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2004 Porsche 911 Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2004 Porsche 911 Review:
5. 
Porsche 911 Photos

6. 
Porsche 911 Full Review

7. 
All Porsche 911s

8. 
All Porsches


2004 Porsche 911 Review
Porsche's trademark sports car offers an expanded model lineup for 2004. All 911s have a rear-mounted, horizontally opposed 6-cyl engine. The line starts with the rear-wheel-drive Carrera. It's available as a coupe, Cabriolet convertible, or Targa with 5-sq-ft sliding-glass roof panel. A limited-edition 40th Anniversary Carrera coupe is new this year. It has unique interior and exterior styling, upgraded suspension, and 345 hp vs. 315 for other Carreras. A 345-hp engine upgrade package is available for 315-hp Carreras. The all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 comes as a Cabriolet. Carrera 4S is available as a coupe and the new-for-'04 Cabriolet; both have suspension and styling derived from the 911 Turbo. The all-wheel-drive Turbo model is offered as a coupe and, new this year, a Cabriolet. Both have 415 hp, or 444 hp with the optional engine-upgrade package. The GT2 is a rear-drive turbo coupe with 477 hp, up 21 from last year. The GT2 also has revised suspension tuning for '04. New this model year is the GT3, a 380-hp, rear-drive model with special aerodynamics for its lightened body. The GT2 and GT3 have 2 seats; all other 911s have 4. All come with a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional on all but GT2 and GT3 is Porsche's 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with manual-shift steering-wheel buttons. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, as are front side airbags. GT2 comes with Porsche's industry-first Ceramic Composite Brakes, which are optional on Carrera 4S, GT3, and Turbo. An antiskid traction-control system is standard on Carrera 4 and Turbo, optional on Carrera, and unavailable on the GT2 and GT3. Convertibles have a power top and heated glass rear window. A navigation system is optional except on GT2 and GT3.
News
Though new variations on the current 911 keep on coming, a reworked model is reportedly nearing completion for a U.S. debut by New Year 2005. Known to Porsche as 997, it's said to be a restyled, reengineered update of today's 8-year-old 996. Styling remains iconic 911, but round headlamps replace the current "runny egg" units, the front fascia sprouts larger air intakes, and taillamps, door handles, and other details are redone. So is the dashboard, apparently patterned on the Cayenne SUV design. Classier cabin materials are a near certainty. The main dimensional change involves increased front/rear axle width, part of a suspension makeover that may also include wider standard wheels and tires. Internal revisions reportedly lift the base 3.6-liter Carrera engine by 25 hp to around 345. A 380-hp version is said to power a new 911S, which also gets larger fender flares and other "performance" cosmetics. A 6-speed Tiptronic automatic will oust the current 5-speed, and the conventional 6-speed manual will be joined by an optional computer-controlled sequential-shift gearbox with steering-wheel buttons. The 997 bows as a rear-drive Carrera coupe, but other models will follow fairly quickly in another of Porsche's staged rollouts. We'd guess 997 Turbos will be on the road by early 2006. More specifics should surface soon, so keep checking back with us.
2004 Porsche 911 Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Rear-seat room/comfort
Steering/handling Cargo room
Braking Noise
Build quality Entry/exit
Exterior finish
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score
38
Average Score
47
High Score
57
2004 Porsche 911 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/25/2004
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Carrera 2-door coupe $68,600 $59,884 $765
Carrera 2-door Targa $76,000 $66,363 $765
Carrera Cabriolet 2-door convertible $78,400 $68,464 $765
Carrera 4 Cabriolet 2-door convertible $84,000 $73,367 $765
Carrera 4S 2-door coupe $83,400 $72,842 $765
Carrera 4S Cabriolet 2-door convertible $93,200 $81,422 $765
Turbo 2-door coupe $118,400 $103,484 $765
Turbo 2-door Cabriolet 2-door convertible $128,200 $112,064 $765
GT2 2-door coupe $191,700 $181,795 $765
Carrera 40th Anniversary Edition 2-door coupe $89,800 $78,445 $765
GT3 2-door coupe $99,900 $87,287 $765
Price note: Turbo, GT2, GT3 add $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Carrera
Powertrain
3.6-liter dohc 6-cylinder 315-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, automatic roll bars (convertible), emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, partial leather upholstery, front bucket seats w/manual height adjustment and power recliners, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, power sunroof (coupe), retractable roof panel (Targa), power convertible top (convertible), rear defogger, intermittent wipers w/heated washer nozzles, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, removable hardtop (convertible), rear spoiler, front and rear fog lights, 205/50ZR17 front tires, 255/40ZR17 rear tires, alloy wheels.
Carrera 4 adds to Carrera:
Powertrain
All-wheel drive, traction control.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Carrera 4S adds to Carrera 4:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Full leather upholstery, power front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), upgraded sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Headlight washers, sport chassis, 225/40ZR18 front tires, 295/30ZR18 rear tires.
