Porsche 911 996, facelift 2001 Carrera 4S 3.6 (320 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 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largely unchanged, water-cooled engines were introduced with the 996 series in 1998, and front and rear suspension have been replaced by Porsche-specific MacPherson suspension up front, and independent multi-link rear suspension....(Read more on Wikipedia)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, facelift 2001 Overview:

Porsche 911 (996, facelift 2001). With 370 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1495 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 5.1 s). The top speed reaches 280 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.

Carrera 4S 3.6 (320 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Shares the same potent 3.6L engine, offering excellent performance with the added traction and stability of all-wheel drive and a wider body.

Fuel Economy

Slightly higher fuel consumption at 11.4 l/100 km due to AWD system, but still acceptable for its class.

Best Use Case: All-weather spirited driving, offering enhanced grip and a more planted feel.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Engaging driving dynamics and precise steering
  • • Iconic Porsche styling (post-facelift improvements)
  • • Wide range of powerful engines (especially Mezger-based Turbo, GT3, GT2)
  • • Practicality for a sports car (rear seats, decent trunk space)
  • • Strong performance across the lineup

Cons:

  • • M96 engine reliability concerns (IMS bearing, bore scoring)
  • • Interior design can feel dated compared to modern cars
  • • High maintenance and repair costs, especially for older models
  • • Some find the early 996 styling less appealing than air-cooled predecessors

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Cabriolet (996, facelift 2001): 2000 - 2005).

General:
Brand:Porsche
Model:911
Generation:996, facelift 2001
Modification (Engine):Carrera 4S 3.6 (320 Hp)
Start of production:2001
End of production:2004
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
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
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:8.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:11.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:5.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:5.1 sec
Maximum speed:280 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:4.7 kg/Hp, 214 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4 kg/Nm, 247.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:4.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1495
Max. weight:1870
Max load:375
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:100 l
Fuel tank capacity:64 l
Size:
Length:4435 mm mm [30mm less]
Width:1830 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1295 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2350 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1475 mm
Rear (Back) track:1528 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/40 R18; 295/30 R18
Wheel rims size8J x 18; 11J x 18
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

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