Porsche 911 (997) (2004 – 2008) Review
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Porsche 911 (997) (2004 – 2008) At A Glance
Quick, sharp and fun yet also docile in traffic, comfortable and comparatively practical.
Second-hand examples relatively expensive.
Reviews for Porsche 911 (997) (2004 – 2008)'s top 3 rivals
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Porsche 911 (997) (2004 – 2008) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4427 mm |
| Width | 1808–1852 mm |
| Height | 1300–1310 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2350 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1395–1560 kg |
| Boot Space | 105–135 L |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Servicing | 20000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £61,620–£80,080 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | M |
| Official MPG | 23.9–25.7 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Carrera 4 Coupe (997) | £65,820 | 25.0 mpg | 5.1 s |
| Carrera 4 Coupe (997) Auto | £65,820 | - | - |
| Carrera 4S Coupe (997) | £72,950 | 23.9 mpg | 4.8 s |
| Carrera 4S Coupe (997) Auto | £72,950 | - | - |
| Carrera Coupe (997) | £61,620 | 25.7 mpg | 5.0 s |
| Carrera Coupe (997) Auto | £61,620 | - | - |
| Carrera S Coupe (997) | £68,750 | 24.6 mpg | 4.8 s |
| Carrera S Coupe (997) Auto | £68,750 | - | - |
| Targa 4 | £71,290 | 25.0 mpg | 5.3 s |
| Targa 4 Auto | £71,290 | - | - |
| Targa 4S | £78,420 | 23.9 mpg | 4.9 s |
| Targa 4S Auto | £78,420 | - | - |
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Carrera 4 Cabriolet (997) | £72,950 | 25.0 mpg | 5.3 s |
| Carrera 4 Cabriolet (997) Auto | £72,950 | - | - |
| Carrera 4S Cabriolet (997) | £80,080 | 23.9 mpg | 4.9 s |
| Carrera 4S Cabriolet (997) Auto | £80,080 | - | - |
| Carrera Cabriolet (997) | £68,750 | 25.2 mpg | 5.2 s |
| Carrera Cabriolet (997) Auto | £68,750 | - | - |
| Carrera S Cabriolet (997) | £75,880 | 24.4 mpg | 4.9 s |
| Carrera S Cabriolet (997) Auto | £75,880 | - | - |
Model History
June 2004
The 911/997 was introduced in 2004 with two models - the 911 Carrera with a 3,596cc 325PS six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine and the 911 Carrera S with a newly-developed 3,824cc 355PS engine. This has a torque output of 400Nm and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The Carrera manages 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds while top speeds are 182mph and 177mph.
CO2 Carrera manual 266g/km; CO2 Carrera S 277g/km.
Length 4,427mm, width 1,808mm.
Both have a newly-developed six-speed manual gearbox and revised chassis dynamics, which include active suspension called Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). In normal setting this provides a sporty and comfortable balance to the suspension while engaging the sport mode makes the suspension firmer, providing enhanced agility for enthusiastic drivers. PASM is fitted as standard on the S model and available as an option on the Carrera.
A further option for both models is a sports suspension package, which lowers the body by 20mm and is offered in combination with a mechanical limited-slip differential. The Carrera now has, as standard, 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 ZR 18 tyres at the front and 265/40 ZR 18 tyres at the rear. For the first time, 19-inch wheels are available on the Porsche 911 and the Carrera S is equipped with 19-inch wheels with 235/35 ZR 19 tyres at the front and 295/30 ZR 19 tyres at the rear.
The result of the new exterior design includes a wider track and more emphasis on the waist. Other features of the evolutionary design are new circular headlamps, more prominent bumpers and wheelarches, dual-arm exterior mirrors, altered seam characteristics and a more aerodynamic rear spoiler.
It went on in UK on September 18th 2004 and all models have Porsche Stability Management (PSM) fitted as standard plus full leather interior trim and graduated tinted windscreen.
August 2004
6-speed Tiptronic torque convereter automatic transmission offered as an option. CO2 Carrera Tiptronic 270g/km; Carrera S Tiptronic 283g/km
November 2004
With the 911 Targa 4 (325 bhp) and the 911 Targa 4S (355 bhp), Porsche is, for the first time, offering the Targa exclusively with permanent all-wheel drive and a body that is 44mm wider at the rear. Like their predecessor (the Type 996), these have a large retractable glass roof and an opening rear window.
December 2004
Cloth top cabrio introduced for Carrera and Carrera S.
July 2008
Power of 3.8 litre Carrera S increased to 375PS. 19" wheels standard. Very slightly longer at 4,435mm. 7-speed PDK twin-clutch automatic transmission offered with steering wheel shifters. CO2 emissions 254g/km for manual and 250g/k, for PDK.
What to watch out for
Manual gearshift cable prone to failure. Can be as often as every 15 months and 10,000 miles. Porsche will not pay for replacement once warranty is up, but some enlightenend dealers will waive replacement labour charge.
As usual, iron brake discs prone to rusting if car not used enough and ceramics are a very expensive option.
Seems to be a known failure caused by a defect in the boring of certain cylinders during the production process. Porsche has been known to pay 40% of the cost of the engine replacement of a 5 year old car, leaving owners with a bill of over £7,000.
26-02-2015:Late model Porsche ECUs record how the car has been used, in particular if it has ever been over-revved. So vital to see a readout of an interrogation of the ECU before buying a used 997.
07-08-2015:Apparently, one cylinder of the 3.8 water cooled Carrera S engine overheats and gaskets are damaged and it starts to burn oil and eventually the cylinder bore is damaged. This is due to inadequate cooling of the head on the left hand cylinder bank. The tell tale is the left hand pipe of the 4 becomes oily.
