2005 Porsche 911: Road Test
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2005 Porsche 911 ▼
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- MSRP: $69,300 -$141,200
- Invoice: $60,497 -$123,446
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Our road test for the 2005 Porsche 911 includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Porsche 911 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Porsche 911, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Porsche 911 help you decide if a 2005 Porsche 911 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Turbo S Cabriolet, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 8.1 |
Torque-rich engine delivers bursts of speed in virtually any circumstance. Works in impressive harmony with precise-shifting manual transmission. With manual, Porsche pegs Carrera at 4.8 sec 0-60 mph, Carrera S at 4.6. Carryover Turbo models among world's fastest cars at just over 4 sec 0-60 in our tests. Performance suffers little with crisp-shifting automatic transmission; it's most always in the right gear and can be operated like a manual.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Turbo S Cabriolet, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Test manual-transmission Carrera S averaged 17.6 mpg; ranged from 13.6 mpg in city driving to 21.6 in highway trip. Test Turbo Cabriolet averaged 16.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure with automatic transmission. All 911s require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Turbo S Cabriolet, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 4 |
Low-profile, high-speed tires, taut suspension, short wheelbase combine for ride that's extremely firm, though seldom punishing, despite rear tires' tendency to jolt over sharp surface imperfections. Turbo models, Carreras with adjustable suspension set in Sport mode can border on harsh. Test convertible showed impressive structural stiffness, with little body flex over bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Turbo S Cabriolet, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 8.6 |
Car works in harmony with driver to furnish balanced, grippy, stable roadgoing despite aft weight bias of rear-engine layout. Antiskid/traction control enhances dynamic safety, as does AWD on models so equipped. Quick, informative steering, strong, progressive brakes per Porsche tradition. Compact exterior dimensions an underrated facet of superb handling.
QUIETNESS
| Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Turbo S Cabriolet, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.9 |
Lots of engine, tire noise, but no more than other ultra high-performance sports cars. And Porsche's unique engine sound music to the ears. Cabriolets have insulated, nicely trimmed tops that isolate well against highway wind noise. Top-down wind noise enough to drown out conversation.
CONTROLS
| Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Turbo S Cabriolet, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 6.2 |
Gauges monitor daunting array of functions, performance; are very closely spaced and to some testers, lose clarity when lights must be turned on in daytime rain or overcast. Controls in redesigned Carerras less haphazardly placed than in vintage-1999 models, but many buttons still undersized and take time to decipher. Navigation system especially frustrating. Latest cabin materials generally solid, upscale, though far from extravagant. Considering price, older-design models disappoint with mediocre molded plastics in obvious spots.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Turbo S Cabriolet, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 5.6 |
Low-slung cockpit taxes entry/exit, but there's good room once aboard. Seats hug without binding, are long-haul supportive. Good basic driving position. Convertible has blind spots at rear corners with top up.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Turbo S Cabriolet, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | .4 |
Toddler-sized seat has split folding backrests. Best used as padded parcel hold.
CARGO ROOM
| Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Turbo S Cabriolet, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 2 |
Not much. A weekend's soft luggage fits in back-seat area. Front compartment takes a couple of gym bags.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Turbo S Cabriolet, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 4.6 |
Desirable for their unique high-performance driving experience alone, 911s also offer prestige, solid construction, and proven reliability. You'll pay plenty, but these cars retain lots of value at resale time.
Total Score
| Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Turbo S Cabriolet, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | 40 | 47.8 |
Total Score: 44
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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