rush than standard sunroof.
CONTROLS
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
Clear, well-placed gauges, but some controls cryptically marked, haphazardly arrayed. Overly complex navigation system frustrates. Interior upholstery and trim solid and impressive enough, though some molded plastic pieces are out of place at these towering prices. Only one cupholder, and it isn't as substantial as it should be.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
Low-slung cockpit taxes entry/exit, but there's good room once aboard. Seats hug without binding and are long-haul supportive. Good basic driving position, but telescopic steering wheel should tilt, too. Outward visibility reasonable, all things considered, and convertible's new glass rear window is a welcome upgrade. Exception is the murky view aft when Targa's tinted roof panel slides back along rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | .7 |
Toddler-sized seat has split fold backrests and is best used as a padded parcel hold.
CARGO ROOM
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.2 |
Not much. A weekend's soft luggage fits in back, but the front compartment takes only a couple of gym bags. Interior storage modest despite the addition of an in-dash glovebox.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.6 |
Desirable enough for their high-performance driving experience, 911s also deliver prestige, build quality, and proven reliability. You'll pay plenty, but any 911 is a virtual no-lose long-term investment.
Total Score
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 42 | 44 | 41 | 48.1 |
Total Score: 42
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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