Porsche 911 996 Carrera 3.4 (300 Hp) Tiptronic S


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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largely unchanged, water-cooled engines were introduced with the 996 series in 1998, and front and rear suspension have been replaced by Porsche-specific MacPherson suspension up front, and independent multi-link rear suspension....(Read more on Wikipedia)

996 Overview:

Porsche 911 (996). With 350 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1365 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 274 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Porsche 911 (996) generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, it featured standard safety equipment for its era, including ABS and airbags.

Carrera 3.4 (300 Hp) Tiptronic S Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Smooth power delivery suitable for comfortable cruising. The Tiptronic S offers convenience but sacrifices some of the raw sports car feel of the manual.

Fuel Economy

Similar to the manual Carrera, potentially slightly worse in some driving scenarios due to the automatic transmission.

Best Use Case: Comfortable daily commuting, relaxed touring, urban driving.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent handling and steering feel
  • • Strong performance across the range (especially GT3)
  • • More modern and comfortable interior than previous generations
  • • Good daily drivability for a sports car
  • • Iconic Porsche styling (despite headlight controversy)

Cons:

  • • M96 engine reliability concerns (IMS bearing, RMS leaks)
  • • Controversial 'fried egg' headlights for some purists
  • • Interior quality can feel less premium than earlier 911s
  • • Tiptronic S transmission can feel dated and less engaging
  • • Maintenance costs can be high

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Targa (993): 1996 - 1997).

General:
Brand:Porsche
Model:911
Generation:996
Modification (Engine):Carrera 3.4 (300 Hp) Tiptronic S
Start of production:1997
End of production:2001
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:300 Hp @ 6800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:88.6 Hp/l [185mm more]
Torque:350 Nm @ 4600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M96.01, M96.04 More details about the engine M96.01, M96.04
Engine displacement:3387
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:8.3 l
Coolant:22.5 l
Engine layout:Rear, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:96 mm
Piston Stroke:78 mm
Compression ratio:11.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Maximum speed:274 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:4.6 kg/Hp, 219.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.9 kg/Nm, 256.4 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1365
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:130 l
Fuel tank capacity:64 l
Size:
Length:4430 mm [185mm more]
Width:1765 mm [30mm more]
Height:1305 mm [5mm more]
Wheelbase:2350 mm [75mm more]
Front track:1455 mm
Rear (Back) track:1500 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):100 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.6 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeTiptronic S
Front brakesVentilated discs, 318 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs, 299 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/50 R17; 255/40 R17
Wheel rims size7J x 17; 9J x 17
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

If you could change one thing about the Porsche 911, what would it be?