Best Car Reviews - 2004 Porsche Turbo 4 911 Cab Kit

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Introduction

The 2004 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet sits at the top of the 996-generation range, blending supercar pace with everyday usability and open-top enjoyment. It targets enthusiasts who want a high-performance grand tourer that can handle real-world roads and weather, thanks to its all-wheel-drive layout and a famously durable twin-turbo flat-six. For 2004, Porsche also made a notable moment in Turbo history: the 911 Turbo Cabriolet returned as a regular-production model, delivering flagship performance with fresh-air character.

Design and Exterior Features

The 2004 911 Turbo Cabriolet wears the wide-body 996 Turbo silhouette with a purposeful stance: flared rear quarters, a lower nose with larger intakes for added cooling, and the Turbo’s signature rear deck treatment. With the roof up, the Cabriolet keeps the classic 911 profile; with it down, the car’s low beltline and broad rear track emphasize the Turbo’s muscular proportions. The “Cab Kit” wording often refers to a Cabriolet paired with an appearance or aero kit; details vary by market and options, but the 996 Turbo shape already includes a functional, performance-led body designed around intercooling and high-speed stability.

Wide-body Turbo styling with aggressive cooling openings
Fabric convertible roof with heated glass rear window
Performance-focused stance with all-wheel-drive Turbo hardware underneath
High-speed capability engineered into body, cooling, and aerodynamics

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet balances sports-car ergonomics with long-distance comfort. The driver sits low with clear sightlines to the front fenders, and the cabin layout is straightforward: large primary gauges, tactile controls, and a cockpit that feels built around the driver. Materials are typically a mix of leather and high-quality trim pieces, and the overall build feels solid, especially by early-2000s performance standards. Seating is nominally 2+2, but the rear seats are best used for small bags or occasional short trips for smaller passengers, making it more of a grand touring 2-seater in day-to-day use.

Driver-centric 911 dashboard with clear, classic gauge layout
Supportive front seating suited to both spirited driving and touring
2+2 configuration with rear seats best for cargo or short trips
Convertible-specific comfort focus for wind management and cruising

Performance and Handling

Power comes from a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six with six cylinders, paired here with a 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. Verified figures for this model commonly list 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with Porsche also quoting 309 kW (420 PS) depending on measurement conventions and market materials. Porsche states the 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) run in 4.3 seconds with the manual transmission, and a top speed of about 305 km/h (189 mph) with the roof closed (and about 290 km/h or 180 mph with the roof open). On the road, the all-wheel-drive system helps deploy boost-fed torque cleanly, while the Turbo chassis is tuned for stability at speed. Steering feel and braking confidence are strong highlights, and the car’s traction advantage makes it less intimidating than many rear-drive rivals when conditions are less than perfect.

Fuel efficiency is modest, as expected for a high-output twin-turbo performance Cabriolet. EPA fuel economy figures commonly listed for the 2004 911 Turbo Cabriolet with the manual transmission are 13 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined, which is approximately 18.1 L/100 km city, 11.2 L/100 km highway, and 14.7 L/100 km combined.

3.6L twin-turbo flat-six: 415 hp and 415 lb-ft (commonly listed)
All-wheel drive improves traction and confidence in mixed conditions
6-speed manual transmission for maximum driver involvement
Porsche-claimed 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 4.3 seconds (manual)
EPA fuel economy commonly listed at 13/21 mpg city/highway (16 mpg combined)

Technology and Connectivity

For a 2004 flagship, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet offers a strong mix of performance tech and period-correct luxury options. Infotainment and navigation capability largely depend on configuration, with Porsche Communication Management often appearing as an available feature, and premium audio systems frequently specified on Turbo models. Compared with modern cars, connectivity is limited, but the core technology focus is on drivetrain control, stability systems, and high-speed touring features rather than app-based integration.

