Name: Porsche 911 Review
Item: Porsche 911
Author: Gumtree.com

The iconic appearance of the Porsche 911 means it’s instantly recognisable, despite the subtle-yet-significant changes that have been made since its original launch in 1963. Available in coupe and convertible body options, there is no doubt that the 911 is a high-end supercar that’ll make you feel amazing, whether you’re looking to hit the racetrack or cruise winding country roads. With powerful specs, classic styling and delightful engine noise, it’s no wonder this pinnacle of German automobile design has been thrilling the world for almost 60 years.

Are you looking to learn more about the Porsche 911?

What we think about the Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 is a speedy and stylish car that’s suited to racing and road driving, and comes with a long legacy of top-notch supercar engineering.

Pros

Iconic, instantly recognisable design

Racy driving experience

Cons

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Expensive to service

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No Euro NCAP safety rating

The Porsche 911 Carrera S (2016) seats two. Its 3.0-litre petrol engine has a twin turbocharger and a 7-speed manual gearbox, and it can manage 0-60 in just 4.3 seconds. The mileage is slightly better than you might think, rated at 30 mpg.

Driving performance of the Porsche 911

Our Driving Rating9 / 10

Porsche has a reputation for sporty, adventurous driving, and the 911 certainly lives up to this. The engine is located behind the back wheels, which presents a challenge for the driver, especially when cornering at speed. More recent models are easier to tame, but this is certainly a vehicle for advanced-level drivers looking for an exciting ride. It’s available as a four-wheel-drive for added traction, however, these models are notably less dynamic. The 911 tends to be very loud on loose road surfaces, although more recent editions do attempt to address this, offering a slightly more peaceful time inside. Peace and quiet probably isn’t your priority with a Porsche though.

Safety and reliability of the Porsche 911

Our Safety Rating6 / 10

The Porsche 911 does not have a Euro NCAP safety rating, though it does incorporate plenty of safety features, such as a rear camera on the 2018 model. On the downside, there’s a notable lack of automatic emergency braking even on the most recent models. Avoid buying any 911 that has been used for racing, as track cars often sustain significant damage and have some key features stripped out. In general, ex-racing models are only worth considering if you plan on taking to the track yourself, but be sure to check the individual vehicle and its service history thoroughly.

Under the bonnet of the Porsche 911

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

Only ever a petrol car, the Porsche 911 has been getting more and more powerful ever since its initial release with a 2.0-litre engine. Modern versions have a 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox. Turbochargers were added in 2016, further boosting the acceleration with minimal lag. Recent 911s include an SRB (Sport Response Button), which can immediately provide 20 seconds of maximum acceleration. Figures for 0-60 times vary with year and spec, with the best being 2.5 seconds for the Porsche 911 Turbo S (2017). The slowest figures tend to be for the Carrera Cabriolet; the 2014 model takes 4.5 seconds, while the 2004 version takes 5.2 seconds – not exactly slow. Horsepower varies from 385 to a whopping 650, and most modern models are close to the top end of this. The top speed of any Porsche 911 is rated at 191 mph.

What you'll find in the Porsche 911

Our Design Rating8 / 10

Porsche offers 17 colour options and numerous extra features, such as Sport Design door mirrors and black LED headlights – and, of course, it’s available in both convertible and coupe body types. In general, newer models are larger and feature more aluminium as part of the trim. The 911 used the iconic- sounding air-cooled engine until 1998, when the switch was made to water-cooling. Some clever engineering from Porsche manages to make modern versions sound almost the same, though.

Comfort and interiors in the Porsche 911

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

The interior of the Porsche 911 is comfortable and high-end yet unfussy, as you’d expect from a car designed for racing. There is some storage under the front bonnet (but no boot space, owing to the rear engine position) and a small glove compartment by the passenger seat. Some models come with the option for a second row of seats, bringing total carrying capacity up to four, but these are a bit of a squeeze for adults.

What features you'll find in the Porsche 911

Our Features Rating8 / 10

The 911 was built to be driven, and that’s the focus here – you won’t find lots of fancy features. Modern versions include touchscreen multimedia systems with navigation from Google Maps, cruise control and options for smartphone integration. Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports are also included, as well as an eight-speaker sound system. If you’re after all the latest gadgets, look elsewhere. The Porsche 912 does come with some racy add-on options though, including a Sports Exhaust.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Porsche 911

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

It’s clear that the Porsche 911 was designed for speed rather than efficiency – and you’d expect nothing less from a supercar. Its small size and aerodynamic shape mean that it still holds its own relative to other sports cars though. The 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera S is rated at 32.5 mpg and emissions of 199 g/km. Choosing the PDK automatic gearbox improves upon these figures, offering 36.7 mpg and 175 g/km.

Running costs of the Porsche 911

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

The 911 sits squarely in insurance group 50 thanks to its high power, top-spec trims and supercar status. Spare parts are expensive, as is standard for cars of this class, and it’s also expensive to service. It’s usually cheaper to get a service from a non-branded expert (many have previously worked for or been trained by official dealers), but a model that only has official Porsche stamps on its service history will hold its value better.

Our verdict of the Porsche 911

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Porsche 911 is a top-of-the-range, iconic supercar. It's perfect for skilled and adventurous drivers looking for a stone-cold classic to enjoy on or off the racetrack.

Porsche 911 Review