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Our Score:
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Styling & Design
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Score:
8/10
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The classic shape is back, with proper round lights and more muscular haunches. It looks superb from almost any angle, but the rear could do with a spruce-up. It’s a bit bland on standard Carrera models. Convertible and Targa are well executed, but lose the classic oval rear side window.
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Engine Spec
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Score:
10/10
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The base 325bhp 3.6 flat-six is fast, but easy to use. The 355bhp 3.8 that powers the S is noticeably faster in the mid-range. The howling 415bhp 3.6 in the GT3 is manic and addictive, while the 480bhp/680Nm 3.6 Turbo is simply savage. The rear-wheel drive GT2 can't cope with its demented 530hp!
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Performance
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Score:
10/10
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The Carrera is fast (5.0 seconds/285km/h) & loves revs while S is a tad faster (4.8s/293km/h). The GT3 is a screamer - 0-100km/h in 4.3s & 310km/h all out, while the Turbo is effortlessly ballistic: 0-100 in 3.9s & 310km/h top speed. GT2's 3.7s & 328km/h are mind warping but scary with no ESP.
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Ride & Handling
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Score:
10/10
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No other car drives like a 911. With no engine over the front wheels it follows the contour of the road, rather than trying to absorb every bump. Turn-in is razor-sharp, steering feel is superb & every inch talks to you. GT3 ups the feel, Turbo ups the speed and grip but the GT2 has too much power.
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Interior & Ergonomics
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Score:
9/10
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When the new interior was installed in 2005, the 911 finally felt like a proper, premium product. It’s simple, elegant, ergonomically excellent and totally driver-focused. The 50km/h gradients in the speedometer are annoying, though, and the 'Chrono Pack' is a bit gimmicky.
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Space & Practicality
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Score:
5/10
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The 911 scores a 10 for engine, performance and handling, so there had to be a trade-off somewhere. The boot is out front and space is very limited. The rear seats are also pathetic, so it’s soft bags and light packing if you plan to go anywhere. Fortunately, most owners have a backup vehicle.
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Safety
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Score:
8/10
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All 911s (incl. Cabrios) have front, side and head airbags (door mounted); front belt pre-tensioner with load limiters and adjustable ESP (not GT2). Tyre pressure monitors are optional, as are ceramic brakes, ISOFIX and an airbag switch. Bi-Xenon lights are standard on all except base Carrara.
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Value & Running Costs
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Score:
4/10
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If you have to ask yourself, ‘Can I afford a 911?’, then you can’t. Buying one is only the beginning. Fuel bills are high, as are servicing costs, replacement parts, insurance, tax and depreciation. Percentage-wise 911s hold their value well, but loosing 40% of €200,000 is still a lot of cash.
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Quality & Refinement
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Score:
9/10 |
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The non-GT 911s are true everyday supercars. They ride firmly, but are comfy enough for the commute. They’re even better on the open road thanks to a quiet cabin, cultured engine and excellent seats. Interior quality is also now on a par with BMW, though it should really be better for the money.
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Equipment
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Score:
7/10
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The Carrera has climate control, 1/2-leather sport seats, leather steering, premium stereo, foglights, 18” alloys. The S adds 19” alloys, bi-Xenon lights, active suspension. Turbo adds leather & Sat Nav. GT3 adds track-ready suspension, bodykit & wheels. Cruise control, LSD & park aids are options.
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Bad
Running costs
Meagre space.
Good
Gorgeous
Civilised
Agile
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