2003 Porsche 911 Review
It lives up to the legend.
2003 911 Review Summary & Specifications
Yes, there are other sports cars. With the exception of a Ferrari, one could argue that none of those other cars have that Porsche 911 mystique that is impossible to place a value on. One could argue those other cars do not have Porsche's panache, again, with the exception of Ferrari. But those arguments aren't necessary because the Porsche 911 is truly one of the world's finest sports cars. You can make various arguments by looking at performance numbers. A Viper may beat you at the local road racing circuit, Corvettes offer an excellent value and Ferraris are exotic. But few sports cars can match the Porsche 911's combination of chassis sophistication and power. It is precision machinery. It is easy to drive. And it offers levels of satisfaction that grow over time. As they say, there is no substitute.
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| Vehicle Category | Sports Cars |
| Editor | Mitch McCullough |
| Model Lineup | Carrera Coupe ($68,600); Targa ($76,000); Carrera Cabriolet ($78,400); Carrera 4 Cabriolet ($78,400); Carrera 4S ($81,800); Turbo ($116,200); GT3 ($99,900); GT2 ($181,700) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.6-liter dohc 24v H6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 6-speed manual |
| Engines (optional) | 315-hp 3.6-liter dohc 24v horizontally opposed 6-cylinder; 415-hp 3.6-liter dohc 24v turbocharged horizontally opposed 6-cylinder |
| Transmissions (optional) | six-speed manual; 5-speed Tiptronic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual frontal airbags, door-mounted side-impact air bags, three-point inertia reel seat belts with height adjustment, second-generation side-impact passenger protection, ABS; Cabriolet has automatic-deploying safety bar and boron-steel reinforced windshield header and A-pillars |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | Porsche Stability Management (PSM) |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Stuttgart, Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-767-7243 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.porsche.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 68600 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe ($68,600) |
| Standard Equipment | automatic climate control with dust/pollen filters, partial leather-covered seats, leather trim, height-adjustable seats with power recliners, digital AM/FM/CD stereo, trip computer, telescoping steering column, power windows with one-touch power up/down, power locks with keyless remote, anti-theft system, power heated mirrors, cruise control, power sunroof, fog lights, rear fog lights, speed-dependent retractable rear spoiler, heated windshield washer nozzles |
| Destination Charge | 765 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | metallic paint ($825); Porsche Stability Management system ($1230); Comfort Package ($2100) includes dual power front seats with power height, length and backrest adjust, dual adjust lumbar supports, driver's seat memory; 18-in. light alloy Carrera wheels ($1435) includes P225/40ZR18 front tires, P285/30/ZR18 rear tires |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 74955 |
| Layout | rear-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 315 @ 6800 |
| Torque | 273 @ 4250 |
| Fuel Economy | 18/26 |
| Wheelbase | 92.6 |
| Length/Width/Height | 174.5/69.7/51.4 |
| Track Front/Rear | 57.7/58.3 |
| Turning Radius | 34.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+2 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.0/NA/41.6 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Trunk Volume | 4.6 + 7.1 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | 4.3 |
| Curb Weight | 2959 |
| Stock Tires | P225/40ZR18, P285/30ZR18 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.9 |
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