EDMUNDS.COM 2004 PORSCHE 911
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| Editors'' Review |
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Still the quintessential sports car after four decades, the 911 has a unique blend of style, performance and sound that''s unmatched by anything on the road.
Pros
Pinpoint steering, effortless acceleration, industrial strength brakes, the soothing sound of a powerful flat six.
Cons
Interior quality doesn''t match sticker price, outlandish option prices.
What''s New for 2004
Cabriolet versions of the C4S and Turbo models join the lineup along with the GT3 and a 40th Anniversary model. A mechanical rear differential lock is a new option for Carrera coupes, while the options list for the Carrera 4S adds a new Aerokit, two new types of 18-inch wheels and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system (PCCB). Turbo models get a new tachometer and additional 18-inch wheel options. Finally, the GT2 model receives a boost in power along with brake and chassis upgrades.
Overview
Introduction:
Debuting in 1964 as a replacement for the aging 356 series, the Porsche 911 kept the basic Porsche tenets intact -- lightweight, an air-cooled engine hung out aft of the rear wheels and a no-nonsense cockpit. The fearsome Turbo debuted in 1976 and, along with its blinding acceleration, oftentimes taught overzealous or inexperienced (or both) drivers the meaning of lift-throttle oversteer -- a tendency for the tail to swing around when the driver jumps off the gas. During subsequent years, Porsche steadily increased power but also fine-tuned the suspension to the point that only the foolhardy could get into trouble while piloting the sharp-handling 911. In 1999, the 911 underwent its first all-out "clean-sheet" redesign since its introduction in the mid-''60s. The new age 911 was slightly longer, wider and sleeker than any previous version. That year also saw a switch to a water-cooled version of the flat six, a seeming improvement from the standpoint of more efficient engine cooling and cabin climate control. But not everyone agreed; some car buffs flew the Porsche flag at half-mast. These diehards were afraid that some of the car''s character was lost with the disappearance of the air-cooled design and its unique sound. They were partially right; even though the "new" 911''s performance was impressive, the engine and exhaust were too subdued. In 2002, an extra dose of power was accompanied by a better soundtrack that resurrected the intoxicating, metallic-throbbing and full exhaust note that are unmistakably 911. What''s not to like? With MSRPs ranging from nearly $70,000 to $180,000, the Porsche heritage still requires the buyer to fork over a big bundle of cash. The company also charges a fortune for many of the 911''s options. But if you''re looking for supercar performance in a legendary package, it''s tough to top the 911.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The standard 911 Carrera is offered in coupe, cabriolet and targa versions. The Carrera 4 Cabriolet is merely an all-wheel-drive version of the standard Carrera Cabrio. The 911 Turbo coupe and cabriolet feature a turbocharged version of the standard engine along with all-wheel drive and enhanced body work. The Carrera 4S and 4S Cabrio are almost identical to the Turbo models except they use the standard Carrera engine. The GT3 is a stripped-down weekend racer, while the GT2 is the top-of-the-line model with the most horsepower. For this year only, a limited run of 40th Anniversary models with be offered with unique interior and exterior details like special wheels and badging. All models come with an options list that stretches into the hundreds, allowing you to order your particular model with just about any feature you could possibly want.
Powertrains and Performance:
All 911s feature a 3.6-liter, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. In the standard models (Carrera, Carrera Cabrio, Targa, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera 4S Cabrio), it''s rated to produce 315 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 40th Anniversary model bumps horsepower to 345, while the GT3 tops out at 380 hp. The Turbo and Turbo Cabriolet models boast 415 standard horses, but an X50 engine enhancement package is available on the coupe to boost the number to 444 total hp. The top-of-the-line GT2 has the most power of any 911 model with a factory rating of 477 hp. Porsche offers the choice of either a six-speed manual or a five-speed Tiptronic S automanual transmission on all models except the GT2, which comes only with the manual gearbox.
Safety:
Side airbags and four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on all 911 models. Stability control is standard on the Carrera 4 and Turbo models and is optional on all the other 911s, except the GT2.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
In spite of its lofty price tag, some of the 911''s interior components could use some work. The control stalks feel flimsy, and the switchgear is just average in feel and appearance. The seats are firm but comfortable, and there''s enough room for taller drivers, but don''t expect to put any adults in back. Targa models feature a retractable glass roof that is a nice compromise between the small sunroof of the coupes and the fully retractable tops on the Cabrio models.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Continual improvements over the years have made the 911 more docile on the street than you might think. Driven at normal speeds it delivers a pleasant, if not a little bumpy, ride that''s perfectly suitable for daily commutes. Lay into the power, however, and the 911 comes alive. Nearly perfect steering feel, phenomenally powerful brakes and a well-tuned suspension make for a sports car like none other. It still requires a skilled driver to extract its full potential, but even those who only manage to scratch the surface of its vast reserves of performance will be thrilled with the results.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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