2021 Porsche 911 Carrera

The 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera makes use of a flat-six engine to power its blistering performance and produces symphonious notes. Apart from the standard engine, the 911 lineup also has even more powerful options in the form of the Carrera S, GT3, and Turbo variants, which have been reviewed separately. The Carrera variants of the 911 carry a base MSRP of $99,200 and compete with the likes of the Nissan GTR, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, and Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic. 

The 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera is available in two trims only. These include the base trim priced at $99,200 and the higher placed 4 trim that has a similar powertrain but gets better features and is priced at $106,500. As standard, the sports car comes equipped with front and rear parking sensors, sports seats with leather upholstery, and dual-zone climate control. Apart from that, you do get optional packages including the Sports Chrono Package, and the Premium Package to choose from. While the standard Carrera models are adequate in their performance, buyers looking for an additional bump in power can always opt for the Carrera S and 4S trims that produce a colossal 473 hp. 

Which Trim should you buy?

The 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera is curated to be a standout option in the segment. It is ostentatious in its build and is one of the most technologically advanced options available in the market. While other premium sports cars do bear a lesser-price tag, Porsche’s oneness lies in its multi-purpose nature. Performance is not an issue with both these trims and so the final decision lies on the feature load. At a diminutive price difference from the base, the 4 trim with enhanced features and an all-wheel-drive setup makes for a better option. But even if you end up opting for the base trim, we’d recommend equipping it with the Sports Chrono Package that provides a drive-mode selector mounted on the steering wheel, alongside launch control, and tire temperature display. 

The Porsche 911 sports car comes with a long-standing history of blistering performance, a unique side profile, and has amassed popularity all across the globe. Being an embodiment of what the Porsche 911 series represents, the Carrera Coupe for 2021 offers a similar utilitarian nature with its engaging drive and versatile performance.

Under the hood of the 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged boxer-6 engine also popularly referred to as the flat-6 unit. This standard option produces 379hp and 331lb.-ft and gets mated to the traditional 8-speed PDK automatic transmission and transfers power to the rear wheels only. It can sprint from 0-60mph in 4 seconds and records a top speed of 181 MPH. 

In comparison, the Nissan GT-R is the most powerful option producing a mammoth 565hp and 467lb.-ft of torque, while the Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic on the other hand has almost similar outputs as the Porsche. In terms of performance, Nissan’s power translates into quickness and so does the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray’s with both coupes managing the 60mph sprint in 2.9 seconds. Additionally, they clock 11.2 seconds to the quarter-mile run which is similar to the Jaguar, despite the F-Type R-Dynamic being almost two seconds slower in the 60mph test. 

2021 Porsche 911 Carrera Handling

The 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera is a pristine vehicle that has become a legend over the years. With each iteration, Porsche has aimed at improving the performance of the vehicle making it inch-perfect. It drives numbly and with its unmatched versatility can shift to being aggressive with just a push to the gas pedal. 

The flawless performance of the transmission and stability controls is what make the ride so enjoyable. The exhaust noise, which feels throaty, has a distinct growl to it and adds abundantly to the experience. Handling is precise and improves the ride quality by maintaining great performance at corners and by containing body roll.

2021 Porsche 911 Carrera Braking

The 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe performs impressively when braking is concerned. It makes use of 13-inch rotors at the front and the back, which feel sizable for a car that weighs 3354 lbs. When decelerating from 60 mph, the automobile comes to a halt at 98 feet. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes make use of carbon fiber and are internally vented and cross-drilled, they are lightweight and keep cool and in good shape even when braking repeatedly. The front rotors are 16.1 inches in diameter, while the rear rotors are 15.3 inches.

In the segment, there is no other coupe that comes close to the Porsche in terms of braking. The closest competitor is the 2021 Nissan GT-R that despite featuring larger brake rotors of 15.3 and 15 inches at the front and back, takes an additional 12ft. While the Jaguar’s performance is not yet known, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray with the smaller set of brakes covers 115ft before coming to a halt. 

Given the performance that the Porsche 911 Carrera manages, the coupe’s performance feels does not feel underwhelming. In the city, the coupe manages to average 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Combined, its mileage is rated at 20 MPG. Its fuel tank has a capacity of 16.9-gallons which bestows a total range of 304 and 406 city and highway miles, respectively.

Each coupe in the segment performs appreciably in the efficiency segment considering the amount of power they pack. While the Porsche is the most efficient option in the segment, the Nissan GT-R and Chevrolet Corvette Stingray are a notch below averaging 18 and 19 MPG respectively. However with larger fuel tanks at their disposal, both these competitors manage to average range higher than the 350 mile mark. The performance of the Jaguar in the aspect, however, is not yet known. 

The interior of the 2021 Porsche 911 is upmarket and ostentatious with the use of high-quality materials. The cabin is neatly curated with a clutter-free setup. The front sport seats have ample cushioning to them and feel rather supportive even on longer journeys. However, like is traditional to every sports coupe, the rear seats are rather impractical and best suited for kids. 