Turbo adds to Carrera 4S:
Powertrain
3.6-liter dohc 6-cylinder turbocharged 415-horsepower engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Bose sound system, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, rain-sensing wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights, rear wiper, 225/40ZR18 front tires, 295/30ZR18 rear tires.
GT2 adds to Carrera:
Powertrain
3.6-liter dohc 6-cylinder turbocharged 477-horsepower engine, locking center differential.
Safety
Ceramic composite disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Full leather upholstery.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: cruise control, power recliners, back seat, spare tire.
Xenon headlights, headlight washers, performance suspension, 235/40ZR18 front tires, 315/30ZR18 rear tires.
Carrera 40th Anniversary Edition adds to Carrera:
Powertrain
3.6-liter dohc 345-horsepower 6-cylinder engine, traction control, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Full leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather luggage.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights, headlight washers, sport chassis, 225/40ZR18 front tires, 285/30ZR18 rear tires.
GT3 adds to Carrera:
Powertrain
3.6-liter dohc 380-horsepower 6-cylinder engine, limited-slip differential.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: cruise control, power recliners, back seat, power sunroof.
Sport chassis, 235/40ZR18 front tires, 295/30ZR18 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
345 Horsepower Kit
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S
$13,990
$11,892
Modified heads, manifolds, camshafts, and control unit. NA w/automatic transmission.
Turbo 444 Horsepower Kit
Turbo
$17,880
$15,198
Modified turbochargers, intercoolers, control unit, and transmission.
Technic Pkg.
Carrera coupe/Targa
$6,085
$5,174
Carrera convertible
$6,335
$5,387
Carrera 4
$5,100
$4,337
Carrera 4S
$2,470
$2,101
Traction control (Carrera, Carrera 4), antiskid system (Carrera, Carrera 4), heated power front seats, Bose sound system, windblocker (convertible), xenon headlights, wheel caps.
Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 40th Anniversary Edition, Carrera 4S, Turbo
$3,420
$2,907
NA GT2, GT3.
Safety
Antiskid system
Carrera
$1,235
$1,050
Includes traction control.
Rear-obstacle-detection system
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Turbo
$530
$451
NA GT2, GT3, 40th Anniversary Edition.
Ceramic composite disc brakes
Carrera 4S, GT3, Turbo
$8,150
$6,928
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 40th Anniversary Edition, Carrera 4S, Turbo
$2,680
$2,278
NA GT2, GT3.
Cruise control
GT2, GT3
$570
$485
Power front seats
Carrera, Carrera 4, 40th Anniversary
$1,550
$1,318
Includes driver-seat and mirror memory.
Power lumbar adjustment (per seat)
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, GT3, Turbo
$385
$327
Carrera, Carrera 4 require power front seats. NA GT2, 40th Anniversary Edition.
Heated front seats
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, GT2, Turbo
$410
$349
NA GT3. Std. 40th Anniversary Edition.
Full-leather upholstery
Carrera, Carrera 4
$3,280
$2,788
Bose sound system
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S
$1,625
$1,381
40th Anniversary
$795
$675
Hi-Fi Digital Sound
Carrera, Carrera 4
$830
$706
6-disc CD changer
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 40th Anniversary Edition, Carrera 4S, GT2, Turbo
$715
$608
NA GT3.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S
$705
$599
Includes rain-sensing wipers.
Rear wiper
Carrera coupe, Carrera 4S, 40th Anniversary
$345
$293
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights
Carrera, Carrera 4, GT3
$1,090
$927
Includes headlight washers.
Luggage rack
Carrera coupe, Carrera 4S
$400
$340
Carrera convertible, Carrera 4
$540
$459
Sport Chassis
Carrera, Carrera 4
$705
$599
Sport suspension.
Turbo-Look II alloy wheels
Carrera, Carrera 4
$1,435
$1,220
Includes 225/40ZR18 front tires, 285/30ZR18 rear tires.
2004 Porsche 911 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Porsche 911 2-door coupe Porsche 911 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 92.6 92.6
Overall Length, in. 174.5 174.5
Overall Width, in. 69.7 69.7
Overall Height, in. 51.4 51.4
Curb Weight, lbs. 2959 3135
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 11.7 11.7
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 16.9 16.9
Seating Capacity 4 4
Front Head Room, in. 38.0 38.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.6 41.6
Rear Head Room, in. -- --
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. -- --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc H6 dohc H6 Turbocharged dohc H6 Turbocharged dohc H6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.6 /219 3.6 /219 3.6 /220 3.6 /220
Horsepower @ rpm. 315 @ 6800 380 @ 7400 415 @ 6000 477 @ 5700
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 273 @ 4250 284 @ 5000 415 @ 2700 457 @ 4500
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
6-speed manual 18/26 15/23 15/22 15/23
5-speed automatic 18/26 --/-- 14/22 --/--
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Porsche 911 2-door coupe Porsche 911 2-door convertible
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/50,000 --
Corrosion 10 /unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 4/50,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Germany
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 Porsche 911 Review:
5. 
Porsche 911 Photos

6. 
Porsche 911 Full Review

7. 
All Porsche 911s

8. 
All Porsches


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