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Porsche 911 Cabriolet (996, facelift 2001) Carrera 4S 3.6 (320 Hp) Tiptronic S
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largely unchanged, water-cooled engines were introduced with the 996 series in 1998, and front and rear suspension have been replaced by Porsche-specific MacPherson suspension up front, and independent multi-link rear suspension....(Read more on Wikipedia)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 1620 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.9 s). The top speed reaches 275 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
Carrera 4S 3.6 (320 Hp) Tiptronic S Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The widebody Carrera 4S with the 3.6L engine and Tiptronic S offers a refined, stable, and powerful open-top experience, blending performance with automatic ease.
Fuel Economy
The least fuel-efficient among the naturally aspirated Carrera models, reflecting the combination of AWD, wider body, and automatic transmission. 12.2 l/100 km.
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 4S 3.6 (320 Hp) Tiptronic S |
| 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 [30mm 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 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8.8 l |
| Coolant: | 31 l |
| Engine layout: | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Compression ratio: | 11.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 18.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 275 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.1 kg/Hp, 197.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.4 kg/Nm, 228.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1620 |
| Max. weight: | 2020 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 100 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4435 mm [30mm less] |
| Width: | 1830 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1295 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2350 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Tiptronic S |
| 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 | 225/40 R18; 295/30 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18; 11J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Porsche 911!