2008 Porsche 911: Road Test
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2008 Porsche 911 ▼
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- MSRP: $73,500 -$136,500
- Invoice: $64,174 -$119,331
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Our road test for the 2008 Porsche 911 includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Porsche 911 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Porsche 911, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Porsche 911 help you decide if a 2008 Porsche 911 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Carrera 4 coupe, manual | Carrera S coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8.1 |
Torque-rich engines give any model strong thrust for all situations, abetted by the slick, precise manual transmission. With the manual, Porsche pegs Carreras at 4.8 seconds 0-60 mph, Carrera S at 4.6. No automatic transmission, Targa, GT3, or Turbo models have been made available for us to test.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Carrera 4 coupe, manual | Carrera S coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission Carrera 4 averaged 17.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. A manual-transmission rear-drive Carrera S averaged 17.6 mpg, ranging from 13.6 mpg in city driving to 21.6 with mostly highway use. All 911s require premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Carrera 4 coupe, manual | Carrera S coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.4 |
Low-profile tires, taut suspension, and a short wheelbase combine for a ride that's extremely firm but seldom punishing, though sharp bumps can induce mild rear-end hop. Carreras with the adjustable suspension set in Sport mode can border on harsh.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Carrera 4 coupe, manual | Carrera S coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 8.7 |
Balanced, grippy, and stable despite the aft weight bias of 911's rear-engine layout. The available AWD is a reassuring safety net in wet conditions. Quick, informative steering and strong, progressive brakes are the order of the day, per Porsche tradition.
QUIETNESS
| Carrera 4 coupe, manual | Carrera S coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 4.2 |
Lots of engine and tire noise, but 911s are on par for ultra-performance sports cars. The engine's unique sound is music to an enthusiast's ears. Convertible's insulated, fully lined top muffles highway wind rush well, but there's enough top-down wind noise to drown out conversation.
CONTROLS
| Carrera 4 coupe, manual | Carrera S coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
The gauges are closely spaced and may seem daunting at first. Some testers say legibility suffers with the headlights on for daytime rain or overcast skies. Many switches are undersized and hard to decipher. The navigation system absorbs too many audio functions and takes time to master.
DETAILS
| Carrera 4 coupe, manual | Carrera S coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.9 |
Cabin materials are solid and mostly upscale, but the decor is not extravagant for these prices. One test Carrera 4 suffered from a few interior squeaks and rattles.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Carrera 4 coupe, manual | Carrera S coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
The low-slung cockpit taxes entry and exit, but room is good once aboard. The 911's seats hug without binding and are long-haul supportive.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Carrera 4 coupe, manual | Carrera S coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | .7 |
The toddler-sized seat has split folding backrests. It's best used as a padded parcel hold.
CARGO ROOM
| Carrera 4 coupe, manual | Carrera S coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2.6 |
Great for a sports car but not much by absolute standards. A weekending couple's soft luggage fills the back-seat area, which is easiest to access on hatchback Targas. The front compartment can hold a couple of gym bags.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Carrera 4 coupe, manual | Carrera S coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.3 |
Desirable simply as a unique high-performance driving experience, 911s also offer surprising utility. You pay plenty, but that's partly offset by solid construction and very strong resale values.
Total Score
| Carrera 4 coupe, manual | Carrera S coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 53 | 52 | 56.5 |
Total Score: 53
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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