2008 Porsche 911 Carrera 4

The all-alloy engine in the 911 Carrera 4 is a 3.6-liter flat or "boxer" six equipped with Porsche's VarioCam Plus variable valve timing. It produces 325 hp @ 6,800 rpm with 273 foot-pounds of torque. Equipped with the highly rated six-speed manual transmission, it can make the 0-60 jump in 4.9 seconds. Backed by the five-speed Tiptronic S automatic, it takes 5.3 seconds. Top speed is 174/171 mph (manual/automatic). Despite all this performance, the EPA estimates aren't as bad as you'd expect, with the manual and automatic getting identical city/highway ratings of 18/26 mpg.

The Carrera 4 is 44 mm wider at the rear fenders than a rear-wheel-drive 911. This extra width is due mostly to the larger tires used with the all-wheel-drive system. Under normal conditions, the average rear/front torque split is 65/35, with at least 5% of the power always sent to the front. The viscous clutch that samples each wheel's traction can instantly transfer an additional 5 to 40% of engine power to the front wheels when conditions call for extra grip.

The added traction and stability of the all-wheel-drive system draws raves from reviewers. Porsche widened the rear axle and tires to enhance the all-wheel-drive's cornering capabilities. Further, the Porsche Stability Management system is tied into the all-wheel-drive to optimize braking with additional features.

Porsche interiors, noted for their build quality and simplicity, are for drivers; they offer little to distract from the main attraction: the road. The steering wheel includes height and telescopic adjustments, while the interior has undergone further ergonomic organization to place controls within easy reach of the driver. Reviewers found the standard seating comfortable for both sport and long-distance driving. The rear seats, considered by all reviewers to be humanly uninhabitable, fold down to add 7.24 cubic feet of storage space.

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags (dual front, side and head), antilock disc brakes, traction control, and stability control. The Porsche braking system is race-bred and one of the most effective available anywhere. The Carrera 4 is at home on the daily commute, rain or shine, or out for some weekend hot laps.