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Porsche 911 996 Carrera 4 3.4 (300 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largely unchanged, water-cooled engines were introduced with the 996 series in 1998, and front and rear suspension have been replaced by Porsche-specific MacPherson suspension up front, and independent multi-link rear suspension....(Read more on Wikipedia)
996 Overview:
Porsche 911 (996). With 350 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1420 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 6 s). The top speed reaches 275 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.
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 4 3.4 (300 Hp) Tiptronic S Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Competent all-weather performance with the added traction of AWD. The Tiptronic S offers convenience but reduces driver engagement compared to the manual.
Fuel Economy
Slightly higher fuel consumption than the RWD manual due to the AWD system and automatic transmission.
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(996: 1997 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Porsche |
| Model: | 911 |
| Generation: | 996 |
| Modification (Engine): | Carrera 4 3.4 (300 Hp) Tiptronic S |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 300 Hp @ 6800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 88.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 350 Nm @ 4600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M96.01, M96.04 [Same engine] 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) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 275 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.7 kg/Hp, 211.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.1 kg/Nm, 246.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1420 |
| Max. weight: | 1820 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 100 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4430 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1765 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1305 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2350 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| 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: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| 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 | 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 |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Porsche 911 rank in your book?