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2008 Porsche 911 Full Review
Date Published: 6/06/08
Also in the 2008 Porsche 911 Review:
5.
6.
Porsche 911 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Porsche 911 Review
The 2008 Porsche 911 adds a turbocharged convertible model to its roster but is largely unchanged otherwise. This is Porsche's flagship sports car. It's available as a coupe, the Cabriolet convertible with a power soft top, and as the Targa, which has a power sliding translucent roof panel. Several models are offered. Carrera, Carrera S, GT3, and GT3 RS have rear-wheel drive. Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Targa 4, Targa 4S, and Turbo have all-wheel drive. All 911s have rear-mounted horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engines. Carreras and the Targa have 325 hp. Carrera S and Targa S versions have 355 hp. The racetrack-ready GT3 and GT3 RS have 415 hp. Turbos have 480 hp. A 381-hp Power Kit is available for the Carrera S, Carrera 4S, and Targa S. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard. A 5-speed automatic is optional except on the GT3. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. The GT3, GT3 RS, and Turbo have specific suspension tuning, brakes, and styling.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.
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2008 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
The toddler-sized seat has split folding backrests. It's best used as a padded parcel hold.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 39 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 65 |
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2008 Porsche 911 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Carrera 2-door coupe | $73,500 | $64,174 | $860 |
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| Carrera Cabriolet 2-door convertible | $83,800 | $73,192 | $860 |
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| AWD Carrera 4 2-door coupe | $79,400 | $69,340 | $860 |
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| AWD Carrera 4 Cabriolet 2-door convertible | $89,700 | $78,357 | $860 |
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| AWD Targa 4 2-door coupe | $87,000 | $73,993 | $860 |
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| Carrera S 2-door coupe | $83,800 | $73,192 | $860 |
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| Carrera S Cabriolet 2-door convertible | $94,100 | $82,209 | $860 |
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| AWD Carrera 4S 2-door coupe | $89,700 | $78,357 | $860 |
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| AWD Carrera 4S Cabriolet 2-door convertible | $100,000 | $87,375 | $860 |
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| AWD Targa 4S 2-door coupe | $97,300 | $85,011 | $860 |
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| Carrera GT3 2-door coupe | $107,500 | $93,941 | $860 |
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| Carrera GT3 RS 2-door coupe | $124,900 | $109,175 | $860 |
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| AWD Carrera Turbo 2-door coupe | $126,200 | $110,313 | $860 |
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| AWD Carrera Turbo Cabriolet 2-door convertible | $136,500 | $119,331 | $860 |
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/Carrera 4/Targa 4
Powertrain
3.6-liter 325-horsepower 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, automatic roll bars (convertible).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, partial leather upholstery, front bucket seats w/height adjustment and power recliner, center console, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof (Carrera coupe), power-sliding roof panel (Targa coupe), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, trip computer, power convertible top (convertible), rain-sensing intermittent wipers w/heated nozzles, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, windblocker (convertible), rear spoiler, 235/40ZR18 front and 265/40ZR18 rear tires (Carrera), 235/40ZR18 front and 295/35ZR18 rear tires (Targa), alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Carrera S/Carrera 4S/Targa 4S adds to Carrera/Carrera 4/Targa::
Powertrain
3.8-liter 355-horsepower 6-cylinder engine.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights w/washers, fog lights, adjustable suspension, 235/35ZR19 front and 295/30ZR19 rear tires (Carrera), 235/35ZR19 front and 305/30ZR19 rear tires (Targa), AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Carrera GT3 adds to Carrera S:
Powertrain
3.6-liter 415-horsepower 6-cylinder engine, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/alcantara upholstery, alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: bi-xenon headlights, fog lights.
235/35ZR19 front tires, 305/30ZR19 rear tires.
Carrera GT3 RS adds to Carrera GT3:
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Aerodynamics pkg., light-weight construction.
Carrera Turbo adds to Carrera 4S:
Powertrain
3.6-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Full leather upholstery, power front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), aluminum interior trim, navigation system, Bose sound system, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
235/35ZR19 front tires, 305/30ZR19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Power Kit
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Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Targa 4S
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$16,900
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$14,365
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381-hp via modifications to engine and exhaust system.
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Sport Chrono Pkg. Plus
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Carrera, Targa 4, Carrera S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Targa 4S
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$960
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$816
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Carrera Turbo
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$1,920
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$1,632
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GT3, GT3 RS
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$690
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$587
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Analog and digital chronometer, sport button for engine- and chassis-electronic controls, personal-preference adjustment for lighting, air conditioning, wipers, door locks. GT3 requires navigation system.
