2013 Porsche 911

2013 Porsche 911 Overview

The 2013 Carrera comes with a six-cylinder engine, and reviewers agree that it provides plenty of power, while the more powerful 911 Carrera S earns praise for its pleasing exhaust note and strong acceleration. A seven-speed manual transmission is standard and a seven-speed dual-clutch (PDK) transmission is available in both models. Critics agree that the PDK offers rapid, precise gear changes, though some note that it can be hard to find the right gear with the seven-speed manual transmission. The 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera gets 19/27 mpg city/highway with the manual transmission, which is very good for a luxury sports car. Test drivers agree that the 911 Carrera offers a thrilling driving experience, with sharp handing and one of the most quick and accurate steering systems in the class. Additionally, the 911 pleases critics with its strong brakes and a ride that’s firm and controlled, but still comfortable.

Test drivers agree that the 2013 Porsche 911 features an attractive and functional cabin design that’s trimmed in premium materials. They note that the Cabriolet model's convertible top helps keep wind noise at bay, and appreciate that it can be quickly raised and lowered at speeds up to 31 mph. The Porsche 911 also wins points for its comfortable front seats, which offer plenty of head- and legroom, though back-seat passenger space is at a premium. The 911 also has less cargo space than many competing sports cars, though reviewers agree that it has enough space for a trip to the grocery store. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a nine-speaker stereo system and the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, which includes a 7-inch touch-screen display with navigation, Bluetooth and a USB port. Adaptive cruise control, Bose or Burmester sound systems, satellite and HD Radio, front and rear park assist and a sunroof are available as options. Critics love the sound quality from the optional Burmester stereo, and some note that audio and navigation controls are straightforward. Still, a few write that some of the 911’s tech features have a bit of a learning curve.

• "Whether you're looking for a comfortable cruiser, an exciting weekend warrior or a dedicated track toy, the 911 works as a one-size-fits-all solution." -- AutoTrader 
• "Of course, there are other choices when it comes to flashy metal. Rivals such as the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Audi R8, Chevrolet Corvette and Mercedes-Benz SL are all desirable in their own right. But when it comes to a highly evolved and refined front runner, there is no substitute for the 2013 Porsche 911." -- Edmunds  
• "The 2013 Porsche 911 is a civilized sports car that embraces the needs of both luxury- and performance-minded car buyers in a way that prior generations never have." -- Cars.com
• "The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S combines technology and traditional sports car principles to deliver an excellent driving experience." -- CNET (2012)

Other Sports Cars to Consider

The Chevrolet Corvette has a much lower starting price, and it’s more powerful than the base 911 Carrera. The Corvette is also available as a coupe or a convertible, and it offers more cargo space than most cars in the class.

The Nissan GT-R has a higher starting price than the 911, but it comes standard with all-wheel drive and a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that’s significantly more powerful. Test drivers love the power that the GT-R offers, and most agree that its navigation system and other tech features are easy to use.

Compare the 911, Corvette and GT-R »

Details: 2013 Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 seats four and is available in coupe and convertible (Cabriolet) body styles. A horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine and a seven-speed manual transmission are standard in the base 911, and a seven-speed dual-clutch (PDK) transmission is optional. Six trims are offered: Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Turbo and Turbo S. Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S models are rear-wheel drive, while all other models come with all-wheel drive. The 911 Carrera and Carrera S models were redesigned for 2012, while other models were basically unchanged. For 2013, the redesigned 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S join the lineup, but 911 Turbo and Turbo S models carryover unchanged. As a result, this overview uses applicable research and reviews from 2012 and the current model year.

See the full 2013 Porsche 911 specs »