Porsche 911 996 Carrera 3.4 (300 Hp)


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largely unchanged, water-cooled engines were introduced with the 996 series in 1998, and front and rear suspension have been replaced by Porsche-specific MacPherson suspension up front, and independent multi-link rear suspension....(Read more on Wikipedia)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 1320 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. 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.

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) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Solid performance for a base Carrera, offering a classic Porsche driving experience with good power delivery for daily use and spirited roads.

Fuel Economy

Moderate fuel consumption for a sports car of its era, acceptable for mixed driving conditions.

Best Use Case: Daily driving, spirited road trips, entry into 911 ownership.

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)
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 mm
Piston Stroke:78 mm mm
Compression ratio:11.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Maximum speed:280 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:4.4 kg/Hp, 227.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.8 kg/Nm, 265.2 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1320
Max. weight:1720
Max load:400
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:130 l
Fuel tank capacity:64 l
Size:
Length:4430 mm mm [185mm more]
Width:1765 mm mm [30mm more]
Height:1305 mm mm [5mm more]
Wheelbase:2350 mm 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 gears6
Transmission typeManual
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

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