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Powertrain |
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5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
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Carrera S/Carrera 4S/Targa 4S, Carrera Turbo, Carrera/Carrera 4/Targa 4
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$3,420
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$2,907
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NA GT3, GT3 RS.
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Sport shifter
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convertible, Turbo
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$765
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$650
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NA w/5-speed automatic transmission.
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Locking differential
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Carrera Turbo
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$950
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$808
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Safety |
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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Carrera S/Carrera 4S/Targa 4S, Carrera Turbo, Carrera/Carrera 4/Targa 4
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$530
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$451
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NA GT3, GT3 RS.
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Ceramic composite disc brakes
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Carrera Turbo, GT3, GT3 RS
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$8,840
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$7,514
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Carrera, Targa 4, Carrera S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Targa 4S
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$8,150
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$6,928
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Carrera, Targa 4, Carrera S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Targa 4S
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$3,070
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$2,610
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GT3, GT3 RS
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$3,110
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$2,644
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Air conditioning delete
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GT3 RS
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$0
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$0
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Power front seats
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Carrera S/Carrera 4S/Targa 4S, Carrera/Carrera 4/Targa 4
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$1,550
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$1,318
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Includes driver-seat and mirror memory. Std. Carrera Turbo. NA GT3, GT3 RS.
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Power adaptive sport seats
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Carrera, Targa 4, Carrera S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Targa 4S
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$2,695
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$2,291
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Carrera Turbo
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$1,145
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$973
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GT3
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$2,295
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$1,951
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Requires full leather upholstery.
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Heated front seats
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Carrera GT3, Carrera S/Carrera 4S/Targa 4S, Carrera Turbo, Carrera/Carrera 4/Targa 4
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$500
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$425
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NA GT3 RS.
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Full-leather upholstery
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Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Targa 4, Targa 4S
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$3,365
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$2,860
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GT3, GT3 RS
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$2,995
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$2,546
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Std. Carrera Turbo.
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Bose sound system
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Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S
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$1,390
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$1,182
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NA GT3, GT3 RS. Std. Carrera Turbo.
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Upgraded sound system
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GT3
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$715
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$608
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6-disc CD changer
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Carrera S/Carrera 4S/Targa 4S, Carrera Turbo, Carrera/Carrera 4/Targa 4
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$650
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$553
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NA GT3, GT3 RS.
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Wireless cell phone link
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Carrera GT3, Carrera GT3 RS, Carrera S/Carrera 4S/Targa 4S, Carrera Turbo, Carrera/Carrera 4/Targa 4
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$960
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$816
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Targa 4, Targa 4S
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$385
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$327
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GT3
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$690
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$587
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Includes driver-side automatic day/night. GT3 includes rain-sensing wipers. Std. Carrera Turbo.
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Rear wiper
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Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S coupe
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$360
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$306
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Carrera Turbo
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$0
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$0
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NA GT3, GT3 RS, convertible.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Bi-xenon headlights
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Carrera, Carrera 4, Targa 4, Targa 4S, GT3, GT3 RS
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$1,090
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$927
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Includes headlight washers.
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Special paint
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Carrera GT3, Carrera GT3 RS, Carrera S/Carrera 4S/Targa 4S, Carrera/Carrera 4/Targa 4
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$690
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$587
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Std. Carrera Turbo.
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Removable hardtop
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convertible
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$3,490
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$2,967
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Adjustable suspension
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Carrera, Carrera 4, Targa 4
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$1,990
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$1,692
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19-inch alloy wheels
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Carrera, Carrera 4
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$1,550
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$1,318
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Includes 235/35ZR19 front tires, 295/30ZR19 rear tires.
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Porsche 911 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Porsche 911 2-door coupe | Porsche 911 Targa coupe | Porsche 911 Cabriolet 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 92.5 | 92.5 | 92.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.6 | 175.6 | 175.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.2 | 71.2 | 71.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.6 | 51.6 | 51.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3075 | 3329 | 3263 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 4.4 | 8.0 | 4.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 | 16.9 | 16.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.0 | -- | 38.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 | 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 | dohc H6 | Turbocharged dohc H6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.6 /219 | 3.8 /233 | 3.6 /220 | 3.6 /219 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 325 @ 6800 | 355 @ 6600 | 415 @ 7600 | 480 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 273 @ 4250 | 295 @ 4600 | 300 @ 5500 | 460 @ 1950 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | 18/26 | 17/25 | 15/22 | 16/23 |
| 5-speed automatic | 18/24 | 17/24 | --/-- | 15/23 |
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 Targa coupe | Porsche 911 Cabriolet 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Porsche 911 Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Porsche 911 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Acura