One-Year Test Update: 2003 Porsche Carrera 4S
Photography by John Kiewicz
FROM THE LOGBOOK
"This is a perfectly useable daily driver that masks a very effective supercar."--Larry Crane |
Leave it to Porsche to create a little piece of heaven and call it the Carrera 4S. The updated 3.6-liter boxer engine is rich in power over the entire rev band, and feedback--through the steering, throttle, and shift lever--is spot on. What else would you expect from a $90,000 car? We're having trouble getting used to the excessive engine clatter at cold startup, but the exhaust's song at full throttle reminds us that this was indeed engineered by people who are in love with automobiles. So far, there are no problems to report--except for the waiting list to snag a weekend in our C4S.
| Base price | $81,880 |
| Price as tested | $90,575 |
| Vehicle layout | Rear engine, awd, 2-door, 2-pass |
| Engine | 3.6L F-6, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl |
| Hp @ rpm | 315 @ 6800 |
| Torque @ rpm | 273 @ 4250 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 4.6 |
| EPA mpg | 17 city/24 highway |
| Total mileage | 5771 |
| Average test mpg | 17.3 |
| Problem areas | None |
| Non-warr cost | $0 |