2006 Porsche 911: Road Test
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2006 Porsche 911 ▼
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- MSRP: $71,300 -$97,100
- Invoice: $62,248 -$84,836
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Our road test for the 2006 Porsche 911 includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Porsche 911 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Porsche 911, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Porsche 911 help you decide if a 2006 Porsche 911 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8.2 |
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. No opportunity yet to test 2007 Turbos, but Porsche says it's under 4.0 sec with manual or automatic transmission. Performance suffers little with crisp-shifting automatic; it's most always in the right gear and can be operated like a manual.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Test manual-transmission Carrera 4 averaged 17.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test manual-transmission Carrera S averaged 17.6 mpg, ranging from 13.6 mpg in city driving, 21.6 in highway trip. No opportunity to measure with automatic transmission. All 911s require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.3 |
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. 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 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 8.5 |
Car works in harmony with driver to furnish balanced, grippy, stable roadgoing despite aft weight bias of rear-engine layout. Traction/antiskid 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 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 4.1 |
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. Some squeaks, rattles noted in test Carrera 4.
CONTROLS
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.3 |
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. Many controls buttons undersized and take time to decipher. Navigation system incorporates many audio functions, also takes time to master. Cabin materials solid, upscale, though far from extravagant.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
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.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | .7 |
Toddler-sized seat has split folding backrests. Best used as padded parcel hold.
CARGO ROOM
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 |
Great for a sports car. Not much by absolute standards. A weekend's soft luggage fits in back-seat area. Front compartment takes a couple of gym bags.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Desirable for their unique high-performance driving experience alone, 911s also offer surprising utility. You'll pay plenty, but all Carreras retain lots of value at resale time.
Total Score
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 47 | 47 | 48.5 |
Total Score: 47
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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