Best Car Reviews - 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo S

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Introduction

The 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo S is a high-performance, all-wheel-drive sports car for drivers who want supercar acceleration without giving up everyday usability. This 991-generation flagship combines a rear-mounted twin-turbo flat-six engine, a rapid seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and advanced chassis hardware. It stands out for its extraordinary pace, secure all-weather traction, and a level of refinement unusual in a minicompact performance car.

Design and Exterior Features

The 911 Turbo S retains Porsche’s unmistakable fastback silhouette, round headlamps, and compact rear-engine proportions, but its wider body separates it visually from lesser 911 models. Large front air intakes, wide rear haunches, side air intakes, a deployable rear wing, and quad exhaust outlets communicate its purpose without abandoning the classic 911 shape. Compared with earlier 911 Turbo S models, this generation brought a larger, more modern platform, more expressive bodywork, and active aerodynamic elements that balance cooling, stability, and visual drama.

Wide Turbo-specific body with pronounced rear fenders
Active front and rear aerodynamics for high-speed stability
20-inch center-lock alloy wheels
Bi-xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System availability
Power-operated rear spoiler and distinctive quad exhaust outlets

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is driver-focused, with a low seating position, a clear five-dial instrument layout, and controls arranged around the center console. The Turbo S was richly equipped for its era, typically featuring leather upholstery, carbon-fiber trim, heated adaptive sport seats, and a premium audio system. Front-seat comfort is impressive for a sports car, although the small rear seats are best considered occasional seating or extra luggage space. Road noise and firm ride quality are acceptable for the performance level, but rough urban pavement can still remind occupants that this is a serious sports car.

Leather-trimmed, driver-oriented cockpit
Adaptive sport seats with strong lateral support
Carbon-fiber interior trim and Turbo S-specific details
Compact rear seats suitable mainly for short trips or storage
Useful front luggage compartment for a weekend sports car

Performance and Handling

The 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo S uses a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged, direct-injection flat-six with six cylinders, premium gasoline, and active all-wheel drive. For the 2016 U.S.-market model, output is 560 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission. Porsche quoted a 0-60 mph time of about 2.9 seconds with Sport Chrono, while top speed is approximately 198 mph. The supplied consumption figure is 14.9 L/100 km; real consumption varies sharply with speed and driving style, and performance driving will use considerably more fuel. The 2016 facelift introduced in some markets should not be confused with the earlier 560-horsepower U.S. 2016 model, as later versions gained 580 horsepower.

3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine
560 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque for the 2016 U.S.-market Turbo S
Seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission
All-wheel drive provides exceptional traction in poor weather and hard launches
Approximately 2.9 seconds from 0-60 mph with Sport Chrono

Technology and Connectivity

The 911 Turbo S offered a sophisticated technology package for its time, centered on Porsche Communication Management with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and available online services. The system was less smartphone-focused than modern infotainment platforms, but it remains functional and well integrated. Driving technology is the stronger point: Porsche Active Suspension Management, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, rear-axle steering, Sport Chrono, and torque vectoring help make extreme performance approachable.

Porsche Communication Management with navigation
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
BOSE surround-sound system, with Burmester available
Sport Chrono package with selectable driving modes
PASM, PDCC, rear-axle steering, and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus

Safety Features

Safety equipment includes multiple airbags, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, tire-pressure monitoring, and a rigid passenger cell. The Turbo S also benefits from all-wheel drive, adaptive chassis systems, and exceptionally strong ceramic composite brakes. Driver-assistance features such as parking sensors, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and lane-change assistance were available depending on specification. A model-specific crash-test rating is not included here because a verified NHTSA or IIHS rating for this exact Turbo S configuration was not confirmed.

Front, side, and curtain airbags
Porsche Stability Management and traction control
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes
Tire-pressure monitoring system
Available parking assistance, rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control

Pricing and Variants

The 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe had a verified U.S. base MSRP of $178,025 before options, destination charges, taxes, and dealer fees. The Turbo S Cabriolet was also available and added open-air driving at a higher price. The regular 911 Turbo was the less expensive alternative within the range, while the Turbo S added more power and standard performance hardware. Rivals included the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Nissan GT-R, Mercedes-AMG GT S, Audi R8 V10, and McLaren 650S, although each delivered a different balance of usability, prestige, drivetrain layout, and performance character.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Explosive acceleration with highly repeatable all-wheel-drive launches
Excellent high-speed stability and all-weather confidence
Strong build quality and a refined daily-driving character
Advanced chassis technology makes its performance more approachable
Classic 911 design with strong enthusiast appeal and resale interest

Cons

Very high purchase, insurance, tire, brake, and repair costs
Fuel consumption rises quickly during enthusiastic driving
No manual-transmission option
Rear seats are small and limited in practical usefulness
Complex electronics, PDK, AWD, and active chassis systems can be expensive out of warranty

Maintenance and Common Issues

A single verified annual maintenance cost is not available because expense depends heavily on mileage, service history, location, tire wear, track use, and whether work is performed by a Porsche dealer or specialist. Owners should budget several thousand dollars in a typical service year and considerably more when major interval work, tires, brakes, or repairs are due. Common owner-reported inspection areas for this generation include coolant-system leaks or radiator debris damage, PDK shift or mechatronic concerns, active rear-spoiler faults, PDCC hydraulic or suspension-component issues, and all-wheel-drive or transfer-case driveline concerns. A pre-purchase inspection, diagnostic scan, complete maintenance records, and confirmation that all recalls have been completed are essential.

Rating

Overall rating: 9.2/10. Design: 9.3/10. Comfort: 8.6/10. Performance: 10/10. Technology: 8.7/10. Safety: 8.8/10. The 911 Turbo S earns its score through extraordinary real-world speed, exceptional traction, and its ability to work as both a grand touring car and a track-capable performance machine.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly praises the Turbo S as an unusually complete supercar: brutally fast when required, yet civilized enough for commuting and long-distance travel. The most frequent reservations concern running costs, the absence of a manual gearbox, and the financial risk of neglected examples.

Owners often praise the effortless acceleration and secure all-wheel-drive traction
Many value the car’s ability to handle city traffic and long trips comfortably
The PDK transmission is widely appreciated for its speed, though some enthusiasts miss a manual option
Cabin quality and everyday reliability receive generally positive feedback when servicing is current
Maintenance costs, consumables, and complex out-of-warranty repairs are recurring concerns

Best Cars in This Category

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
2016 Nissan GT-R Premium
2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S
2016 Audi R8 V10 Plus
2016 McLaren 650S

Summary

The 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo S is best suited to buyers who want near-hypercar acceleration, all-weather capability, premium engineering, and enough comfort to use the car regularly. It remains a compelling used performance car because it combines timeless design with immense ability, but its value depends on condition, specification, service records, and a realistic budget for specialist maintenance. For the right owner, it remains one of the most versatile and devastatingly quick 911s of its generation.