2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet

Porsche’s 911 has become the German brand’s iconic model, and any mention of Porsche sparks a mental image of the distinctive silhouette of one of these rear-engined sports cars. Sold all over the world since 1964, these cars naturally found a firm footing in North America as well. Here’s one such example, a 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet from the 996 generation that ran between 1997 and 2005. With just 32,000 miles, it’s a perfect example to consider.

Exterior and Interior

The Porsche 911’s silhouette is one of those things that must remain through all generations, and designers work around it to ensure that they create something fresh and futuristic through each generation, whilst remaining faithful to the original design cues. This 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet showcases what was in vogue for the mid Nineties to early Two Thousands period, in its Basalt Black Metallic coat, with matching black convertible top. Stainless steel exhaust pipes add a touch of silver, as do the iconic five-spoke Porsche alloy wheels. The interior is a black full leather affair with seating for four occupants, although rear occupants should ideally be small-made adults, or children. You get black mats with Porsche lettering, a Bose high end audio package, aluminum instrument dials, rear center console, aluminum and leather gear shifter and parking brake handle, dual-zone climate control, and cruise control, as well as the obligatory powered niceties such as electric windows, mirrors, and door locks.

Engine

Since 1964, every Porsche 911 has had its heart hung out behind the rear axle, typically a flat-six heart that powers the rear wheels, that was initially air-cooled, with the big switch to water cooling taking over for the 996 generation. This 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet is no different, with a 3.6L water-cooled flat-six developing 315hp and sending it to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The performance stats are an impressive 5 seconds in the zero-to-sixty sprint, with a top speed rated just over 170mph. Braking is accomplished via ventilated discs on all wheels.