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Porsche 911 Cabriolet (996, facelift 2001) Carrera 4 3.6 (320 Hp)
Overall Rating
Porsche 911:
The Porsche 911 model series is a family of two-door, high performance rear-engine sports cars, introduced in September 1964 by Porsche of Stuttgart, Germany, and now in its eighth generation. All 911s have a rear-mounted flat-six engine, and usually 2+2 seating, except for special 2-seater variants. Originally, 911s had air-cooled engines, and torsion bar suspension, but the 911 has been continuously changed and improved across generations. Though the 911 core concept has remained largely unchanged, water-cooled engines were introduced with the 996 series in 1998, and front and rear suspension have been replaced by Porsche-specific MacPherson suspension up front, and independent multi-link rear suspension....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Cabriolet (996, facelift 2001) Overview:
Porsche 911 (Cabriolet (996, facelift 2001)). With 370 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1510 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.2 s). The top speed reaches 285 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
Carrera 4 3.6 (320 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 3.6L engine provides ample power, and the all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability, especially in adverse conditions, without significantly dulling the driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Slightly less efficient than the RWD Carrera due to the AWD system, but still within expected range for a performance car. 11.3 l/100 km is acceptable.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 911 driving dynamics and engaging handling.
- • Powerful and characterful flat-six engines (especially Mezger in Turbo).
- • Timeless design with open-top enjoyment.
- • Excellent build quality and premium interior materials.
- • Strong performance across all trims.
Cons:
- • Known M96 engine issues (IMS bearing, bore scoring) for non-Turbo models.
- • Tiptronic S transmission can feel dated compared to modern automatics.
- • Limited luggage space, typical for a sports convertible.
- • Higher running costs (fuel, maintenance, parts) than average.
- • Interior design can feel less special than previous 911 generations to some.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(996, facelift 2001: 2000 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Porsche |
| Model: | 911 |
| Generation: | Cabriolet (996, facelift 2001) |
| Modification (Engine): | Carrera 4 3.6 (320 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 320 Hp @ 6800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 89 Hp/l [35mm less] |
| Torque: | 370 Nm @ 4250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M96.05 More details about the engine M96.05 |
| Engine displacement: | 3596 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Boxer |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8.8 l |
| Coolant: | 31 l |
| Engine layout: | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 285 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.7 kg/Hp, 211.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.1 kg/Nm, 245 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1510 |
| Max. weight: | 1915 |
| Max load: | 405 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 100 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4430 mm mm [35mm less] |
| Width: | 1770 mm mm [60mm less] |
| Height: | 1305 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2350 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1465 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1500 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/50 R17; 255/40 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17; 9J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
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