Porsche 911 Cabriolet (996) Carrera 3.4 (300 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.2 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 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largely unchanged, water-cooled engines were introduced with the 996 series in 1998, and front and rear suspension have been replaced by Porsche-specific MacPherson suspension up front, and independent multi-link rear suspension....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Cabriolet (996) Overview:

Porsche 911 (Cabriolet (996)). With 350 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1395 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.4 s). The top speed reaches 280 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Carrera 3.4 (300 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The purest expression of the 996 Cabriolet, offering exhilarating rear-wheel-drive dynamics and precise manual shifting for an engaging driving experience.

Fuel Economy

Typical for a naturally aspirated sports car of its time, fuel consumption is moderate, rewarding spirited driving with an acceptable trade-off.

Best Use Case: Weekend Sport Driving / Enthusiast Track Days

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Iconic Porsche 911 design and heritage
  • • Engaging driving dynamics and precise steering
  • • Powerful flat-six engine sound (when healthy)
  • • Open-top driving experience in Cabriolet form
  • • Relatively affordable entry into 911 ownership today
  • • Good build quality and timeless interior design

Cons:

  • • Known M96 engine issues (IMS bearing, bore scoring, D-chunk)
  • • Tiptronic S automatic transmission can feel dated and less engaging
  • • Interior design is less traditional than air-cooled models
  • • Higher maintenance costs compared to mainstream vehicles
  • • Rear visibility can be limited with the top up
  • • Road and wind noise typical for a convertible sports car

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(996: 1997 - 2001).

General:
Brand:Porsche
Model:911
Generation:Cabriolet (996)
Modification (Engine):Carrera 3.4 (300 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:2001
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Cabriolet
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:5.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:5.4 sec
Maximum speed:280 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:4.7 kg/Hp, 215.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4 kg/Nm, 250.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:5.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1395
Max. weight:1795
Max load:400
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:130 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
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, 229 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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