The 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera comes with an infotainment system embedded into the dashboard and adds a hint of quirkiness to a rather contemporary cabin. Like the rear seat space, cargo capacity is also smaller than contemporaries and a trunk volume of 4.6 cubic feet feels rather unsuitable. 

In terms of passenger space, the Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray and Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic have two-seat configurations. On the other hand, even with a serviceable rear seat, the Nissan GT-R manages highest cargo capacity of 14.4 cu.-ft. The Corvette Stingray also has ample space that can cover you on your weekend trip. 

Some of the standout interior features:

• Front Cupholders
• Interior Air Filtration
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Dual-zone Climate Control
• Electric Power Steering 
• Electrochromic Inside Rearview Mirror 

2021 Porsche 911 Carrera Infotainment

For a high-end sports car, the 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera comes with plenty of technological features. It sports a large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is embedded into the dashboard. While the infotainment system has been revised, the tachometer that sits atop the screen remains traditional and is still an analog unit. The cluster behind the steering wheel is now digital and looks appealing and quirky.

With the 911 Carrera, Porsche also offers remote services that link directly to your iPhone. It displays all vital information pertaining to the vehicle including the distance traveled on the most recent journey, the amount of fuel remaining, and a map of the most recent trip. A standard 8-speaker sound system is available with the coupe, however, buyers also get an option to upgrade to a divine Bose and Burmester unit.

Some standard features available with the 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera include:

• 10.9-inch dash integrated touchscreen with in-built apps.
• Porsche Connect Plus
• Apple CarPlay
• Remote services for the car
• Navigation Plus 
• Bose and Burmester surround sound system

The new Porsche 911 Carrera for 2021 MY carries forward rather unchanged. The 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera gets a taillight strip that runs the length of the coupe's back. The 911 Carrera has already been transformed into an aerodynamic monster that glides across the ground, cutting the wind like a shark slashing the ocean with its fins. You'll also receive alloy wheels with 19/20 inch diameter and an auto-deployment system.

The 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera is one of the most compact coupe available in the segment. It measures a little under 180 inches in length and has the shortest wheelbase of 96.5 inches. It is also the lightest option available in the segment weighing 3354 lbs that helps improves performance. 

Each competitor in the segment looks aesthetically pleasing and undoubtedly with its revamped styling, the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray looks the meanest with an aggressive fascia. The 2021 Nissan GT-R and Chevrolet Corvette Stingray are the longest options in the segment having a wheelbase of 109.4 and 107.2 inches, respectively. The Jaguar on the other hand, despite its shorter overall length has a longer wheelbase than the Porsche. It is also wider than most of the competitors, while the ground clearance of Chevrolet has adequate clearance for a sports car of 5.3 inches. 

Some of the standout exterior features include:

• Rear wiper
• Clear taillights
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Paint protection film
• Sport tailpipes
• Power folding exterior mirrors

Porsche 911 Carrera’s high price-low volume status makes it unqualified for the crash tests that are conducted by the NHTSA and IIHS. Yet, its safety features alone are ample to reassure buyers of its potential. The 2021 911 Carrera is compact, light-weighted, and quick, but it is also reliable and safe. Some of its standard safety features include: 

• Porsche InnoDrive including adaptive cruise control
• Keep Lane assist including Traffic sign recognition
• Porsche “WET mode”
• Brake assist
• ABS And Driveline Traction control
• Low tire pressure warning system

2021 Porsche 911 Carrera vs 2021 Nissan GT-R

The 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera and 2021 Nissan GT-R have evident differences in them, but their similarities are also overwhelming. The Nissan GT-R is insanely overpowered, delivers blistering performance, and has lively driving dynamics to support its cause. However, it is considerably expensive and its big-budget price tag will cause buyers to reconsider their decision. This is where the Porsche 911 Carrera will undoubtedly shine with its potent powertrains, technologically advanced features, and a luxuriant cabin.

2021 Porsche 911 Carrera vs 2021 Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic

Despite carrying a higher price tag, the 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera emerges as the clear winner in the segment. It vaunts better handling, is easier to drive, and delivers better performance than the Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic. It now features a contemporary cabin, that scores highly on practicality, and with its two-plus-two seating configuration takes the crown of being the better and more useful sports car. 

2021 Porsche 911 Carrera vs 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray is probably the closest competitor to the 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera in this comparison. It is powerful, fun-to-drive, and has engaging driving dynamics with an overly quirky cabin design. Most importantly, the C8 Corvette is considerably cheaper when pitted against the Porsche. However, the 911 Carrera is an investment that reaps benefits in the long term with its resale value, it also has better practicality, and can be driven on a daily basis.

With 2021 MY, the new Porsche 911 Carrera's handling has improved manifold. It now has a more defined character and a holistic personality with its flat-six turbocharged engine that only a few other cars can compete with. It’s practical for everyday use and with a number of features embedded into it as standard, it feels more of a sedan than a sports car. The Porsche 911 Carrera remains unmistakable, expanding the poles of a sports car's apex and adds to its extremely rich history.