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Sports Cars
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- Porsche heritage, reputation
- Styling
- Model/powertrain variety
- Handling and performance
- Daily driver usability
- Tiny back seat
- Too many small buttons/controls
- Expensive
The acclaimed Porsche 911 is the quintessential sports car to many auto writers. There are a variety of models to choose from, with six different engines, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and coupe, glass-topped targa or soft-top-convertible body styles. Reviewers say that few of the Porsche 911's competitors offer such high performance combined with easy-to-live-with drivability.
Worthy alternatives to the Porsche 911 mentioned by some reviews include the new Audi R8 (*est. $109,000 to $118,000) and the BMW M3 (*est. $53,800 to $64,950). While other lower-priced cars such as the Chevrolet Corvette (*est. $46,100 to $83,345) or 2009 Nissan GT-R (*est. $69,850 to $71,900) offer similar or even stronger performance, many reviewers insist that they can't match the 911's all-around handling, refinement, comfort or prestige. While base Porsche 911 Carrera models seem competitively priced, some reviews find it hard to justify the six-digit price tags on the Turbo and other higher-performance models.
While many reviews focus on one particular Porsche 911 model, such as the range-topping GT2 or the Turbo, we also looked for coverage of the base 911. The best general review comes from Edmunds.com, which mentions several of the Porsche's competitors. A separate road test on Edmunds.com compares the 911 Turbo with the Audi R8. Cars.com also provides a good review, with a useful description of the various models. Consumer Reports magazine has useful reliability information accompanied by a brief review.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Editors say the 2008 Porsche 911 offers a "combination of ferocious performance and daily driver livability." They mention some of its competitors but note that they lack the 911's quality, driver involvement or prestige.
Review: 2008 Porsche 911 Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
2. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
The 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo is more powerful and far more expensive than the BMW M3 and the 2009 Nissan GT-R in a three-way comparison. The 911 accelerates fastest at the track, but it ultimately finishes last in the comparison.
Review: 2008 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Nissan GT-R vs. 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo, Tony Quiroga, July 2008
3. Edmunds.com
Smith compares the 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo with the 2008 Audi R8 at the track, and after extensive track testing, the "easy-to-live-with" Porsche narrowly wins with more horsepower, faster acceleration and stronger braking.
Review: Comparison Test: 2008 Audi R8 vs. 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo, Kevin Smith, Mar. 11, 2007
4. Road & TrackDetails/Subscribe
R&T compares several stock performance cars, including the Porsche 911 Carrera S, against the factory's racetrack-ready 911 GT3 RS. As expected, the GT3 is stronger on the track, and the Carrera S is better for driving on public roads.
Review: Evil Twins: Porsche 911 Carrera S vs. GT3 RS, Patrick Hong, Apr. 2008
5. Cars.com
Cars.com includes the Porsche 911 on its "Best Bet" list. Highlights include "a reasonably smooth, extra-stable ride with vigorous performance and superior handling." Dislikes include minimal cargo space, a tiny back seat and high price.
Review: 2008 Porsche 911 Review, Editors of Cars.com
6. PopularMechanics.comDetails/Subscribe
Popular Mechanics compares four supercars at the track. The Porsche 911 Turbo posted the shortest braking distances and accelerated the fastest. Writer Ben Stewart comments, "The Turbo may well be the quickest, most practical supercar in the world."
Review: New Audi R8 vs. Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper, Porsche Turbo: Supercar Comparison Test, Ben Stewart, July 2007
Regarding the Porsche 911 Carrera, Padgett says, "There simply isn't a better steering car on Earth." Ride, handling and cornering grip also earn praise. Dislikes include the 911's tiny rear seats and the dashboard's numerous small buttons.
Review: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera Review, Marty Padgett
8. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors base their review of the Porsche 911 on a previous model year Carrera S that is not significantly different from this year's model. One unique aspect of Consumer Reports is its data on historical reliability, as compiled in large owner surveys.
Review: 2008 Porsche 911 Review, Editors of Consumer Reports
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