2004 Porsche 911: Road Test
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2004 Porsche 911 ▼
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- MSRP: $68,600 -$191,700
- Invoice: $59,884 -$181,795
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Our road test for the 2004 Porsche 911 includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Porsche 911 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Porsche 911, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Porsche 911 help you decide if a 2004 Porsche 911 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Carrera Targa, auto. | Carrera Cabriolet, man. | Carrera 4S Cabriolet, man. | Turbo cpe, 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 hues more to the sports-car spirit 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. No opportunity yet to test the GT3.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Carrera Targa, auto. | Carrera Cabriolet, man. | Carrera 4S Cabriolet, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.7 |
Expect nonturbo models to average 17-21 mpg. Test Turbo coupe averaged 16.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. All 911s require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Carrera Targa, auto. | Carrera Cabriolet, man. | Carrera 4S Cabriolet, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Extremely firm, verging on harsh if the pavement is at all flawed. Blame low-profile, high-speed tires, taut suspension, short wheelbase. Test Carrera 2 Cabriolet exhibited slight nose bobbing on uneven surfaces. Test 4S and Turbo Cabriolets had impressively stiff structures, with little body flex over bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Carrera Targa, auto. | Carrera Cabriolet, man. | Carrera 4S Cabriolet, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8.4 |
Balanced, grippy, and stable despite aft weight bias of rear-engine layout. AWD imparts additional measure of security. Quick, communicative steering, but test Carrera 2 Cabriolet felt a bit wayward in hard takeoffs and crosswind gusts. Strong, progressive braking inspires confidence.
QUIETNESS
| Carrera Targa, auto. | Carrera Cabriolet, man. | Carrera 4S Cabriolet, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 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 ears. Cabriolets have insulated, nicely trimmed tops. Top-up, highway wind noise little louder than in coupe, but top down it's enough to drown out conversation. Targa's large roof opening allows no more wind rush than standard sunroof.
CONTROLS
| Carrera Targa, auto. | Carrera Cabriolet, man. | Carrera 4S Cabriolet, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.8 |
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.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Carrera Targa, auto. | Carrera Cabriolet, man. | Carrera 4S Cabriolet, man. | Turbo cpe, 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. Exception is the murky view aft when Targa's tinted roof panel slides back along rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Carrera Targa, auto. | Carrera Cabriolet, man. | Carrera 4S Cabriolet, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | .6 |
Toddler-sized seat has split fold backrests and is best used as a padded parcel hold.
CARGO ROOM
| Carrera Targa, auto. | Carrera Cabriolet, man. | Carrera 4S Cabriolet, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.2 |
Not much. A weekend's soft luggage fits in backseat area, and front compartment takes a couple of gym bags. Interior storage modest.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Carrera Targa, auto. | Carrera Cabriolet, man. | Carrera 4S Cabriolet, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 4 | 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 911s have had strong resale values.
Total Score
| Carrera Targa, auto. | Carrera Cabriolet, man. | Carrera 4S Cabriolet, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 42 | 41 | 42 | 47.4 |
Total Score: 42
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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