Porsche 911 (2002-2004) Review

On the road

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Today's 911s aren't the tricky, co-ordination-demanding machines of old. The driving position is just right, the pedals and gearchange operate smoothly and precisely, and the Carrera 2 is completely free of jerks and surges in traffic. It feels a compact, agile car. The Carrera 4 is a little harder to drive smoothly, and suffers from some snatches and clonks in its transmission. The rearward view from the coupe is far better than that of most mid-engined rivals, but the position of the cabrio's tail is harder to judge. This is the key reason for owning a 911. The hard-edged, flat-six wail, the ultra-focused throttle response, the power and the thrust together make the Porsche feel like a living thing. It bites keenly into bends and catapults out of them, as the precise, meaty steering sends little tugs into your hands to mirror changing forces and road cambers. The latest car has the character of an older 911 but without the feeling that the heavy tail is going to pitch you into trouble. Never has a mainstream 911 given so much while demanding so little. Arguably, the Carrera 2 feels 'purer' and more fun than the heavier, slightly clunky Carrera 4.

Never has a 'standard' 911 been so fast, and its performance so accessible. The extra power and torque catapults the Porsche to 60 mph in under five seconds, yet it pulls strongly and evenly from low speeds even in sixth gear. The 'VarioCam Plus' variable valve timing and lift gives a little surge of power just below 3000 rpm and a bigger one, accompanied by an enthusiastic exhaust blare, at 5500 rpm which continues right up to the soft rev-limiter at 7200 rpm. Top speed is a breathtaking 177 mph.