Available Porsche Communication Management with navigation (configuration-dependent)
Premium audio systems commonly equipped on Turbo models
Stability and drivetrain management systems tailored for high power
Touring-friendly convenience features depending on options and market

Safety Features

Safety is built around a strong body structure, airbags, and Porsche’s stability technologies. The 2004 Turbo Cabriolet is widely associated with Porsche Stability Management (PSM), along with anti-lock braking and comprehensive occupant protection elements typical of the era. Crash-test ratings can be difficult to verify for this exact trim and body style because testing coverage for low-volume high-performance convertibles is often limited, so it’s best to focus on the vehicle’s equipment rather than assuming specific star ratings.

Porsche Stability Management (PSM) stability control
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Front airbags and side-impact protection systems (equipment varies by market)
All-wheel drive helps stability during acceleration in low-grip conditions

Pricing and Variants

When new, a commonly listed starting MSRP for the 2004 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet in the U.S. is around $128,200, with real-world pricing heavily influenced by options. Key variants include the Turbo Coupe and Turbo Cabriolet, plus transmission choices (6-speed manual or Tiptronic automatic). Performance-enhancing packages and special versions were also part of the 996 Turbo story, and some sources describe higher-output versions in the mid-400-horsepower range depending on the specific factory option set and how output is reported. In its era, the Turbo Cabriolet competed for buyers cross-shopping ultra-fast grand-touring convertibles and high-performance sports cars, often winning on its blend of traction, everyday usability, and genuine supercar pace.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Iconic 911 Turbo performance with open-top driving enjoyment
All-wheel drive delivers confident traction and stability
Highly engaging 6-speed manual option
Touring-capable comfort for a true high-performance car
Strong long-term enthusiast appeal and collector interest

Cons

Fuel economy is modest and premium fuel is required
Maintenance and parts costs are high relative to mainstream cars
Rear seats are very small and cargo space is limited
Older infotainment and connectivity feel dated by modern standards
Option content varies widely, making comparisons between cars tricky

Maintenance and Common Issues

Yearly maintenance costs vary dramatically with mileage, service standards, and whether preventive work has been done, but general industry estimates for Porsche 911 maintenance average around the low four figures per year, with Turbo models and aging components often pushing real budgets higher. For the 996 Turbo Cabriolet, common owner-reported concerns for this model family typically include cooling-system and aging-hardware issues rather than the well-known IMS bearing concerns associated with some non-Turbo 996 engines.

Five commonly discussed issues on the 996 Turbo/Mezger-based cars include coolant pipe or fitting leaks, aging coolant reservoir and cap problems, ignition coil and misfire-related wear items, hydraulic or mechanism concerns tied to aero components (where equipped) and other age-related leaks, and general wear in clutch and related hydraulics on manual cars.

Rating

Overall rating: 9.1/10. Design: 9.0/10. Comfort: 8.6/10. Performance: 9.8/10. Technology: 7.8/10. Safety: 8.3/10.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback patterns for the 996 Turbo Cabriolet commonly highlight the car’s immense real-world speed, confidence from all-wheel drive, and the special feel of a Turbo with the roof down. At the same time, owners often emphasize the importance of meticulous service history, cooling-system preventative measures, and budgeting appropriately for premium consumables. Well-kept cars tend to be praised as surprisingly usable performance machines, while neglected examples can become expensive quickly.

Praises for relentless acceleration and high-speed stability
Strong satisfaction with all-weather traction and daily usability
Frequent reminders to buy on condition and documentation, not mileage alone
Mixed opinions on cabin storage and rear-seat practicality
Common notes about higher-than-expected upkeep and aging-component refreshes

Best Cars in This Category

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG
2004 BMW M3 Convertible
2004 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
2004 Jaguar XKR Convertible
2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet

Summary

The 2004 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet is best suited for drivers who want a true flagship 911 experience with open-top drama, serious traction, and performance that still feels modern. It’s a compelling value proposition in the used market when compared to many exotic contemporaries, provided you prioritize service history, cooling-system condition, and a thorough pre-purchase inspection. For buyers who can handle premium running costs, the reward is one of the most complete high-performance convertibles of its era: fast, confidence-inspiring, and unmistakably a Turbo.